Poisoned Appleby The Carbon SparkChaptersPart One- Just a SicknessPart Two- Her Soul to TakePart Three- No Need for Sad GoodbyesPart One- Just a SicknessAutumn has arrived. The most financially promising the Apple family had ever seen. Things were looking good for the most of the mane six, as they had all arranged days to take off from there usual jobs, or events to go on a few days out. Twilight Sparkle, along with Spike had a handful of days off from royalty, Rarity, albeit somewhat reluctantly closed the Carousel Boutique for a short time, RainbowDash had no plans anyway, and Fluttershys animal friends were able enough to look after themselves and the cottage. And she indefinitely told them 'don't worry, I won't be long'. Pinkie wanted to stay behind, because along with other reasons, she wanted to give the busy Applejack some company. Maybe not the best decision on AJs behalf, but it's the thought that counts, and it was very sweet of her. Plus the whole 'days out' thing didn't seem to phase her one bit. It seemed Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were busy, too. A school trip had promised them a once-in-a-lifetime trip across Equestria. Apple Bloom didn't go with them, as she and the Apple family had been looking forward to this autumn for a while, because according to them it would yield the biggest, and best crop of apples Ponyville has ever seen. It seemed everypony was going to have the best autumn ever. Not that everypony outside of the Apple family looked forward to autumn. As the train with the girls, Spike and the school ponys left the station, there was a huge wave of 'goodbyes' from both the platform and the train. Loads of parents had come to wave off their colts and fillies on what may be the best times of their young lives. Pinkie Pie, Applejack and the rest of the Apple family were their doing the same for the girls. As the train got obscured out of view, the noise died. "I know I keep saying this, but you really didn't have to stay behind for me, Pinkie." Applejack says. "Well, I don't mind at all! I didn't want you to feel left out, so I stayed here. I don't have anything important to miss, and after all, if I didn't, I'm sure any of the girls would have stayed behind instead!" They smiled warmly at each other. After leaving the station, the Apple family knew they had to get to work on the farm. And they were exited to do so. It was only a few days into autumn, and AJ wasn't feeling completely up to scratch. For such a healthy pony like Applejack, sickness shouldn't be a concern. She kept herself in shape by working, kept healthy by eating right (she does live on an apple farm, so that was a guarantee), and if illness was to be apparent, she knew what had to be done to ensure it was nothing, and got it done. Applejack has got a farm to tend to with her family, so she had to be in the best shape possible, especially now since the mother-of-all-autumns is here. Bus sickness had descended over Applejack. First, it was just taken as the common cold, nothing more. Which in fairness is all it seemed, sniffling and sneezing a lot. Applejack took this as a nuisance, continuing to buck tree after tree. Over time, the sickness had begun to impact her performance when working. She took it a bit more seriously, and tried to fix the problem with some medicine, and a short rest, before it lasted any longer. Applejack wasn't concerned about herself, but her job. The Apple family needs to get as much done as possible. Soon after her attempts to kill the 'cold', she began to faint frequently. And at seemingly random time periods. Something was wrong, and after some persuasion from her family, she saw a doctor. He couldn't understand what was the cause. 'Just take these tablets, get some rest and if this continues, return' is all the doctor could really suggest. The noticeable sickness has started to take its toll. Applejack had began to develop migraines. All the nights she stayed up, due to her consistent headaches and nausea had completely drained her of energy. The Apple family stayed by her bedside as Applejack struggled to even comprehend what was going on. Something so small had turned bad so quickly. All she could do is watch as the family took concern, and tried to comfort Apple Bloom, as well as herself. The poor fillie was completely terrified at the ordeal. The doctor was called in. The sickened mare couldn't get up to go the hospital without assistance. An assessment was made of her condition, and the outcome hadn't changed. Whatever was going on was beyond the doctors knowledge. Apple Bloom was in tears at her distressed sister, and as young minds do, feared the worst. While the doctor tried to do all he could to reassure her that all will be well, a violent coughing spree erupted from Applejack, and she began violently throwing up into the bucket Big Macintosh had got for just event. The noises were scarring, only further reducing Apple Blooms composure. AJ had already threw up all the remains of what she had dared to eat of recent, although she continued her everlasting coughs. Her head felt as if somepony was burning it from the inside. Only getting more painful as the blood pumped through her skull. The bones and muscles of her once-strong composure lay dormant and useless on her bed. Her fur was clumped, she couldn't wash because if she tried to get up, the flow of blood would be too much for her head to take, and she would probably fall onto the floor. Even breathing, or answering simple yes or no questions was agonisingly painful to achieve. Once the coughing had come to an end, she lay back down onto her cushiony bed sheets. The outburst had made Applejack lost for breath, the throbs accompanying the burning in her head got more painful, as she gave out quiet whimpers with every release of breath. She knew if she cried, more pain would amass, so Applejack tried to hold the tears back. She was hating every last aspect of this. Not just the pain she was in, but everypony else's, too. And the farm needed tending to, even missing just one day was bad in her eyes. Apple Bloom could take no more. The fillie ran out of the bedroom, slowly followed by Granny Smith trying to keep up to offer comfort. To no avail. Apple Bloom runs through the house, shouting her cries. She runs to the outside, and with no specific purpose runs down the dirt path to Ponyville. Only one thought ran through her young mind. 'I'm going to lose my big sister.' Granny Smith had lost her. The young fillie was too fast for her not-so-sprite legs to keep up. As the young Apple Bloom made it to Ponyville, she was only stared at by onlookers, confused as to what is actually going on. Swiftly, Apple Bloom jumps into a pile of soft hay, nests into it hiding herself, and let more tears flow. She did want to go to her tree house, but ponys would find her, as that is one of her favourite spots in Ponyville. Unbeknownst to the young fillie, she was behind of Sugarcube Corner. Her crying had stopped her from noticing the edible-looking building. The bouncy Pinkie Pie makes her way from the entrance of the bakery, and overhears crying coming from somewhere. After some poor effort at searching, Pinkie makes her way to the back of the bakery. The crying has gotten closer. The intrigued party pony was eventually taken to the small patch of hay Apple Bloom had been crying in. Pinkie swipes the hay aside, to reveal the saddened fillie. She was lying down, head was rested in her hooves. "Apple Bloom? Why are you behind the bakery in this pile of hay?" The somewhat exited pony says. "Are you playing hide and seek with your friends?" Apple Bloom says nothing, nor looks up at Pinkie. She continues to sob into her hooves, as Pinkie Pie looks down upon her. "...what is the matter? Are you losing?" Pinkie picks up the sad fillie by under her front legs and sits down as Apple Bloom continues to cry. "Aww, you can tell Pinkie Pie what's wrong!" She says, while brushing hay off of the upset Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom looks up at Pinkies face, noticing the splodges of flour and icing around her cheeks from working in the bakery. "I-It's Applejack..." "You can't find Applejack? She must be really good at hiding!" "...no...she...she is sick..." "...sick?" "...uh