Chapter Three: Two Demands, No Choice

“Well?”

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

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

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

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

She would not allow that to happen!

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

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

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

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

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

Once more that stare.

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

“I have no intention of doing so.”

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

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

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

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

“Yes there is.” The mare stated.

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

“You bit me.” The mare stated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Are you threatening me?” Dash glowered.

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

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

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

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

“So, no nightmares then?”

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

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

Dash flinched once more. “Shut up!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“That’s because he is right.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Rarity...” Kara began.

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

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

“Hah!” Dash burst. “Not a chance!”

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

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

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

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

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

“I hate you.”

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

“What things?”

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

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

“Oh and one last thing Miss Dash.” Kara pressed at the button that would summon the orderlies with a hoof.

“What?” Dash asked, numb with rage.

“Have a nice day.”
***

Ivan nodded with satisfaction, Kara had done well, considering her lack of willing to actually do this in the first place. Once Dash was taken away Ivan rose from his place under Kara’s desk, causing his student to leap with surprise. Internally he wondered if he should have informed her that he was there however the thought had not even entered his mind, this was just his way he supposed. She took a deep breath as she tried to recover and Ivan could do nothing but smile, she was so new to this, a psychological virgin in the heat of the power that came with it. Truly he had not cared for her display of dominance over the rainbow haired pony as it would take him hours to fix, however he had to accept she had done so with an expert's flair, if he wasn’t completely sure he would have assumed she had worked as a policemare in the bigger cities, interviewing suspects and what not, however he did know better, as well as her true origins of which did not really concern him at all.

“Well done Kara.” He nodded.

She couldn’t answer at first, trapped in a state of opening and closing her mouth, she was sure she had checked the entire room just to be sure, he had said she would be flying solo on this one... finally she answered with shock written plainly on her face. “You were there the whole time!?”

He gave her a knowing smile. “Well... one would assume so, unless I can magically trans-locate myself under tables...”

“...” Kara bit back her retort, there were rules.

“I must say you learned well from Pinkamena.” He gave her another nod. “I am proud of you.”

“Was that why you sent me to speak to her?” She asked.

He allowed himself a moment’s pause as he considered his next lie, then finally... “Yes.”

She frowned at his slow reaction time, she could also tell he was lying, she also knew he wanted her to know this. Confused she just remained sitting in his seat while he stared at her expectantly. Realising what it was he wanted she extricated herself from the large chair grabbing her notes as she did. He gave a light chuckle as they switched positions, Kara taking her own seat. She placed her notes down at her own desk and quickly read them over, there were so many and it all seemed jumbled, paper was something ponies ran out of all the time in this place. Co-ordination was a nice thought but it meant little when one was busy scribbling away trying to get all the information out of one’s head before it faded into the recesses of the mind, one just simply did not have the time to stand up move to the cabinet and get more.

“Poor miss Dash.” Ivan shook his head, falling into his seat without much decorum. “Faced with the one thing she fears most, sure it might take us back a few steps but she’ll get the point.”

Kara frowned suddenly, a question rising amongst her thoughts. “Why did you never attempt it yourself?”

Ivan nodded. “Acting cold and impassive may have its benefits in the short term but it does have a lasting damaging effect, I was trying to coax her out of her shell and I was close too, this challenge against her person will only make her recede further into her overly defensive nature.”

“Oh...” Kara blanched, realisation striking her, she had not anticipated that her actions may cause problems for Ivan and his own methods, at least not on this level. She obviously still had a lot to learn, she had thought using the Pinkamena persona was a step forward but perhaps... “I’m sorry.”

Ivan looked to her honest regret with a kind smile. “What for? You did marvelously! Exactly what I needed you to do.”

“But...?” Kara was once more confused.

Ivan sighed, she was still so young, but not as young as he had at first thought, she had this way of pleasantly surprising him in such a way that it made him care all the more for her, he had only ever had one other student like her in his entire life, they were a rare gift and one he wished to guide on its way to finding that potential bottled up inside.

“Miss Dash just needed some prodding and poking.” Ivan answered. “You did perfectly...” He paused. “How’s that bite by the way?”

“Lemon broke her off me before she drew blood.” Kara shrugged, rubbing at her left foreleg with a hoof.

“Lemon?” He asked with a knowing smile, remembering the conversation the two had shared yesterday.

“Ah... yes.” Kara smiled back awkwardly. “Mister Lemon.”

“Lemon’s a friendly guy.” Ivan gave to her. “I’m just glad you’re associating yourself with the group.”

“Yes...” Kara frowned again, she hadn’t actually done that had she...

“Kara?”

“Hmm?” Kara was brought back from her thoughts. “Yes sir?” She corrected herself.

Ivan chuckled. “Perhaps you should speak to the others, before we embark upon our journey.”

“Yes.” Kara nodded, she should.
***

“I want an Ice cream!” The loony demanded, declaring proudly his desire for frosty treats before jumping up onto the table and yelling shrilly and incoherently. The orderlies moved in quickly, grabbing the offending pony and dragging him down as he struggled. Applejack still hadn’t gotten used to the randomness of those she shared the asylum with, they were beginning to worry her. She didn’t really feel so crazy or lost anymore, in fact her need to be away was more powerful now than ever, anything to get out of this place!

Since she had accepted Ivan’s offer she had been given more leeway, allowed to roam the small areas of the facility given to some of the less crazed ponies. However it hadn’t made her feel any better. Most here were quiet and unwilling to start a conversation even less likely to respond. AJ felt lonely truly, she wanted some form of contact now that she had accepted her past, most of it anyway, she still didn’t want to talk about it much though she could, if pushed enough.
She missed her sister so much it hurt.

