> Mind Twist: The First of The Insane > by TwistedSkittles > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Lost and Almost Found > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A little black pegasus whizzed by. She flew above the trees of the Everfree Forest, the wind whipping her blue and green hair. Her red eyes watered from the speed she was going, which had to be faster then the blue rainbow-maned filly she had once seen. Mind Twist had seen the blue pegasus make a Sonic Rainboom, but was she brave enough to venture through the Everfree? Mind Twist did not see what the other fillies were afraid of, for she saw no monsters or terrifying creatures at all. Just beautiful birds and squirrels running about. It was a beautiful day to fly. As the filly ran her hoof through the tops of the trees, she saw a shiny blue rock. "Huh?" Mind flew down to the rock, which was giving off a strange blue glow. "Mind Twist!" Her mother called from somewhere. "Mind Twist where are you?" Her father called. They were looking for her, but she ignored them, still gazing at the rock. "Yeah, yeah, just a sec!" She called. Mind Twist slowly reached out her hoof at it. "MIND TWIST! NO!" Her parents suddenly dived at her, trying to stop their daughter from touching the beautiful rock. But it was too late. In a flash their daughter was gone. ...... Suddenly, Mind Twist found herself inside the Ponyville Hospital. She had arrived at the waiting room, which was empty besides her. Mind Twist looked around and realized she was alone. The bright sun was seeping through the windows, yet something did not feel right. Where were her parents? "Hello?" She called. "Helloooo?" Suddenly a blonde unicorn with blue eyes and a pink coat came in. She looked around for the voice, then saw Mind Twist. "Ah, Mind Twist, come with me right away." She said in slightly cheerful voice, and without another word, she suddenly turned down a hallway, expecting Mind to follow her. Mind had to run to keep up, and it wasn't helpful that the unicorn was speed walking. Mind tripped a few times, due to her tiny legs, yet the blonde never looked back. "Excuse me miss, how d'you know my name?" Mind Twist asked once she had caught up. The unicorn, who continued to speed walk, answered "Oh I know everypony, sweetheart. It's part of my job." Mind Twist was not sure of what to make of this strange pony calling her "sweetheart." Only her parents said that. But she had no time, for they had arrived at a hospital room. "This is one of the emergency rooms." The blonde told her. "Why did you take me here?" Mind Twist asked. "I'm not sick at all." The blonde merely smiled a fake smile, then frowned. "I'm afraid I have some terrible news. This room contains your parents." She threw back the curtains, revealing two ponies in casts, with many needles and tubes sticking to each of them. Mind Twist shivered at the sight of two things. First, she hated needles, everything about them. Second, those weren't her parents. They had to be still wondering where she went after she touched that weird blue rock. "We found them yesterday in the Everfree Forest. They were attacked by timberwolves, both nearly dead. They are lucky that we rescued them just in time. A filly named Rainbow Dash found them. Could you tell me why they were out in the Everfree?" The blonde said. Mind Twist gasped. This was all her fault. "I-I was just flying above the forest. I didn't mean to wander off without them. I thought they would catch up. A-a-and then I saw this shiny blue rock, so I really wanted to touch it. Next thing I know, I'm here at the hospital." She said quietly. She felt ready to cry. Don't be a baby! But it's my fault! So what? At least you're safe right? No! Why didn't I listen to them? We could all be home right now...eating breakfast..... "I see, a blue rock you say? I'm afraid that type of rock has mysterious powers that even the Princess doesn't know of all of them. You were brought here, who knows why, and have time traveled. I cannot explain how, for I'm afraid nopony knows, and nopony will know, right Mind Twist?" The blonde gave her firm look. "Oh, oh, yes. I won't tell anypony." She saluted the blonde and looked back at her parents. This is a dream. More like a nightmare. Those aren't my parents! They can't be! Face it, they are. No, any moment I'll wake up. THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING, IT'S NOT REAL!! Mind Twist shouted in her head. "Good girl." The blonde said. For some reason, those two words were suddenly stuck in Mind Twist's brain. See? You're a good girl. Good girls don't leave their parents in the forest. Shut up!! I'm a good girl! "I would like you to follow me to another room, we must do some tests on you. It will tell us if the Moonstone has affected you or not." The blonde suddenly rushed out of the room, once again excepting Mind Twist to follow. The filly raced after her. "Why? Is it bad?" Mind Twist asked her. "There's just some effects." The blonde answered. "I'm sorry I never caught your name." Mind Twist told her. "Just call me Misses." She said. "Oh, okay Misses" Mind said. They came to another room, with a large padded chair. "Just sit there for now I'll be right back." Misses directed the filly. Mind Twist obeyed. Misses left room, then appeared a moment later with a two more ponies in masks that covered their muzzles. They all waved at her as they came in. "Okay Mind Twist, just sit back and relax. We just have to check a few things. Just do what we say, okay?" One nurse said. Mind nodded and leaned back in the chair. They soon began checking her eyes, sticking a popsicle stick in her mouth, the usual check up things. This is stupid, it's just a dumb rock. I mean, what could it do? Shut up and let these weird ladies work! Why? This whole hospital is stupid! Why can't you just leave and go back home to see your parents? Because my parents are here you idiot! Mind Twist began frowning angrily, and the nurses had noticed this. "Is something wrong?" Misses asked. "No! I mean, no, nothing is wrong. I'm perfectly fine." Nice going, now they think youre a creep. Shut up!!! "Are you sure?" Another nurse asked. She looked at Misses, who wrote something on a clipboard. Mind Twist suddenly began to panic. What had she wrote down? Could she go home? "Mind Twist, I'm afraid you have some of the effects of the Moonstone. You will have to stay here while we get the shot ready." Misses said when she was done writing. "A needle?" Mind's eyes widened. "Yes, it will be very quick. We will have it ready by tonight. This is the first time we will be using the antidote in a long time. You should feel very honored." Misses flashed her a fake smile. The filly raised her eyebrow at this. "O-okay, but what about my parents? Will they be okay?" She asked. The nurses exchanged worried glances. "We....don't know. We are waiting to see what happens." Misses responded. They will get better and you can be one big happy family again! Yeah! But only if you be a good girl.... I will be a good girl, I know I will! > A Shot of Strength > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ugh, why is this is so stupid? I bet our parents are happy and talking right now. They just don't want us to see them. Our parents? Us? What are you talking about? Duh, I’m your conscience. You know, that little voice in your head that tells you what to do, and gives you advice on decisions and tells you right from wrong. That kind of stuff. Oh, okay. And yeah this is stupid. Why do I have to get this shot anyway? Mind Twist was sitting alone in a hospital bed when the door opened. Misses peeked her head inside. “Hello Mind Twist. I see that the most of the effects haven’t gotten you yet.” She told Mind as she walked in. Most of the effects? What does that mean? Mind Twist checked herself over, finding nothing wrong with her. Misses merely smiled even more at the filly. “It’s time for the shot now. Please, follow me.” She