Chapter Four: At A Distance

Inevitably the time rolled by and though he had turned to options he would have never in his right mind even considered he believed there was still a chance this could all work out. He had to admit that the current events had made everything difficult, after all, it had all gone badly quite quickly.

And yet he believed he could convince Celestia to accept his proposal of allowing him to take the psychotic Pinkamena along with him on his little journey, however it would have to be handled right... right at the last minute that was, just as they were about to leave preferably. It would force the Princess to accede though he had little doubt she would be in a good mood after that, something he would be leaving entirely in Steth’s deserving hooves.

Ivan clucked his tongue twice and signed the last document, he had written well over a thousand in little under six hours, he had the time to kill and he would have spent it contemplating if nothing else. Most of it was pure garbage but some major details had been squirreled away within the vast complex of confusing words and syntax.

It would take hours of deciphering to understand just one page yet even so Ivan felt it wasn’t enough, which was why he had done so many of them, also as an added bonus he had written a few theoretical ideas in there, all completely flawed and unworkable but Ivan was sure that after the first few explosions of rage the reader would consider attempting them... and make a fool of himself in the process.

The days were getting longer for the others, he could sense this whenever he spoke to them, Applejack was biting at the bit to get back to Ponyville and find her sister, Twilight though she had still not volunteered was beginning to feel the great well of desire to do something other than sit around.

Rarity was just happy to get out of her cell while Pinkamena... well she was another matter, she obviously saw this as her chance to escape but even so she would work with them until she found a means to do so without getting caught again, which would take her some time at least.

Oh yes the days were getting longer... for some, not for him as he had discovered, the work load he had to get through before he could leave had been troubling to say the least, luckily his student was willing to take some of it upon herself, though even so he still had a lot to do himself.

They had made a night of it and now that night was over, he had finished every last necessary thing he could before creating his two thousand page mega volume of unnecessary mental misery that was sure to cause a volcano’s eruption of rage in the target reader and now Ivan had nothing left to do.

He probably should have gotten his ten minutes of sleep but then that would have left him ten minutes of work short.

Oh yes... he had finished. Remembering what he should do next he pressed the button for his intercom, the room next door served as the waiting room for his two orderlies, who were every ready to called upon. The door to his office soon opened and an orderly Ivan knew to be called Flak poked his head inside.

“Yes doctor?”

Ivan lifted the mega volume he had set in a large binder with both hooves, it was quite heavy so he could only manage a slight wave to indicate its existence. “Would you mind doing me a favour by taking and delivering this to Doctor Stethoscope? There’s a good fellow.”

The orderly shrugged and entered, he took the binder and sagged somewhat under its weight, with an oath of surprise Flak managed to make it through the door before swearing quietly though profusely. Ivan detected the slight groan from behind the door as it closed, it was obvious he knew something was up and that Ivan had sent him off as part of his plan, which when involving Steth could not be good, especially for those who delivered the message so to speak.

Don’t shoot the messenger and so forth.

It seemed his work force was getting wise to his methods, almost like a sixth sense, and now Flak’s Ivan-Sense’s were tingling. Ivan chuckled, it amused him he could not deny, his little habits were often spoken of by the employees who worked in the institute, always such conversations were filled with laughter. Ivan had become the figure of comedian to them due to his odd humour.

Yes.

Ivan turned to look at his student who had fallen asleep at her desk, Ivan shook his head and smiled, he knew how that felt. Her face rested against a half finished report and her expression was one of complete unconsciousness. He pushed her too hard he had to admit but even so he had little choice, they were at war now, a war against insanity, which was always a losing war for the sane, for the insane were willing to go places the sane could not.

Which was why he had made a team of the insane, the bonus being that they were also the Elements of Harmony which when he considered it was perhaps the best idea he had had in a long time. Chances were good when they were involved, especially due to the fact they were on his side.

“Kara.” He spoke, then shouted. “Kara!”

Kara spluttered and shot bolt upright in her seat, blinking furiously to force away the heaviness in her eyes. “Yes what!?” She burst.

“Time for bed Kara.” He answered, allowing a grin to form on his face.

“Bed?” She blushed heavily, still unable to tell the difference between dream and reality.

Ivan lifted a brow, just what had his apprentice been dreaming of? “Yes Kara, you need to get a few hours of shut down before you rejoin me later today.”

“Today?” Kara blinked some more, looking to the clock with an expression of confusion. “What time is it?” She couldn’t see very well yet.

“It’s a bright and sunny Nine AM.” Ivan announced with some voice causing Kara to wince from the noise. “And therefore time for you to get some well earned slumber.”

“I can manage without...” She attempted, almost falling back onto her desk.

“At this point I believe you will barely manage to make it to your room.” He answered rolling his eyes. “Now get yourself to bed before I have to carry you there.”

She blushed once again and sighed struggling to her hooves, though she did agree that she needed sleep the idea of him being out of her supervision for any amount of time worried her, what bothered her most was that he just never seemed to sleep and when he did it was for little more than a few minutes.

She found it difficult to keep up with him... no that word was wrong, she felt it impossible to keep up with him! Still the image of him carrying her to her room was one she could not shake... again she caught herself thinking of things she should leave well enough alone but that was a hard thing to accomplish in her dreamy state.

She moved to the door and opened it. “Sleep well Kara.” Ivan offered.

She muttered something even she had difficulty hearing properly and so left the room. As soon as she closed the door behind her she got the terrible feeling that he would be out and about as soon as she turned the corner of the hall...

Which Ivan did, almost as soon as she was beyond sight, slightly barrelling away down the hall on his latest mission.
***

Dr Stethoscope was on a high feeling that morning, sipping at his coffee and slowly coming back to reality after a somewhat decent night of sleep. It was that time in the morning when all outside noise could be ignored and his mind free of any thought. He gave a large sigh and placed the mug down on a coaster, he hated the thought of ruining his desk after all it had cost him quite a few bits.