huh..." Pinkie was confused. It wasn't a major problem in her bubbly mind, but she didn't come to the conclusion that it must be bad because somepony is this upset about it. After all, even though Apple Bloom is young, she is mature enough to not overreact when the smallest things happen. "I'm sure she will be fine! Everypony gets sick now and then! Like a few weeks ago, I had way too many cakes than I should, which made me feel a bit bad, but after some rest, I was back to normal!" Pinkie says. Even with the memories of those horrific sounds, Apple Bloom was somewhat reassured. "...you...you really think so?" "I know so! You wouldn't mind me going to see her with you, would you? Because I bet she is back to herself right now!" "...ok." "Great! Let me just get cleaned up!" In a cloud of dust, Pinkie drops Apple Bloom, rushes back into the bakery, and just as quickly returns to her, whom had just hit the ground. "Lets go!" Before they made their way up to the farm, a distressed Big Macintosh was seen desperately searching for Apple Bloom. Obviously, this is not what Pinkie assumed. "Hey, Big Mac! Are YOU playing hide and seek?" Big Macintosh looks over to Pinkie. "Uh...Nope." "Oh. I really need to get better at guessing!" Big Mac spots Apple Bloom. "There you are! You can't go running off like that, Apple Bloom! Not with your big sister how she is!" "Woah, woah, woah! You ran away?!" Apple Bloom remained silent. "Pinkie, I think Applejack is going to need that company you offered. She is really sick." Big Mac insists. The severity of Applejacks situation was beginning to unveil in Pinkies mind. But if she were to break, so would Apple Bloom, the fillie she needs to comfort, so she refuses to retain the thought of the worst. The three ponys respectively bounce and trot their way up the bumpy path to Sweet Apple Acres. All Pinkie knew is she had a friend to see, and a fillie to cheer up. They didn't speak, but with every few seconds, their pace became faster. Once they did get to the house, nopony was to be seen downstairs. They must still be in Applejacks bedroom. As the three gallop up the stairs, and into Applejacks room, only Granny Smith was there. No Applejack, no doctor. Just her. "Where is Applejack?" Asked Apple Bloom. "At the hospital." Granny Smith replies."While Big Mac was out lookin' for you, she was taken there." "So it's worse than we thought?" Asked Big Mac, to which Granny Smith nods. Pinkie now had a complete concern over Applejacks wellbeing. "We need to go to the hospital then! We can't leave her on her own!" Pinkie says. Apple Bloom and Pinkie Pie run as fast as they could to the hospital from the house, while Big Mac walks with Granny Smith. At the hospital, Applejack is put into a room for further examination by numerous doctors. Her fur was dulled orange, and her emerald eyes were now a faded green. The pain hadn't dulled down, though. It still felt like something was eating its way out of her head, but never making any progress. Neither was the doctors analysis of her condition, even after Applejack had painfully told them of what she was feeling. Pinkie and Apple Bloom had at this point burst into the hospital. They were not allowed to see AJ, the stress may prove too much for her head to cope. All they could do is wait. Big Mac had arrived with a weeping Granny Smith. Applejack seemed to be the centre of the hospital. Her condition was so strange, not a single doctor knew. They had to take blood samples to hopefully get desperate answers. Apple Blooms sorrows had returned. "...Applejack...will get better...wont she Pinkie?" She asks. "Yeah. Yeah she is going to be fine, don't you worry!" Pinkie tries her hardest to not sound worries. "This is Applejack we are talking about!" "She is gonna be fine." Big Mac quietly adds. The hours roll by, and they are finally allowed to see Applejack. Once they all had wandered into the room, Pinkie and Apple Bloom react in similar, child-like manners. Running to her bedside and praying for her safety. "We don't know what is wrong with her at this minute, but all we can see is she is deteriorating extremely fast." A nurse says. "But earlier we taken blood samples, amongst others from her. They should give us a clearer perspective on what's going on, but we are not exactly sure when they will get here." "Thank you, nurse." Reply's Granny Smith. "Whatever it is isn't contagious either, luckily." The nurse finishes. As the painstaking hours go by, Applejack drifts in, and out of sleep. Her already dulled colours are not far off a complete gray. The Stetson that traditionally sat atop her head was on her lap. Such a heart-wrenching sight was killing each and every one of her closest friends and family that could be there. The possibly life changing results of Applejacks condition were given to a doctor on a sheet of paper. "May I ask that you take the young fillie out of the room? I don't want to upset her any more than she already is." The doctor requests from anypony. "Why? I want to hear too!" Apple Bloom pleads. "C'mon sis. Lets go outside." Big Mac says. "No! I want to hear what it says!" The tears began to drip from her eyes. "Please Apple Bloom...not now..." Apple Bloom frantically looks at each face in the room, as her emotions get the best of her. After a reassured look to the ground, Apple Bloom says "...ok..." Big Mac escorted Apple Bloom out of the room. At the sound of the door closing, the doctor began to read the dreaded words. After a lengthy observation, he spoke. "Your friend 'Applejack' has a very concerning problem. She has a disease nopony is familiar with, even outside of this hospital. The tests show whatever is happening is destroying cells slowly inside of her brain, and quickly affecting her nervous-" The doctor halted at the sound of Pinkies cries. "...look, I don't know how to put this lightly, but Applejacks condition is...well, it's terminal. There is no known cure, and we don't know how long she is going to last in her current state. If deterioration continues this quickly though, she hasn't got long. We will try our hardest to help her, however we can." "...Celestia..." Granny Smith says under her quivering breath, as the doctor passes her the sheet of results. The question had changed from if she was going to pass away, to when. Part Two- Her Soul to TakeApple Bloom and Big Mac sat outside of their sisters room. "...Big Mac?" "Yeah Apple Bloom?" "Why can't I hear what the doctor had to say?" "You wouldn't want to. He said so himself." Apple Bloom slumped in her chair. "It's not fair. I deserve to know, she is my big sister." "I know. It is unfair." "We aren't going to lose Applejack too, are we?" "No." He replies without a pause. "We aren't. Don't you worry, AJ is gonna be fine, no doubt about it." Big Mac tried his hardest to keep her spirits up. "Do you think we can go back in?" Asks Apple Bloom. "...I don't know. Lets wait a few more minutes, just to be safe." Back in the room, Applejack had become awake enough to speak with sense. "...what is happening to me, doc?" Applejack had noticed Granny Smith and Pinkie alot more saddened than she could last remember. "We don't know exactly. But we don't have very good news. Your body is deteriorating at an alarmingly fast pace, which concerns us. There is no other way of putting this...your condition is terminal." "What does terminal mean?" Says a young voice from behind the doctor. It was Apple Bloom. She had wandered in without anypony noticing. Applejack couldn't handle the shock of her tragic news, and the possible reaction of her younger sister at once. She erupted in a flood of tears. "...it's not bad, is it?" Apple Bloom asks. "Uhh...well..." The doctor stumbled for words. He turns to face the fillie, hunkers down to her level, and tries to word it the best he can. "Terminal means...it means your big sister is very sick-" "-But why is she crying?" Apple Bloom wasn't making this very easy. Granny Smith slowly walks over to her, still trembling from the devastating news. "It means...I don't want to lie to you sweetie, it means she won't get better. I'm sorry to sound harsh, but it's the truth." Granny Smith says, ignoring Pinkies loud cries. Apple Bloom falls back onto the floor, and squirms backward. "No! No no no! She