She sat by a window, still grated and impossible to break through, however much she wished to do so she knew she couldn’t, she wished to be away, sitting here at this table, on this plastic chair so uncomfortable it made her flanks numb. She wasn’t sure if she could wait much longer, five days were left now until they returned to that dreaded place but each day was like a year, perhaps more, she never would have thought herself able to even go back let alone desire it, yet here she was pining away for her home and more importantly Applebloom.

“Miss Applejack?”

AJ looked up to the source of her distraction, the temporary reprieve was somewhat welcome she could not deny that, even so it made her feel guilty. “Yeah?”

The robed figure had brought a seat and placed it at the opposite side of the table. AJ frowned, she recognised the mare, even though she hadn’t seen her face before but for the underside of the muzzle and the eyes. However now the silent aid of doctor Ivan had her hood down, revealing her face for all to see.
She was quite pretty too.

“My name is Kara.” The slightly older mare smiled as she sat. “I will be joining you on our... field trip.”

“Ah see...” AJ frowned, why was she here? What did she want? “How can ah help you Miss Kara?”

“Kara will do...”

“AJ or Applejack.”

Kara gave her an embarrassed grin. “Ok... Applejack, how are you feeling today?”

“Why do y’all doctors ask that right before we talk?” AJ asked with a groan.

Kara thought about it, it was an interesting question and one she never had to answer before, truth be told she had picked up the habit from Ivan. “It breaks the ice I guess.”

“Right.” AJ smiled and shook her head, these mind doctors were weird ponies. “How may ah help you today?”

Kara shrugged. “I actually came to speak to you, get to know you better.”

“Why?”

Kara frowned, she hadn’t really thought this through, she had hoped AJ would be more open rather than combative to conversation, however this pony displayed a level of doubt she had not expected. “If we are to work together it might be good to...” Kara paused, caught in an awkward shrug.

“Ah get ya.” AJ nodded. “I don’t really feel up to much but ah’ll play ball.”

“Ok, thank you.” Kara breathed a sigh of relief.

They sat for a while, each feeling uncomfortable as the silence loomed, AJ felt sorry for the young girl, perhaps she should, as she said, break the ice. “How are you feelin today?”

Kara’s eyes went distant for a moment as she felt the tables turning, she wanted to end this, to return to Ivan’s office and just treat the rest of their sortie with polite but distant discourse... however AJ was the Element of Honesty, perhaps being honest in turn would gain her this earth pony’s respect. “Out of my element to tell you the truth.”

“Oh?” AJ replied, showing small interest.

“I never thought I would actively seek out to make friends with patients...” Kara sighed. “But Ivan told me to get to know you better before we left.”

“Hah!” AJ grinned, she understood that alright. “He does do that doesn’t he.”

“Yes he does.” Kara smiled rolling her eyes. “He does it to everyone too.”

AJ nodded. “Alright, see, the ice is breaking already.”

“So it is.” Kara smiled, then popped the question, hoping to regain some control. “How do you feel about this trip of ours?”

AJ shrugged. “Just want to find mah sister, little else.”

Kara nodded. “I do hope you find her.”

“So do ah.” AJ whispered to herself.

They spoke for a short while longer, getting to know each other better, or as best as possible under the limiting circumstances, there would always be that wall, between patient and doctor, that was the way of things. Throughout the conversation though AJ got the feeling the young mare was testing her, or perhaps even testing herself, it didn’t really change anything but AJ also got the feeling that Kara was keeping something hidden, inside herself, yes she spoke only the truth but there was a secret squirreled away there, somewhere. She wondered what it was as her thoughts battled against staying focused and worrying about her sister.

Applebloom, she must be so afraid... so alone... Applejack couldn’t bare the thought of it...
***

They moved quickly, the day was theirs but it was risky to travel the streets without due care, those below remained below in their caves, working away at all hours to find whatever it was they were looking for. Yet the three who watched had a mission that kept them away from the caves, though their interest tugged at them, such inquisitive minds as theirs were.

“Dammit Scootaloo!” A yellow coated, red maned pony muttered.

“Well sooooorry!” The orange coated purple maned pegasus replied sarcastically.

“Girls!” The white and purple unicorn scolded them quietly. “You’re going to give us away!”

Both fillies looked embarrassed as they looked away from each other. The White and purple maned unicorn rolled her eyes and continued moving, skirting a corner and quickly bolting down into a side street and was quickly joined by her two more argumentative friends.

“Where are we going this time?” The orange pegasus complained.

“Ah told you we’re on a mission!” The yellow pony returned.

“Will you two be quiet!” The white unicorn shot at them, earning blushes. “And stop fighting! We’re meant to be a team!”

“Yeah...”
“...sorry.”

The white unicorn rolled her eyes once more.
They did not stop long, gaining their bearings they headed further into town, angling for the center, there were still ponies about who had not been press ganged into mining and most of them were dangerous, the risk they were taking was out of necessity only. They were going to intercept a conversation, hide nearby and listen to the whole thing. If anything it would at least provide some juicy gossip! At least, that’s what the unicorn was after, the pony and the pegasus had their own reasons, the Pegasus because she liked to envision herself an expert of espionage... yeah... and the earth pony because... well the unicorn hadn’t quite figured that out yet.

“Argh!” The pegasus released, thankfully quietly. “Quit stepping on my wing Applebloom!”

“Tuck them in when we’re sneakin around then!”

“Girls!” The unicorn spun, a tirade on her lips, she however resisted and simply held out her forehooves. “Come on!”

The two ponies frowned and scuffed at the ground with hooves.
“Sorry Sweetie...”
“...Belle...”

“I mean, really? Your going to do this now!?”

“Now you wait one minute missy!” Apple Bloom growled. “You’re one to talk with all that ‘ah’m too innocent to see blood’ thang y’all did yesterday!”

“I...”