A large sum to pay for a desk he would only need for a few more months but that was just how he was, he found it impossible to work on shoddy wood, it was oak at least or nothing for him and even then it had to be hoof carved and highly polished.

Life was somewhat on the rise, his previous place of work had been a dismal little hole in the middle of nowhere, it was obvious he had been punished unfairly during that period of his life, all his fellow doctors jealous of his expansive understanding of the pony mind.

He couldn’t help but snort at the idea of such fools having such power over him but soon that wouldn’t matter, this job would be all he needed to get the station in life he so deserved, the pay alone would enable him passage to the top, Tartarus he could buy his own Institute in Canterlot for the bits he would receive and still have enough to live richly for the rest of his life.

He looked forward to it, the big pay off that would make all the nonsense he had suffered here worth it.

He moved to take another sip of coffee but paused as a knock rattle against his door, with a sigh he called for the offending pony on the other side to enter. A rather large buffoon entered, one of the orderlies by his clothing.

Stethoscope had little time for his kind but as the younger stallion entered the doctor hesitated before telling him to leave and come back later, the young fool was carrying what appeared to be a massive binder of some kind.

“Yes?” Stethoscope demanded with tired aggression.

“Sorry to bother you so early sir.” The Stallion nodded, coming to a stand before the doctor’s desk. “But I have this for you.”

The Stallion placed the binder on the desk, it gave quite a thud and even managed to make his desk creak with the strain of its weight. “What is this!?”

The orderly shrugged. “It’s from Doctor Ivan.” He answered simply.

“Yes...” Stethoscope frowned. “...thank you for answering my question.” The sarcasm wasn’t missed but the orderly did the smart thing and remained quiet, standing awkwardly waiting to be dismissed.

Stethoscope rolled his eyes and pulled the binder around to face him, though with some effort it was very heavy. He opened it and read the first page, it was a cover letter from Ivan.

Dear Steth,
Here as promised are my reports on all the actions I have undertaken during my time here.
Signed: Ivan Gared MD

Stethoscope fumed at the sight of his name but turned to the next page anyway, what he saw there made him go cross eyed. “Why in all Equestria did he think I would want to know the various techniques he implemented in wiping his backside?” Stethoscope paused as he flipped through more pages. “What in Tartarus is all this!?” He demanded angrily of the orderly. “Is this some kind of joke!?”

“Err...” The orderly managed with a look of confusion.

Stethoscope was enraged once more, this mess before him was an entire catalogue of every moment Ivan had spent here at the asylum. Every disgusting, boring, annoying incident that the mad doctor could contrive to put to paper, it would take hours of searching to get through this mess and even then...

Stethoscope ground his teeth, once more Ivan had insulted him. “You! Whatever your name is! Go bring Ivan here now!”

“Now?” The orderly grimaced, suddenly aware of just how stupid it had been for him to accept this task without question.

Stethoscope had been about to berate the stallion further until another knock at the door made him pause. “What!?” Steth yelled at the door. It opened and entering came an awkward procession of office workers wheeling in trolleys weighed down with boxes.

Without another word the ponies began to offload their cargo, depositing the boxes with little care for how ordered Stethoscope’s room had been before they did so. The resulting chaos made Stethoscope explode. “What is this!?”

One of the office ponies froze but still managed to answer. “These are the reports you wanted to review.”

“Review?” Stethoscope frowned, he didn’t order any such thing. “What reports?”

The office pony frowned himself, confusion plainly written on his young face. “Um... all of them.”

“All of them...?” Stethoscope mumbled dumbfounded, watching the procession as further ponies entered wheeling in more boxes. The amount was staggering, so much so the stacks of boxes began to grow into large pyramids that filled out his entire room in minutes.

Steth stood trembling with unhidden rage, he left his room quickly and nearly bolted down the corridor to the Filing Department where all of the boxes would have come from. When he entered the office it was to hear laughter, which in his state he took to be directed at him.

“What is the meaning of this!?” Steth fumed at the clerk behind the main desk.

“I... uh... what?” He was obviously confused.

Stethoscope growled. “As of this moment my office is being filled to the brim with every report written since this institution’s opening! I want to know why!”

“I’ll check for you sir!” The clerk answered, checking the various papers on his desk, it took a moment and during that time Steth felt himself lose control of his left eye which had begun to twitch wildly.

“Ah, here you go!” The clerk beamed. “You ordered a review of all reports stored here.”

“I did no such thing!” Steth snapped.

“I have the order form right here sir.” The clerk shook, handing the sheet with Steth’s signature on it. “As you can see its signed and everything!”

“When did I sign this!?” Steth demanded, seeing his own signature there rattled him somewhat.

The clerk frowned at first but then brightened as he remembered. “It was brought in yesterday along with a report declaring the transfer of all Red Wing Patient’s to Doctor Ivan.”

Steth blinked.

“In fact there’s a note here for you.” The clerk gave an awkward smile. “He said you would come here and that I was to give this to you.” Steth snatched the small note from the offending clerk’s hoof, lifting it to his eyes and adjusting his glasses to read its contents.

Dear Stethy
Princess Celestia is expecting your evaluation of these Reports so Hup Twp old boy!
Also - Read what you sign before you sign it... that is just common sense.
Have fun, I know I did!
Signed: Ivan Gared MD
***

Ivan moved like a ghost through the corridors, he had a mission to accomplish and this one was perhaps the most important of them all, it was after all a part of his master plan, he had set it in motion the moment he had arrived and now it was time to add the finishing touches.

He had of course selected the patient best suited to fulfilling this role, after all she alone had the ability to see his seemingly random acts come to fruition, nopony would ever guess it was he that had done this but then that hardly mattered, all that mattered was that it happened.

It would of course have to be timed right, sadly there was no way of ensuring that at this point however if all went as planned that also would not matter.

He arrived at Rainbow Dash’s room and paused outside the door, collecting himself before entering, as he did it was to receive aggression.