said as walked out of the room. Mind Twist leapt out of bed and followed her. Surprisingly, Misses was not speed walking. In fact, she looked behind her shoulder often to make sure Mind was coming. They arrived in front of a black door with four locks. As Misses unlocked the door, Mind Twist shivered, a chill creeping up her spine. When the door opened, it revealed a dark staircase with a small light bulb on the ceiling. Misses smiled even more at the sight of it, then began walking down the stairs. “Come little one, your medicine awaits.” She said happily to Mind. The filly hesitated for a moment, peering down the stairs. They were very steep and they creaked as Misses walked down them. She followed the pony, who had already begun unlocking another door, much darker in color than the one before. The heavy door opened, and revealed a eerie hallway. As the ponies walked, Mind Twist saw many doors in the hallway. Some were empty padded rooms, others were full of medicine and needles. One looked to be a cafeteria and another was a break room for the staff. They came to a nice clean room, similar to the regular hospital rooms. Except for the metal table with leather straps connect to it. “Now just lay down on the table like a good girl.” Misses instructed her. Like a good girl. “I’ll strap you in so your nice and safe.” Misses continued. This didn’t feel right. if she was only getting a shot, why were they in here? “But-” She started. “DO IT!” Misses suddenly screamed. She was no longer seemed an innocent blonde pony. Mind Twist, afraid of what would happen if she didn’t, quickly lifted herself onto the cold metal table and laid down. Misses strapped her wings, her legs, her stomach, and her tail into the table. Mind squirmed, and found she could barely move. “Now, just hold still.” Misses told her. The pony reached over and pushed a red button on a wall. Suddenly red lights flashed and an alarm sounded throughout the building. About ten nurses came in, and one was holding a long needle with a blue liquid. Now look what you did! You were bad so now they have to punish you!! No! I’ll be good!! I want to see my parents!!! Mind Twist squirmed and shut her eyes tight as the needle was inserted in near her shoulder. I want to see them!!! Immediately she felt a sharp sting. Mommy! She opened her eyes and started squirming more, finding easier. Daddy! Her heart started beating faster, pounding in her ears, sweat beaded on her forehead, she felt a rush of energy and squirmed even more. THEY LEFT US!!! YOU’VE BEEN A BAD GIRL!!!! Her head was suddenly filled with many voices as they screamed at her. AND NOW YOU’LL NEVER SEE MOMMY OR DADDY AGAIN!!! “SHUT UP!!!!!” MInd Twist screamed. She used her newfound strength to bust out of the leather straps. She violently pushed the nurses aside as they tried to stop her. She flew towards the door, kicking it open and flying as fast as she could. She flew through the black doors and towards her parents room. She burst into the room, and was just in time to see both heart monitors make two long beeps as the hearts both stopped. "NOOOOOOOOO!" Mind Twist screamed. She was now in shock, and hardly notice that many nurses dragged her away. > An Unknown Friend > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A bright light shined from the ceiling. Mind Twist groaned and held up her hoof to block the light. She sat up and found herself in a small room with a metal ceiling, walls, and door. "Mommy? Daddy? Is this my new room?" She asked out loud as she looked around for her parents. The room was empty. Of course it is! She told herself. They wouldn't just leave you here. But what if they did? What if this is my punishment for not being a good girl? No! You were good! You did what Misses told you to do. You took that stupid shot and then you woke up here. Just then the heavy metal door opened, and a guard came in. “C’mon runt, it’s lunch time!!” He barked at her. As the filly hurried out of the door, the guard stuck his hoof out and tripped her, making Mind Twist fall flat on her face. Her anger rose quickly, and her thoughts became violent. The guard laughed as Mind Twist slowly got up. She growled at him like an animal and slugged him in the face, sending him crashing into the wall, which had been about ten feet away. “YOU BIG MEANIE!!!” Mind Twist screamed. She felt the anger go as soon as it had come, and quietly walked into the cafeteria. Since she was too short, a nurse came over and helped her with her food. Mind Twist learned that her name was Nurse Redheart. Redheart was a bit nicer than the other staff, and she sat with Mind during lunch. Mind Twist looked around and found that no other ponies were eating besides her and Redheart. “Where are my parents?” She asked the nurse. “I am afraid they are gone right now.” Redheart said firmly as she ate her sandwich. “Oh, okay. Maybe they’ll stop by later. Then I can go home right?” Mind said softly, hope filled her voice. Redheart frowned at the little pony and put her sandwich on the table. “Excuse me a moment.” She told Mind as she walked away. > A Nurse's Call > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nurse Redheart walked out of the cafeteria quietly. Her mind began to fill with memories of the other ponies who had once been trapped down here. The beating, the threats, the screams that filled the air. They were all gone. They secretly buried in the graveyard. Many were suicide, others were beaten, some were scared to death. Redheart shivered at the memories. Now the little filly had to go through the same thing as the others had. Hopefully she would last longer. The nurse shook her head at the thoughts. You’re going soft again. It’s bad enough you’re on probation. Redheart told herself. It’s not that she wanted to torture any of the ponies, it’s the fact she had to. It was her job. Without his job, she was nothing, and her boss knew it. That’s why she was offered excellent pay. To work, and to keep her mouth shut. The entire staff knew of the Wing and what they did to the Insane. The staff also knew that they could easily end up in a padded room if they ever spoke a word of any of this. Those who had were locked up along with the pony they had told. After a few months of torture, slop to eat, and padded rooms, they fit in right with the other ponies of the Insane. Fighting their own minds and inner voices. As Redheart pulled out her phone, she looked to see if anypony was watching. She held the phone to her ear and heard a voice answer. “Hey boss. I have news." She told the voice on the other end. "The experiment went as planned, she has no memory of her parents’ death.” She paused to hear what voice said. The nurse sighed and ran her hoof through her mane. “Got it, same treatment as the rest.....oh....thank you.” She hung up and went back to the cafeteria, where Mind Twist was to be waiting for her. > Violent Minds > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mind Twist had heard everything. She had flown up to the ceiling, sticking to it like a spider. She had no idea what the nurse meant by “No memory of her parent's death” or “treatment as the rest," so she zipped back to the cafeteria. She was just happy that Redheart was back. “Hi Ms. Heart, did you talk to my parents? Are they going to let me go home?” Mind Twist asked her happily. “I’m sorry but no, they’re-” Redheart was cut off by Mind Twist, who had suddenly looked ready to kill her. “LIAR!!!” Mind screeched. “YOU JUST WANT TO THEM TO KNOW I’VE BEEN A BAD GIRL!! I’VE BEEN GOOD!!! I AM A GOOD GIRL!!” The filly threw Redheart across the room, then raced to her room and shut the heavy metal door with a slam. Inside, she realized she was out of breath as she leaned against the door. She clutched her head, which was hurting from a huge headache The door was cold and felt nice on her skin. Yet the anger in filly remained strong. Look what you did you idiot!!! Shut up!!!! This is all your fault!!!! Shut