will get better!" She bumps into the strong legs of Big Mac, who had followed her in. Looking up at the strong stallion, Apple Blooms fears are further pushed by seeing Big Mac, her own big brother, cry. Such a simple sight for anyone to understand, but to Apple Bloom, her brother and sister were ponys to look up to. They were emotionally strong, and that is what Apple Bloom is used to. So seeing Big Mac like this was surprising, to say the least, even with what had happened. "Sweetie..." Granny Smith struggled with the predicament. "Why does it have to be Applejack?! She didn't do anything!" Apple Blooms words were becoming harder to understand. "...of course she didn't, but these things happen, dear..." "But why do they always happen to us?!" "I don't know, but we can't do anything about it. I would love to make everything better, but I can't. None of us can, not even Celestia herself. I know this is hard, it's hard for all of us, dearest." After a lengthy silence filled with consideration, Apple Bloom got up from off the floor, and trembled her way over to Applejack, who had watched them in a sickened silence. Pinkie moves to let the fillie have some space with AJ. "...oh Apple Bloom..." Applejacks weary, emotionally broken voice couldn't amass much. "...you will get better...I promise..." Applejack couldn't reply to such heartwarming comfort. Especially from her younger sister. The night slowly rolled in, and everypony had left the room to give AJ some space. As the fact of terminal illness clouded her thoughts, she cried. Applejack swung her hooves to cover her face, but something strange happened. She could only feel her right hoof on her cheek, the left remained on her bed. AJ tried to lift the leg up, but nothing happened. She had lost the ability to move it, or even feel it. Before she could freak out, Apple Bloom opens the door slightly. "Are you awake sis?" She says just a bit louder than a whisper. "...yeah. I'm awake." The fillie walks into the room once again, noticeably saddened. "...are you feeling ok?" "Yeah. Just fine, maybe a little tired." "Good. I can't wait for us to go back to the farm, with all those trees to buck. Maybe I could lend a helping hoof." "Maybe. Maybe you could..." "...please don't go, sis..." The subject changes. The tears begin to flow from the fillies eyes, presenting a greater burden onto Applejacks already frail shoulders. "...I couldn't live without you..." The painful sight had rendered Applejack into tears, just like her sister. "...remember that time when we first met Zecora?" Applejack asks. "Uh huh..." "Well, you were really brave, going out into the Everfree Forest like you did. Even though I thought you were crazy.-" Apple Bloom looks back up at AJ. "-Can you be a brave little fillie for me again?" Apple Bloom slowly walks over to Applejack. "Can you?" The young fillie was at her bedside, meeting eyes with AJ. "...I will try..." "I know you will." Apple Bloom turns away, trying to stop Applejack from noticing her tears. "...aww, Apple Bloom...you can cry..." Without facing AJ, Apple Bloom turns back around and rests her head on Applejacks motionless arm. "...you won't go...will you?" Apple Blooms words gave way for a hard decision. Even with her honesty, this was no easy task. "...I have to..." "...but I don't want you to go..." "I know, sugarcube...I don't want to go, but I have to." Applejack was beginning to fall drowsy. "...maybe if I see Ma and Pa, I will tell them how good you've been..." Apple Bloom doesn't answer immediately, now staring at AJs Stetson on her bed. "...you mean in heaven?" Apple Bloom asks, looking up to AJ. "...yeah, in heaven. I will tell them how fast you have grown since they last saw you." Silence falls once again, and without another word, Applejack fell asleep. At this point, Granny Smith, Pinkie and Big Mac had quietly wandered into the room. They knew this very well could be the last night they see Applejack alive, even though the doctor didn't specify how long she actually has left. He didn't know. She had continued to deteriorate whilst talking with her sister. But Apple Bloom was determined that she would see her big sister again, even after their talk. No pony, not even death itself could take Applejack in her eyes. Applejack was too strong to let that happen. Pinkie had to go home. Only three visitors could stay with a patient. It broke the doctors heart, but it had to be done. Apple Bloom had refused to leave her sleeping sister. She insisted to stay as close as she can to what is left of Applejack. And not one of the family, or the doctor had the courage to separate the now inseparable. The fillie gets permission to stay with AJ. All the young Apple Bloom wanted to see was Applejack open her eyes, and see them as their natural deep emerald, and witness the colour of her fur snap back to orange, not the dulled tones as they remained. She stayed up as long as she could, desperate for something. Apple Bloom couldn't directly wake her up, that would make things worse, but that is all she wanted to do. It was killing the young fillie, seeing her sister asleep, and not being able to wake her up, no matter how desperately she wanted to. After an eternity it seemed of waiting for nothing, Apple Bloom quietly cried herself to sleep, curled up in the chair beside Applejacks bed. But as the hazy dreamscape descended over the young fillie, Applejack opened her eyes. She couldn't see much, but her yellow coat of fur was easy to spot in the darkness, along with the ribbon in her mane. Applejack was determined to wake her young sister. "...Apple...Apple Bloom..." She whispers. Her voice is completely gone. "...please...Apple Bloom...wake up...." No avail. "...oh Celestia...wake up..." The tears fall. She couldn't reach out to touch Apple Bloom. Both of her legs were now dead. Just like the Apple family thought, Applejack was certain this would be her last night on Equestria. She could feel it, somewhere deep inside of her. "...wake up..." Nothing. Apple Bloom was sound asleep. Applejack couldn't bear the agony. "...wake up...please...just wake up..." Sleepiness reigned in once more. "...I love you...Apple...Bloom..." Applejack wished to say goodbye to all she knew, but the heavy weight of sleep stole her from reality. After a bad nights sleep, Apple Bloom awoke. Almost immediately stood on her chair and looked over the broken Applejack, like she was protecting her. Apple Bloom quivered at the thought of anything she could relate to her sister. Memories, sayings, the Stetson from atop her head now rested on her lap, the red ribbons accompanying her mane, to name a few. The doctor walked in, he must have heard the sounds of Apple Blooms hooves on the chair. "Did you sleep alright?" The doctor didn't want to ask questions about Applejack, though Apple Bloom kept quiet. "Now, are you sure you want to stay in here? You can go to your family outside if you want?" Apple Bloom shook her head. With a nod, the doctor gently pressed his hoof against Applejacks neck and held it there for a few seconds to check for a pulse, only to then pull out his stethoscope and place it onto her chest. Apple Bloom could just watch, as she leaned over to hold Applejacks lifeless hoof. Watch as how the fate of Applejack was dependant on the doctors reaction. Watch and hope. Or was it fear? The doctor exhales, takes the stethoscope from AJs chest, and pulls it from his head. In the softest voice he could muster, the doctor says "...Apple Bloom...I am so sorry..." Apple Bloom screamed and panicked in refusal, shaking Applejacks hoof rapidly, only to moments later fall back in her seat and cover her eyes. Every beating heart that could hear her cries sank. Especially Big Macs, and Granny Smiths. To them, it could have only meant one thing. Applejack had gone. Part Three- No Need for Sad GoodbyesThe news had been delivered directly to Big Mac and Granny Smith, even though it was inevitable to them. One pony had the task of informing friends and family that are absent, or otherwise unable to get directly informed of AJs passing. Twilight, Spike, Rarity, RainbowDash and Fluttershy were on the train home from a surprisingly warm autumn trip. With spirits as high as the clouds, they couldn't wait to see everypony again, and