“Can’t a pony get any sleep around here!?” Dash yelled at him.

He closed the door behind him, ignoring the rage seething from Dash like a supernova. “Good morning Miss Dash.”

“Morning!?” Dash growled. “Come back later if you want to visit!”

Ivan shook his head as her eyes fell on him accusingly. “I’m afraid that would be impossible, tomorrow I will be off on an adventure of sorts and I have little time to waste on you.”

Dash’s mouth fell open, she obviously had not expected him to be rude about it.

“In fact let’s get something clear shall we?” He smirked. “I came to tell you that it is, in my professional opinion, best to leave you here at the asylum indefinitely.”

“Indefi what?” Dash frowned.

“Forever.” Ivan answered. “Just thought you would want to know, considering you wanted out of this place and all.” Dash was shaking with anger, that much was obvious. “To be honest with you I’m glad to see the back of you, when I’m gone you’ll be dealing with the idiots who have no idea of how to treat you to shut you up, I’m quite sure they will therefore do everything in their power to piss you off further, perhaps even lock you in a cage somewhere dark for the rest of your miserable life.”

Dash leapt at him as best she could, weighed down by the straightjacket wrapped around her forelegs wings and chest. Ivan dodged easily shaking his head, it had taken no effort at all to set her off but then she was a hot head, part of him regretted speaking to her like this, he had been so close to fixing her.

Of course Kara had seen to that hadn’t she, causing more undue stress to the Rainbow maned pagasus with little thought as to the long term effects, now however it hardly mattered, he had already resigned to the fact that Dash would just have to sort herself out, which she would eventually.

She struggled onto her hind legs and leapt at him again, sidestepping he turned to her bed and tossed an object underneath, she wouldn’t find it until later and by then it would be the perfect time, he was sure Celestia would send the guard to watch over him and his little group and he couldn’t allow that.

He was sure Steth would not realise his spare key card had gone missing until it was too late and by then Ivan would be long gone. Dash missed his little action and so the card disappeared under the bed with no witness but Ivan.

Turning to the door he banged on it three times, entering quickly came two orderlies, one of which was Lemon whose expression revealed some discomfort at the idea of Ivan’s plan, whatever it was. Ivan had to admit the big guy wasn’t stupid, he had known Ivan long enough to know when something big was up.

The two leapt on Dash and forced her back onto her bed, quickly binding her down onto the mattress with the straps built in to subdue her. She struggled and swore all the way, kicking out as best she could and finding purchase of Lemon’s compatriot’s muzzle. With a massive sneeze the orderly frowned and with Lemon managed to secure the pony in the binds.

The two then left, Lemon shooting Ivan a glance as he did. Ivan ignored it and instead looked only to Dash as he spoke. “I’m sorry Miss Dash but when you get like this I’m afraid it’s just impossible to speak to you.”

“I’ll kill you!” She snapped.

“Perhaps after my venture we will speak again.” He gave her a hidden smile, one she snarled at with indignation. He turned and left the room, locking the door behind him. He nodded to the orderlies and sighed. “Thank you gentlecolts, your timely help was much appreciated.”

“You told us to follow you Doc.” Lemon shrugged.

“Did I?” Ivan frowned, his act almost perfect. “I suppose I did... well anyway thank you for the aid.”

“Sure thing Doc.” Lemon sighed.

“Why don’t you boys go get some lunch hmm?” Ivan offered, even though it was morning everypony in the world knew that to be code for: I will have no need of you until later, go loaf about and do your own thing. The two orderlies gave him a grin and nodded before leaving.

Ivan watched them go until they disappeared around a corner. Then his shoulders sagged, he hung his head a shook it slightly feeling the guilt hit him, he detested the idea of doing this to a patient, especially young Rainbow Dash. She had been doing so well as well but even so Ivan knew she would recover from her insanity in her own time, she had been only marginally affected by the curse.

He was sure she had never killed and that when they found her it had been all circumstantial, in fact he was quite sure the body found next to her had been killed by a mob and not by the paranoid Dash in a fit of rage.

She had the greatest chance of recovery, aside from Twilight of course who had retained her Equinity once the ghosts had left her body. Dash did have one thing over Twilight though, she had gusto.

Ivan knew what to do next, he had little choice...
***

“Good morning Miss Twilight.” Ivan greeted as he entered her room, her smile was bright as she looked up at him, she seemed to have recovered quite a in the last two days, so much so it even went beyond the realms of magic enhanced healing, though Ivan suspected something else was at work there.

“Good morning Doctor.” She returned with equal warmth to her voice, she got up from the seat she had set by the window so as to make use of the light to read a book, putting said item on the chair behind her. “What can I do for you today?”

He gave a noise of mirth, Twilight was almost herself again, which was good, her ability to walk without issue had proven the operation on her brain to be a success, though he knew it would be, he was a qualified neurosurgeon himself after all.

Though he didn’t like to brag... much... at least not in public... sometimes...

You get the point.

Anyway Ivan looked to Twilight and gave her a bright smile. “Would you like to go for a walk?”

“I would love to!” She answered immediately with great enthusiasm she was obviously getting tired of sitting around with nothing to do. “In fact I was hoping to speak to you before you left.”

“I see.” He grinned internally. He couldn’t help but pat himself on the back once again. “Well... we might as well get moving the day won’t wait for us.”

He opened the door and motioned her to go ahead, she did so quickly, happy to be away from her room. “Thank you.” She nodded as she passed.

“You are welcome my dear.” He answered, following and taking the lead as he fell in beside her. “How are you feeling today?”

“Quite well actually.” Twilight replied. “In fact better than ever.”

“That is wonderful news.” Ivan smiled once again things were going well here at least. “And how was your meeting with Miss Applejack if I may ask?”

“Better than I could have ever hoped.” Twilight sighed. “I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me.”

“I would say it was just my job...” He began, eyes twinkling. “But instead I shall say it was my pleasure.”