up!! I bet your parents are happy without you. I said shut up!!! Because you’ve been a BAD GIRL. “I SAID SHUT UP!!!!” MInd Twist yelled violently and turned around a punched the door. She saw that she had left a small dent. Then she looked and saw Nurse Redheart struggling to get up. She had broken the nurse's back leg. Mind Twist gasped and realized what she had done. She started banging the door more and more. “Redheart! Are you okay? I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Please still be my friend. I have no pony else here……” > Time and Rebellion > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few years had passed. Mind Twist was now a no longer a filly. She had spent all of her time in the Wing. She had gotten stronger, a bit more violent, along with her inner demons. The other patients had learned to avoid her, even if some of them were worse. A few had a physical disorder, most were mentally ill. There were a few serial killers, a drug dealer, a stallion obsessed with blood, and a few others. Over the years, the Wing and it's staff grew worse. There was beating, horrible slop for meals, and so many blood curdling screams echoing the hall. Nurse Redheart grew apart from Mind Twist after the incident. She would sometimes catch Mind's eye, then quickly look away. Other days she would look straight at her, as if she wasn't there. But that was okay with Mind Twist. She became used to the feeling of loneliness, after all nopony wanted anything to do with her. There about nine patients in the Wing, including Mind Twist herself. They had all been imprisoned for one of two things; they were a bit different or off, or they were suspected to know too much. Now, a very bored Mind Twist was slumped against a wall, bouncing a tennis ball on the wall so that it would come back to her. She heard a noise outside in the hallway. She caught the tennis ball and stood up to look out her tiny window. Outside she saw Nurse Redheart struggling with a blue pony on a leash. The blue pony was growling like an angry dog as the nurse tried to drag her into a padded room. Another pony, purple with a curly mane and purple dizzy eyes, had ropes tied to her as she tried to fly away from another nurse, who was determined to let her escape. More? They've taken so many already!! Do something you idiot! Make your parents proud!! Maybe, if I set them free, they'll realize I'm a good girl and let me go home. That's it! Now go save them!!! Mind Twist flew towards the back wall, so that she was facing the door. She suddenly flew towards the door with her front hooves reached out. She collided with cold metal, yet made a large dent in the door. She repeated this again and again. The four ponies outside of the door froze as they heard the pony inside, as if they were in a horror movie. Then suddenly door came off, hinges and all, and went flying violently into the wall. Mind Twist buzzed in the hallway so fast that she was a black blur. She swept down and scooped the two new patients into her arms and onto her back. "Hang on! I have to get you out. I have to!" Mind Twist felt the strong feeling again, but it was determination instead of anger. She zipped throught the hallway, searching for a way to escape. Suddenly she felt something tug on her, slowing her down, she looked and saw that the blue pony was ready to fall off, hanging on with Mind's tail in her mouth. The blue pony began to fall, she howled as she fell, for the group had been very high above the ground. Mind Twist dived, her hooves reached out to catch the pony. She was so close to the pony, when suddenly a yellow glow came from her. The blue pony was being levitated by magic and something was holding Mind Twist any the purple pony she had been carrying. Mind Twist looked and saw that the magic was from Misses, her yellow magic matching her blonde hair. She looked angrily at the three patients as she lowered them to the ground. She still held them firmly in a line with her yellow magic. "MIND TWIST!!!" Misses yelled sharply. "How dare you try to escape!!" She marched up to the pegasus. Mind Twist frowned angrily at Misses. "You know what they do to us here. I'm surprised I haven't tried it before." She hissed. Misses looked ready to scream. She began to march back and forth in front of the three ponies. Mind Twist gently rolled the tennis ball to the purple pony, who was beside her. For the dog. Mind Twist mouthed to her. Purple nodded and carefully hid it behind her front leg, mouthing a thank you in the process. "Stupid, lazy, shitty little FREAKS!!! Misses screeched as she came back around, not noticing the tennis ball. "GET TO YOUR ROOMS!!" She yelled. She used her magic to make another new steel door magically appear, and opened it to Mind Twist's room and quickly levitated her, slamming her violently into the wall. The heavy door closed with a bang. Mind Twist got up and dusted herself off. Although she was very sore, she couldn't help smiling at what she had did. Her first major act of rebellion. > To Leave a Letter By the Scar > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After the trying to help the blue and purple ponies, who Mind Twist had learned that they were named Screw Loose and Screwball, the pegasus was on severe probation. About a half hour after the event, a guard had come in with a whip. MInd Twist was given four new ghastly scars on her back. One for herself. One for Screw Loose. One for Screwball. And the last one for the escape. It wasn’t the first time she had been injured by one of the staff. When she was a filly, the guards would trip or kick her, and laughed as she would land on the hard floor. Once when she was a filly, a few guards, when nopony was watching, had once snuck into Mind Twist’s room while she was sleeping. One grabbed her by the throat and started shaking her. Little filly Mind tried to scream but the guard covered her mouth. “If you ever tell anypony about us, we will beat you and leave for the Timberwolves just like your parents.” He sneered. The words themselves seemed to pierce her skin. Mind Twist was ready to kick him right in the face. She was searching for the feeling of anger and strength that always seemed to pop out of nowhere, yet all came up was a cry for mercy. The guards laughed and started kicking and punching her. After what seemed like forever, they finally left. The filly could barely move, for they had broken several bones. It seemed the older she got, the more injuries and beatings came. Whenever she was punished, she had rolled into a little ball just took it. She learned not to scream, for the guards would often smile and laugh whenever she did, making it more amusing. Mind Twist had also learned how to stop bleeding with napkins and to ignore the feeling of somepony brushing against her scars and injuries, which had once scared her to know that they could feel her pain. A few of the bruises remained, and the scars they had given her would never go away. The other patients also had a few, but nowhere near as many as Mind Twist had. They would watch her as she would walk past, whispering to each other and then looking at their own injuries. Today, MInd Twist was not allowed to leave her room. She had attempted her fifth escape. Everytime she would go on probation, never allowed outside her room for a week, then two weeks, then it was a month. The punishment would last longer after every escape. This time it had been a month, and her it was just a few days until her punishment was to be lifted. Mind Twist was now looking through the notes that Screwball had slipped underneath her door. Ever since she had stuck the post-it note to the tennis ball she had given her, the two ponies would occasionally slip notes to each other. Glad to meet you Mind Twist. The blue pony is Screw Loose. I am Screwball. Thank you for attempting to save us. The first had said. Screw Loose is in here because she thinks she is a dog. I am here because ever