“Yeah!” Scootaloo rose up in agreement. “You knew what we were doing yet you came with us anyway!”

“Well...”

“You’re always doin it Sweetie!” Applebloom added. “Don’t git short with us just cause we’re the ones doin it now.”

“You got short with me yesterday!” Sweetie Belle snapped. “Its not fair, you two always gang up on me!”

The two others rolled theirs eyes collectively, this statement was completely false and they were getting tired of her defensive attitude. However if they pressed any further they would probably drive her to tears.
“Yer right...”
“...sorry...”

“That’s alright.” Sweetie Belle sniffled.

“Ah’ll take the lead then.” Apple Bloom did so, moving to the head of the group, she should have known better than to walk beside Scootaloo anyway, they were sometimes a bit too competitive. The small group returned to the task of sneaking through the streets of Ponyvile, it wasn’t perfect but at least they knew it well enough now to avoid the more dangerous areas. This town had really gone to hay quickly and though the three had been a part of the madness they felt themselves completely innocent of any wrongdoing, after all the adults were all doing it why shouldn’t they? It was probably the only reason they were still alive.

They neared the small park that was their target, sadly it resided on the other side of town otherwise they would have been able to prepare better, however this mission had been dropped on them rather quickly leaving them barely any time to think, so they decided to just wing it. The open field may have proven a difficulty however they knew the place well, around the edge of the park were trees and bushes and the line reached all the way down to the buildings, they didn’t waste any time by waiting, quickly bursting across the small gap to leap amongst the leaves. Scootaloo took the high ground taking to the trees, sure she couldn’t fly but she did have some jump that was for sure, the two grounded ponies took the low route, moving slowly so as not to draw too much attention.

It was odd, what they did, not that any of them really cared anymore, the lack of other foals and fillies didn’t do anything to discourage them, which probably meant something was wrong with them though once again they didn’t really care.
They were just having way too much fun!

“We’re here!” Applebloom whispered excitedly to the others. They were near the center right at the back with the whole park on view. This was where it was going to happen, or at least nearby where it was going to happen.

“Are you sure?” Scootaloo asked wearily, hanging upside down from a branch hidden inside its leaves.

“Yes ah’m sure.” The earth pony warned from the bush below. “Now quit yer noise hole and be quiet!” Scootaloo stuck her tongue out in retribution, earning a small Sweetie Belle giggle from the bush beside Applebloom.

They waited... and waited... and waited some more, filly enthusiasm dissipating quickly, yet they somehow managed to maintain the patience to remain still, scraping the bottom of the barrel admittedly but that couldn’t be helped.
“Where is he!?” Scootaloo muttered, her hind legs growing tired from their locked position around the branch she hung from.

“Calm yer wings, he'll be here.” Applebloom sighed.

She had to admit these kinds of missions were not fun, not in light of their earlier missions such as ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders Murder Gang!’... but that was the point she guessed, her two friends weren’t quite sure of what was going on, Sweetie Belle missed her sister and Scootaloo missed Pinkamena... Applebloom had to admit that she too missed her sister but she had to remain strong, though she never claimed to be the leader of their little gang she was the one who received all the messages from... Him...

But she worried for her friends, they trusted her, they knew what they had to do and did it without hesitation yet they were worried, she could feel that in them, using that ability that ran in her family. She couldn’t always tell a lie from the truth but she could feel that something was on their minds, she wished she could reassure them but then what would she even say? She too felt that same confusion and doubt.

But... He... made sense when there was none, he spoke to them kindly, ever since Sweetie Belle had stolen that book from Rarity before the older unicorn was even aware of its existence things had been strange for them. Then that night had happened, Applebloom didn’t remember much of it, other than things had gone crazier than Timberwolves during Zap Apple season.

Yet thanks to Sweetie Belle's inquisitive nature and the cool picture of that giant creature in the book that had drawn their attention, they had somehow been saved from the chaos as the guards had charged in, many of those armoured soldiers being slaughtered as they tried to right the wrongs that had been committed, only to retreat in the face of pure insanity.

He... had hidden them from their sight, kept them safe in their clubhouse which was now their base of operations. He spoke to them through her and through her they received their missions, though Applebloom rarely remembered what was said she always knew what to do, as if the information had been ingrained upon her thoughts.
Of course there was another factor.

They had been sent by Him to watch another, a blood red pegasus almost as big as Big Mac, with wide massive sweeping wings, a mess of darker red hair for his mane and tail and weird lime green irises that were hard and cold. They didn’t like him very much, he was smart and liked to lord it over the others, it wasn’t as if he were even from Ponyville... but even so that wasn’t the worst thing.

Thump! The pegasus landed.

There he was, heavily muscled wearing a vest covered in belts with many pouches, he had three knives all set in sheaths about him, one at his chest and two at his lower back. He moved oddly too, not unlike a certain gryphon the three fillies had seen before. He was a predator, like Pinkamena but not as fun, hateful for no reason. The three fillies had grievances about how he had treated some of their friends too, the few they had trusted after the dust settled and the guards had left. Now they were alone, each contact removed one by one.

That didn’t manage to dissuade them from completing their missions though.
Cutie Mark Crusaders Espionage Specialists!

They had yet to discover their cutie marks but perhaps they could get them while saving Ponyville!
The pegasus began to pace, nearing where they waited with every moment, they silently held their breaths.

“No, no, no!” The pegasus growled. “That is not how its going to happen!”

They waited, they had seen this before, it made them confused at first but now they knew better, much like He spoke through Apple Bloom some other thing was speaking to this red stallion.

“I don’t care!” The pegasus burst. “You can buck off right now if you think I’ll do that again!”

They remained so still, tiny hearts hammering in tiny chests.