“I never thought I would recover from all that happened.” She continued, though he could sense the awkwardness in her words, she was still unsure of how to deal with the memories but that was only natural. “It feels like it was only yesterday that I was stuttering and panicking at every shadow that flicked past me.”

“It was only a few days ago Miss Sparkle.” Ivan pointed out. “The fact you have shown such remarkable progress is as much a surprise to me as it is to you, and it says a lot about your character.”

“Oh?” Twilight raised a brow.

“You are quite strong Twilight, your will alone has pushed you forward on the path to recovery, all I can really take credit for is helping you to see that for yourself.” He turned his head to give her a look of approval. “And you didn’t disappoint me.”

“Well...” Twilight blushed. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

He chuckled, he had gotten to know her quite well in the short time he had known her, she was a very polite young mare with an open heart both strong and vulnerable, deep inside himself a dark coil knew exactly what to say that would break her spirit in two but that was just the power of psychology.

A dark gift truth be told but one that proved ultimately useful in almost any situation.

They were passing through the med ward on their way to an area Twilight had not seen before, she was a little distracted so when he spoke she missed it. “Pardon?”

“You wanted to speak to me?” He repeated.

“Oh yes...” She frowned, unsure as how to ask. He had made it quite clear to her that he had no intention of bringing her along with him on his mission however she had come to think of nothing else, she felt the need to break free of this place, to stand with the sky above her, to be outside once more under the sun.

To save Equestria from any threat that presented itself.

He led her through strange corridors that did not have any sign of colour, she wondered what kind of patients resided here but all she saw were ponies wearing black robes with ID cards clipped to their chests. With a look of confusion she looked to him but he only he shrugged, supplying no answer to her unspoken question.

Finally however their destination became evident when he paused outside a door where stood a guard. Twilight shivered uncontrollably as she took note of the golden armoured stallion whose expression was stern as his eyes fell on Twilight.

“Don’t worry Stern she’s with me.” Ivan answered the guard’s confusion. Twilight smiled inwardly, of course the guard’s name would be Stern.

“Do you have permission to bring a patient...” He began.

But Ivan cut him off with an impatient wave. “Yes, no, does it really matter at this point Stern?” Ivan offered. “You know who she is, you know who I am, would I really bring an unstable patient here if she wasn’t ready?”

“I would prefer it if you could show me some kind of proof that...” Stern began again.

“Oh stop being such a bother would you Stern.” Ivan rolled his eyes. “We both know the Princess respects my decisions enough to let me do whatever I want.”

“Within reason.” Stern answered with a small growl.

“Exactly.” Ivan grinned. “And this isn’t that unreasonable if you think it through.”

Stern chewed on his thoughts for a while, his jaw working mechanically as he considered Ivan’s words. Twilight couldn’t help but watch this action as the two large Stallion’s stared each other out. Twilight was used to being around guards having been Celestia’s apprentice since she was a filly, even so now this tall manifestation of past memories was slightly daunting.

“If I find out...” Stern muttered.

“Find out what Stern?” Ivan sighed. “That I took a patient on a little walk without permission? Who exactly is running the show here?”

“That would be Doctor Stethoscope.” Stern answered.

“And?” Ivan asked, elongating the A.

Stern chewed once more, eyeing Ivan with suspicion. “And... you.”

“Was that so hard Stern my boy?” Ivan laughed. “And don’t worry about Steth, he’s very busy at the moment and would prefer not to be disturbed.”

Stern’s expression became more sour but he relented with a tired groan. “I will of course have to keep watch over you.”

“Of course.” Ivan gave him an understanding nod.

Stern muttered something under his breath but turned to the large doors and pulled them open. Twilight was at first worried about what lay behind the doors, she wasn’t sure exactly what Ivan had planned and for all she knew it could be to bring her before the Princess and she wasn’t sure she was anywhere near ready to face her judgement at this point and time.

Such worry was unfounded however as light exploded into the hallway, almost blinding her and causing her to lift a foreleg to cover her eyes. She released a gasp of shock and did her best to recover, even as Ivan pushed her forward through the doors.

She felt a cool wind touch her face and then her body, her senses went wild as they picked up the smells and sounds of nature. Slowly she cracked open her eyes and as the initial blur wore off she had to focus her sight through tears that suddenly rushed free from her eyes.

The world around her was more beautiful than she remembered, the sun’s golden glow washing a scene of bright green grass with its light, small brightly coloured flowers waved slightly in the gentle breeze that caressed the field they stood upon.

In the distance she could see trees, leaves swaying and waving as if welcoming her back into the real world. She smelled pollen and the sweet scent of wild flowers all of which flooded her mind with a serene emptiness she could barely understand.

She stood dumbfounded with no thought as to do anything but stand and stare at the free world surrounding her, a world she had once thought closed to her forever, a world she would admit was still trapped behind a large fence designed to keep the dangerous inside. A small part of her wanted to run, to be truly free in this wondrous field of joy that had touched her heart.

But she couldn’t, not so much as even move, she could not even fathom such an idea at this point, lost as she was in the beauty of nature ensnaring her mind whole.

“I...” She attempted but could find no words to explain her feelings.

It was unnecessary of course, Ivan understood all too well what she was feeling, he had felt it himself recently though he had retained much more control than she. He waited until she was ready to speak before doing so himself, allowing her the time to process this moment.

“Shall we walk?” He offered, throwing a quick glance to Stern who stood by the door behind them.

“Yes... please...” Twilight almost sobbed.

For a while they walked and neither spoke, Ivan allowed her the time she needed to connect to the outside world once again. It was difficult he understood, from both personal experience and that he had witnessed from patients in the past.

Being locked up had a strange effect on those inside, in the prison system they called it institutionalisation and the feeling of pressure one felt from being released after being kept holed inside for many years could have serious effects on the institutionalised.

He sensed her fear, a fear of which was understandable under the circumstances, it would take some time for her to get used to the idea of the outside world once again sadly that was something he did not have time for.