since the Mane Six defeated Discord, they say I have been “disrupted.” I do not understand what they mean. The only thing that has changed is my appearance, thanks to Discord. Said another. Mind Twist pulled out the latest one. Will we ever get out? Mind Twist pulled a pen and a napkin she had kept in her tail, which was now thick and gnarled, and wrote her response. I don’t know. I was the very first of the Insane. And I’m still here. > To Survive and Learn > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mind Twist had pulled another piece of paper out of her tail. It was very old and tattered, but she could still read it perfectly. PEGASUS FAMILY INCIDENT About two days ago two pegasi were found barely alive in the Everfree Forest by local filly hero Rainbow Dash. It seems that they were going to be eaten by the timberwolves when Rainbow scared them away. She immediately got help and the pegasi couple were taken to the Ponyville Hospital. Police found that their daughter Mind Twist is nowhere to be found. Today, the pegasi couple have both sadly passed away, their funerals will be on Monday at ten o'clock sharp. Their hearts gave out at the exact same time, a very rare thing to happen in Equestria. Princess Celestia expects everypony to be at the funeral and on the lookout for Mind Twist. Please Ponyville, I myself also expect you all to be there. Mind Twist had wondered what this story meant about her. Redheart had given it to her when she was a filly. She would occasionally take it out and try to figure out what they had meant. She still had no memory of her parents’ death. She suddenly heard her metal door being unlocked. She quickly slipped the papers back into her tail and put her hooves in her lap. The door opened, revealing Redheart with a tray of food. Mind Twist looked at her old friend with surprise, and then looked away. “Thanks for the food Ms. Heart.” Mind Twist said, as she called her as a filly. Redheart furrowed her brow at the “Ms. Heart.” but handed MInd Twist the tray of mashed potatoes and the fork. “You’re wel-” Redheart started, suddenly Screw Loose came barking and she ran into the room as guards chased her. She raced around Nurse Redheart, knocking the pony over as she circled out of the room again. The nurse stood up angrily at reached out and grabbed Screw Loose by her collar. She dragged the dog/pony towards the cafeteria, with Mind Twist close behind. Redheart kicked the cafeteria doors open. They slammed against the wall, yet stayed open. The patients who had been eating lunch all looked at the angry nurse, with Screw Loose still gripped in hoof. She dragged the pony over to a counter and pulled out a sharp knife, leading to everypony’s eyes widened in fright. “THIS WILL KEEP YOU QUIET!!!” The nurse screeched at Screw Loose. She raised the knife in the air, then started slicing Screw Loose’s throat when Mind Twist tackled the nurse, the bloody knife slid across the room. “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?” Mind Twist yelled at the nurse. Redheart was on her back , and looked like she was ready kill the nurse right then and there. “I thought you were the nice nurse!!! You can’t just treat us like a monster just because we're different!!” She gestured to Screw Loose. Screwball and another patient were holding napkins to her throat, try to stop the flowing blood. The red dripped out onto the floor onto the pony’s feet. Suddenly there was a loud noise of somepony pounding on a door from somewhere in the Wing. “I SMELL BLOOD!! WHERE IS IT? I MUST HAVE IT!! BEAUTIFUL BLOOD!!!” The voice shouted. It came from the Bloody Stallion, as the staff called him, for he was obsessed with blood. It made Mind Twist sick to her stomach. “NOW LOOK WHAT YOU DID!!” She shouted at the nurse. Mind Twist raised her hoof, ready to strike the nurse, when her bright red eyes met Redheart’s, who were begging for mercy. Mind growled and striked. Redheart shut her eyes, then opened them when the pegasus’s hoof slammed the floor, merely inches from her head. The cement floor was cracked due to Mind Twist’s strength. “That’s a warning.” Mind Twist said sharply. Mind turned and to her surprise saw Princess Luna standing in the hallway. She had her wings tied and a metal cage around her horn. The alicorn had seen what had happened. Mind Twist caught her eye. Then without a word, Luna walked away. There was a sound of a door being shut, then silence. Mind Twist walked over to Screw Loose. The pony was still bleeding badly. She kept silent, for she was afraid to speak, but Mind Twist could see she was very much in pain. “C’mon Screw Loose. You stay here all your life and you’ll pick up a few things how to survive.” Mind Twist beckoned them and lead them to her room. She opened the heavy door easily and went to her secret compartment. She grabbed as many napkins as she could and some ointment and walked back to Screw Loose and Screwball. “Hold still Loose,” Mind told her softly. The blue pony understood and immediately froze. Her eyes watched Mind Twist carefully as she gently took her collar off and gently started wiping the blood away. Mind cleaned up the red liquid as best as he could. Screw Loose was still bleeding badly. “How will we make it-” Screwball began, but the pegasus had pulled up a nurse’s shirt. Mind ripped it and then tied it around Loose’s neck, then carefully put the collar on, hiding the bandage and most of the wound. “Just keep your collar on at all times. The guards will make it worse if they see it.” Mind Twist told the two ponies as she finished securing the collar. “There. Now you’re going to need this.” She gave Screwball the shirt. “Change the bandage every three to five hours. I would help you myself but I guess I’ll be stuck in my room for a while.” Mind Twist opened the door for her friends. When they got to the door way they turned. “You really know a lot don’t you?” Screwball said. Mind Twist nodded firmly. She looked at the dark hallway before them. “Yeah, it happens when you’re here and everything seems to last forever. If I ever go home I can show my parents. I could teach them. Then they’ll know that you really can live and learn.” > Red and Silver > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why the buck is Princess Luna here? Because she’s insane like us. No she’s not! But still...I have heard that she is Nightmare Moon. But what’s bad about the dark? Nothing! That’s what I don’t understand. I bet Celestia sent her here. Maybe. Nopony else should be sent here, especially Luna. Why not save her? Because you idiot, she’s locked up in that weird room with chains and everything. It’s like a dungeon in there. Maybe so but- Ugh!! Shut up already!!! Why don’t you? SHUT UP!!! Just then Mind Twist heard a bloodcurdling scream. Mind immediately busted her door down and flew to the direction of the scream. It came through the Bloody Stallion’s door. She looked inside and saw a nurse being stabbed by the stallion inside. She gasped and broke through the door easily. Inside, she flew to the ceiling, trying to avoid the Bloody Stallion, who was jumping due to being an earth pony and trying stab her. The nurse, who Mind did not recognize, was screaming as her blood flowed through her many deep stab wounds. “BLOOD!! I TOLD YOU I SMELLED BLOOD!!” the Bloody Stallion screamed at her. "GIVE IT TO ME!! I HAVE TO HAVE IT!!!" He threw the knife at her. Mind dodged it and the dagger went into the wall, sticking to it from the red splattered ooze. It was blood. It seemed that the entire room was splattered in it, and it made Mind Twist sick to her stomach. She had never been in this room before, not because nopony was allowed, but needles and blood made her want to throw up. As the severley injured nurse was still screaming, the door burst open revealing Misses and about ten guards. The guards immediately tackled the Bloody Stallion, and Mind Twist gently took the nurse, who had finally stopped screaming, out