“I said no!” He raged at the sky. “Go ahead! See if I care!”
...
...
...
“No I didn’t think so!” The pegasus barked a short burst of laughter. “I’m in control here not you!” There was some more silence, they watched his face altering as emotions flickered from one side to the other. “Yes, I said I will but I won’t put myself in a situation to be caught, not again, that’s not my way!”
...
“You think you can tell me what to do!?” He snarled. “I’ve had enough of you.” He spun and began to walk away, shaking his head violently. “Arrgh get out! Get out of my head!”
...
“Fine!” He snapped. “I’ll do it, but I swear if you buck this up...”

The Pegasus sighed, he looked tired but even so he held himself ready, for any eventuality, he wasn’t one to be messed with and the three fillies knew that, they weren’t good enough to take him down no matter how they fantasised. The pegasus shook his head, too tired to complain any further, he took a deep breath and tried to relax...

He froze, eyes widening, once more he took a breath, this time through his nose, sniffing the air around him.
“Taffy...” He muttered.

Both Scootaloo and Applebloom resisted the urge to look at the bush containing Sweetie Belle with complaint. The Pegasus began to sniff faster, following the trail of the scent closer and closer to its source... he was almost upon them.
Applebloom felt her chest constrict, the tightening was painful but she could barely move, they had seen him fight, even one of the big creatures that rampaged through the town after dark, he was good they couldn’t deny that, he knew how to kill, he could also take many enemies down at once, they didn’t want to get themselves killed trying to fight this beast. She resisted the urge to run, attempting to gain control of her harsh breathing, she was sure the only thing keeping her breaths from being heard was the slight breeze that whistled through the park.

He was so close now, so close she could smell him... blood, he smelled of blood... and stone.

“Qray!” A voice called out, causing the pegasus to divert his attention. Breathing silent sighs of relief the three fillies relaxed slightly. Qray’s eyes locked in on the target, a young colt with a large scar across his face, it made the newcomer look quite ugly.

“What is it?” Qray the pegasus demanded with a terrible whisper.

“We’ve found markings... in the cave.” The colt trembled, wondering what he had done wrong.

Qray nodded and turned his head away, eyes narrowing and fastened amongst their general vicinity. He seemed lost in thought for some time, the time drifting past agonisingly slow. Finally Qray sighed. “Good...” He spun quickly and delivered an uppercut into the gut of the colt, whose breath exploded from his lungs audibly. The colt fell to the ground, clutching his gut with his fore hooves, Qray walked past him without even a look. “Stay here, you see anything you kill it, understand?”

The answer came out in a broken croak. “Yes sir...”

“Next time do not use my name in public.” Qray finished, spreading his wings and taking to the air. The three watched silently as the large pegasus disappeared from their sight, finally disappearing into the grey clouds above. The colt took deep breaths as he slowly regained his legs, which still wobbled. The colt turned to face the town, his back to them.

Applebloom looked up to Scootaloo and they shared a nod, Sweetie Belle gave a silent sigh and covered her eyes with her hooves. Applebloom pulled her tail around and removed a small blade with a hoof, Scootaloo did the same, taking hers from her purple mane.

They could take this colt without much issue, he wasn’t that big.
***

What should he say in this situation? It was a poor time to be Ivan in the world at that moment, it had finally caught up with him, delivering to him something he had been aware was going to happen but still hoped it would not. He had a plan of course, as well as a contingency plan, perhaps another for that as well. Yet now faced with it the internal struggle began, he didn’t like this, it made him feel itchy all over, his robe suddenly becoming stifling and uncomfortable. He wished he had prepared himself better for this trial, for now it was proving to be challenging to the extreme.
Steth had finally cornered him.

“Ivan!”

Drat...
Ivan did not stop walking, his speed increasing slightly just to make himself feel better, he really disliked the wiry small pony with no manners and a sickeningly lizard like personality. It didn’t help that he smelled of whiskey, too much like whiskey. The older pony caught up with him.

“Ivan we need to talk.” Steth instructed, falling in beside Ivan with his head held high and eyes looking down upon the larger stallion... which was a feat in itself Ivan admitted.

“What do you want Steth?”

“Stethoscope.” The smaller psychologist corrected in that irritating way he always did, perhaps he really was that stupid if he hadn’t realised that everypony did it on purpose just to annoy him. “I have three problems and they all seem to stem from you.”

“Do tell.” Ivan allowed his eyes to rise to the ceiling.

“First was that little stunt you pulled at the meeting.” Steth began.

Ivan sighed. “Its not like you care about those patients Steth, just let it go.”

Steth muttered something unintelligible. “Stethoscope, and for you information I have already, I meant the meeting with Princess Celestia and her assembly.”

Ivan gave a short smile and somehow managed to hide it well. “I told you where it was, it’s not my fault you missed it.”

“Yes...” Steth raised a brow. “You did didn’t you... though your location was off, other side of the asylum off, and the time you supplied to me, being an hour after the actual meeting ended.”

Ivan sighed, alright he had done that, it was funny at the time... ok scratch that it was still funny, he could imagine the colour draining from Steth’s cheeks as apoplexy took over... Ivan grinned inwardly, he wished he had of been there, perhaps he could get Lemon to find the footage from the room’s security camera...

“A simple mistake.” Ivan shrugged.

“Furthermore you failed to get my permission before making that damned suggestion to Princess Celestia.”

“Celestia seemed to understand the need for a solution.” Ivan replied. They were nearing his office and Ivan knew that Steth would demand entry to continue in further conversation of a truly boring nature, he had to come up with a plan of action quickly.

“Indeed?” Steth raised that brow again, Ivan wanted to pin it down. “Which leads me to my final point, you are meant to keep me apprised of everything you do in this asylum, I run this facility not you, everything goes through me and you should know that already.”

“I thought we were both in charge.” Ivan muttered.