“How do you feel Twilight?” He asked.

“I don’t... really know.” She answered.

He nodded, that was to be expected, in fact anything else and he would have been worried, this at least was natural for anypony that had been through what she had been through. Her gentle nature made her quite submissive but he knew deep down inside there was a dominant personality full of strength waiting to be freed.

He needed it to be free right then.

“You are a remarkable pony Twilight.” He spoke honestly. “You have achieved so much in such a short time.”

“...”

“I am quite pleased to say that I think you have successfully recovered.” He added.

“You... think so?” She seemed surprised.

“There is little more I or anypony can do for you.” He nodded his eyes serious as he looked at her. “It’s all up to you now.”

“I...” She felt unsure.

“If you wish I can have another doctor keep an eye on you while I’m gone.” He continued impassively. “Though you don’t need it I assure you.”

“I would feel better if...” She began but hesitated.

“If?” He asked with a raised brow.

They walked side by side and yet she still had trouble meeting his eyes, she felt conflicted about what she felt she had to do, true she felt ready to tackle the troubles of her home but... was she really ready? Or was that just her desire to be free... now that she thought about it she wasn’t so sure.

“I wish you didn’t have to go.” She answered finally, embarrassed to say it out loud.

He gave her a light bump and chuckled. “Thank you for your confidence Twilight, a doctor could hope for nothing more from his patient.” She smiled glad he had taken it well. “Sadly though I must be off, this problem in Ponyville won’t go away by itself.”

Twilight nodded, feeling unsure of herself as the need to ask became prevalent in her mind. “Yes...”

“It will be hard enough as it is with such a small group to deal with it.” Ivan sighed, pressing the issue covertly through their conversation. “I’m sure Applejack and Rarity are up to it though.”

“Yes...” Twilight repeated, her initial fear of returning home welling guilt in the pit of her stomach.

“Though with Mister Curry and Pinkamena I’m sure we will do well.” He added.

“Pinkie Pie!?” Twilight almost exploded. “You’re taking her with you!?”

“Oh yes.” Ivan nodded. “I see no other option, she has done little more than react to all forms of treatment with scorn, a trip to where it all began may do her some good and anyway...” He gave her a pointed look. “If I can undo what has happened to all those unfortunates inside the asylum then it would be best for her to be close, after all proximity seems to be key to the curse, the cure may be the same.”

Twilight frowned, unsure as to his explanation. There were plenty of holes in his theory and the biggest was simply that fact the Pinkie Pie was now a psychotic pony who revelled in bloodshed. It seemed to her to be a mistake to even consider taking her along.

“As it is she will spend the rest of her life in her cell.” Ivan finished with a deep sigh. “I can’t bear to think that one of the very Elements of Harmony remain afflicted as she is.”

Ok that made some sense, Twilight had to admit, she wanted Pinkie Pie back to the way she was too, in fact since Applejack had informed her of certain things she had been more worried about Pinkie Pie than any of the others. She wished to speak to her, to tell her it was alright, that it wasn’t her fault... Twilight understood the pain of guilt all too well and believed Pinkie Pie to feel the same.

“I want to go with you.” Twilight informed him firmly.

“Oh?” Ivan responded with a blink. “And where would we be going?”

Wasn’t it obvious? She frowned. “To Ponyville.”

“I see.” He answered with little emotion and an indiscernible expression on his face.

Twilight felt worried, unsure as to how well she had handled this, had she been too brazen to ask so suddenly like that? He had after all informed her that under no circumstance would she be going with them... it was little unfair though, after all he was taking Applejack and Rarity... as well as Pinkie Pie! and they were nowhere near as recovered as she was.

She felt need to voice this issue. “I think I’m the best qualified to go, I’m better or so you say, and my expertise in magic would only be a benefit to you!”

“Hmm...” He paused to consider her words, looking off towards the asylum with squinted eyes.

Twilight pressed forward. “And like the others I know Ponyville well, very well in fact! I wouldn’t be a bother either!”

“Perhaps...” Ivan murmured. “I have received no reply to the request I sent to the Magic Academy in Canterlot for a magic trained unicorn’s assistance...” Not that he had actually sent any sort of request.

“Then you need me.” Twilight pleaded, hoping with all her heart he would say yes.

He gave a short sigh of resignation. “I doubt it would do you any good Twilight, our time in Ponyville will be anything but pleasant.”

“I’m not an idiot, Doctor Ivan.” Twilight smiled. “I know it’ll be bad but what choice do you have?”

Ivan turned on her a dark smile. “And the spirits? Are you not afraid they will return?”

Twilight frowned, it was true she had considered the possibility, in fact she wasn’t even sure she could even use magic anymore, since her surgery she had little time to practice it and was even afraid to do so, when one doubted their ability in magic it often failed and such a failure brought the risk that it would never return.

“I...”

“Well...” He gave a quick look behind him at the guard watching their every move like a hawk. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.” He pressed a fore hoof into his robe and withdrew a pencil, offering it to her with a curious expression. She reached out a hood to take it. “Not like that.” He pulled it back.

She nodded with understanding but paused in doing so, worried still by certain factors already explained. “I thought this place prevented magic from being used?”

“Only inside the walls Twilight.” He answered. “Out here you are free to use it as you will.”

The sudden idea of being able to use her magic made her fret, true she had desired nothing else for some time but... she was still afraid it wouldn’t be there anymore.

“Don’t be scared Twilight.” He offered her with a warm voice. “You can do it.”

His reassurance did much to bolster her flagging confidence, which had seemed so powerful when informing Ivan she would be going... She bent her mind to the task and focused, shutting tight her eyes with some strain. In her mind she imagined the pencil in his hoof and slowly but surely allowed the magic to flow from her being up through her horn.

Ivan watched as the pencil levitated into the air, she still had it and for that he was grateful, he did not like the idea of explaining to Celestia how her student had lost the ability to perform magic, especially now of all times.