to the hallway. She was put on a cot and was rushed off by two other nurses. Mind Twist flew over to Misses, who watched the injured nurse leave. "Is she going to be alright?" Mind asked her in a quiet voice. "No, she is going to the graveyard as we speak to be buried." Misses answered, not a hint of symphony in her voice. "So you're just going to kill her and then bury the body like nothing happened?" "Who said anything about killing?" "What? What kind of hospital is this? She was still alive and everything!" Mind Twist argued. When Misses gave her a cold blank stare, Mind Twist gasped. "You're going to bury her alive?" "It's part of our job. Death is not a decision." Misses answered. "Now I suggest you get back to your cell before I send the guards on you." She threatened as she walked away. Death is not a decision. What the hay does that mean? It mean we have to do something about it. To defend yourself. A streak of silver caught Mind's eye. It was the dagger that the Bloody Stallion had used. Nopony had noticed it. Mind Twist flew silently past the guards, who were still dealing with the Bloody Stallion. She looked around to make sure nopony was watching, and peeled it off the bloody walls. Mind winced at the liquid, then zipped quickly to her room. I guess this room can be useful Mind thought as she opened a secret compartment on the floor. Her room had once been some sort of panic room, incase the staff needed a place safe from the Insane. Now they had taken everything out, leaving a cell with a steel door and a secret compartment. Mind Twist took out a nurse's shirt, a brand new one that she had stolen, and used the sleeve to clean the dagger. Once it was clean, she wrapped the knife in side the shirt and placed it back into the compartment. She closed the door gently. Then went to a corner and curled up to fall asleep. > A Monster's Reflection > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few months had passed, and today a new patient had come. She was a grey pegasus with blonde hair. At first Mind Twist had seen nothing wrong with the pegasus. Maybe she had got caught, like a few other patients had, for knowing too much of the Wing. But then Mind got a good look of her face, and saw her yellow derped eyes. "But you can't take me away. The Doctor needs me!!" The grey pegasus cried. "There are other doctors here Ditsy." Misses said to her. "It's Derpy," she frowned crossly. "And seriously doubt that they're the Doctor I'm looking for." Misses lead the grey pegasus to a room. She glanced at the hallway, then saw Mind Twist's watching them from her opened door. "Don't even think about it Mind Twist!" She called. "You're lucky I haven't tried getting Luna out yet!" Mind Twist snapped. Then she turned to Derpy. "Nopony should be here. Get out while you still can. Don't turn into the others!" Mind shut her eyes tight. Most of the patients were dead. Beaten to death or suicide. About a month ago the Bloody Stallion had just cut himself so much that he had bled to death, laughing at the sight of the red ooze. His room was still stained a bright red, for they could not get all of the blood off the walls. Everypony watched in horror as they dragged his bloody body out the door, and soon word of the suicide spread quickly through out the Wing. Misses pushed Derpy inside and used her magic to shut both her and Mind's door, nearly squishing her head in the process. First Screwball, then Screw Loose, and Princess Luna and then that pegasus. Her name is Derpy. Right. Got it. So who's next? Nopony I hope. There's been so many already.... And they all turned a little insane. Insane. That's what they call us. I wonder why.... Mind Twist shook her head violently. Focus!! We need to get them out of here. We need to warn them. How? Easy, just follow my lead. Mind Twist kicked the door open. Then she flew to Derpy's door. She peeked inside the tiny window and saw Misses chaining up the sad grey pegasus to a chair. How could they!? Most are just stuffed in a straight jacket in a padded room. It's us violent ones who are chained up or put in a metal room!! Mind Twist screamed in her head. Her anger suddenly rose and she opened the door violently. "Get out! I told you to get out!" Mind yelled as she flew around the room. "Get out while you still can! Nopony can escape the screams and the memories! NOPONY!" She seemed to be crying out in fear. She saw that the two ponies were cowering in fear at her. What's wrong with them? I'm trying to warn her! It's you. They see you as the monster. Am I really that violent? Am I the one that ponies fear? Yes. But I'm no monster!! I'm not! She looked at Derpy, who was ready to scream. Mind Twist angrily looked at mirror that leaned against the padded wall. A barely recognized pony met her eyes. She saw that her eyes were glowing red more than usual. Her mane was tattered and the fact she had not slept for days was no secret. Her flank still had no cutie mark, yet she was a full grown pony. She looked ready to kill somepony, and might have if she hadn't paused. It was her. Mind Twist. I really am the monster. She thought quietly to herself. Mind Twist's eyes filled with tears, making them glow even more red, and quickly buzzed out of the room. She flew straight back to her room and slammed the heavy steel door shut. As she wiped her eyes, Mind paused to look at her hooves. They were covered in scars and bruised. The newer scratches and scars were a bright red compared to her jet black coat. Mind growled angrily at the sight of them. She pounded them to the metal floor, then zipped to the door. As she looked through the small window she saw Nurse Redheart. "LET ME OUT! I WANT TO SEE MY PARENTS!" Mind heard herself screech. She started pounding on the door violently. "I'M NOT THE MONSTER! YOU ARE! YOU ARE THE MONSTERS!!" > Another Soul Plucked > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It had been month since Derpy had arrived. Mind Twist had locked herself in her room, as a punish to herself for becoming the monster she thought she was. She hadn't heard much about the others of the Insane. Only a few of them were still alive. Luna still spoke to nopony. Screwball had stopped slipping notes long ago. Derpy only knew Mind Twist as a raging lunatic, as did the others, and Screw Loose has escaped. Twice. One was about a while ago when she had slipped past the staff. They were too busy panicing about 'stolen slippers' and 'Daring Do book.' Mind Twist thought she had heard the name of the pegasus who had taken the book. Rainbow Dash. It was in her newspaper clipping, but because she made no sense of anything to the article, it left her very confused and she would merely shrug the name off. The second time Loose had escaped was a few days ago, early morning. The tired staff had just begun their duties when Screw Loose suddenly bit a doctor's leg and ran off. While the staff went his aid, only Nurse Redheart noticed that the pony had slipped away. The nurse had run off and came back about three hours later with Loose in leash. Now, Mind Twist was sleeping when she heard a noise. She lifted her head and then flew to the window. The hallway was empty except for a pink pony. She's here for you!! She's here because of you're parents! Really? She could help us get home! To see Mommy and Daddy! But only if you be good! Shut up! I will be good! You better be.... Shut up! Be a good girl. "SOMEPONY HELP ME! PLEASE! SOMEPONY! ANYPONY! PLEASE! I WANT TO GO HOME!! I'LL BE GOOD!!! I PROMISE!" Mind Twist screamed. She began pounding on the door violently, trying to get the pink pony's attention. The pink pony crept over hesitantly. Mind Twist backed away, ready for her to open the door. She could see the pink pony stretch her neck. Then there was Misses creeping up behind her with a rag in hoof. Mind Twist darted for the window, her red eyes only showing through the glass. "Behind you!" She shouted. But her warning could not be heard