Author's Notes:

Hello everyone. Sorry for the long wait, it's kind of become a thing with this story, lol. But seriously, Episode 21 is now finally here! But there's some news I want to talk about regarding things real quick before you get on to reading the new episode. Firstly, there will be two supplementary chapters in between each season of MLP:FoG. These supplementary chapters will be put onto a new FiMfic submission which will be called MLP:FoG Stories. In other words, it'll be separate from the main story. That being said, I will also be working on ANOTHER story in between seasons one and two of MLP:FoG. This one will NOT be related to the MLP:FoG storyline AT ALL, but will be the first in a series of short stories that takes place in the Equestria Girls universe following the events of Rainbow Rocks. Also, over the next couple of days, I will finish scripting the entirety of season one of MLP:FoG. This means that (hopefully) I'll be able to get chapters out faster now, as they're all already going to be scripted. So yeah, a lot of big news for the future of the WsRoyal Productions' MLP stories. Can't wait to get on it all. Five more episodes to go following this one, so be prepared, the endgame is upon us!

As the dark shadows of the pegasi fly high above him, situating the heavy clouds to bring forth the oncoming storm, moving along the cobblestones of Ponyville East Street Market, Terra sits silently against the wall of the First National Bank of Ponyville. A sigh escapes him as he watches the citizens running about their business, his mind filled with thoughts of the events that have been plaguing the once peaceful Equestria as of late. It's funny to him. It seems almost like it was just yesterday that he was serving as Captain of the Elite Royal Guard, leading the squadrons of soldiers on dutiful missions to protect their land against any and all threats that would arise. That one specific day still echoes deep in his mind, a memory bringing both the positive and negative along with it in equal measure. A memory of when the world he knew once upon a time began it's descent into darkness.

He had been serving his country, per usual. While things were a little slow, he had been assigned the task of training up some of the newer recruits alongside the then Commander Everglade and Lieutenant Meteor Spark. Everything seemed so normal and unexciting. Then, Princess Aurora galloped into the training field, almost knocking over some of the obstacle course barrels. She told him that something was about to happen, that her advanced Alicorn magic had alerted her to an oncoming threat. Though unknowing of exactly what was to come, she told him that it was probably the threat prophesied, and that the six destined heroes had to be brought together. He didn't quite understand. What destined heroes? What prophecy? He didn't dare question it however, and agreed to do his best to help.

Surprising to him, even the princess wasn't quite sure who the six destined heroes were. So she had sent him to Ponyville to meet with somepony who she knew would know a lot more. A stallion of great knowledge, it seemed like Conan Royal was the perfect pony to see regarding this matter. He arrived at the Wordsmith's house and asked him about the six destined heroes who were said to stop an evil the likes of which the world has never faced before. Luckily, Conan had heard the legend, and had a copy of the original prophecy, including the illustrations made by Madame Esaria, who had been the one to create the prophecy. They looked over the illustration, and Conan was able to identify who the six ponies in it were.

The first was Terra himself. Thanks to Conan, he was able to locate three of the others. Devlin was the easiest to find, as he was helping prepare for the oncoming arrival of famous stage actor Sevulva Star. When he explained the situation to the other stallion, Devlin was instantly ready to help. The next pony to find was the youngest of the destined heroes, whom Conan identified as Chupa Cabra, the young and unexpected gardner. They began by going to the Ponyville Greenhouse, but had no luck finding her there. Fortuitously for him, Devlin knew the young filly, as he had helped her and her sister out in the past. They ended up finding Chupa back at her house. Unlike Devlin, however, it wasn't as easy to get her on their side. For one, there was her elder sister Chamomile, who refused at first to let her go. However, Chupa herself was also wary of this. Two random stallions show up at her door and tell her that she's some hero prophesied from long ago to save the world from darkness? Even he understands how crazy it had sounded. That's when it happened.

Screams began to explode into being. Ponies all around town were running in every direction, absolute terror etched upon their faces. And the sky, how mortifying a sight! Black stars popping up one by one in rapid succession. Covering the entirety of the country in darkness. It's as if all the light in the world was suddenly extinguished in one fell swoop. It's at that moment that Chupa believed their story, and agreed to help. Chamomile wouldn't have it though, and insisted that now that she knew they were telling the truth, she couldn't just let her little sister out into all of this. But Chupa convinced her. The words that came from her mouth, the way she spoke. She was no ordinary little filly. It wasn't until much later that he learned she was a classified genius and child prodigy.

Now they just had to find the rest. Suddenly, however, they received a summons from Princess Aurora. She wanted Terra to return to Canterlot, and bring along with him everypony who he had already gathered. Though only having half of the destined heroes, he obeyed his order and brought both Devlin and Chupa back with him to the castle. Upon arrival they learned more about the prophecy. It dated back to before the birth of the Celestial sisters. That the dark stars weren't just a coincidence, and that Sevulva Star was somehow connected to all of this. So over the next couple of days, she had them research into this and try to find out what they could, the entirety of the Royal Canterlot Archives and Library at their disposal. Unfortunately, they couldn't find anything.

The dark stars became worse, and so the princess had to act and protect her land. She sent the three ponies back to Ponyville to confront Sevulva Star and find out what he knows. Taking the train, they quickly came to the small town and began to look for information regarding where Sevulva might be. They managed to come upon another stallion, however, and his fiancée. A top-notch flyer, Agelian Wingblade, and Dinky Hooves were trying to escape everything that was happening. But Terra recognized the Pegasus. He matched the appearance of one of the destined ponies. So the three of them went to him and asked for his help. He agreed to do so, and asked Dinky to return home and wait for him.

At that time the streets were practically deserted. Everyone was so scared that they didn't dare go outside. Business were closed and a cold, eerie wind blew throughout the streets. The question remained though. Where was Sevulva Star? They went back to visit Conan again, but not even he had this information. Their only resort was to search the hotels, and so they did. Eventually they came upon the Hay & Stay Hotel, not far from Sugarcube Corner. They went in and interrogated the timid concierge at the counter. When they demanded to know about Sevulva, they were surprised to hear that two others had come in about the same thing. They got the location of the room and heard what was going on. They burst in to save the other two, and instantly Terra knew that they were the remaining prophesied ones.

That's when Sevulva harnessed the power of the dark stars, blew up the hotel, and fled. They were formally introduced to each other by Princess Aurora, who had seemingly come out of nowhere, and agreed to do all they could to fight this threat as it presented itself. That was so long ago now, yet it seems otherwise. Since then so much more has happened, and just recently, it's escalated to a horrible new height. The others had returned from Detrot and told him, Chupa, and Devlin how Dinky had died and everything that happened following the festival. The Harad, another of the Agents of Oblivion, had arrived. And now they've located the remaining Elements of Harmony. On top of it all, they then had to go to the home of Derpy Hooves and give her the bad news. The bright smile and beautiful eyes of the kindly mare as she answered the door made it all the harder. And the way she broke when they told her the news. How her smile remained on her face for just a moment, but her eyes had widened in mortified sorrow. The gaze of someone who has lost that which was most precious to her. The way she slammed the door in their face and the sounds of hysteric crying coming from within afterwards. Agelian was hurt the most out of them, and flew off after that. It's been so hard for everypony, and now it just seems like fate is killing them slowly and methodically. One by one with dreadful precision, almost like Psycho Joe's murders.

"Mr. Lionmane!"

The voice seems to break him out of his depressive daze. Those memories will never leave him, but for now, he can at least focus on something else. Trotting up at a steady speed is Officer Siren Sweeper of the Ponyville Police Force. Though the town has never had any soldiers stationed there, these cops have given their all to protect it anyways. He can respect them for that, and especially Siren Sweeper, the star officer of the force. He remembers the last time they worked together, and how things went from there. Hopefully she doesn't need him for anything of that sort this time.

"Mr. Lionmane, thank Aurora I found you," she says, trying to catch her breath after having searched the entire town for him, "I need to consult with you on a certain matter."

"What's the problem?"

"We just stopped an attempted suicide on the other side of town. A mare named Screwball wrote out a note then tried to slit her own throat. Luckily her friend had been worried about her and called the cops to check in on her. We got there right on time and were able to stop the act. We really could use your assistance here. We currently have her held at the station and under watch."