tell them about the time they had. Fluttershy, as you would expect, is anxiously sitting in her seat, worrying what she will see when she gets home. "But what if I was wrong? What if they can't take care of themselves?! They could be starving, or thirsty, or lost, or-" "Fluttershy, they are fine!" Rarity interrupts. "I don't see why you are so worked up about it!" "C'mon, this is Fluttershy we are talking about! You knew she was going to be like this!" Rainbow says, without taking her gaze from the scenery whizzing past the window. "Well, alright I did expect some worrying." Rarity rests her hoof on Fluttershys shoulder. "They are fine, Fluttershy. I'm sure of it." This hadn't helped much, but Fluttershy kept her doubts to herself. "Hey Twilight? Could you do that spell you did outside the spa again? It was really funny!" Rainbow asks, winking at Spike. "No Rainbow, I'm busy." Twilight replies, flicking another page in her book. "But your not busy. You can read when you get back to your castle!" "I said no." "Please?" "No!" Rainbows gives out a puppy-like expression. "Pretty please?" Twilight looks up at the pleading Pegasus, and without a word, casts a spell onto Spike. "Aww yeah!" Spike shouts, twisting his new mustache. "Happy now?" Twilight asks. "Yup." Rainbow casually answers, sitting back into her chair. "That was rhetorical..." Twilight grumbles. Spikes stomach rumbles, and he gives out a belch, making the already on-edge Fluttershy jump out of her fur. A letter emerges from the green smoke. "Whoops. Sorry Fluttershy." Spike chuckles. "Oh no, is it Canterlot?" Asks Twilight. "I hope princess Celestia isn't mad about me taking days off..." "It's...from Ponyville hospital..." Everyponys attention was upon Spike. "...do...do you think Pinkie Pie has eaten too much sugar again?" Asks Rarity. Spike reads the letter as his facial hair fizzled away with Twilights attention. "Dear Spike/Twilight Sparkle As you are the closest ponys yet to be informed because of your absence, I write this letter to you." Spikes voice became concerned. "Your friend 'Applejack' was recently struck by an illness we have yet to identify. She was hospitalised for a very short space of time, and I am terribly sorry to announce that she peacefully passed away..." The young dragon stops in shock. "What?!" Rainbow shouts. Rarity darted out of her seat and snatched the letter from Spike. She reads. "...peacefully passed away in her sleep as of last night. Her family has requested that you return as soon-" Raritys attempt to read had been reduces to unintelligible sobs. Fluttershy and Twilights eyes met above Raritys head, quickly turning to Rainbow. She was dumbfounded. "Apple...Applejack is...no, that's impossible!" Rainbow shouts. "She couldn't have died! Not Applejack! This is just another of Pinkies pranks! You know she likes pranks!" Her breathing becomes deep and irregular, panicking at the news. "...oh no oh no. Oh no, no no, no no not AJ...please...oh please not AJ..." Rainbow snatches the letter from Rarity, sits in the corner with it, and silently reads it to herself. Once read, Rainbow moves the letter from view of her eyes, revealing them broken with tears. A tense silence was shattered by Rainbow erupting into a loud cry. With her heart breaking Fluttershy walks over to Rainbow, who barges past her and knocks her onto the floor. Rainbow darts down the carriage, wailing as loud as her lungs could handle. She couldn't face her friends with the news, she just wanted to be alone and let the news sink in. Once the loud cries diminished, another eerie silence takes over the carriage. The cries shared between Rarity and Spike had stopped, they were lost in thought at what had just happened. Fluttershy didn't get up, but rolled onto her chest, put her head in her hooves and sobbed. Her heart wrenching squeaks and cries accompanied the silence, piercing through every single pony in the carriage. As she cried, so did Spike and Rarity once again. But Twilight remained silent, staring down the centre carriage where Rainbow had ran. She couldn't comprehend how soon all this had happened. A million thoughts passed through her head, but she could only focus on one: 'Applejack is...dead?' This thought replayed over, and over, everytime making her evermore depressed. Eventually, her ears dropped, eyes filled with despair, and she slumped back into her seat. She slowly glanced at three of her closest friends emotionally shattered on the floor, then back at the centre of the carriage, then at them again, and so on. This became more rapid, and she couldn't decide whether or not to follow Rainbow, or help the ones who stayed. She stopped searching for answers, and cried, covering her head with her wings. Fluttershy and Spike walked outside if the carriage. Rarity didn't want the young dragon to hear anymore if the letter, and Fluttershy didn't want to hear it herself. "...T-Twilight..." Rarity says. "...r-read the le-tter..." Twilights wings slowly retract to her sides. Unwillingly, she walks over to the letter, and reads it for herself: "Dear Spike/Twilight Sparkle As you are the closest ponys yet to be informed because of your absence, I write this letter to you. Your friend 'Applejack' was recently struck by an illness we have yet to identify. She was hospitalised for a very short space of time, and I am terribly sorry to announce that she passed away in her sleep as of last night. Her family has requested that you return as soon as possible to Ponyville. We wish you all the best." As she finishes, the train chugs to a stop. They had arrived at Ponyville. With Spike on Twilights back, they all walk onto the platform. Rainbow had gotten off from another carriage further down the station. Where Pinkie Pie was waiting, with her normally bouncy hair unchanged. They all watch as Rainbow throws herself into Pinkies arms, and broke into another fit of crying. Pinkie looked confused, what could have happened on their trip? "...what's wrong?" Asks Pinkie. "What...what do you mean? You don't know!?" Asks Rainbow. "I know Applejack is sick! I just didn't know you knew! Or if that is why you were crying!" Rainbows jaw was slightly open. Pinkie didn't know about Applejack. The train pulls away from the station with a loud burst of smoke, obscuring the view of Pinkie and Rainbow from the rest. "You haven't been to the hospital?!" Rainbow shouted over the whistles and chugs of the steam engine. "No! I wanted to meet you girls! I wanted to tell you about Applejack, but I didn't know you knew!" The sounds of the train faded. "Why are you asking?" Says Pinkie, the gray smoke still swivelling around her and Rainbow. "Because...because..." She once again throws herself into Pinkies grasp. "...Applejack...died..." "...wh...what?!" "I said Applejack died!" She broke once again. Pinkies eyes filled with tears, and her mane drooped. "How...how would you know that?" Rainbow couldn't answer. The fog that consumed them had diminished, to reveal the saddened mares. Without a word, Pinkie releases grasp on Rainbow, and runs as fast as she could down to the hospital. The rest of them followed. At arrival, the front doors were still open from Pinkie. They get escorted to Applejacks room by showing the letter to a nurse who had been knocked over by the frantic Pinkie Pie. They could have guessed where to go, as there was a stream of tears along the floor they followed. They got to the room. Their friend was lying on a table, with a dark blue blanket covering her. Her appearance underneath the cloth was haunting. They remembered mare who once was a strong, working, loving friend. Now she remained a body on a table, thin, with hardly any muscle to be seen. You couldn't recognise the body to be that of Applejacks, it seemed so wrong to even think it was her. She didn't want to go on some trip because of a particular Autumn. An Autumn which would be the best for the family in years. An Autumn that would benefit the town of Ponyville greatly, as well as her family. She had to stay, and she wanted to stay, although she would have loved to have a day out with her best friends. They all respected that. They all respected Applejack. There was only one visual reminder that who they were mourning over was AJ. It was Applejacks Stetson, placed on her lifeless chest. Author's Note Thanks for reading!