as the pink pony screamed in fright. Misses cut the scream short as she suddenly held the rag to the pink pony's muzzle. Soon the visitor went limp, and Misses began dragging the body away. "No! What did you do to her?!" Mind Twist yelled to Misses. But the unicorn was too busy as she placed the body into an empty padded room. A few minutes later Misses came out again with only a rag, a bottle of liquid, and a sharp needle. "That'll keep her out for a few days." Misses muttered to herself. Screw Loose's door opened and Redheart stepped outside with a whip. She shut the door and then walked over to Misses. "Another one??" Redheart gasped as Misses shut the new pony's door. "She saw me catch Screw Loose away!" "Don't worry. We won't have to deal with her for a while." Misses chuckled. "It's amazing what medicine and a few spells can do." Redheart nodded, and the two ponies walked away. What medicine and a few spells can do. Misses's words echoed through Mind Twist head. Medicine and a few spells. > A Flash of Pink > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It had been a week after the pink pony had been caught. Mind Twist could hear her pounding on the door and screaming for her friends, as Mind still did. Although she called for her parents, not her friends since she didn’t have any outside the Wing. The day after she was caught was going to be the day she started school. Mr. Flatsberg was going to teach the class. The older fillies dreaded him, saying that he had to be the most boring of all teachers. With his flat droning voice sounding like a robot as he mumbled on about history and math. Screwball had told Mind that now a pony named Cheerilee was teaching. MInd Twist liked the name. It made her think of flowers and smiles and all the happy things she loved as a filly. “Good morning everypony!” Mind imagined her saying. Cheerilee smiled at the little fillies. “Did everypony have a good day?” “Yes Miss Cheerilee!” the class would say unison. “That’s great! Today there’s no homework!! Just making crafts and eating snickerdoodles!” Cheerilee announced. “YAY!” The class announced. “And Mind Twist, today we’ll help you get your cutie mark!!” Cheerilee said to Mind Twist, who would be sitting in the class room. “We can go on all these adventures, like skydiving and pet sitting!!” Mind Twist smiled at the thought. She wondered if Cheerilee really as nice as she sounded. Mind didn’t dare to ask anypony, she didn’t want it to ruin her little classroom paradise. The pink pony had stopped screaming a while ago. Now the meal bell went off, and she could see the doors of the other patients open up. They went to their meal, including the pink pony, who walked over to Derpy. They talked for a moment, and Mind saw the pink pony glance at her door. Then she saw a frightened Derpy follow the pony’s gaze, then they entered the cafeteria. They’re talking about how to escape. Are they? Because they looked like they were talking about me. No, obviously it was how they are going to let you free. That new girl knows something about your parents. She’ll be able to tell you all about them. She can get you out, she can help you. Mind Twist nodded at the thought. But how do I talk to her? I’m stuck in here for the next month already. If I escape again I’m not sure how long I could take it. Mind Twist ran her hoof over the bruises and the swollen muscles that she had been receiving for the last few weeks. Her last escape had been her thirteenth, and for every attempt the beating would increase in weapons, power, length, and time. They would last longer than the last, and there would be more and more each day. If she escaped now, who knows what would happen. Mind Twist shivered. Do it! Staying here is a sign of weakness! You have to show them that you won’t give up!!! YOUR PARENTS NEED YOU!!! The voice in her head shouted. It gave her the sudden strength and determination. She started to pound the door, for she always used this technique to escape. YOU NEED TO GET OUT!!! BOOM!! Went the sound of her body smashing against the heavy door. YOU AREN'T AS BAD AS THEY SAY!! BOOM!! THEY NEED YOU OUT THERE!! BOOM!! YOU'RE A GOOD GIRL!! BANG!! The heavy door ripped off and crashed into the wall violently. Immediately Mind Twist flew into the cafeteria. She could see the others of the Insane hiding in fear at the sight of her. She didn't care. She had learned to ignore it all long ago. This was her chance to have a taste of freedom. As Mind Twist continued to fly around the room, she saw a flash of pink. It was the new girl, watching Mind with both interest and fear. She knows how to escape!! With that Mind Twist dived for Derpy and the pink pony's table. She felt the wood snap beneath her as she landed, but she ignored it, focusing only on the pink pony in front of her. "YOU!" She yelled to her. "New girl! You have to get me out! I have to find them! Are they out there?" She rambled. "Who?" The pink mare replied nervously. "My parents! I have to find them! I have to show them that I was a good girl. I'm a good girl!" Mind Twist heard herself yell. She was panicing, and her voice was rushed. Are they here? I bet they're hiding!! There has to be someway to escape!! Mind Twist screamed in her head. She looked around and noticed her ears were flopping. She slammed her hoof on the table in frustration. "They locked me up here! They think I've been a bad girl but no I'm good! I'M A GOOD GIRL RIGHT?! I-I have to see them!" She screeched. She was trembling and tears filled her darting eyes. She blinked to stop them, and saw about five guards coming up to her, ready to take her away. "NO! I WANT TO SEE THEM! LETMEGOLETMEGOLETMEGO! NO STOP IT!" She screamed at them as they grabbed her and dragged her away. “I PROMISE I'LL BE GOOD!" Then she was tossed into her room and the door slammed shut. Mind Twist ran up to it and continued to scream and pound her hooves on the door in anger and frustration. > Filly Killer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The staff had had enough of Mind Twist. A guard would come in every day and beat and whip her for hours upon end. She would be left alone, curled up in a little ball. She would shake and cry as she saw the blood flow from her. This continued day by day. Mind Twist was not to be outside of her cell for another two months, along with an increase in torture. All Mind Twist could do is constantly live in fear of somepony opening the door. Her food would magically appear in front of her on a tray by one of the unicorns of the staff. The only time door was ever opened would always reveal a guard and a whip. It wasn't always the same guard. It would be a different one each day. Some beatings were shorter and less fierce, most felt that they lasted forever, and Mind Twist felt she was ready to die. Everyday Mind Twist would drag herself to her secret compartment. She would try her best to stop her injuries. She saved her water from her meals to washing the blood away, and to use it in her bandages. She was very low on napkins. A nurses shirt was very rare now that she was locked inside. She would rip some cloth from the guards' shirts as they beat her. Now, it was new day, and Mind had yet to receive her daily tortue. She was laying in a corner, breathing hard. Yesterday had been gruesome. She held a napkin to her right front hoof, applying pressure to the deep gash. The blood was not flowing as bad as it had been yesterday, but the napkin was turning a bright red. Mind Twist winced. No! She screamed in her head. She heard a pony outside her door. She dragged herself to her secret compartment. No more! I can't take it any longer! She pulled out the dagger hurriedly as the door clicked. She scrambled to the corner, forcing her to sit up as hid the knife behind her back. It was so quiet, she could hear the blood flowing through her ears. The door swung open. Mind Twist could not see who the guard was, the lights made him only a silhouette. The