"Of course I'll help. Bring me to her."

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As he follows the stoic Officer Siren Sweeper into a surprisingly small Ponyville Police Station, Terra takes a quick look around. Despite being the head of the Ponyville Militant Task Force since Trixie Lulamoon's unfortunate death, as well as working with the police on a couple of occasions, he has not once visited the station in the past. Though now that he has, he can see why the town was in need of a task force in the first place. There's got to be no more than eleven, maybe twelve, ponies around the inside of the building, and none of them seem like they even care about what they're there to do. Instead they just sit around eating, reading, laughing and chatting with one another, or even playing games. It's as if Siren is the only member of the force actually taking her job seriously. It honestly angers him to see this, but right now he has to focus.

They pass through the short hallway, Terra glancing around at the pitiful sight before him, and soon reach an enclosed room at the back of the station. Not a single window lines the walls of the room, and the door itself is clearly made of a thick, durable steel. It's the most impressive, and probably most expensive, part of the entire station. The officer pulls out her key ring and quickly unlocks the steel door, then closes it behind them and relocks it after they walk into the room. The room seems to be a combination security and interrogation room. A table with monitors shows the entirety of the station, which is honestly very little. A tough looking stallion sits behind it and nods to Officer Siren Sweeper as they come in. In front of him, and behind the security set-up, is a large glass window, on the other side of which Terra can see the pony in question.

Right beside the window is another large steel door, this one leading into the interrogation chamber. The window is obviously a two-way mirror, so Screwball doesn't even know they're there right now. But they can see her, and the more he looks, the sadder Terra feels for her. Turning from the sorrowful mare to Siren Sweeper again, the stallion gives her an expression of understanding heartache. He too has felt anguish in the past, everypony has at least once in their lives. He knows all too well how painful it can be, and how suicide can seem like a viable option. But he knows it isn't the answer, and that all Screwball needs right now is somepony to be there for her.

He gives a slight nod to Siren Sweeper, who opens up the large door to the interrogation chamber, at which point the stallion breathes in heavily and walks in alone to confront the young mare. The door closes and locks behind him, but he knows that the other two are watching. It gives him a sense of ease, though he doubts Screwball will be violent or anything. As he trots up, she raises her head to look at the newcomer. Bitter tears flow from her eyes as she sits there, dwelling in her melancholy. Dark bags make their nest beneath her entrancing purple eyes, and her mouth hangs slightly ajar. Her mane, a beautiful white and purple, is disheveled and unkempt, and it seems that with each passing second, she nods off more and more.

It's clear that she's been without sleep, though for how long is unclear. She probably hasn't been thinking clearly, and it might be why she attempted suicide. He has to approach this with care and caution. He doesn't want to set her off or upset her even more. It'd be harder to help that way. Luckily for him, Officer Sweeper had given him some information on Screwball during their walk to the station. She's apparently been alone for a long time now, no family to speak of. Not many know her either, so she probably doesn't have very many friends. On top of it all, her name isn't even registered in the work registry, so she's also without a job. Who knows what she's been undergoing.

"Hello Miss Screwball," Terra kindly says as he takes a seat directly across from the mare. He smiles gently at her, showing her that he's there in peace and just wants to talk. She narrows her eyes at him, or maybe is just falling asleep again. Either way, the stallion sighs and continues, "I'm here to help you, but I need to know more. May I ask you about why you tried to do what you did earlier?"

Turning her head away from the stallion, she refuses to talk and just continues to silently cry to herself. It's as if she were trying to hide her emotions from him. Something is bothering her, and to a terrifying degree. He's been around enough ponies, and taken part in enough interrogations to know that much. It seems as if it's not that she just doesn't want to talk. Whatever she's hiding is so horrible to her that she can't seem to find the strength to let it out. He has to continue to be patient, otherwise he won't be able to get her to tell him anything. Without a word, he gets to his hooves and walks around the table. As he approaches Screwball, she turns her head the other way, consciously trying to avoid him. Not a word passes betwixt them, but the silence is broken anyways as a sudden gasp seems to explode from Screwball's mouth. Without warning, the stallion had reached forth and grabbed a hold of her, pulling her into a comforting, and loving, hug.

Who in the hay is this stallion and why is he doing this? What could somepony like him possibly have to gain from being kind to her? Why would he be helping her? Nopony would ever do anything like this without some kind of ulterior motives. These thoughts and more bolt around the young Earth pony's head as she sits there in this strange, unknown pony's embrace. However, as he continues to hold her, all of the pain and distrust seems to fade from her heart, replaced by the feeling of thankfulness. Just the fact that somepony actually seems to care about her for once, even if it is just a ploy, feels so good. Her tears erupt harder from her eyes and she decides to just give in. She cries hysterically and buries her face into Terra's coat, releasing all of her pent up sorrow and pain in one explosive lament. And in response, he holds her close to him and gently pats the back of her head in a consoling fashion. They remain like that for minutes on end, though it seems like much longer, and as they finally relinquish their hold upon each other, Screwball shyly thanks Terra.

"It was no problem at all. As I said, I'm here to help you, but you need to tell me more. I can't help you if you don't let me in."

"Yeah, you're right I guess," she replies, wiping her tears away as the stallion returns to his seat across from her, "I'll talk."

"Tell me then, Miss Screwball, why did you try to commit suicide? What's hurting you?"

"It's my mother, Screwy. Around sixteen years ago now she was falsely accused of...murder. During the course of the trial, she had been framed so badly that it was clear she wouldn't make it out. So her lawyer convinced her to make an insanity plea. She was sentenced to three years at the Ponyville Mental Hospital for rehabilitation therapy, with possibility of an early release if her mental state could be proven to be in a good state. It seemed like it would all be handled before long."

"So what happened then?" Terra asks, intently staring at her as he closely listens to every words she speaks.

"After the first couple of years, my father just left. He didn't want to wait for her to be released, and just walked out. I was only eight at the time, so I was forced to live in the orphanage. I had no other family. I didn't really know back then what had happened to my mother. All I know is that she had to go away for a long time. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to remain blissfully ignorant, awaiting her return.

“The other ponies at the orphanage were horrible to me. Not only the other fillies and colts, but the workers too. I was treated horribly and oftentimes would be beaten for no reason at all, other than the workers just being drunk and angry. At one point, one of the workers flaunted over me how my mother was crazy and put into the 'funny-farm'. I had no idea what she was talking about, but I soon found out. I was mortified, especially because I was led to believe that my mother really was insane. I had to know more. When I finally left the orphanage, I tracked down my father. He was a horrible shell of his former self, but he told me everything I wanted to know, even who the real killer that my mother was framed by was."

"Who was the real murderer then?"

"His name was Archer Cane," Screwball quietly replies, seemingly disgusted at the mere act of mentioning his name. Surprised, Terra contemplated this information. He's heard of Archer Cane before. He was a well respected member of Canterlot society, and ran the business that Vale Kaid once worked at. If this is true, if Archer Cane was a murderer who framed Screwball's mother, then could he be behind Vale Kaid becoming the serial killer Psycho Joe? Shaking his head, Terra decides to focus on the case at hand right now, and asks the mare to continue.

"I wasn't able to track down Archer, but at this point, something else caught my attention. I now knew that my mother was only supposed to be in the mental hospital for three years. So why hadn't she come back to get me? It's been ten years since she was taken there. So I decided to check at the hospital. The head doctor, a stallion by the name of Doctor Strangehooves, brought me to see my mother. It was horrible. She was barking and acting like a dog. I didn't understand. She did seem like she really was crazy. So I left, but as I did, I happened to see something out of the corner of my eye. Another doctor injected my mother with something, and it caused her to have a seizure. Nopony seemed to care, and so I ran away as fast as I could.

“I've been back a few times since then to check in on her, but it's always the same. Something isn't right there, and I think that somehow the doctors are causing her insanity. Just this morning, I went back to check on her again. I wanted to also try and get some evidence of what the doctors were doing to her. My camera was confiscated for security purposes, and in the end, I saw the most horrible thing. A doctor was injecting her with something right as Strangehooves and I came in. She let out a terrible, blood-curdling scream like I've never heard. I can't even imagine the pain she must have been in. The doctors told me that she was acting uncontrollably and attacking, so that they had to calm her down. No, they were torturing her. I know it.