“See.” He watched as the object enveloped in a soft pinkish purple light floated to hover between them. “Nothing to threat about.”

Twilight opened her eyes and looked to the pencil at first timidly, then with an expression of pure satisfaction. “I... did it...” She murmured, then louder. “I Did It!!!” She exploded and so too did the pencil.

After the initial shock wore off and the two had removed the small splinters of wood from their coats Ivan gave Twilight a gentle pat on the shoulder. “Well...” He clucked his tongue once. “I guess this means you get to come along... as long as we don’t have anymore explosive accidents.”

Twilight blushed. “I am sorry about that.”

“No worries young unicorn.” He chuckled. “In fact I’m glad it happened, it shows you still have your power, which I can tell you is a great relief.”

“Relief?” Twilight frowned.

“Could you imagine Celestia’s expression upon finding out that the surgery I suggested had ruined your magical abilities?”

Though the mention of her teacher’s name made her flinch she could not help but smile at his awkward grin. “I suppose it would be a bit of a doozie.”

“Doozie!?” He barked with laughter. “Oh yes, sorry princess but I broke your apprentice, anyway nice to see you again have a pleasant day.”

Twilight gave him a giggle, he had this effect on her it seemed. “Well you don’t have to worry about that now.”

“It is one worry I can put aside yes.” His smile faded suddenly and his expression became deadly serious. “Are you sure you want this? To go with me to Ponyville?”

Twilight considered it, sure the idea terrified her more than anything she had faced in the past but even so she knew Ivan would be there and so too would Applejack and... Rarity, though at that point she wasn’t sure what to think of that... especially with the added bonus of Pinkie Pie...

But she knew what she had to do and what was right, she knew that no matter how dark things got they would need her to light the way, she was after all the unofficial leader of her friends.

“Yes.” She looked up to Ivan with steady eyes and conviction in her voice. “Yes I am.”

“Capital!” Ivan grinned. “Then we must make ready, we will be away tomorrow!”

“Tomorrow?” Twilight frowned, had the time really flown by that fast.

“Indeed.” Ivan nodded. “Let’s get you back to your room shall we?”

She went silent suddenly, he could sense her loathe to do as he suggested but what choice did she have otherwise. She looked up at the guard as they passed and as the guard’s eyes moved to meet hers her head fell, she was still unable to meet his gaze.

“Thank you Stern old boy.” Ivan nodded to the guard as they entered the institute.

He felt bad for her in that regard, she must feel as if nopony would ever trust her again... but that was far from the case...How could he explain to her that the reason Stern had been so adamant about keeping an eye on them was not because of Twilight’s presence but because of his.

Ivan found himself smiling suddenly as a new thought appeared in his skull. “In that case Twilight, perhaps you would like to help me today, as Kara is taking some well deserved sleep right now I could use an aid.”

Feeling much better almost instantly the purple unicorn answered brightly. “I would love to Doctor!” Twilight beamed up at him.
***

Kara dragged herself out of bed with a groan, it was perhaps too much that she get a full night’s sleep... day’s sleep as the hour on her clock was five thirty PM... she had the horrible feeling that she had missed quite a bit that was important.

That was the problem with sleeping during the day, everypony in Equestria was up and about and she had been unconscious. It was about time for food and so her body had reacted by forcing her to open her eyes and deal with the terrible ache in her stomach.

She had to shower first, that was a given and she did so it did little to alleviate any of the stress they weighed down her upon shoulders. Tomorrow morning they would be heading out to Ponyville and she had not even prepared herself for it.

Ivan too must have sorely missed her, all the work he had to do before he left must be running him ragged, she knew the amount of paper work it had taken just to make everything ready, she had done a small portion herself and that had been exhausting.

She took the short route to Ivan’s office, she usually wouldn’t because it passed through the hall in which a certain doctor with certain untoward feelings towards her resided. Sure she didn’t really care about that pony or his misgivings for her presence but she didn’t like to cause issue, it wasn’t her way.

Still she had wasted enough time sleeping and now she had to return to her work.

As she passed by Stethoscope’s office though she found herself frozen in place, watching as a spectacle of some confusion flowed by. Several ponies were busy wheeling in large boxes on trolleys through the doors to the doctor’s office.

“More!?” A voice yelled. “How many are there!?”

She could feel the rage erupting through the doorway, something she wanted no part of, she attempted to rush by unnoticed but sadly fate had decided that was not to be.

“You!”

She froze once more with a silent groan, turning she faced Doctor Stethoscope as he shoved his way through his occupied doorway. Kara wanted nothing more than to just keep moving, to be away from this scene of which she had no doubt Ivan was the cause of.

“What is the meaning of this!?” He demanded of her.

She blinked in confusion. “Sorry?”

“Don’t play stupid!” Steth snapped. “You know what this is about!”

“I can assure you...” She began but was interrupted.

“Thousands of files, endless reports, all of which I apparently agreed to review!” He raged. “I know it was Ivan, he pretty mush admitted it with this!”

He threw at her a small piece of parchment, torn and ragged, obviously screwed into a ball multiple times and reopened only to be screwed into a ball again and thrown. Unravelling it she read the words.

My, my Ivan has been busy... She thought, resisting the urge to smile.

“I’m sorry... what has he done exactly?” Kara attempted, though it was obvious what Ivan had done she had no idea how to get out of this without getting involved without playing ignorance.

Steth ground his teeth together, the sound vibrated through the hall with the force he put into it. Through the grinding he growled his next words. “Tell Doctor Ivan that he will regret this!”

“I will be sure to pass the message along.” Kara sighed, turning to leave.

“I’m not done yet!” He snapped, forcing her to turn back.

She sighed desperately wishing to escape but seeing that hope as nothing but futile.
***

Twilight sat at Kara’s desk busily reading and taking notes of most of the knowledge gathered about the event that had struck Ponyville, there were a few omissions as Ivan believed certain things should remain unknown to her, for her own sake if nothing else.