pegasus breathed harder and gripped tightly on the dagger behind her back. The door shut, and Mind Twist gasped. It was the leader of the group who had snuck into her room as a filly. They had nearly killed her, and by the look on the stallion's face, it looked like he still wanted to. "Hello little Mind Twist." He sneered. "Having fun being one of the freaks in here?" "No. No more." Mind Twist's said weakly. "Please...just this one day, no more...no more." She wheezed. "No more? Well that's great to hear since this is your last day." He laughed evily. "To be alive." He laughed again. "I see that dagger, no need to hide it from me." Mind Twist moved it from her back and pointed it at him. "I might as well use it then." She said. "Oh silly Mind Twist, have you forgotten how to share?" He suddenly grabbed the dagger from her and stabbed her arm. Mind Twist gasped and clutched her arm, trying to stop the blood. "What? Did you think I forgot about our little night visit a few years ago?" He laughed and clutched her throat. He leaned and whispered to her. "I wanted to kill you right then and there. But the guys wouldn't let me. So when I heard there was a little opening to spend time with my favorite little freak, I happily volunteered." His warm breath filled her ear. "I've been waiting all this time." He slowly started poke the dagger in her stomach, but Mind Twist kicked him in the face. The stallion went backward, dagger still in hoof. Mind dragged herself to the right corner near the door. "Help. Help!" She called. She coughed up blood violently. "Oh they can't hear you silly pony." The stallion's nose was bleeding but it didn't keep him from having a creepy smile on his lips. He came up to her a raised the dagger in the air, ready to strike. "Nopony will hear the screams." He struck, but Mind Twist grabbed his arm. She struggled, but bent his arm towards himself, so that the very tip of the bloody dagger pierced his chest. A single drop of blood flowed from the stallion. "They'll hear yours." Mind Twist said softly with a sad smile. Then she pushed the dagger into his heart. The stallion's eyes widened and he clutched the dagger. He pulled it out, and saw that it was covered in blood. He gasped at the sight, then weakly lowered himself onto the ground, not removing his hoof from his heart. He stiffened, and his arm dropped to the floor. He was dead. Mind Twist couldn't move. She stayed frozen in place as she realize what she had done. Then her entire body started shaking. She had killed him. Now you're really going to get it. The voice told her. She didn't respond. She only continued to stare at the body, not even noticing that the blood on the dagger she was holding was covering her hooves. Everything seemed covered in red. The walls, the dagger, even a few splotches on the window. As Mind Twist sat in shock, the door slowly opened, revealing Misses and Redheart. They gasped at what they saw. They too were shocked at the sight, and said nothing for a good thirty seconds. "Oh my Celstia." Misses broke the silence. She looked back at the hallway behind her. "Nurse! Nurse! We need paramedics!!" Misses called. A bit of fear could be heard from her voice but it changed when the paramedics came. The rest of the Insane, who were supposed to be going to their next meal, had stopped to see what had happened. As the staff took the body away, Misses gasped when she saw the dagger in Mind Twist's hoof. "Mind Twist what have you done? That was my son!!" She said fearfully. The pegasus remained in the same position, but finally spoke. "Filly killer." Her voice cracked. "What?" "Filly killer!" She cried. She continued shaking in fright. Misses looked at Nurse Redheart, then turned back to the mentally unstable pegasus. Misses cleared her throat, and struggled as she tried to remain calm. "Mind Twist, from this day forward you are never allowed beyond these walls ever again." She told the pegasus. She turned to the others. "And for the rest of you, DON'T. LET. HER. OUT. She's a monster." She said sharply. Redheart looked at Mind Twist, and saw how bad her injuries were. She pulled out a first aid kit from her saddle bag and slipped it behind the door. Mind Twist shifted, her tail touched the kit, and stopped trembling. Misses walked out of the room, oblivious to Redheart's act. The nurse followed the unicorn and they turned towards Mind Twist. "Goodbye Mind Twist." Misses said, avoiding eye contact. She reached for the door handle. Mind Twist looked up at the sound of her name. She looked at each of the ponies, the ones that she had a connection with. Redheart frowned sadly at her. Screw Loose whimpered. Screwball met her eyes, then looked away. Luna held her gaze, with a sad frown and tears in eyes. Derpy winced. Then Mind Twist looked at Pinkie. The pony's hair was straight and tears were flowing from her eyes. "I'm sorry." Mind heard her whisper. Mind Twist said nothing, just a sad frown as she looked at the floor. When she looked up again, the last thing she saw was Pinkie's bright blue eyes, then complete darkness. > Fighting Back For You 1/2 (A Journal Entry) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- To those who are reading this, ask yourselves this? What does a door mean to you? That's right, a door. That little piece of steel that is keeping you trapped. It keeps you from seeing the sad smiles and frowns past it. You can no longer feel the hurt in their eyes everytime they look at you. "I'm sorry." Those words still race through my mind. They haven't left since a little pink mare whispered them to me. It has to be a month now that I have seen her. I can no longer see anything outside, for the tiny window is still blocked. The sounds have been cut off, and I am left in complete darkness, nopony to talk to. Even that silly voice on my head hasn't been heard since the door shut. It's funny really. Just a month ago I never wanted to see that door open ever again, knowing I would be beaten. Now I would give anything too see those lights hanging on the ceiling of the Wing. I can't seem to make up my mind. Silly me. I am starting to see why it is nice to have some light. This darkness is destroying me. Nightmare Moon wanted to bring eternal night, but I would give anything for that to happened compared to this. A nice violet sky filled with twinkling stars. That's not too much to ask for is it? I feel like I am not the only thing in this darkness. I swear to Celestia that there is something else in this room. I can feel it's presence, circling me as if ready to pounce. I try my best to ignore it, I have yet to see the monster. Maybe it is Him. The Boss that Redheart talked to when I was a filly. I dread that phone call. And I dread whoever He is. It his fault that I am in this wretched place. He is the reason of the torture and the endless fear. I wish I could just end. To just stop existing. I would escape this place and be free. Maybe I would see my parents, wherever I would go. This loneliness is eating me alive. Maybe it's best to end it. No! Stay strong! You can survive! Sorry, just one of the effects. After the first few days after the filly killer incident, a few guards would still come in with a whip. I would grab the whip in my mouth and tie them up before they could even react. I would slam them into the walls, tears and a sick smile on my face as they screamed. They eventually stopped coming, too afraid of little Mind Twist. Now my meals magically appear on trays, and the vanish when I am done with them. It is still the same slop, but I manage. I'm not even sure if I will ever escape. I stopped ever since I killed that stupid stallion. What's the point? I can't even manage to slip past two little doors. The first grey door that leads you here and the second black door that begins and ends so many things at the same time. I guess this the end of my journal entry for now. I'm going to try to take a nap. -Mind Twist > To See You Again 