“Yes...” Steth accepted with a snide expression. “But the rules are still the rules, you and I both share this post...”

“Are we sharing?” Ivan frowned.

“...but you agreed to send me detailed reports of all your actions as well as ask permission before doing anything.” Steth snorted. “And sending that student of yours to speak to Miss Pie was by far the worst move you have made.”

Ivan sighed tiredly.

“Furthermore...” Steth started again.

“I appologise.” Ivan interrupted.

“What!?”

Ivan stopped walking, forcing Steth to do the same. “You are right and I apologise.” Ivan replied honestly. “I have been lax in my work ethic and have treated you with disrespect, I shall from this moment on keep you apprised and ask permission before acting in any way.”

Steth was taken aback, he had not anticipated this, he scanned Ivan’s features for any signs of duplicity but found nothing, finally he pulled himself together, his expression returning to its natural pompous nature. “Well... yes good.”

“I shall speak to you later Doctor Stethoscope, right now I have patients to attend.” Turning Ivan removed his keys and faced the door beside him. “Have a good night.”

“Right.” Steth nodded, turning and walking back the way they had come. “I expect a report tomorrow morning.”

Ivan nodded and unlocked the door, opening it and slipping inside, once closed he leaned his back upon it, taking a deep long breath. He held it for a moment before allowing himself to breathe naturally once again. “Insufferable Jackass!” Ivan growled.

“Who! Wha...?” A grey mare rose from the bed set against the wall, her eyes disjointed and her golden mane a sleepy mess.

Ivan looked to her with a kindly smile and warmth in his voice “Nothing miss Doo, just checking in to see if you are fine, you can go back to sleep now.”

“Ok!” She smiled, her head falling limp onto the pillow and gentle snores already rumbling from her lungs.

Such a sweet girl, he chuckled quietly, leaving the room as silently as the night, even though it was day.
***

“Do you like bananas?” A random voice asked of her as she was wheeled past, she did not bother to answer, she knew better than to do that. The hallway wasn’t too packed it never was but even so the small group of mentally damaged ponies that lined it were a little disconcerting. She hadn’t gotten used to it at all because she hadn’t been confronted by it, her injuries due to massive spell failure had made it necessary to keep her close to the medical center. But now she could move more freely, if she had the strength, her legs were very shaky of course so walking was not an option right now, however she could make use of a wheelchair, which was at least some alleviation from the tedium that had overtaken her since her recovery from the surgery had begun.

Twilight did feel better, every day since the surgery had taken place, more and more of herself returned though she still found it difficult to think back on that night... also she had this nagging feeling ever since Ivan had informed her of his plan. She wasn’t well enough to travel, even with her higher level of magic bolstering the healing process.

Yet the need was there, the desire to make Princess Celestia proud, the fire to save the world from anything that threatened it. However she doubted the Princess would ever forgive her for the things she had done, even if she had not been able to control her actions. She could say that the spirits that possessed her were entirely to blame but that wasn’t true, they had only fueled her own lusts which had proven far darker than she herself could ever have known.

Part of her was glad she had lost herself to books all her life, if that was what she wanted from her lovers.

It was past midday now, she didn’t know the exact time as it was hard to pin it down without a clock nearby, though this at first worried her further she quickly remembered she had always been like that, being late for things was something Twilight did often without spike around to remind her...

Oh... spike...

She new she was beyond redemption, nopony could ever forgive her for what she had done...

“Twilight.” Her voice was soft and gentle.

The lavender unicorn looked up to the face of the sympathetic voice, silver eyes regarded her with worry. “Yes Kara?”

“You’re crying.”

Was she? Twilight lifted a hoof to her eyes and felt the wetness streaking down her face. Twilight sighed, she still had a lot of recovering to do, she would probably never be the same pony she was ever again. “I’m sorry...”

“Don’t be.” Kara whispered soothingly. “You have every right to cry.” Twilight nodded though in her heart she felt she had no right to anything at all. “I have a surprise for you.” Kara added.

“A surprise?” Twilight asked, looking forward with slight worry tingeing her heart.

“Yes.” Kara smiled but revealed nothing more.

Kara wheeled Twilight through the asylum, taking a more scenic route so Twilight could enjoy as much time outside of her room as possible. Twilight had instantly taken to the mare who shared the same age as her brother, whose words were gentle and whose eyes showed only kindness. She had learned that she was Ivan’s student and had sat in on every one of their appointments inside his office.

She recalled seeing her but never really registered her presence before, Twilight’s world at the time being bleak and painful. But now the pain was gone and all that was left was the guilt. Kara, though Twilight had only just met her, had become a friend in this cold place, away from everything she knew.

They had talked for some hours, Twilight sharing quite a bit of her past before the dreadful event, thankfully Kara never attempted to bring it up, instead keeping the conversation friendly and simple, it had been nice.
Then Kara had offered to take her out into the asylum on a walk, or a push she guessed, which Twilight had agreed to without hesitation. There were only so many times she could read the same two books and beat herself at chess before it became so tedious she couldn't bear it.

Twilight soon found herself being wheeled into an almost empty room, set with chairs and tables, but one in particular caught her eye. She gasped as she took in the sight of her friend. Applejack looked worn out and broken, sat despondently in a chair with a look of hopeless despair. Her heart went out to her, even now she wanted nothing more than to help ease the earth pony’s problems.

Kara pushed Twilight up to the table, setting her opposite Applejack before turning to leave. “Call me when you’re ready.”

With that Kara was gone, leaving the two to look at each other uneasily.

Something had to break.

“Twi...” AJ began, her voice broken.

“Applejack...”

They both began to cry and even as the two allowed their feelings to flow there was a barrier there, something holding the two back. But Twilight would have none of it, she had always been the socially awkward pony of the group, except for one of course but she would leave those thoughts alone for a little longer.