Part One- Just a SicknessAutumn has arrived. The most financially promising the Apple family had ever seen. Things were looking good for the most of the mane six, as they had all arranged days to take off from there usual jobs, or events to go on a few days out. Twilight Sparkle, along with Spike had a handful of days off from royalty, Rarity, albeit somewhat reluctantly closed the Carousel Boutique for a short time, RainbowDash had no plans anyway, and Fluttershys animal friends were able enough to look after themselves and the cottage. And she indefinitely told them 'don't worry, I won't be long'. Pinkie wanted to stay behind, because along with other reasons, she wanted to give the busy Applejack some company. Maybe not the best decision on AJs behalf, but it's the thought that counts, and it was very sweet of her. Plus the whole 'days out' thing didn't seem to phase her one bit. It seemed Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were busy, too. A school trip had promised them a once-in-a-lifetime trip across Equestria. Apple Bloom didn't go with them, as she and the Apple family had been looking forward to this autumn for a while, because according to them it would yield the biggest, and best crop of apples Ponyville has ever seen. It seemed everypony was going to have the best autumn ever. Not that everypony outside of the Apple family looked forward to autumn. As the train with the girls, Spike and the school ponys left the station, there was a huge wave of 'goodbyes' from both the platform and the train. Loads of parents had come to wave off their colts and fillies on what may be the best times of their young lives. Pinkie Pie, Applejack and the rest of the Apple family were their doing the same for the girls. As the train got obscured out of view, the noise died. "I know I keep saying this, but you really didn't have to stay behind for me, Pinkie." Applejack says. "Well, I don't mind at all! I didn't want you to feel left out, so I stayed here. I don't have anything important to miss, and after all, if I didn't, I'm sure any of the girls would have stayed behind instead!" They smiled warmly at each other. After leaving the station, the Apple family knew they had to get to work on the farm. And they were exited to do so. It was only a few days into autumn, and AJ wasn't feeling completely up to scratch. For such a healthy pony like Applejack, sickness shouldn't be a concern. She kept herself in shape by working, kept healthy by eating right (she does live on an apple farm, so that was a guarantee), and if illness was to be apparent, she knew what had to be done to ensure it was nothing, and got it done. Applejack has got a farm to tend to with her family, so she had to be in the best shape possible, especially now since the mother-of-all-autumns is here. Bus sickness had descended over Applejack. First, it was just taken as the common cold, nothing more. Which in fairness is all it seemed, sniffling and sneezing a lot. Applejack took this as a nuisance, continuing to buck tree after tree. Over time, the sickness had begun to impact her performance when working. She took it a bit more seriously, and tried to fix the problem with some medicine, and a short rest, before it lasted any longer. Applejack wasn't concerned about herself, but her job. The Apple family needs to get as much done as possible. Soon after her attempts to kill the 'cold', she began to faint frequently. And at seemingly random time periods. Something was wrong, and after some persuasion from her family, she saw a doctor. He couldn't understand what was the cause. 'Just take these tablets, get some rest and if this continues, return' is all the doctor could really suggest. The noticeable sickness has started to take its toll. Applejack had began to develop migraines. All the nights she stayed up, due to her consistent headaches and nausea had completely drained her of energy. The Apple family stayed by her bedside as Applejack struggled to even comprehend what was going on. Something so small had turned bad so quickly. All she could do is watch as the family took concern, and tried to comfort Apple Bloom, as well as herself. The poor fillie was completely terrified at the ordeal. The doctor was called in. The sickened mare couldn't get up to go the hospital without assistance. An assessment was made of her condition, and the outcome hadn't changed. Whatever was going on was beyond the doctors knowledge. Apple Bloom was in tears at her distressed sister, and as young minds do, feared the worst. While the doctor tried to do all he could to reassure her that all will be well, a violent coughing spree erupted from Applejack, and she began violently throwing up into the bucket Big Macintosh had got for just event. The noises were scarring, only further reducing Apple Blooms composure. AJ had already threw up all the remains of what she had dared to eat of recent, although she continued her everlasting coughs. Her head felt as if somepony was burning it from the inside. Only getting more painful as the blood pumped through her skull. The bones and muscles of her once-strong composure lay dormant and useless on her bed. Her fur was clumped, she couldn't wash because if she tried to get up, the flow of blood would be too much for her head to take, and she would probably fall onto the floor. Even breathing, or answering simple yes or no questions was agonisingly painful to achieve. Once the coughing had come to an end, she lay back down onto her cushiony bed sheets. The outburst had made Applejack lost for breath, the throbs accompanying the burning in her head got more painful, as she gave out quiet whimpers with every release of breath. She knew if she cried, more pain would amass, so Applejack tried to hold the tears back. She was hating every last aspect of this. Not just the pain she was in, but everypony else's, too. And the farm needed tending to, even missing just one day was bad in her eyes. Apple Bloom could take no more. The fillie ran out of the bedroom, slowly followed by Granny Smith trying to keep up to offer comfort. To no avail. Apple Bloom runs through the house, shouting her cries. She runs to the outside, and with no specific purpose runs down the dirt path to Ponyville. Only one thought ran through her young mind. 'I'm going to lose my big sister.' Granny Smith had lost her. The young fillie was too fast for her not-so-sprite legs to keep up. As the young Apple Bloom made it to Ponyville, she was only stared at by onlookers, confused as to what is actually going on. Swiftly, Apple Bloom jumps into a pile of soft hay, nests into it hiding herself, and let more tears flow. She did want to go to her tree house, but ponys would find her, as that is one of her favourite spots in Ponyville. Unbeknownst to the young fillie, she was behind of Sugarcube Corner. Her crying had stopped her from noticing the edible-looking building. The bouncy Pinkie Pie makes her way from the entrance of the bakery, and overhears crying coming from somewhere. After some poor effort at searching, Pinkie makes her way to the back of the bakery. The crying has gotten closer. The intrigued party pony was eventually taken to the small patch of hay Apple Bloom had been crying in. Pinkie swipes the hay aside, to reveal the saddened fillie. She was lying down, head was rested in her hooves. "Apple Bloom? Why are you behind the bakery in this pile of hay?" The somewhat exited pony says. "Are you playing hide and seek with your friends?" Apple Bloom says nothing, nor looks up at Pinkie. She continues to sob into her hooves, as Pinkie Pie looks down upon her. "...what is the matter? Are you losing?" Pinkie picks up the sad fillie by under her front legs and sits down as Apple Bloom continues to cry. "Aww, you can tell Pinkie Pie what's wrong!" She says, while brushing hay off of the upset Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom looks up at Pinkies face, noticing the splodges of flour and icing around her cheeks from working in the bakery. "I-It's Applejack..." "You can't find Applejack? She must be really good at hiding!" "...no...she...she is sick..." "...sick?" "...uh huh..." Pinkie was confused. It wasn't a major problem in