“I just couldn't take it anymore. There was nothing I could do. The police wouldn't believe me without some kind of evidence, and who else would believe an orphaned daughter of a mental patient? I didn't want to live in a rotten world where this kind of stuff happened. I couldn't live knowing how my mom was being treated. So I tried to end my misery. They were giving my mom experimental drugs, and were forcing her into a submissive and mentally unstable state. I know they're why she's like this nowadays. Please, help my mommy! Please, save her!"

Putting a hoof to his mouth, Terra tries hard to hold back his own tears as he watches the mare before him cry in absolute sorrow and hopelessness. If all she's said is true, then this is definitely something he has to look into. Being falsely accused of murder, then forced into becoming insane by corrupt doctors. He can't even begin to understand the amount of pain this has been causing her, or how bad it's been for Screwball to know her mother's like this. Who would he be if he didn't help out this young mare begging for it? He has too much honor for that, and he will save Screwy, no matter what it takes. Getting up, he goes over and embraces the crying mare once again, whispering in her ear, "Don't worry, I'll save your mother."

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The Ponyville Mental Institution was erected thirty six years ago after mass murderer Trillion Knives claimed insanity in his trial. He scored a deal to be institutionalized in his hometown of Ponyville. Unfortunately, he had to stay at the Ponyville General Hospital. The doctors there didn't quite know how to handle a mental patient, and it resulted in the untimely deaths of three nurses, five patients, and one of the doctors. It was then that Princess Celestia and Mayor Mare decided to build a specialized institution specifically for those of mental instability. Within a year, the mental hospital was up and running. Patients from all over Equestria were sent there to receive treatment, and everything seemed to be going good. Then, the Incident of 5089 happened.

A patient managed to escape the facility and run to the mayor's office. He then pleaded with Mayor Mare to save him, insisting that the doctors at the facility were performing experiments on the patients. A few citizens heard these claims, and soon they spread like wildfire. Mayor Mare had no choice but to begin an investigation into things. She got a top notch investigative team from Canterlot to come in and check the facility out. They found nothing. The escaped patient was returned to the facility. He died only days later. The doctors claimed that he broke into the facility's drugs and overdosed. The town's citizens were divided, however. Some believed the doctors, but others believed the stories the patient had spoke of days before. Nopony knows for sure what truly happened, but ever since there have been rumors and distrust floating around concerning the institution.

Now, ten years following that last incident, it seems that rumors have begun to surface again. Screwball claims that her mother was falsely accused of murder and was put into the facility due to a last minute insanity plea. What was supposed to be three years has already turned into sixteen, and it seems that although Screwball claims her mother was never insane, the doctors have found reason to keep her there. Trotting along the street, Terra thinks about everything he's heard today and what he's going to do now. He promised her that he was going to save her mother, but what if she really is crazy? What if Screwy needs the care and attention she can only get at the facility? Then again, what if she's not?

All these questions and scenarios pop to life in his head, but no matter what's to happen, he at least has to check this out for himself. It would be dishonorable to both Screwball and himself to turn his back on the terrified and depressed mare. Even if it doesn't turn out the way he would want, he has to go there and see Screwy for himself. However, he still questions this. Is this the right thing to do at such a sensitive time in Equestria? With The Harad's attack on Detrot and the news that the Agents have found the remaining Elements of Harmony, it seems that Oblivion is getting closer to victory while Terra and his friends, the so-called destined heroes, have gotten nowhere. They weren't even able to find the kidnapped Princess Aurora. Taking time away from missions such as those to help a mare rescue her possibly falsely institutionalized mother, is it truly something to focus on?

"NO!" the stallion shouts aloud to himself, breaking away from the negative and unsure thoughts he had been struggling with, "I can't give in to this! I have to help Screwball no matter what! She's depending on me!"

Ponies around him have stopped to stare, surprised and confused by the sudden outburst from the former soldier. Seeing their judgmental gazes, Terra grows red and continues to trot along the street, ignoring the muffled chatter from everypony. He has to focus, get it together. Moving along, he thinks back to how Screwball acted and reacted while they were in the interrogation chamber. Her tears were real, that much is obvious. She definitely believes what she told him, but did she tell him the whole story? There probably could have been more to squeeze out of her, but with the condition she was in, he had decided it best to not push her too hard. Even if there is something more to this, he can figure all that out later.

Reaching the facility at the north end of town, Terra breathes in and continues forth, ready to confront the doctors and see Screwy for himself. The property appears to be well kept and actually, quite beautiful. Lush green grass surround the building. Hedges, fountains, benches and more. Even a large statue of the now five missing princesses of Equestria. The building itself is quite large and well designed. It's hard for him to believe that anything bad could happen in such a wondrous place as this.

As he continues towards the door, he sees a doctor rolling one of the patients out in a wheelchair to get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful day. It seems perfect, but almost too much so. An eerie feeling suddenly brushes over the stallion as he reaches the front door, grabbing the handle to go in. It's as if an unseen force is trying to tell him not to enter. Like something bad is going to happen if he does. But that's just silly. It's got to be his imagination, nothing more. So opening the door, Terra walks into the hospital. The inside of the building is as impressive as the out. Clean, shimmering floors, high quality furniture, pictures of beautiful landscapes, and friendly looking staff walking about the place. Yet for some reason, that unsure feeling remains within his mind. He knows that something isn't right here, but what?

"Excuse me, may I please see Doctor Strangehooves? I need to ask him about a patient of his," he asks the stallion seated at the front counter. Looking up from the copy of the Equestria Daily he was reading, a sigh escapes the young pony. Turning on the intercom, he speaks into it, asking for the doctor to come to the front counter. The sound of his voice echoes throughout the hospital for a minute, then quickly dissipates. The stallion then tells Terra to take a seat, and that Doctor Strangehooves will be here shortly.

Doing as he's told, Terra goes over to the waiting area and takes a seat on one of the plush chairs. It takes a few boring, quiet minutes, but soon a stallion in a doctor's coat walks up to the front counter and begins to consult with the pony behind it. A faded green coat and neat, shiny black mane, the doctor stands out for some reason, and once more, the precarious feeling sends a slight shiver down his spine. This is the head doctor that Screwball had been talking about, the one who showed her to her mother. There's no doubt about it. Turning, the doctor suddenly begins to walk over, and with a smile, greets Terra.

"Welcome to the hospital, sir. I'm Doctor Strangehooves. I heard you were wanting to discuss one of my patients with me?"

"Yes," Terra replies, getting to his hooves to meet the doctor on eye level, "her name is Screwy. I've recently talked to her daughter, Screwball, and I just wanted to check in on her mother for her. If that would be possible."

Eyes narrowing, the doctor nods and in a completely different tone than before, replies, "Yes, I can show you to her. I assure you though, sir, that everything is going well with Miss Screwy. Her treatment is going well, and we expect her to be out of here within a year. Miss Screwball has spoken to us as well, and seems to believe otherwise for some reason. She's got a wild imagination, but she's just looking out for her mother, so we can't blame her too much. It's good to see our patients are so cared about."

"I'd still like to see her, just to be sure. I promised Screwball that I'd check in on Screwy for her today."

"Of course. Follow me."

Those last words were harsher than the rest. Something really isn't right here, and that just confirmed it. Following the doctor anyways, Terra keeps an eye out for anything else suspicious, with the other kept on Doctor Strangehooves. The way his tone descended from kindly and joyful to almost angry is more than odd, it's dubious at best. As they continue on down the hall into the west wing, the doctor tells Terra in that same impassioned tone, "We're currently holding Screwy in solitary confinement. Last night she had gotten violent and went after me, biting onto my ear."

Shaking his head, Doctor Strangehooves' hair flips back, showing a large, red bite mark on his ear. According to Screwball, her mother had been barking and acting like a dog. Could this be part of that by any chance? The doctor uses his magic to return his hair to normal, and soon the two of them reach the padded cell. Walking up, the doctor pulls out a key and unlocks the door. Then, as he begins to open it, he warns Terra to be careful. As they go in, Terra instantly spots Screwy. She has a sky blue coat and silver mane, and seems to be ignoring them as they come in. Sitting on the floor, the mare rocks slowly back and forth while facing the wall. Every few seconds she lets out a loud bark, but then goes right back to her rocking.