Twilight had instantly thrown herself into her work, not only because she wished to know everything she could before taking on this venture to Ponyville but because she simply wished to do something other than sit around in her room all day.

Plus she enjoyed company.

However it was getting to that time and Ivan knew it would soon be inevitable that a certain pony would arrive slightly vexed at a certain thing that had happened after just waking up. She had probably skipped food too just to present herself to Ivan to show she was awake and ready for work.

Poor Kara, Ivan felt guilty about that but it was all a part of the plan, he needed this to happen so as to ensure everything went without any problems.

“Hey Twilight...” Ivan spoke, causing the young unicorn to pause in her work to look up at him. “Do you want to see something cool?”

“Cool?” Twilight frowned.

Ivan looked to his clock, counting the seconds. “Five... Four... Three... Two...”

The door opened and in stormed a slightly angry Kara, her eyes were dark and tired, her shoulders ridged and her movements wooden. She had obviously been through a bad time and had not come out of it on top. Twilight watched Ivan’s student as she moved to face Ivan with annoyance plain for all to see.

“Good Afternoon Kara.” Ivan greeted with a smile.

“This I believe belongs to you!” Kara stated, dropping the small ball of paper on his desk.

“Ah yes.” Ivan smiled picking it up. “This clears up any evidence Steth might have against me.”

Kara blinked, as did Twilight, though the unicorn had no idea of what was going on while Kara could guess. “Twenty three minutes he nagged at me.” Kara responded.

“And a credit to your field of study.” Ivan stood and walked around his desk to give Kara a friendly pat on the shoulder, one she received with a stony glance directed at him. “I trust you slept well.”

She raised a brow, she knew she had to be polite, she knew she had to act the part but somewhere in her mind she was sure he knew that too and was playing on it quite expertly.

“Yes.” She answered through grit teeth. “Thank you for asking.”

“Not at all.” He chuckled, that bright friendly chuckle that suddenly grated on Kara’s nerves. “I bet you are hungry, why don’t you take Twilight with you to the cafeteria to eat... whatever it is they call food there.”

Kara had not noticed the unicorn and was quite surprised to see her, in fact she was stunned to such an extent her anger faded. “Oh...”

He nodded. “Twilight has asked to go with us, given the circumstance I have accepted her request.”

His eyes said all she needed to know, his plan had worked she couldn’t deny that but what other plans did this Stallion have in motion? She considered her options and found in truth that no matter how hard she tried there was only one she could choose... “I see.”

“After you’ve gotten something to eat why don’t you both come back here and help young Twilight with her studies of the events of Terror Falls, as you spent so much time doing the same you could help bring her to speed quickly.”

Kara knew well enough to do as he said, this was a very risky point in their... his plan. She gave Twilight a smile. “I would love to.”

“And feel free to sit at my desk when you do.” Ivan grinned. “Keep my seat warm and whatnot.”

“...sure thing.” Kara responded.

“Anyhoo I must be off, early rounds today I think, better we all get an early night.” Ivan moved to the door and exited the room. “I shall see you ladies later.” He gave them a nod before closing the door behind him.

There was a moment’s silence between the two mare’s that remained inside the office, Twilight confused as to what had just happened and Kara staring deadpanned at the wall opposite her. Finally however time progressed and Twilight felt the need to speak.

“What was that all about?” Her expression one of bewilderment.

Kara shrugged and sighed. “Just Ivan being Ivan I guess... I know I’m hungry though, shall we?”
***

“Are you ready Ivan?” Pinkamena asked, a light smile on her face.

She looked at him fully, the time for their usual game long since passed on by. Their previous arrangement had become null and void and now they had to build another, this would be at first problematic but both knew what the other wanted and both knew how to deal with that.

“Oh I’m always ready.” Ivan snorted. “The only question that remains is whether or not Celestia is ready.”

“Should you have not informed her earlier of your choices as to who will be going with you?” Pinkamena’s smile became hungry. “Surely she will be angry at you for this.”

“You and I both know that the less time she has to think about it the better.” He answered with serious eyes. “The only way this will work is if she is totally unprepared.”

“It would be better if we were all going.” Pinkamena added sitting upon her bed with her hind legs crossed beneath her. “Celestia has a profound trust in us Elements.”

“And I would agree with that if it was not for the fact that Miss Shy won’t even speak to anypony and Miss Dash is better off as far away from you as possible.”

“Yes.” Pinkamena’s smile became cruel. “I will always regret not having the time to finish off our little game.”

“I doubt she would consider Destructive Surgery to be a game.” He muttered.

“But you would.” She responded bluntly.

“That was a long time ago Miss Pie.” He shook his head, this topic would only lead to conflict. “My only concern is how Celestia is going to react to you.”

“Lie to her.” Pinkamena instructed. “Tell her I’m getting better.”

“I only tell her lies I know she will believe.” He shook his head and gave her a look of supreme annoyance. “All I need you to do is act normal.”

“You mean leap around making a lot of noise and proclaiming how joyously happy I am?” Pinkamena returned his look with one of disgust.

“I wouldn’t go that far.” He grinned. “Though it confuse everypony to no end.”

“I can see the humour in it.” Pinkamena sighed. “But lets not get carried away, if you want me to act a little less like a predator I will do my best but I doubt it will work.”

“Especially with freedom so close you can taste it.” Ivan sighed.

“Now doctor.” Pinkamena scowled. “I gave you my word that I would help you.”

“Yes.” Ivan nodded. “Until the moment we succeed or fail.”

“I won’t deny I have some designs in that regard.” Pinkamena shrugged.

He rolled his eyes. “If you didn’t Miss Pie I think I would fall over dead with shock.”

“That service can be provided.” She offered.

“Yes...” He answered with resignation. “Can we please not go there, the last thing I need is an argument with you.”

“Why did you really come here Ivan?” Pinkamena frowned. “It wasn’t for my sunny disposition that’s for sure.”