Slowly the tears receded, neither feeling shame for shedding their pain. Twilight wanted very much to hug her friend right then but her inability to move well hindered that... and Applejack seemed hesitant to reach out herself.

“Ah’m sorry...”
“I’m sorry...”

They had both spoken it at the same time, both causing the other to pause. Applejack recovered first. “Ah shouldn’t have locked myself away in mah farm... ah left you guys alone when ya needed me most.”

“No Applejack...”

“Ah was so caught up in mah own troubles ah didn’t even think about yers...”

“Applejack please...”

“Ah...” Tears and shudders ran through Applejack’s body, she found it hard to continue but she had to, she had to admit her faults to her friend and pray she be forgiven. “Ah let y’all down.”

“No Applejack.” Twilight shook her head aggressively, tears flying from her eyes. “I’m the one that failed you... the things I did... the horrible things I did to our friends...”

Applejack moved around the table and caught her friend in a hug, Twilight’s face fell into AJ’s shoulder and she began to sob, AJ stroked her mane and whispered soothingly into Twilight’s ear.

“Its alright... ah know what happened to you...” She did, Kara had told her before making this offer for reunion, the knowledge had shocked her but her opinion of Twilight did not change, Twilight was Twilight and would never have harmed anypony like that, especially Fluttershy, she had been possessed and though yes it had been her own fault Applejack couldn’t blame Twilight for making a mistake, especially in light of Applejack's own terrible decision to barricade herself away from the world and failing her own sister.

Twilight was more innocent than she was.

“You must hate me...” Twilight cried.

“Ah could never hate you Twi.” Applejack cooed. “I don’t have anythin but love fer ya.”

And Twilight cried some more, which was understandable and in some way Applejack felt renewed conviction for her choice, as Twilight wept into her shoulder she felt that strong bond begin to renew and more still her own need to care for something frail and frightened. She wasn’t Apple Bloom but then that didn’t matter, she was Twilight and she loved her akin to a sister anyway.

Twilight’s heart was close to breaking as she enveloped her forelegs around Applejack’s neck, her earth pony friend’s strong arms wrapped around her waist. The contact felt good and if anypony she trusted most with her feelings it was dependable Applejack who had never and would never let her down. She was truly grateful for her friend’s love, which filled her aching heart to the brim.
They remained thus for a long time, simply lost in a world of safety and warmth, it was something both were loathed to end but even so they slowly separated. As their eyes met Applejack gave Twilight an affectionate smile, wiping at the tears that fell down from the unicorn's eyes with a gentle hoof.

“Dry those tears girl.” Applejack murmured. “Yer not alone anymore.”

“Thank you Applejack.” Twilight felt warmth rise in her heart, that bleak darkness receding.

“We’re better together right?” Applejack grinned. “Strength in numbers an all that.”

“I’m here for you too Applejack.” Twilight returned the grin.

“Aw shucks.” Applejack chuckled. “Ya need me more than ah need you.”

“Not true.” Twilight shook her head, her old strength returning in full force. “You need me just as much as I need you.”

“Well...” Applejack rubbed the back of her head with an embarrassed hoof. “... as long as we’re both benefittin ah don’t see no harm in letting feelins out... just don’t expect me to go all girly girl.”

Twilight gave a bright trickle of laughter.
***

“Two down...” Ivan whispered to himself. “One to go...”

He walked out in the direction of one specific cell, one he didn’t really wish to visit, not because he felt trepidation, nor because he felt disgust, far from it. The truth was he knew he was walking into a battle with a major disadvantage, he had of course known this would happen, from the moment he had devised this plan of his he had known, in fact he was quite aware of the fact that this would probably make it even more difficult to get Celestia to agree.

This had always been a factor, a depressing relatively annoying factor that he had tried his best to prepare for, truth be told he was a bit of a freak when it came to over planning any given situation but then it was his way to do so, for a plan with many contingencies is less likely to fail than a plan without them. Still this was a rogue element he could not really anticipate.

Hopefully whatever it was that the lusty unicorn desired would be less than questionable, the more the demand the less likely he will be able to get away with it. Anything sexual he could deal with, of course poor Lemon would be left at the hooves of a maniac for Ivan wasn’t going to involve himself with a patient, he had done many terrible things but that was a step too far for him! Poor Lemon, he wondered if the stallion had what it took to please the unquenchable flames of desire that would assail him like a hungry predator.

Then again miss Rarity may not want anything of the sort, which would be troubling, lust he could deal with, a little alcohol stolen from Steth’s office... perhaps more than a little, and then bobs your uncle... maybe he would have to involve a little chloroform or even some slight hypnotism but even so the results would prove worth it. However if the unicorn’s desire was something else than Ivan would have to vastly improvise his current plan, which he did not like to do.

Rarity... what went through that pony’s head was anything but a mystery to Ivan and if everypony knew it would make them shudder, however he had a stronger constitution and so he was only amused. But there was a darker side to her that many missed, once more Ivan knew this too but there was little he could do to plan against it as it had not truly manifested itself yet, he needed to discover what it was that drove the pony to these desires, what had been the trigger.
Thus he would discover a means to control her.

Today would be that day.

He paused outside the door, the purple wing wasn’t exactly the red wing but the doors were more than a little armoured, too many times the patients here had attempted flight. Aggressive Dash shared this wing with the exuberant Rarity though the two would not even speak a word to the other. Rarity had cornered Dash inside her boutique, she was one of her first victims and thanks be to that that Dash had come out mostly unscathed, at least she didn’t have any scars, some ponies were not so lucky however.