"To put it simply," the doctor says to Terra, "she has a deep psychological condition in which she believes herself to be a dog. We were told back when she first arrived at the institution that she had a dog who died a tragic death when she was a filly. We can only assume that it had something to do with how she is now. It could also have something to do with the murder, and why she's in here in the first place."

"I've been told that she was framed for the murder," Terra insists, to which Doctor Strangehooves gives him a sort of glare.

"Screwball again, I presume? Listen sir, we have no doubt that Screwy had committed the murder she is accused of, the proof was overwhelming. And based on how she has become since coming here, it's clear that she has a screw loose upstairs. She needs to be here, so we can treat her and help her to one day return to society."

Pulling a small bone out of his coat pocket, the doctor throws it into the cell. Without warning, Screwy turns and pounces at it, devouring the treat rather psychotically. Turning, the doctor then begins to lead Terra out, believing that enough should have been proven by now. As he follows, Terra turns his head back for only a second, but it's all he needs. He watches as tears begin to fall from Screwy's eyes. The same kind he saw on Screwball. That seals it, something is definitely wrong here. Screwball is obviously pretending to be insane for some reason, but for what reason? Why would somepony pretend that they were crazy? Is it for the sake of the doctors, or is there something else behind all of this? He needs to find out more, and he's sure that Doctor Strangehooves won't reveal anything. As they reach the front desk again, Terra thanks the doctor for allowing him to see Screwy, and heads out to discover the truth.

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A stallion named Windy Roads was admitted to the Ponyville Mental Institution six years ago now. He chose to go there himself, claiming insanity shortly after he was fired from his job. He felt that due to the unstable mindset he had been suffering from after that, he might be a danger to society. When he asked them to be admitted, they initially refused. A test proved his mental state was in a healthy condition. He insisted though, and eventually they agreed to take him in. He stayed there for two years, refusing to leave on many occasions when told he could. Something compelled him to want to stay there, yet from what Terra saw earlier, another patient didn't want to be there at all.

That story had circulated throughout Equestria, and even Canterlot, after he was released. It was big news, because after he left, he refused to comment on the hospital and his experiences there. He wouldn't say anything good or bad about it. When asked, he would usually avoid the question altogether, or at least change the subject. No one had ever figured out why, but in the end they just began to accept it and stopped asking him as they let him move on with his life. As he walks away from the hospital, however, Terra knows that Windy wasn't talking because he was hiding something. He must know about the happenings at the facility, and possibly even about Screwy herself. At the very least, he hopes to learn more about Dr. Strangehooves. He doesn't trust that doctor, and is sure that he was hiding something regarding the falsely imprisoned mare.

Not too far away from the hospital, no more than ten minutes, Terra soon reaches Windy's home. It's a very simple, everyday little house, nothing altogether special. The flower garden in the front yard is quite beautiful, as are the decorative vines that cover the building itself. Chupa would be really excited to see something like this. A large oak tree rests in the yard, overlooking the house with authority and presence. Deciding not to waste time, however, Terra walks up to the door and begins to knock. He needs to meet with this stallion as quickly as possible, for Screwy and Screwball's sake.

A couple seconds pass, but the door soon opens. Terra finds himself surprisingly face to face with a beautiful, blue-coated mare. Definitely not Windy Roads. This must be Windy's wife, Stormy Seas. She'd been with him for sixteen years now, and supported him in his decision to go to the facility. The question is whether or not she knows anything. Has Windy even told her about what happened in the hospital? It's a gamble, and one too risky to take. He should talk to Windy himself about this.

"Hello, Mrs. Seas I presume?"

"I am. Can I help you with anything?"

"My name is Terra Lionmane, ma'am. I'm the head of the Ponyville Militant Task Force and am working an investigation for a mare named Screwball. I've been led to your husband, Windy, and I want to know if I could ask him a few questions regarding the Ponyville Mental Institution."

Pupils shrinking, and eyes widening, Stormy suddenly goes pale and just stands there, staring at him in a sort of terrified manner. That's when Windy himself comes to the door. An orange coat with light blue hair, he smiles at Terra for a second, then guides his wife away from the door. As they leave Terra's line of sight, he hears them talking for a moment before Windy returns to the doorway. Joining Terra outside, he closes the door and sighs, looking intently at the visitor before asking, "Why do you want to know about the asylum?"

"Asylum? I've never heard it referred to as such before," Terra states.

"Hospital, right? Facility, institution, home? Whatever you've heard it called, don't believe it. That place is nothing more than an asylum, a prison, a Hell on Earth. I ask you again sir, why do you want to know about the asylum?"

Windy's gaze is almost as cold and judgmental as Doctor Strangehooves', yet it's different. While the doctor seemed to be angry and hiding something, Windy's is almost that of a nervous fear. A subject he wishes not to divulge information on. A past he wishes not to relive. Yet Terra has to know what this stallion knows. If Windy can give him any information at all, it will definitely be helpful to the case. He has to save Screwy no matter what, even if it means having to discuss a horrible past with someone who'd rather forget. So, explaining the entire situation with Screwball and Screwy, Terra lets Windy know exactly why he wants to know about the "asylum". A story that captures Windy's interest, and gets him to take a seat on the step before letting out a rather heavy breath.

"When I stayed at that Hell hole, I was subjected to countless experiments. New drugs, treatments, injections of all kinds would be forced into my body. I would be strapped down on a cold metal table and one by one have these experimental injections pumped into me just to see what would happen. Because of this, I was constantly sick and mostly unresponsive. The doctors would taunt me, and ask me if I wanted to go home. Since I admitted myself there, they would manipulate me into telling them no so that it seemed like I wanted to be there."

"How did you escape then? And were you being treated by Doctor Strangehooves back then?"

"Heh," he laughs softly, looking at the sky, "Doctor Strangehooves. You met him then? I bet he gave off a suspicious vibe, huh? Don't worry though, he's not like that. No, he's much worse, Mr. Lionmane. Yes, Doctor Strangehooves was one of the doctors taking care of me, and I use that phrase lightly. In reality, he didn't do anything to care for his patients. He was the one performing all the experiments on me, and all the others as well. But I had another doctor as well. Due to Strangehooves' constant busy schedule, a doctor by the name of Zebasiz Shadowbane would watch over me when the experiments weren't going on."

"What was he like then?" Terra asks.

"Doctor Shadowbane was kind, helpful, and caring. He wanted to help me, and very openly opposed Doctor Strangehooves and his experiments. He was one of the only ones though. Everyone else seemed to be on Strangehooves' side, as if brainwashed by him. But not Zebasiz. He took me outside and let me smell the fresh air, let me feel free if even for just a half hour a day."

"I saw a doctor walking outside the facility today. He was with a patient in a wheelchair. "

"Yes, that was probably him. I've heard that these days, Doctor Shadowbane handles the more complex cases. The sort of "pet projects" that Doctor Strangehooves takes on are often co-run with Zebasiz. If Strangehooves is in charge of Screwy's case, then Zebasiz might be too. I know where he lives, and I'd love to help you out here. Doctor Shadowbane won't be home until late tonight though, so you'll have to wait a bit. But anything to put away that damned Strangehooves will be worth it. You want to save Screwball's mother. Keep that determination, and you'll succeed."

"Thank you for your help," Terra says to the stallion, "but I do have one more question for you, if you wouldn't mind. You never answered me before. How were you able to get out of the asylum if Doctor Strangehooves was forcing you into a mentally unstable state so you'd stay there?"

"I never truly escaped that Hell. It still plagues me to this day. But as for how I left, ask Doctor Shadowbane. He was behind the big escape. Now I've got to get going, my wife is waiting. If you can't do anything else, Terra Lionmane, do this one thing for me. Take Strangehooves down, no matter what it takes, even if you have to kill him. And that might just be your only option."

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"Finally, I can rest. I hate having to go in there every day, but if it gives me the chance to try and reverse the effects of Hugo's serum, then it'll all be worth it. I have to save those poor ponies, before it's too late."