her bubbly mind, but she didn't come to the conclusion that it must be bad because somepony is this upset about it. After all, even though Apple Bloom is young, she is mature enough to not overreact when the smallest things happen. "I'm sure she will be fine! Everypony gets sick now and then! Like a few weeks ago, I had way too many cakes than I should, which made me feel a bit bad, but after some rest, I was back to normal!" Pinkie says. Even with the memories of those horrific sounds, Apple Bloom was somewhat reassured. "...you...you really think so?" "I know so! You wouldn't mind me going to see her with you, would you? Because I bet she is back to herself right now!" "...ok." "Great! Let me just get cleaned up!" In a cloud of dust, Pinkie drops Apple Bloom, rushes back into the bakery, and just as quickly returns to her, whom had just hit the ground. "Lets go!" Before they made their way up to the farm, a distressed Big Macintosh was seen desperately searching for Apple Bloom. Obviously, this is not what Pinkie assumed. "Hey, Big Mac! Are YOU playing hide and seek?" Big Macintosh looks over to Pinkie. "Uh...Nope." "Oh. I really need to get better at guessing!" Big Mac spots Apple Bloom. "There you are! You can't go running off like that, Apple Bloom! Not with your big sister how she is!" "Woah, woah, woah! You ran away?!" Apple Bloom remained silent. "Pinkie, I think Applejack is going to need that company you offered. She is really sick." Big Mac insists. The severity of Applejacks situation was beginning to unveil in Pinkies mind. But if she were to break, so would Apple Bloom, the fillie she needs to comfort, so she refuses to retain the thought of the worst. The three ponys respectively bounce and trot their way up the bumpy path to Sweet Apple Acres. All Pinkie knew is she had a friend to see, and a fillie to cheer up. They didn't speak, but with every few seconds, their pace became faster. Once they did get to the house, nopony was to be seen downstairs. They must still be in Applejacks bedroom. As the three gallop up the stairs, and into Applejacks room, only Granny Smith was there. No Applejack, no doctor. Just her. "Where is Applejack?" Asked Apple Bloom. "At the hospital." Granny Smith replies."While Big Mac was out lookin' for you, she was taken there." "So it's worse than we thought?" Asked Big Mac, to which Granny Smith nods. Pinkie now had a complete concern over Applejacks wellbeing. "We need to go to the hospital then! We can't leave her on her own!" Pinkie says. Apple Bloom and Pinkie Pie run as fast as they could to the hospital from the house, while Big Mac walks with Granny Smith. At the hospital, Applejack is put into a room for further examination by numerous doctors. Her fur was dulled orange, and her emerald eyes were now a faded green. The pain hadn't dulled down, though. It still felt like something was eating its way out of her head, but never making any progress. Neither was the doctors analysis of her condition, even after Applejack had painfully told them of what she was feeling. Pinkie and Apple Bloom had at this point burst into the hospital. They were not allowed to see AJ, the stress may prove too much for her head to cope. All they could do is wait. Big Mac had arrived with a weeping Granny Smith. Applejack seemed to be the centre of the hospital. Her condition was so strange, not a single doctor knew. They had to take blood samples to hopefully get desperate answers. Apple Blooms sorrows had returned. "...Applejack...will get better...wont she Pinkie?" She asks. "Yeah. Yeah she is going to be fine, don't you worry!" Pinkie tries her hardest to not sound worries. "This is Applejack we are talking about!" "She is gonna be fine." Big Mac quietly adds. The hours roll by, and they are finally allowed to see Applejack. Once they all had wandered into the room, Pinkie and Apple Bloom react in similar, child-like manners. Running to her bedside and praying for her safety. "We don't know what is wrong with her at this minute, but all we can see is she is deteriorating extremely fast." A nurse says. "But earlier we taken blood samples, amongst others from her. They should give us a clearer perspective on what's going on, but we are not exactly sure when they will get here." "Thank you, nurse." Reply's Granny Smith. "Whatever it is isn't contagious either, luckily." The nurse finishes. As the painstaking hours go by, Applejack drifts in, and out of sleep. Her already dulled colours are not far off a complete gray. The Stetson that traditionally sat atop her head was on her lap. Such a heart-wrenching sight was killing each and every one of her closest friends and family that could be there. The possibly life changing results of Applejacks condition were given to a doctor on a sheet of paper. "May I ask that you take the young fillie out of the room? I don't want to upset her any more than she already is." The doctor requests from anypony. "Why? I want to hear too!" Apple Bloom pleads. "C'mon sis. Lets go outside." Big Mac says. "No! I want to hear what it says!" The tears began to drip from her eyes. "Please Apple Bloom...not now..." Apple Bloom frantically looks at each face in the room, as her emotions get the best of her. After a reassured look to the ground, Apple Bloom says "...ok..." Big Mac escorted Apple Bloom out of the room. At the sound of the door closing, the doctor began to read the dreaded words. After a lengthy observation, he spoke. "Your friend 'Applejack' has a very concerning problem. She has a disease nopony is familiar with, even outside of this hospital. The tests show whatever is happening is destroying cells slowly inside of her brain, and quickly affecting her nervous-" The doctor halted at the sound of Pinkies cries. "...look, I don't know how to put this lightly, but Applejacks condition is...well, it's terminal. There is no known cure, and we don't know how long she is going to last in her current state. If deterioration continues this quickly though, she hasn't got long. We will try our hardest to help her, however we can." "...Celestia..." Granny Smith says under her quivering breath, as the doctor passes her the sheet of results. The question had changed from if she was going to pass away, to when.
Part Two- Her Soul to TakeApple Bloom and Big Mac sat outside of their sisters room. "...Big Mac?" "Yeah Apple Bloom?" "Why can't I hear what the doctor had to say?" "You wouldn't want to. He said so himself." Apple Bloom slumped in her chair. "It's not fair. I deserve to know, she is my big sister." "I know. It is unfair." "We aren't going to lose Applejack too, are we?" "No." He replies without a pause. "We aren't. Don't you worry, AJ is gonna be fine, no doubt about it." Big Mac tried his hardest to keep her spirits up. "Do you think we can go back in?" Asks Apple Bloom. "...I don't know. Lets wait a few more minutes, just to be safe." Back in the room, Applejack had become awake enough to speak with sense. "...what is happening to me, doc?" Applejack had noticed Granny Smith and Pinkie alot more saddened than she could last remember. "We don't know exactly. But we don't have very good news. Your body is deteriorating at an alarmingly fast pace, which concerns us. There is no other way of putting this...your condition is terminal." "What does terminal mean?" Says a young voice from behind the doctor. It was Apple Bloom. She had wandered in without anypony noticing. Applejack couldn't handle the shock of her tragic news, and the possible reaction of her younger sister at once. She erupted in a flood of tears. "...it's not bad, is it?" Apple Bloom asks. "Uhh...well..." The doctor stumbled for words. He turns to face the fillie, hunkers down to her level, and tries to word it the best he can. "Terminal means...it means your big sister is very sick-" "-But why is she crying?" Apple Bloom wasn't making this very easy. Granny Smith slowly walks over to her, still trembling from the devastating news. "It means...I don't want to lie to you sweetie, it means she won't get better. I'm sorry to sound harsh, but it's the truth." Granny Smith says, ignoring Pinkies loud cries. Apple Bloom falls back onto the floor, and squirms backward. "No! No no no! She will get better!" She bumps into the strong legs of Big Mac, who