Some believed that Rarity had spared Dash such cruelty due to their past friendship but Ivan knew better, Dash was just lucky, the things Rarity had done to her own sister proved that all too much. Though Ivan knew in his mind that Sweetie Belle would forgive Rarity, due to the fact that both had lived happily together even after the incident that left Sweetie Belle with a scar across her chest.

Such matters only confused things though, for Rarity was terribly conflicted out of her desire to love and to be loved, on one hand she desired pain and pleasure in massive quantities, driven by voices of her own making that made suggestions that triggered her hunger... then there was the desire to love, her old nature forcing its way through and causing her to be more gentle and understanding of other's feelings. This clash of internal wills would confound matters for him, she was a danger to all around her because of it, yet there was something that she could offer that nopony else could, even though she was a risk it was that very risk that would benefit his small group during their stay in ponyville.

She would keep them all on their hooves, as well as add to the normalcy the other two needed, though she was filled with lust she was also still Rarity and would react as such, which both Applejack and Twilight would respond to in their normal manner, this was good, it gave stability... he would just have to keep an eye on her... perhaps Kara’s eyes as well, after all his student could look after herself, he knew she had the ability.

Perhaps he should teach her a few things...
Nah, not even necessary... still, it would probably give her the excuse she needed to fight foes without blowing her cover.

Whatever Rarity wanted he would discover this now, he had little time to spare and whatever she wanted he needed time to make it possible. He knocked on the door with a hoof.

“Yes?” She called from the other side.

“Are you decent?” He asked, knowing the answer already but saying it anyway, it always did well to give a lady the respect she was expecting, it helped to build that bridge he was so fond of.

“Well of course dear.” Her voice was amused. “Do come in.”

He did so, unlocking the door and returning the keys to his robe as he entered. He closed the door behind him and lifted the handle, locking himself inside. All locks to the doors were special, they could not be opened from the inside without the key, the outside the same, the handle just made it easier for doctors to ensure it was locked after they left a patient's room.

“Good morning miss Rarity.” He greeted her, turning with a smile to look at the pony sitting upon the bed with her back leaned against the pillow.

“And to you doctor.” She smiled up at him, that dreadfully blessed warmth burning in her stomach. “I’ve been expecting you.”

“Yes I had thought you would be.”

She chuckled. “I would get up to properly greet you but we both know the rules in this situation.”

“Indeed.” He nodded. “I was the one that made them after all.”

“And it disappointed me greatly.” She sighed, feigning sorrow, leaning her head back and closing her eyes. He was sure that if it were not for the straightjacket she would have risen a hoof to her forehead dramatically. An eye popped open and she smiled a knowing smile of amusement. “So why did you come to visit me this day doctor?”

“You know why.” He answered simply, turning to rise on his hind legs and lean his back against the wall opposite her.

They locked eyes and a short battle of wills ensued, one she submitted to eventually with a bat of her eyelashes. “You want to know my price for joining you on this little escapade of yours.”

“Correct.” He folded his forelegs across his chest.

“Hmm...” Rarity considered. “I’m not sure I’m ready to speak of it.”

“I’m afraid then that we have run out of time.” He sighed, lowering his arms and motioning himself towards the door.

“Oh come now dear.” Rarity rolled her eyes heavenward. “We have plenty of time.”

“Not if you want your part of the bargain fulfilled.” He corrected, returning his forelegs to their position on his chest.

“I see.” She sighed. “Then I may as well come out with it... problem is I’m not sure if I trust you enough to share this with you.” Ivan grunted and Rarity smiled brightly. “First answer my one question and I will tell you my wish.”

Her wish huh? He wanted to snort but resisted the urge. “It all depends on the question then.”

“What is your greatest desire?” She purred.

What was that feeling inside his chest? What was it that ran in his mind? Before he had grown into something more than what he was it had always been dominance, control and most important of all manipulation. However now it was different, he had changed greatly, what was once there had altered into something else, his truest desire? That was a simple question to answer but one he didn’t really feel like answering, it was hard for one of his position to share this, his past he had to keep a secret due to the mistrust it would cause in his patients, his past of which he had only shared with a few so far... even so this new desire of his was even more dangerous, it required things of him that he was not sure he was able to do, more so it worried him for it would leave him open to the weaknesses he had always despised...

But no longer it seemed.

He let out a long sigh, allowing the tension to flow from his shoulders. Yes it would be difficult to answer but easy to speak, it was getting the first word out that would be difficult. He looked her fully in the eyes as the words flowed, those dreaded words that he had never intended to tell anyone, let alone this lust driven masochistic sadist.

“I want to love... and be loved.” He answered robotically.

Her jaw dropped, what was that he had said? What did he mean by it. Regaining control quickly she pushed forward. “Explain.”

He gave a nod, a simple movement that betrayed nothing. “I wish to find an equal or at least one who understands everything that I feel and can accept me for who I am.”

“Doesn’t everypony seek that?” Rarity frowned.

“Not in the way I do.” Ivan responded. “For with my love comes the burden of all my problems.”

“Problems?” Rarity purred, hungry for more information.

But Ivan only smiled. “Now tell me what it is you want.”

Rarity gave a small noise of disappointment, she would just have to do with what little he had supplied, perhaps she could gain more from this one during their mission. “Just so you know... I feel I can actually tell you now, I can relate to your problem.”

“Oh?”

“I want to be loved too...” Rarity sighed. “... in fact that’s all I want... to share my life with the one pony in this world that truly understands.” He raised a brow, suspicions circulating in his overactive brain. “There is only one that can, only one that can satisfy my every desire...” Rarity suddenly displayed an expression of self contempt. “...even if all I do is disgust her with my weaknesses.”

With a snap in his brain he understood, then and there it all made sense, of course the one she desired could never love her, that one didn’t even love herself, of course that one despised this white and purple unicorn, for that one despised herself too... then further realisation hit him and he felt a tired weight hit his shoulders... this would be a big problem, one he may not be able to fix.