Leaning back in his hoofchair, Zebasiz Shadowbane places a warm, damp washcloth upon his forehead and lets out a long held in sigh. All these years he's been working under that horrible excuse for a pony, and for what? It seems like all the work he's been doing has turned up nothing for his efforts. He's not even close to figuring out the secret behind the serum that Hugo Strangehooves has been injecting into his patients, no, his victims, that force them into an unnatural state of pre-determined insanity. All the mortifying things he sees on a daily basis, they take a deep toll on his mind. Yet through it all he still gets the chances to meet with everypony affected by his superior’s evil intentions. He can show them what it truly means to care for somepony, and understand the troubles they're going through. It's the kind of treatment they need, and the kind they deserve. Despite this, however, it still seems like nothing is getting through to these ponies. They're just too far gone.

Another exasperated sigh escapes the weary stallion as he climbs back off of the chair, getting to his hooves as a massive headache begins to pound it's way into his head. Utilizing his magical prowess, he removes the washcloth and slowly walks into the kitchen, where he places the damp rag into the sink. Grabbing a small teapot, he then proceeds to fill it up with hot water, and places it on the stove. Turning the heat to it's highest setting, he watches it, waiting for the water to boil so that he can have a nice relaxing drink. However, right as he goes to take a seat while waiting, a sudden knock at the front door surprises him, causing the doctor to nearly jump out of his coat.

Who could be knocking at this time? On that note, who would be visiting him in the first place? His family lives across the country, and he's purposely kept himself from making any friends. Who would want to be his friend anyways once they knew what he took part in? The knocking continues though, and so he figures that at this point, he might as well just answer it and tell whoever it is to go away. He can't deal with this right now. He just needs a cup of tea, a chapter or two from the newest Conan Royal novel, and then a good night's sleep before going back to that Hell hole in the morning.

Trotting cautiously over, he looks out through the peephole near the top of the door. Standing on the other side is a stallion about his size with a dark blue coat and a mane that looks like it's ablaze. This pony looks somehow familiar, but at the same time, he's sure he's never seen him before. Who is this stallion and what could he possibly want? Opening the door, Zebasiz prepares to defend himself if necessary. However, his visitor doesn't even make a move forward. A moment of awkward silence passes between them as they just stare at each other before the doctor finally asks, "May I help you?"

"I'm going to get right to the point, Doctor Shadowbane," the stallion says in a deep, yet quiet, voice, surprising Zebasiz, "I've come here on suggestion from Windy Roads. I've been told that you might be able to help me. My name is Terra Lionmane. I'm looking to save Screwy from the Ponyville Mental Institution, and from Doctor Strangehooves. Can you help me?"

"So let me get this straight. Some pony I don't even know comes to my door at this ungodly hour of the night, somehow knows who I am, claims to know a former patient of mine, and tells me that he's here to break a current patient of mine out of the hospital she's being kept in for the safety of herself and others, and you expect me to NOT report you to the police for it?"

"Uh...yes?" Terra asks sheepishly, grinning wide. Rolling his eyes, Zebasiz rubs his temple for a moment then turns back, motioning for Terra to follow him inside. Doing so, he takes a look around. It's surprising the kinds of things a doctor's house might have in it, but he would have never expected something like this. Posters from the shows Doctor Whooves, Game of Pones, Death Letter, and Cipher Giazz line the walls. A large bookshelf filled with all kinds of different stories sits against one wall, and on the other is a large hoofchair and side table. Looking back, Zebasiz once more motions for Terra, capturing the entranced pony's attention.

"Would you like a cup of tea? I just brewed a pot," he asks the guest, motioning to the kitchen table as they continue on.

"If it's not asking too much, I'd love one," Terra courteously replies, taking a seat on one of the wooden chairs. Trotting away, Zebasiz pulls out a couple of mugs with his magic and sets them upon the table. He fills them with honey and fresh tea leaves, as well as a little ginger and turmeric. The whistling sound of the water boiling inside the pot begins to hum throughout the room, and so he grabs that as well, pouring it's contents into both of the cups. He sets the pot back on the stove and proceeds to use his magic to move the water within the cups itself, stirring the tea in a certainly unconventional way. He then takes a seat across from Terra and stares intently into his eyes as he takes a sip of the still intensely hot tea.

"This is a special brew of mine. It helps stimulate the mind and keep one in good health. But regarding Screwy, why do you wish to release her from the facility?"

"Doctor Shadowbane..." Terra begins, but the doctor stops him and raises a hoof.

"Please, I am off right now. You may call me Zebasiz, or Zeb for short. I prefer to avoid the formal title when at home."

"Well, you see, I run the Ponyville Militant Task Force, and was called into a case by Officer Siren Sweeper of the police force. A mare named Screwball had attempted suicide, and told me that it was because of the situation with her mother and the facility. I also talked to Windy Roads, and he told me that there has been some very shady happenings going on at the facility, but that you were opposed to Doctor Strangehooves’ actions. I came here to ask if there's anything you might be able to do to help with this case."

A tear seems to well up in Zebasiz' eye as he contemplates this for a moment. He then nods and tells his guest, "You came to the right place then. It's unfortunate, but true. The facility is a place of corruption and terror. Experiments done on the patients, unknown serums injected into them. It's awful, but it wasn't always like that. Twenty years ago, somepony else was the head doctor of the hospital. Someone who truly cared for the patients and did everything in his power to help them recover, not make them worse."

"It was you, wasn't it?"

"Yes. I loved my job. Getting to help others and make a difference in not only the lives of the patients, but their families as well. It meant so much to me, and still does. But around sixteen years ago, the board elected to demote me for some unknown and unexplained reason. They replaced me with Hugo Strangehooves, a prodigal young doctor who had begun only a year before. He didn't have the right to be head doctor, nor the experience. I mean, he had skill to be sure, but was still too new. I was a doctor for five years before I became the head, and I worked hard to achieve that status. I assume that by now you've heard about why Screwy was admitted, right?"

"Around sixteen years ago she was framed for murder by Archer Cane, and her lawyer called for an insanity plea for three years in the institution when they realized they couldn't win, right?" Terra asks, reiterating what he had heard from Screwball earlier.

"Well, yes and no. It's true that she was framed for murder, and that an insanity plea was called for, but it wasn't by her lawyer. The prosecuting attorney is the one who called for the plea. No one was quite sure why, but she made a valid case for it. Screwy became upset at that and began lashing out during the trial, only adding fuel to the insanity claim. The judge then agreed to sentence her to three years minimum at the facility with chance for early release if and only if the doctors could provide the court with a clean bill of mental health. Hugo was already in charge by that time, and decided to take Screwy as his patient.

At that time, no one would have ever dared suspect Hugo of anything, not even me. He was a model doctor; talented, smart, kind, and hard working. But then, when he took Screwy in as his first patient, the experiments began. He began to administer a non-cleared medical serum to Screwy. A strange, green injection that before long had the mare barking like some kind of dog. She soon began acting like one as well, and it just progressed from there. I believe it to not only be the experimental drugs, but also conditioning and some kind of dark magic. About a year later, Hugo had the board assign me as his direct inferior. I would work with his patients when he couldn't. So I began to care for them, to TRULY care for them. I had to do something, and that was all I could."

"Why didn't you tell the board about this!? Or even report Doctor Strangehooves to the police!?" Terra asks, angered by the new information he's received, but also angry at the fact that no one has become a whistleblower for this travesty yet.

"It's because of Hugo himself. He's a master manipulator Terra, and has been blackmailing the staff. We can't say anything. We can't do anything. Some of the staff just began to go along with it. They convinced others, and soon, everypony was in full support of Hugo's experiments. I was the only one who refused to play along, and so he continued to blackmail me so that I wouldn't talk. He won't even let us quit."

"Then how and why are you telling me now? Aren't you afraid of what he'll do if he finds out?"

"I've had enough of this! I've met Screwball before. She's a beautiful, lovely young mare. For her to have been driven to attempt suicide because of this!? I will not stand for his actions any longer! I will do everything in my power to help you save Screwy from the hospital, even if it means I have to give up everything!" Zebasiz shouts out, standing to his hooves and knocking over his chair. Smiling, Terra thanks him and begins to tell him his plan.