had followed her in. Looking up at the strong stallion, Apple Blooms fears are further pushed by seeing Big Mac, her own big brother, cry. Such a simple sight for anyone to understand, but to Apple Bloom, her brother and sister were ponys to look up to. They were emotionally strong, and that is what Apple Bloom is used to. So seeing Big Mac like this was surprising, to say the least, even with what had happened. "Sweetie..." Granny Smith struggled with the predicament. "Why does it have to be Applejack?! She didn't do anything!" Apple Blooms words were becoming harder to understand. "...of course she didn't, but these things happen, dear..." "But why do they always happen to us?!" "I don't know, but we can't do anything about it. I would love to make everything better, but I can't. None of us can, not even Celestia herself. I know this is hard, it's hard for all of us, dearest." After a lengthy silence filled with consideration, Apple Bloom got up from off the floor, and trembled her way over to Applejack, who had watched them in a sickened silence. Pinkie moves to let the fillie have some space with AJ. "...oh Apple Bloom..." Applejacks weary, emotionally broken voice couldn't amass much. "...you will get better...I promise..." Applejack couldn't reply to such heartwarming comfort. Especially from her younger sister. The night slowly rolled in, and everypony had left the room to give AJ some space. As the fact of terminal illness clouded her thoughts, she cried. Applejack swung her hooves to cover her face, but something strange happened. She could only feel her right hoof on her cheek, the left remained on her bed. AJ tried to lift the leg up, but nothing happened. She had lost the ability to move it, or even feel it. Before she could freak out, Apple Bloom opens the door slightly. "Are you awake sis?" She says just a bit louder than a whisper. "...yeah. I'm awake." The fillie walks into the room once again, noticeably saddened. "...are you feeling ok?" "Yeah. Just fine, maybe a little tired." "Good. I can't wait for us to go back to the farm, with all those trees to buck. Maybe I could lend a helping hoof." "Maybe. Maybe you could..." "...please don't go, sis..." The subject changes. The tears begin to flow from the fillies eyes, presenting a greater burden onto Applejacks already frail shoulders. "...I couldn't live without you..." The painful sight had rendered Applejack into tears, just like her sister. "...remember that time when we first met Zecora?" Applejack asks. "Uh huh..." "Well, you were really brave, going out into the Everfree Forest like you did. Even though I thought you were crazy.-" Apple Bloom looks back up at AJ. "-Can you be a brave little fillie for me again?" Apple Bloom slowly walks over to Applejack. "Can you?" The young fillie was at her bedside, meeting eyes with AJ. "...I will try..." "I know you will." Apple Bloom turns away, trying to stop Applejack from noticing her tears. "...aww, Apple Bloom...you can cry..." Without facing AJ, Apple Bloom turns back around and rests her head on Applejacks motionless arm. "...you won't go...will you?" Apple Blooms words gave way for a hard decision. Even with her honesty, this was no easy task. "...I have to..." "...but I don't want you to go..." "I know, sugarcube...I don't want to go, but I have to." Applejack was beginning to fall drowsy. "...maybe if I see Ma and Pa, I will tell them how good you've been..." Apple Bloom doesn't answer immediately, now staring at AJs Stetson on her bed. "...you mean in heaven?" Apple Bloom asks, looking up to AJ. "...yeah, in heaven. I will tell them how fast you have grown since they last saw you." Silence falls once again, and without another word, Applejack fell asleep. At this point, Granny Smith, Pinkie and Big Mac had quietly wandered into the room. They knew this very well could be the last night they see Applejack alive, even though the doctor didn't specify how long she actually has left. He didn't know. She had continued to deteriorate whilst talking with her sister. But Apple Bloom was determined that she would see her big sister again, even after their talk. No pony, not even death itself could take Applejack in her eyes. Applejack was too strong to let that happen. Pinkie had to go home. Only three visitors could stay with a patient. It broke the doctors heart, but it had to be done. Apple Bloom had refused to leave her sleeping sister. She insisted to stay as close as she can to what is left of Applejack. And not one of the family, or the doctor had the courage to separate the now inseparable. The fillie gets permission to stay with AJ. All the young Apple Bloom wanted to see was Applejack open her eyes, and see them as their natural deep emerald, and witness the colour of her fur snap back to orange, not the dulled tones as they remained. She stayed up as long as she could, desperate for something. Apple Bloom couldn't directly wake her up, that would make things worse, but that is all she wanted to do. It was killing the young fillie, seeing her sister asleep, and not being able to wake her up, no matter how desperately she wanted to. After an eternity it seemed of waiting for nothing, Apple Bloom quietly cried herself to sleep, curled up in the chair beside Applejacks bed. But as the hazy dreamscape descended over the young fillie, Applejack opened her eyes. She couldn't see much, but her yellow coat of fur was easy to spot in the darkness, along with the ribbon in her mane. Applejack was determined to wake her young sister. "...Apple...Apple Bloom..." She whispers. Her voice is completely gone. "...please...Apple Bloom...wake up...." No avail. "...oh Celestia...wake up..." The tears fall. She couldn't reach out to touch Apple Bloom. Both of her legs were now dead. Just like the Apple family thought, Applejack was certain this would be her last night on Equestria. She could feel it, somewhere deep inside of her. "...wake up..." Nothing. Apple Bloom was sound asleep. Applejack couldn't bear the agony. "...wake up...please...just wake up..." Sleepiness reigned in once more. "...I love you...Apple...Bloom..." Applejack wished to say goodbye to all she knew, but the heavy weight of sleep stole her from reality. After a bad nights sleep, Apple Bloom awoke. Almost immediately stood on her chair and looked over the broken Applejack, like she was protecting her. Apple Bloom quivered at the thought of anything she could relate to her sister. Memories, sayings, the Stetson from atop her head now rested on her lap, the red ribbons accompanying her mane, to name a few. The doctor walked in, he must have heard the sounds of Apple Blooms hooves on the chair. "Did you sleep alright?" The doctor didn't want to ask questions about Applejack, though Apple Bloom kept quiet. "Now, are you sure you want to stay in here? You can go to your family outside if you want?" Apple Bloom shook her head. With a nod, the doctor gently pressed his hoof against Applejacks neck and held it there for a few seconds to check for a pulse, only to then pull out his stethoscope and place it onto her chest. Apple Bloom could just watch, as she leaned over to hold Applejacks lifeless hoof. Watch as how the fate of Applejack was dependant on the doctors reaction. Watch and hope. Or was it fear? The doctor exhales, takes the stethoscope from AJs chest, and pulls it from his head. In the softest voice he could muster, the doctor says "...Apple Bloom...I am so sorry..." Apple Bloom screamed and panicked in refusal, shaking Applejacks hoof rapidly, only to moments later fall back in her seat and cover her eyes. Every beating heart that could hear her cries sank. Especially Big Macs, and Granny Smiths. To them, it could have only meant one thing. Applejack had gone.