2/2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please Mommy and Daddy. Save me. Save me from the monster. He keeps hunting me. I can hear His panting as He runs in the darkness. I can hear the screams as He feeds. It is taking my sanity away. He feeds on our desire to escape. It's what keeps Him alive. He's going to win. Excuse me, I'm trying to ignore that. I have sudden thoughts of Him. I have nothing else to do so I guess I will write another journal entry. Nurse Redheart slipped me this journal and pen as she teleported my food. I literally owe her my life. She gave me a first aid kit, full of bandaids and cloths and wipes. But a first aid kit can only do so much. I will always have most of my injuries. Most have healed and transformed into scars. My bones are still sore from being broken, I never got any casts. I lost a lot of blood the day that filly killer visited me, but I am doing much better. The only thing on my mind is to get better. As soon as I am healed I am certain I will go insane from staying inside forever. I slowly am already. ...... Mind Twist dropped the pen from her mouth. She reread her newest entry, then her second to last. She used her nose to close the journal and scanned the room. Darkness. Mind's ears pricked up as she heard something shuffle quietly. It came from inside the room. The pegasus shivered of the thought of not being alone in the darkness. It was Him, she was sure of it. She shivered again. Mind Twist quietly placed a hoof on the cold metal door. It was so dark that she could not see the hoof in front of her, but she always knew where the door had been. Just three doors till freedom. She thought to herself. It was not the nasty voice she had heard long ago. It was her soft quiet voice, and Mind Twist realized she had said the phrase out loud instead of in her head. It was the first words she had spoken since the incident. Since had killed Misses's son and was locked in her cell forever. There was no point in talking to anypony. There was nopony to talk to. Mind Twist sighed again. She lowered her hoof to the cold floor. She turned her body away, so that her back was facing the door. "I am I ever going to see anypony again? Or is it just me?” Before she came to the Wing, she was never left alone. her parents always would be there, making sure something dangerous wouldn’t happen. “We can’t have you wandering off. Who knows what would happen, you could get killed, or somepony could take you away and you would never be seen again.” Her mother’s soft voice echoed. Flying through the Everfree as a filly had been the first time she was unattended. Mind Twist nearly laughed at the irony. Her parents might have been overprotective, but that hadn’t kept her from wanting to wander off, to spend a little time alone to explore. They always warned her from the terrible ponies, the maniacs and the killers. And now she was locked up with them. Mind Twist felt her eyes watering. She blinked them away and turned her head to look at her flank. It was still blank. She had never found her special talent. The rest of the Insane had theirs. Whether it was a bloody knife or screw and a baseball. A mare, who had committed suicide long ago, once had a bloody church bell as her cutie mark. She had once been the bell ringer for the church, but had gone completely deaf. She started to go in shock as ponies avoided her, not wanting to deal with a deaf qpony. She tried to kill her mother, and her family brought her here. Mind turned her head towards the wall. She could no longer keep the tears from coming. She cried silently to herself. Something shifted in the darkness. Mind Twist ignored it, until she saw a bright light pour in. She raised her head. Her body went tense, thinking it a guard. She slowly turned her head towards the source. The door was opened, with a large group of ponies standing in the doorway. Mind Twist wipe her tears away as she saw the others of the Insane, six ponies she did not recognize, and a rainbow pegasus who she recognized from her fillyhood. When nopony moved, Princess Luna stepped forward. She walked in so that she was half way from the door and pegasus, and a sad smile on her lips. "It's okay. You're finally free." > Finally Found > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After the Doctor released me, along with the others, I am still trying to fit in a bit more with the other ponies. I can still hear them talking about me and some of them are still very frightened. But I already a wonderful husband named Navy Heart. We first met at my therapy group. We have given birth to a little foal named Skittle Twist. We will raise her to know that the Equestria is not always what it seems. She is healthy and happy, yet the other ponies are asking about her strange eyes. One is green and the other is blue. Nopony knows what the cause of this is, for this has never happened before. She is a strange little foal, but I still love my little Skits anyways. While Navy Heart is away in the navy (hence the name), I am taking care of Skittle Twist just like my mother did. Perhaps she will meet Skittles one day. Nopony will tell me anything about my parents, and I still have yet to find out what my old newspaper clipping means. Although I continue to go to my therapy group, I still have memories of the Wing. It’s like they are engraved in my brain. The Princesses have thrown most of the old Hospital staff in the dungeons, although a few have not been caught, including Misses and Nurse Redheart. Every once in a while I can’t help to think ‘What happened to them? Where are they now? Are they trapping more ponies for their amusement? Who is their leader? Who else knows of the Wing before it was shut down?’ I have yet to find the answers. Sincerely Now Yours, Mind Twist The First Of The Insane > PREVIEW Screw Loose and Screwball: The 2nd and 3rd of the Insane > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shoeshine placed a cold damp washcloth onto her forehead to ease her huge head ache. It was the usual busy day. Running back and forth through a mob of angry ponies from Canterlot demanding horseshoes. Shoeshine was so far behind on her work. Ordering the materials, dealing with the late shipping, and then taking them to the blacksmith. She would help Smithy in his shop, pounding the metals into shiny horseshoes. Then it was then her job to organize them into boxes, fill out orders, and either ship them off or have them become mixed up in her store. She merely had a few hours of sleep, then it was back to her job. She was a pretty, light blue mare with mauve eyes and curly hair. She had once been happy, spending time with her friends, and stallions would even flirt with her. Now she had no time for anypony. Shoeshine sighed again and gestured her front hooves in the air. “Why can’t I be free like the others?” She exclaimed in anger. She grew farther and farther apart from her friends and family. They no longer asked if they wanted to meet her somewhere. Shoe was always working, she devoting her life to her store. Shoeshine groaned and rolled onto her side so that she was facing the window. She closed her eyes for a moment, to fall asleep, when she heard a loud barking. She opened her eyes to see a young filly playing with a dog. The filly used his magic to toss the tennis ball towards the puppy, a german shepherd, and he caught it happily. He growled and bit it. “Good job Max. You’ll do great working with Daddy. We’ll both grow up nice and strong and can work on catching bad guys like Daddy.” The filly said. Shoeshine recognized him. He was the son of Hemlock Bones, a stallion who solved crime, known mostly for murderers. Shoeshine’s eyes went back to the german shepherd. The dog seemed so careless and free, spending time playing with his family. Shoe chuckled to herself. “Why can’t I be like that?” She mumbled. She rolled over and and fell asleep, but not before hearing a strange voice in her head. “You can.”