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As the harsh brightness of the morning sun rises over the Equestrian horizon, Terra and Zebasiz walk up to the old comic book shop in the town's central square, which closed only around a few months ago. Just recently, however, the building was reopened as the new official headquarters for the Ponyville Militant Task Force. Already standing there, beside the currently locked building, are the four ponies Terra had called to arrive. Last night, after his meeting with Zebasiz had ended, he sent out a last minute letter to Canterlot, telling Captain Everglade to bring Commander Meteor Spark and two other guards and come down to Ponyville first thing in the morning. Now there they stand, as requested, waiting for the former captain and his new friend to arrive.

As the two of them walk up, they salute the four members of the guard honorably, who then do the same. Stepping forward, Captain Everglade then asks with a cautious and unsure smile, "So Terra, what was so important that you needed us to come all the way out here this morning? We do need to continue our search for Princess Aurora you know. Have you found anything new that could lead us to where the princess is?"

"Unfortunately no. This doesn't have to do with the princess. It's a completely unrelated case that has been brought to my attention yesterday. There's a corrupt doctor at the town's mental health facility. He's performing illegal and dangerous experiments on his patients, including a mare named Screwy, who was falsely accused of murder and put into the hospital. He's been experimenting on her and using a mysterious substance to induce her insanity. Doctor Zebasiz here, the only member of the hospital's staff who isn't corrupt, will be helping me take down the head doctor, who's behind it all, and save Screwy from the pain and horror she's been put through for the past sixteen years."

"That's..."

"...I know, ma'am, that it may not seem THAT important on the surface," Terra says, interrupting the Captain, "but believe me, this is something I absolutely need to do. I made a promise to Screwy's daughter and am now honor-bound to do everything I can to stop this horrible travesty. I understand that finding and rescuing the princess is of high importance. It's probably THE most important case in Equestria right now. So I do plan to return all my focus to it upon finishing this case. I cannot turn my back on Screwy though."

With a deep sigh, Captain Everglade looks at her predecessor with a gentle smile and replies, "Well there's nothing we can do to stop you, huh? You're not a member of the royal guard anymore after all. If this is really something that you have to do, then I guess I have nothing else to say."

"Yeah!" Meteor suddenly shouts out, smirking over at the former captain with a salute, "don't worry about it! We'll make sure that we do our absolute best out there! We've already sent out Captain Scootaloo and the Wonderbolts to perform another aerial search, and even Devlin and Chupa went with them again. We will search like never before! So you go out there and do what you have to do!"

"You're a little too okay with this all," Everglade says, glancing over at her inferior officer.

Looking back, Meteor salutes the Captain and tells her, "Forgive me ma'am, but is honor not an integral part of being a soldier in the Canterlot Royal Guard? Did we not take a pledge of honor upon being sworn into service? Terra is not even a member of the guard anymore, and he's out there living by that same code of honor. He's trying to save somepony who can't save themselves, putting aside everything else just to make sure this mare he doesn't even know makes it out alright. Is that not the kind of honor we pledge ourselves? Is that not a deeply respectable trait, ma'am?"

Smiling at the pure moxie of him to speak to her that, Captain Everglade nods and gives Terra a salute as well. Saluting back, Terra thanks the Captain and then begins to head out, Zebasiz at his side, in the direction of the mental health facility. They're ready to finally confront Doctor Strangehooves for the final time, and put a permanent end to his horrible experiments. Meanwhile, Captain Everglade turns to face the three soldiers under her command, and proceeds to order them to do just as Commander Meteor had said, and search like never before.

With a loud "yes ma'am", they salute their Captain and head off in haste to begin today's search for Princess Aurora. However, one of the guards remains behind, trotting up to Everglade instead. Raising an eyebrow, the Captain watches as the grey-coated stallion steps forth and lowers to a knee. He wears a typical guard's helmet, under which he has s mid-length black and blue mane. Rising, he salutes her again and asks, "Ma'am, may I please talk to you for a moment?"

"What do you need soldier? Present yourself to me and answer quickly. We have a mission to attend to."

"Yes ma'am! I am Infantry Second Unit Lieutenant Juan Diego Gumila! And I would just like to tell you something about Princess Aurora, ma'am! Just a quick moment of your time."

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The doors of the Ponyville Mental Institution explode inward, knocked right off of their hinges by a massive burst of magical energy. The staff and patients in the lobby cry out in surprise as two stallions slowly walk in, surrounded by the smoke billowing from the door frame. Hardened and ready to do everything and anything to save Screwy and the other victims of Doctor Strangehooves, the two of them walk in with resolution and look around. The doctor is nowhere around it seems. Trotting right up to the front counter, Terra gets right into the now terrified secretary's face and demands, "Call Doctor Strangehooves, NOW!"

Nodding nervously, he gets on the intercom and speaks out, "D...D...Doctor Strangehooves to the front...counter please..." He then turns back to Terra and gives him a look as if to ask if he did well. Rolling his eyes, the stallion swings his hoof at the secretary, knocking him into the back wall. Without much damage done, the pony slumps unconscious to the floor below. A scream rings out and the remaining staff begin to run out through the destroyed doorway, panicking over the sudden attack on the hospital.

A galloping sound from the west hallway is heard, and within short time Doctor Strangehooves runs out, his expression being that of immense consternation. He sees Zebasiz first, causing him even more surprise. Doctor Shadowbane is supposed to have the day off. However, he then notices Terra as well, who had gone back towards the doorway to help a pony who had fallen whilst trying to escape. Looking between them, at the destroyed entrance, and at the ponies outside who are still running away from the facility, he yells out, "What the Hell's going on here!?"

"What's going on is something that's been a long time coming!" Zebasiz replies, anger growing on his face and in his heart with every spoken word, "Enough is enough, Hugo! I'm done pretending that what you're doing here is ok! I'm done just sitting around and letting you get away with experimenting on innocent patients! Things are going to change, and it's going to start with you going to prison for all of this!"

Stepping forward, Terra walks right up to the doctor and adds, "I know everything Strangehooves! The experiments, the drugs, the mysterious serum you've been giving to Screwy and the others to induce their mental instability! It's time to end this, once and for all!"

"Heh, do you really want to do this?"

"We do! We demand you step down right now and surrender! We don't want to have to hurt you, but we're fully prepared to if we have to!"

"Wow! You are so cliché! Do you not remember, Zeb? Your mother's quite the sickly one. She's here as well, and with one simple word, I can have her life ended just like that. No, actually that'd be too easy. I'll make her suffer instead."

Without even a second's hesitation, Terra leaps at the doctor, spearing him into the front desk with all of his might and force. Pinning the stallion against the desk, he yells for Zebasiz to go to the police station and get Officer Siren Sweeper right away. Looking down, Zeb grunts that he can't stay to help. But he knows he's not a fighter and that he'll be more of a burden if he stayed. He needs to do whatever he can to help, and the best way to do so right now is to get the cops. Running out, he leaves Terra there to take care of the doctor, knowing that his new friend won't let Doctor Strangehooves do anything to his mother.

Glaring at the doctor and gnashing his teeth, he grunts out, "I won't let you cause anypony pain ever again!"

"It's unfortunate. Pain can be such a great thing. It can be so exhilarating, or even freeing. Screwball knew that, and it's why she tried to take her own life. She wanted to be in pain, not to stop it. But your little police friends had to stop her before she could feel that rush of adrenaline that comes with the fear of being hurt. Did they really save her? One has to wonder...Honor."

Stepping back in shock, Terra's eyes widen. "What did you just call me?"

"See, you're getting it now. Did you really think this was a mere coincidence? After so many attacks, after Detrot, after Dinky. Did you really think The Harad was the last you all would be seeing of us for a while? If your little club of "friends" are as dense as you, how long do you think you'll all survive? Who's next? Star, Devlin, or how about little Chupa? She's the fresh meat of the group, that's for sure."

Roaring out in anger, Terra begins to attack the doctor, sending punch after punch right at his face. However, to his immediate surprise, Strangehooves lets out a psychotic laugh as he begs, "MORE! MORE! Hit me again Honor! Oooh, it feels sooooo good! No? Then how about I take a turn?"

Pushing Terra away with surprising force, Doctor Strangehooves suddenly begins to rise up into the air. Watching in shock as he notices that the doctor is opting to not use his magical powers, and is floating upwards by some other unknown force. The laughter coming from his mouth becomes higher pitched, sounding crazier and crazier as it goes on. Suddenly, syringes begin to manifest themselves out of nowhere, and float around the doctor as he levitated there in mid-air, his hair spreading outward. Using syringes as weapons?! Terra notices they're filled with an odd, glowing, purple serum. What is that, and what will it do if it injects into him? He doesn't even want to think about it.