Part Three- No Need for Sad GoodbyesThe news had been delivered directly to Big Mac and Granny Smith, even though it was inevitable to them. One pony had the task of informing friends and family that are absent, or otherwise unable to get directly informed of AJs passing. Twilight, Spike, Rarity, RainbowDash and Fluttershy were on the train home from a surprisingly warm autumn trip. With spirits as high as the clouds, they couldn't wait to see everypony again, and tell them about the time they had. Fluttershy, as you would expect, is anxiously sitting in her seat, worrying what she will see when she gets home. "But what if I was wrong? What if they can't take care of themselves?! They could be starving, or thirsty, or lost, or-" "Fluttershy, they are fine!" Rarity interrupts. "I don't see why you are so worked up about it!" "C'mon, this is Fluttershy we are talking about! You knew she was going to be like this!" Rainbow says, without taking her gaze from the scenery whizzing past the window. "Well, alright I did expect some worrying." Rarity rests her hoof on Fluttershys shoulder. "They are fine, Fluttershy. I'm sure of it." This hadn't helped much, but Fluttershy kept her doubts to herself. "Hey Twilight? Could you do that spell you did outside the spa again? It was really funny!" Rainbow asks, winking at Spike. "No Rainbow, I'm busy." Twilight replies, flicking another page in her book. "But your not busy. You can read when you get back to your castle!" "I said no." "Please?" "No!" Rainbows gives out a puppy-like expression. "Pretty please?" Twilight looks up at the pleading Pegasus, and without a word, casts a spell onto Spike. "Aww yeah!" Spike shouts, twisting his new mustache. "Happy now?" Twilight asks. "Yup." Rainbow casually answers, sitting back into her chair. "That was rhetorical..." Twilight grumbles. Spikes stomach rumbles, and he gives out a belch, making the already on-edge Fluttershy jump out of her fur. A letter emerges from the green smoke. "Whoops. Sorry Fluttershy." Spike chuckles. "Oh no, is it Canterlot?" Asks Twilight. "I hope princess Celestia isn't mad about me taking days off..." "It's...from Ponyville hospital..." Everyponys attention was upon Spike. "...do...do you think Pinkie Pie has eaten too much sugar again?" Asks Rarity. Spike reads the letter as his facial hair fizzled away with Twilights attention. "Dear Spike/Twilight Sparkle As you are the closest ponys yet to be informed because of your absence, I write this letter to you." Spikes voice became concerned. "Your friend 'Applejack' was recently struck by an illness we have yet to identify. She was hospitalised for a very short space of time, and I am terribly sorry to announce that she peacefully passed away..." The young dragon stops in shock. "What?!" Rainbow shouts. Rarity darted out of her seat and snatched the letter from Spike. She reads. "...peacefully passed away in her sleep as of last night. Her family has requested that you return as soon-" Raritys attempt to read had been reduces to unintelligible sobs. Fluttershy and Twilights eyes met above Raritys head, quickly turning to Rainbow. She was dumbfounded. "Apple...Applejack is...no, that's impossible!" Rainbow shouts. "She couldn't have died! Not Applejack! This is just another of Pinkies pranks! You know she likes pranks!" Her breathing becomes deep and irregular, panicking at the news. "...oh no oh no. Oh no, no no, no no not AJ...please...oh please not AJ..." Rainbow snatches the letter from Rarity, sits in the corner with it, and silently reads it to herself. Once read, Rainbow moves the letter from view of her eyes, revealing them broken with tears. A tense silence was shattered by Rainbow erupting into a loud cry. With her heart breaking Fluttershy walks over to Rainbow, who barges past her and knocks her onto the floor. Rainbow darts down the carriage, wailing as loud as her lungs could handle. She couldn't face her friends with the news, she just wanted to be alone and let the news sink in. Once the loud cries diminished, another eerie silence takes over the carriage. The cries shared between Rarity and Spike had stopped, they were lost in thought at what had just happened. Fluttershy didn't get up, but rolled onto her chest, put her head in her hooves and sobbed. Her heart wrenching squeaks and cries accompanied the silence, piercing through every single pony in the carriage. As she cried, so did Spike and Rarity once again. But Twilight remained silent, staring down the centre carriage where Rainbow had ran. She couldn't comprehend how soon all this had happened. A million thoughts passed through her head, but she could only focus on one: 'Applejack is...dead?' This thought replayed over, and over, everytime making her evermore depressed. Eventually, her ears dropped, eyes filled with despair, and she slumped back into her seat. She slowly glanced at three of her closest friends emotionally shattered on the floor, then back at the centre of the carriage, then at them again, and so on. This became more rapid, and she couldn't decide whether or not to follow Rainbow, or help the ones who stayed. She stopped searching for answers, and cried, covering her head with her wings. Fluttershy and Spike walked outside if the carriage. Rarity didn't want the young dragon to hear anymore if the letter, and Fluttershy didn't want to hear it herself. "...T-Twilight..." Rarity says. "...r-read the le-tter..." Twilights wings slowly retract to her sides. Unwillingly, she walks over to the letter, and reads it for herself: "Dear Spike/Twilight Sparkle As you are the closest ponys yet to be informed because of your absence, I write this letter to you. Your friend 'Applejack' was recently struck by an illness we have yet to identify. She was hospitalised for a very short space of time, and I am terribly sorry to announce that she passed away in her sleep as of last night. Her family has requested that you return as soon as possible to Ponyville. We wish you all the best." As she finishes, the train chugs to a stop. They had arrived at Ponyville. With Spike on Twilights back, they all walk onto the platform. Rainbow had gotten off from another carriage further down the station. Where Pinkie Pie was waiting, with her normally bouncy hair unchanged. They all watch as Rainbow throws herself into Pinkies arms, and broke into another fit of crying. Pinkie looked confused, what could have happened on their trip? "...what's wrong?" Asks Pinkie. "What...what do you mean? You don't know!?" Asks Rainbow. "I know Applejack is sick! I just didn't know you knew! Or if that is why you were crying!" Rainbows jaw was slightly open. Pinkie didn't know about Applejack. The train pulls away from the station with a loud burst of smoke, obscuring the view of Pinkie and Rainbow from the rest. "You haven't been to the hospital?!" Rainbow shouted over the whistles and chugs of the steam engine. "No! I wanted to meet you girls! I wanted to tell you about Applejack, but I didn't know you knew!" The sounds of the train faded. "Why are you asking?" Says Pinkie, the gray smoke still swivelling around her and Rainbow. "Because...because..." She once again throws herself into Pinkies grasp. "...Applejack...died..." "...wh...what?!" "I said Applejack died!" She broke once again. Pinkies eyes filled with tears, and her mane drooped. "How...how would you know that?" Rainbow couldn't answer. The fog that consumed them had diminished, to reveal the saddened mares. Without a word, Pinkie releases grasp on Rainbow, and runs as fast as she could down to the hospital. The rest of them followed. At arrival, the front doors were still open from Pinkie. They get escorted to Applejacks room by showing the letter to a nurse who had been knocked over by the frantic Pinkie Pie. They could have guessed where to go, as there was a stream of tears along the floor they followed. They got to the room. Their friend was lying on a table, with a dark blue blanket covering her. Her appearance underneath the cloth was haunting. They remembered mare who once was a strong, working, loving friend. Now she remained a body on a table, thin, with hardly any muscle to be seen. You couldn't recognise the body to be that of Applejacks, it seemed so wrong to even think it was her. She didn't want to go on some trip because of a particular Autumn. An Autumn which would be the best for the family in years. An Autumn that would benefit the town of Ponyville greatly, as well as her family. She had to stay, and she wanted to stay, although she would have loved to have a day out with her best friends. They all respected that. They all respected Applejack. There was only one visual reminder that who they were mourning over was AJ. It was Applejacks Stetson, placed on her lifeless chest. Author's Note Thanks for reading!