Rarity flashed him a smile as she saw that expression cross his face, she had him now, she also knew that if he did pull this off then he would have more than earned her respect, she was willing to let that happen... if he could pull it off.

“I want her to come with us.” Rarity purred so deeply it rumbled through her chest like a saw.
“I want Pinkamena Diane Pie.”
***

Drat! Drat! Drat and double Drat!

Damn that unicorn and her childish fantasies! Damn that lusty maniac and her impossible dreams! This was all he needed as he stormed towards the red wing, causing doctors and patients alike to move out of his way as the raging cloud of thunder and lightning that was him charged wildly down the hallways. He was boiling, seething, however he remained in control, it was just difficult to hide this emotion from dominating his features. It had been going so well, all of the pieces fitting nicely together, now this nonsense...

Even if he could get Pinkamena to join them, even if he could convince her to aid him in his quest without stabbing him in the back, he had no idea how he would get this past Celestia, let alone Steth and his righteous indignation towards Ivan’s efforts. Did nopony care? Did nopony see that he was trying to save Ponyville and its broken inhabitants from further harm?
Probably not, all they saw was Ivan Gared, more a danger to others than himself.

Celestia would not agree to this, could not agree to this, even if he somehow managed to tame that twisted mind onto his side it would do nothing to change the fact that in the end it would be pointless to try!

Yet here he was, moving of his own will, even if it seemed impossible he would have to try, for it was in his nature to not give up, when life threw you lemons you beat them across life’s head until it gives you something better, like gold! Who cared about the consequences just so long as life learned its lesson... right? But no that wouldn't be good enough.

He regained enough of himself to prevent the near trampling of a tired nurse who squeaked as he appeared looming above her, turning tightly he avoided collision, but barely, he had the forethought to throw back a hasty apology. He sighed and reined in his anger, it would avail him naught should he give in to it, instead he began taking calming breaths, allowing that near impassive wall to descend across his mind. He had to remain in control, that would be a childlike mistake he would never make, for he had been old and wise the day he had been born.

Sucked to be him as a child.

He didn’t pause when he reached the red wing, instead he just swiped his card and entered, Rarity of course he had left almost immediately upon hearing her desire, locking the door securely behind him to better his mood. Now however he was walking straight into the face of something he wasn’t sure he could control... for he knew there would be a price and Pinkamena’s price would be a thousand fold that of Rarity’s.

He stopped before the Plexiglas, his expression controlled and his mind easing, yet even so it did little to stop Pinkamena from sensing it.

“I can feel the rage bursting inside you as you walked up the hall doctor.” Pinkamena gave him a half smile, laying upon her back on her bed, as she always did when she had run out of charcoal. He pulled the small cardboard box from his robe and deposited it in the slide tray, used to transport food and paper to the cell beyond the glass.

Pinkamena rolled off the bed and came to stand at the glass directly before Ivan, she had moved quickly enough so it would not have registered immediately on the mind of a normal stallion, however Ivan was anything but normal and so he hardly reacted at all..

“What is it Doctor? Something you would like to share perhaps?”

Ivan grunted. “It seems you will be going with us after all.”

“Will I now?” She smiled.

There was the moment, deeper than the one he had shared with Rarity moments ago, a battle of wills that would last long and would probably never break. However he had no time for this. “What do you want?” He asked in a voice so cold it literally dripped with malice.

She smiled darkly, this was the side of him she had wished to see, the real Ivan, the predator under the sheep’s clothing. She took a step to the side, collecting her new charcoal and taking it to her seat. She sat and removed a single stick, placing the box beside another that was empty. She began scratching at the paper and he knew she would take her time, savouring this victory.

But he also knew she had to have it, otherwise he would never get what he needed.

“Pinkamena.” He glowered.

“Yes Ivan I am well aware of your need to waste no time.” She answered. “But I am in no rush... so tell me, why the sudden change of heart.”

He rolled his eyes, his next words were emotionless to the point of being harsh. “Madam Rarity requested it.”

Pinkamena frowned, now it was Ivan’s turn to savour victory. “Rarity?”

“Yes.”

She didn’t like that, it was obvious to him, she did after all despise Rarity, probably more than the rest of her once beloved friends but for herself of course. It was double edged now, on one hand she would finally drive a nail into Ivan’s composure but she would also be adding to Rarity’s needs.

Pinkamena nodded to herself, to rescue this situation and save face she would have to alter her price. “I will go with you Ivan, I will even give my promise to you that I will follow your instructions to the letter... mostly... I will also promise you that I will resist my terrible urges and not bring harm to any but to protect myself and perhaps the others in our little group... but it will cost you dearly.”

“What do you want?” He sighed.

“That doctor... will remain my secret until the day I need it most.” Her smile was twisted. “One day I will call upon you and you will have to accept my demand.”

“Within reason.” He stated.

“Of course.” She gave a nod, her smile fading. “Thank you for your time doctor, I’m sure you’re very busy and I would hate to keep you.”

He gave a snarl and dismissed he left, this round was hers and the spoils would go to the victor eventually but that darker shade of Ivan would make her suffer someday. That promise echoed loudly even as Ivan shut that darker self away, locking the box it resided in firmly once more.

“Drat.” He muttered to himself as he left the red wing.

Author's Note

Oh boy, another less funny one but building the tension! How will Ivan get Celestia to approve of this? Find out next week... Or at least soon. No that's it, soon, just saying. Hopefully this one will catch you more than the others, as the doors finally open to reveal the secrets that lie within, just out of reach.
I appreciate the fact that no one may ever read this but I'm having too much fun to care, even the dislikes mean nothing to me now, the first day it kinda hit hard but now I don't actually care!
Once more I talk too much... write too much, till next time!