However, he doesn't have to worry about it, as a few seconds later, the syringes turn towards Doctor Strangehooves and inject into him instead. The laughing intensifies to a completely unexpected height as he pushes the plungers with the same unseen, unknown magical force, injecting his body with the contents of at least a dozen of the needles. Screaming out in a combination of a painful wail and pleasured laugh, he begins to violently pulsate. Then, a few seconds later, he just stops. Head slumping downward, he smirks and laughs again, this time quieter and more controlled than before.

"My name is Hugo Strangehooves! I am an Agent of our Lord Oblivion! And pain is my pleasure!"

"What was it that you injected into yourself!?" Terra yells out.

"The serum? Oh, that was just a little drug of mine. It's a non-lethal toxin that causes severe physical pain throughout every single part of the body when injected directly into the bloodstream.," he replies as he twitches wildly and laughs again, "it's as I told you, Honor. Pain is my pleasure. I adore the feeling of pain, it makes me all giddy inside. And you know what I love even more than being in pain? Sharing that pleasure with others!"

Bulleting down at Terra, he surprises the former captain as he flies right into him, forcing him back. Pinning him to the ground, the doctor pulls out a considerable sized syringe from his pocket. It too is filled with the pain-inducing serum. Seeing it, Terra begins to struggle to escape. He doesn't want that horrible stuff injected into his body. However, no matter how much he tries to force Hugo off of him, it proves ineffective. The Agent is just too strong. Shoving the needle into Terra's neck, the doctor pushes the plunger, injecting the serum into his newest victim as he lets out a manic, terrifying laugh.

Less than s split second passes before the pain begins to surge throughout his very blood. A mortifying, intense pain as if a thousand suns had been condensed into a blade that is now slicing into every part of his body at once. Hugo floats back up into the air, giggling at the sounds of the screams echoing from Terra's throat. Eyes widening as much as possible, mouth forcing itself open to release the pain-filled sounds of a pony who can't do anything to fight back. Laying there on the ground, he rolls in place and just yells out. He can't let this defeat him though. So with the most strength he can muster, he lifts up his hoof and bites down as hard as he can. He has to try and take the focus off of the pain in the rest of his body, even if it means causing other pains.

Still giggling, Hugo floats there twitching madly as he continues to inject himself with more of the serum. He sees his victim try to block out the pain through biting down on his own hoof, and raising an eyebrow, uses his magic to remove the hoof and pin all four to the ground. Terrified beyond anything he's ever felt before, Terra begins to scream again as the pain retakes him. Hugo's laughter is joined by pleasured moaning, a soft cooing sound from the ecstasy he feels at his own pain, and the screams of his new victim. Biting down on his lip, he injects himself again and unleashes another burst of wild, uncontrollable laughter.

Suddenly, the voice of a multitude of ponies galloping towards them distracts the doctor, and looking over, he sees Zebasiz running back with the entirety of the Ponyville Police Force following behind. Grinning madly, he barricades the open doorway of the facility with the secretary's desk and other furniture from the waiting room. He then turns his attention back to Terra, who's writhing in pain so badly that he's barely conscious anymore. Once again, he drops downward and slams right on top of the victim. The blood-curdling scream that explodes out afterwards is like nothing Hugo had ever heard. The sound of the pain felt from the serum and the breaking of the stallion's ribcage is like the best kind of drug to him.

Blood begins to leak out of Terra's open mouth and his eyes roll back into his head as he finally loses consciousness. Bending down, Hugo's smirk fades for a moment. However, it returns as a terribly evil idea enters his mind. Licking the blood from the side of the pony's mouth, he giggles quietly and whispers into the unconscious stallion's ear, "Don't give up now, buddy. The fun's only just begun." Suddenly, he kicks his victim right in the crotch. The sensation of the attack awakens Terra again, only to begin screaming at the pain still flowing through his veins.

"I need you to hear this, and pay attention, because I'm only gonna tell you once. This toxin that I've injected into both of our bodies is something I like to call Happy Juice. You see, it tricks the brain into believing that the body is in severe pain. Now, this pain does come in stages, but once a stage occurs, it doesn't go away. Others just begin to build atop it until you get one big stack of hellacious agony! Isn't it absolutely wonderful!?"

Looking down at his victim, who hasn't stopped screaming for a second, he giggles and asks, "Still don't get it though, do you? Let's put it this way, Honor. The first pain felt is white hot slicing pains, as if you were being cut open slowly and methodically with blades hotter than Hell itself. Next we have the sensation of being shot to pieces over and over again while your teeth are being pulled one by one, third is being buried in white hot flames that lick sensually at your body, and the fourth stage is having your limbs torn apart chunk by chunk. The fifth stage is my personal favorite though. Just imagine, on top of everything else that's already erupting within you, the feeling of being castrated as slowly and painfully as possible. JUST IMAGINE IT, HONOR! DOESN'T IT MAKE YOU AS GIDDY AS ME!?"

The screaming escalates to the point where Terra's mouth is being stretched so badly that the very fibers of his flesh and coat are tearing at the corners. The blood coming from his mouth meets with that now bursting from the sides and pour down onto the floor below. The sounds of Zebasiz and the police on the other side of the barricade can barely be heard over Terra's reaction to the "happy juice" as they attempt to get in anyways. However, none of it matters anymore. Hugo can see now that he's won. The so called destined hero of Equestria is done for. He won't last much longer, which of course Hugo sees as a bit of a shame, but in the end, it has to be done for Lord Oblivion's goals to be reached.

Smirking down at the squirming body of his victim, the doctor then drops down again on Terra, aggravating the already shattered ribs of the pony. Pulling out more syringes, he proceeds to inject him with more and more of it as he taunts, "Someone like you, who isn't used to the toxin, will suffer much more beautiful effects. The pain your mind makes you believe your body is in will transcend that and cause physical effects on your body. It brings you as close to death as physically, mentally, and emotionally possible. But it just misses going over the edge. Isn't it wonderful!? Now, how about we go for a few more, or a few dozen! Who's counting!? Oh, and by the way, when I finish with you, how about we take care of Screwy, and of course Screwball after her. Like mother, like daughter. Both shall have a taste of the happy juice as well."

Closing his eyes, Terra suddenly summons up an enormous amount of strength, pushing Hugo off of him. The doctor manages to regain his composure quickly, only to see his victim somehow forcing himself through the intense pain and climbing to his hooves. A shocked grimace rests on his face, but then he smirks again and says, "I'm impressed by your willpower, Honor. You're definitely stronger than you look. An ordinary pony probably would've tried to kill themselves by this point, but you powered through it, and even managed to stand back up. But do you realize the toll it's putting on your body to do that? Shattered ribs, deadly pains shooting through your body. You won't last."

"Y...Y...You're...wrong!" Terra grunts out as he struggles to keep standing, "it's...not my will...power that's allowing me to...push through this pain. It's...it's....IT'S MY HONOR! You've taken Screwy's honor from her these past sixteen years! You've made her suffer so much, and for what? What possible reason could you have to do this to ponies!? WHAT DID YOU EVEN DO TO HER!?"

"Why? Because it's fun, that's all. Don't expect any more profound reason than that, Honor. Oblivion told me that I could have fun, and I took full advantage of that. As for what I actually did to her, it's simple. The serum I had been injecting Screwy with wasn't my happy juice, no. I didn't want to waste that on her. Instead I used a simple mental control serum. It dissolves the mental activity of whoever it's injected into to a degree that they're easily influenced by anything. I simply manipulated her into believing she was a dog, and it all went downhill from there. The real question here is, what are you going to do about it? What do you honestly expect to accomplish when you can barely stand up?"

"It's not about me, Hugo. When I was a kid, I got to meet someone. A certain princess of Equestria who taught me that friendship is magic. I didn't know what Princess Twilight meant back then, but recently, my mind has been cleared on that little mystery. I never forego the opportunity to help restore the honor to those who have lost it, and now, I have a question for you. Why don't we hear the sounds of Zebasiz and the police anymore?"

"WHAT!?"