Ivan shrugged, he knew why he had come here, speaking to Pinkamena was like speaking to himself in some ways, he had once been cold and cruel in heart just like her, perhaps that hadn’t really changed... then again he had felt recently regret and stirrings towards a better path... though the idea of such a thing made him grimace.

“I would like your opinion on our current list of ponies.” Ivan stated. “The one’s that will be joining us.”

“Haven’t you asked me this before?” She sighed.

“You’re an intelligent girl Miss Pie, I’m sure you can see how things have changed even if you weren’t there to see it.”

“Or hear about it.” She gave his a sidelong glance. “Not much gets to me here you know.”

“It never stopped me from knowing everything.” He answered coldly.

She nodded slowly, watching his facial movements for any sign of weakness and once more finding none. “Very well...” She closed her eyes and leaned her head back until her nose pointed up to the ceiling. “I believe we have a good chance of succeeding, as long as the factors don’t change dramatically whilst we are there.”

“And if they do?”

“Then...” Pinkamena sighed, then shrugged. “You will probably deal with it, you are the most resourceful of us after all.”

“And will you follow me Pinkamena? Even if it means you return to being simple plain Pinkie Pie?”

She considered this, honestly she doubted that would happen either way... but she did perhaps worry about the idea. Sure she was depressed and hated herself tremendously... but the power of thought she had gained due to the change had made her strong and that strength made almost all those around her afraid to even meet her eyes.

No longer did they look down on her, call her loopy or stupid, such things had proven to be a gift. She was now a presence other than one that could be ignored.

“I was anything but plain even when I was a bouncy fool.” Pinkamena answered. “So yes, I will follow you, though I will abandon you should you fail and death is imminent.”

“In that Miss Pie I would not blame you.” He supplied with a tired smile.

“I must say doctor you are either brave or insane undertaking this venture with me along for the ride.” She lay herself down on her bed, ready to sleep for the morning to come. “Now please, I need my rest.”

“Good Night Miss Pie.” He replied, leaving her to sleep.
***

Above the massive asylum facing the waning light of the sun the Princess Celesta floated with wings carrying her gently across the sky, floating on the breeze that seemed oddly subdued this high up.

Celestia sighed... she wondered if she was making the right choice trusting Ivan as she had, it was difficult to even consider what he had planned for the future but...

She had little choice anyway, she was adrift in a sea of doubt and fear and nothing was more frightening then seeing all she had done come undone in such a short amount of time. It always surprised her when so suddenly an explosion of darkness occurred when it could lay dormant for hundreds of years.

She had not been prepared for this either, it seemed even fate could be circumvented at times and ruin everything, she had been so close as well...

And Twilight... poor dear sweet Twilight how could this have befallen her? Was life so cruel as to throw a child into such dark fires? Then of course she had to admit that it was, had not she left Twilight to deal with everything since she had sent the poor mare to Ponyville with the intention of showing her what it meant to truly be loved and to love in turn.

Her hopes for the young unicorn had been squandered in an instant however and now Celestia was left worried that all the work she had done to give the unicorn the strength and courage she needed to become what she was destined to be had been destroyed.

If so then Equestria’s very future was at risk.

And then there was Ivan Gared, how dangerous was it to let him loose on so many young minds and allow him freedom to move as he pleased throughout the building... now he was to be off to Ponyville with a small group of brave ponies on a journey of almost certain death...

She had wished he would keep her in the loop but she knew he wouldn’t, he wanted her to be entirely unprepared for those he had chosen, which meant the ones he had chosen would cause her to argue against him.

He was a smart one she could not deny, she had no doubt he knew her well even though they had spoken little, she worried about it and that was enough to ruin any chance of sleep this night, not that she would have done so under the circumstance...

Luna was of course busy tracking down any outside sources that may surrender a clue as to what had happened, Celestia of course was grateful for her sister’s hard work, she had scoured the land around Ponyville with some aggression, though that was probably due to her own misgivings about her past.

Celestia understood why her sister felt so animated to help, her own sanity once having been in question... but Luna wanted to do more, more than Celestia could allow, she could not risk her own sister’s sanity by letting her venture into that cursed town.

But she could risk Ivan’s, he had little sanity to begin with which made him an ideal weapon with which to strike at this unknown opponent. Inside she felt as though she could have sent somepony else, anypony else...

Yet it had all boiled down to one thing, Ivan was a Stallion of his Word, if he said he would solve this problem in a way that Celestia would accept was the best possible solution then that is exactly what he would do.

He had agreed, nopony else would have and been honest enough to keep to their words, whatever Ivan was planning it was probably for the best... though in her heart she wondered if that was just wishful thinking.

But there was another factor, a factor she trusted without a single doubt... alright maybe a touch of doubt... that factor that had set Celestia on a path of trust and hope... that factor that had brought her to Twilight Sparkle.

She sent the sun down on its inevitable path below the horizon where it would rest while the moon took its rightful place as watcher of the night. She spread her wings and banked left, her thoughts were moody as she soared across the sky above the compound in which held the insane and nothing could cure that.

Someday this would all be but a memory... until then however she would worry and continue to do so until its end.

And the night emerged and gentle stars began to glisten in the sky, and below watching from the window of her room in the med ward Twilight caught glimpse of something in the sky, something pristine and white with a flowing wash of colours trailing behind it.

Ashamed and tired she retreated from the window, afraid that her presence there would bring the wrathful attention of a very prominent Alicorn.

Author's Note

There is a fine line between Chaos and Order... I like to think I fell over that line and into the realms of chaos ages ago... then raised an army, stormed that line/wall and took control of it with little effort, thereby turning it into a staging ground with which to invade the realm of Order and force it into a cruel dictatorship that will last an eternity...

And on a more sane note, this story so far is fast becoming the most simple I have ever written, though it will have a huge feels spike towards the end, the comedy is light and yet aggressive, the way it should be for a darker shade of Disk World Stylings.