A scream echoes out from behind Hugo, who turns right in time to see somepony he hadn't expected. Lunging at him, Screwy slams the doctor down to the ground and begins to bite at him. As Hugo tries to fend off his attacker, Zebasiz and the police come in from the hall and smile over at Terra, who motions for them to hold off for now. Stepping forward, Terra pats Screwy on the head and tells her to back off for a moment. Nodding, the mare gets off of her victim and backs away.

"Such simple mistakes Hugo. You may have blocked off the front door, but what about the other entrances to the building, such as the ambulance bay?"

"HOW!? HOW ARE YOU MOVING STILL!? WHY ARE YOU NOT IN PAIN!?"

Laughing himself now, Terra winces slightly and replies, "The pain's still here. It looks like you're the one clueless this time, so let me elaborate. Nothing is more important to me than the lives of others, and my honor won't let me abandon them, even when I'm in this much excruciating pain. I'm struggling through it because I know I need to, because ponies like Screwy and Screwball NEED me to. And on that subject, unfortunately you also had one other misstep here."

"What's that?" Hugo growls as Terra holds him down.

"You thought you had me in your control," Screwy suddenly says, still growling slightly at the doctor. "Your drugs never worked on me. The barking, acting like a dog and all, I was faking it. I knew that someone would come to save me some day, so I kept up the act for sixteen years, even...even when my daughter came. I had to."

"BUT HOW!? WHY DIDN'T THE DRUGS WORK!?"

"Because Screwy is not only innocent, but she's of a very sound mind. Your drugs didn't affect her because she refused to let them. You told me that I had honorable willpower, well what do you think of Screwy's? Isn't she just as admirable?"

"Let's find out exactly how strong she is then," Hugo laughs. Once again he pushes Terra off of him and rises into the air. He then bullets down at Screwy, grabbing and lifting her up into the air with him. Everyone watches in horror as he summons dozens upon dozens of syringes of happy juice. Screaming out for somepony to stop him, Terra winces again at the pain his body is still in. He's unable to do anything. The cops begin to lunge for him, leaping off of furniture and walls to try and get to him. Some of them even using their magic to lift them higher up towards him. However, none of them can reach where he is.

"FOR OBLIVION!"

One by one, Hugo begins injecting every single syringe into Screwy's body. The terrifying sight completely breaks Terra, and he falls down in defeat. Zebasiz looks over at his friend and snarls. Summoning up his magic, he shatters the wooden desk blocking the door, and taking the sharpest shard he can find, throws it at Hugo. Laughing, the doctor notices the attack, and in desperation, holds Screwy in the way. Time seems to stop as everypony watches the wooden spike pierce the mare's stomach. Blood flows out and her eyes widen as it goes right through her.

The grin on Hugo Strangehooves' face disappears as well, replaced by a horrified look of shock as the wooden spear that has passed through the meat shield of Screwy enters him now too. A scream escapes him, different from the pleasured one he had given before, and in the blink of an eye, he disappears. Falling to the ground below, Screwy slams onto the floor, splattering her blood all over. Running up, Zebasiz grabs Screwy and orders the police to take her to the Ponyville General Hospital's Trauma Center right away. Meanwhile, the pain becoming too much, Terra once more passes out.

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As he slowly begins to return to consciousness, a deep breath escapes Terra's open mouth. The pain is gone, no longer spread across the whole of his body. However, most sensation is missing. He can't seem to feel much of anything right now, and as he breathes in again, his eyes flutter open. Surrounding the stallion, with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces, are all of his friends. Everypony who has been there for him and always will be. Star, Bri, and Chupa. Devlin, Agelian, Scatter, and Fluttershy. Spike and Zebasiz, and even Screwball. All of them are there for him, and as they watch him return to his senses, a cry of joy echoes out amongst them.

Bending down, they simultaneously hug their friend. A sudden sharp pain surges through his body though, and following a short outcry, they release him in a mix of surprise and fear. Rubbing his shoulder, the stallion slowly begins to try and move, wanting to get up into a sitting position. Zebasiz and Screwball step forward and assist him in this, then back away after as Bri steps up, asking him with worry in her eyes, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I think so. I should be fine. But what about Screwy? What happened to her?"

Smiling, Screwball's tears explode out even heavier than before as she lunges at the stallion, gripping him in a tight hug despite knowing the pain it causes him. Wincing, Terra smiles down at her as she cries out to him, "She's going to live! My mother's going to live! You saved her!"

"She's healing in the other room right now," Star tells him as Screwball continues to squeeze the life out of the stallion, "she's been hurt badly, and it'll take a while for her to fully heal, but the doctors say she will make a full recovery in time."

Smiling, Terra leans back against the headboard of the hospital bed, thinking about everything that had occurred. After the Detrot incident, it's pleasing to know that nopony died this time. So much of that has been plaguing them lately, and they need a break. Unfortunately now it seems that the Agents of Oblivion are becoming more active. What could this mean? Wait, what happened to Hugo Strangehooves? Did he escape then? Asking the others, Terra looks around in fear.

"He escaped," Zebasiz replies to Terra's chagrin, "he disappeared into thin air, and we haven't seen or heard anything regarding him since. Officer Siren Sweeper did have a warrant put out for his arrest though, and has sent the news to the rest of Equestria. He will be caught eventually."

"As for you," Scatter suddenly speaks up, "you're going to be fine as well. The doctors have taken care of your injuries, and although you are going to have to take a lot of time off to heal, you'll be able to make it out of this in one piece. The mental facility, however, will have to shut down now, and all the patients are being transferred to Canterlot."

"Wait, then what about Screwy and Zebasiz!?"

"Don't worry about me Terra," Zeb replies with a gentle smile, "I can move to Canterlot if I need to and work at their facility. My mother's being transferred with the other patients, so it'd be helpful for me anyways. Screwy will be released with a clean bill of mental health. After all of this, she's more than capable of proving her mental stability and capacity for conscious thought."

Shaking his head, Terra stares right at Zebasiz and replies, "No, I want you here. Join the Ponyville Militant Task Force. We could definitely use somepony like you, especially while I'm healing. And don't worry about money either. We'll make sure everything is well taken care of for both you and your mother."

"Wow...thank you. Thank you so much," Zebasiz says, tears forming in his eyes at the generosity, "I'll do anything and everything to help with the task force. Whatever you need."

Nodding, Terra and the others then share a well deserved laugh. Smiles spread across the faces of everyone in the room, and it seems as if all is finally going to be alright. A few minutes later, as they discuss things regarding the recent news from The Harad about the Agents having the remaining Elements of Harmony, a nurse walks into the room, pushing a cart. Terra straightens up, seeing the food and more on the cart, and thanks the nurse ahead of time.

Everypony gets back and allows her entry. Trotting up, she sets the food on a standing tray on the bed. It's not the most exciting meal, but if it'll help him heal, Terra will eat anything. Smiling, he thanks her again, at which she smiles back and asks him, "Would you like a hot towel for your head to relax? Or anything else I can get you?"

"The hot towel is enough, thank you again," he responds. She passes him the towel, but as she does, it begins to unfold. Something drops from the folds and onto the stallion's lap on the best. He looks to the nurse, who seems as confused as he is, and then down to the object, which he then lifts up to get a better look. A golden hoof gauntlet that's embedded with a sapphire jewel. As the others all look at the gauntlet in shock, staring at what can only be an Element of Harmony, Terra smiles and once more leans back against the headboard. They're now much closer to saving the world and stopping Oblivion once and for all. Though he does wonder how he got the Element of Honor. Did defeating one of the Agents have anything to do with it? Maybe The Harad was lying and trying to throw them off. Whatever the case, they do now have another key to the salvation they're striving for.

Before anypony can begin to celebrate, however, the door to the hospital room bursts open once again. This time it isn't a nurse or even a doctor who enters, but instead Commander Meteor Spark. Running in with panic on his face, the stallion bolts right up to Terra's bedside and despite panting heavily from running all the way there, he manages to tell him, "Captain Everglade! It's...It's her body! We found her body at Ghastly Gorge! She's dead!"

Episode 22 Preview
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She's missing! We haven't seen her since she found out! The mail office hasn't seen her either! Please, you have to help us find her! Help us find Derpy Hooves!