Rainbows, Relationships, & Revengeby Dash32ChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 1It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, everything was peaceful. Unfortunately, things would take a turn for the worst. A young Pegasus named Sugar Wing was trotting through the Everfree Forest, when she found something that anypony would pay a million bits to unsee. Rainbow Dash, the fastest flier in all of Equestria, was laying on the ground, completely still. She was bruised all over, there was a river of blood flowing from her nose and deep cuts in her neck, sides, and stomach. Her neck and left wing also looked broken. Sugar Wing screamed in horror as she flew out of the forest as fast as she could to find help. A couple of hours later a butter yellow Pegasus with a candy pink mane was flying through the Everfree Forest when she spotted the local police ponies crowded around a small area. The Pegasus named Fluttershy flew back down to the ground to investigate. “Umm...Excuse me? What's going on here?” Said the Pegasus trying to get answers. The police ponies didn't hear her. “Um...Excuse me?” Still no answer. “Excuse me sir?” The officer finally noticed her and attempted to push her away. “You need to leave miss. This is a crime scene. Nothing to see here.” “Oh my...what's happened?” Fluttershy asked. “Do you know a Pegasus named Rainbow Dash?” “Why yes. She and I have been best friends since we were fillies.” Fluttershy said smiling. The officers frown only deepened more. “Oh. I'm...sorry.” Fluttershy's smile disappeared as a look of fear and worry spread over her face. “Oh dear...what happened? Is she okay? Oh I hope she isn't hurt!” With each second slowly ticking by, her fear intensified tremendously. “I'm sorry miss Fluttershy. But there's been an accident and your friend Rainbow Dash was involved. She is seriously injured. Medical ponies are on their way as fast as they can get here, but, she may not survive the ride over to the hospital. I'm very sorry.” Fluttershys eyes widened in horror. “NO!!!” “Miss Fluttershy, I can't express our sorrow for this tragedy. This is a truly sad day for Ponyville.” “Rainbow Dash! No! Please Celestia don't do this!” The officer walkred up to the grieving Pegasus and placed a hoof on her back. “Are you alright miss?” “MY BEST FRIEND HAS BEEN ATTACKED BY A MYSTERIOUS PONY AND COULD POSSIBLY DIE! NO I'M NOT OKAY!” For the first time in her life, the sweet, quiet, shy Pegasus who was quite literally afraid of her own shadow, yelled at another pony without any concern of the consequences whatsoever. “It's going to be alright ma'am. The medics are going to do everything they can to save your friend.” “M-May I plea-(hic)-ease go s-see her?!” She asks between sobs. “Of course. She's over there. She's unconscious, but she's alive, barely. She's under the white sheet. Take as much time as you need.” “Thank you...” “Of course.” Fluttershy walked over to a white blanket that was shaped like a pony. She grabbed the top of the sheet with her mouth and pulled it down revealing the bruised face of a unconscious Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy's eyes once again teared up as she watched the cyan Pegasus' chest faintly rise and fall, indicating that she was barely breathing. “Oh Rainbow Dash! I'm so sorry! I wish I could have been there to stop them! Please wake up!” Fluttershy yelled as she grasped the blue Pegasus in her front legs and huggedher limp body close. The yellow Pegasus whispered into the cyan Pegasus' ear. “Please wake up.” Fluttershy gently layed the unconscious mare back down on the ground as medical ponies, one being a unicorn, arrived on the scene. “Get a mask on her! NOW!” One of the medical ponys said. Once an oxygen mask was placed over Rainbow Dash's muzzle, the medical unicorn lifted up the wounded Pegasus with magic. She turned to the horrified Fluttershy who was in tears with fear for her injured friend. “I promise, we will take good care of her and do everything we can to save her.” The medic said. “PLEASE H-HELP HER!!! P-Ple-ease!!!” “Calm down miss. We're doing everything we can. Now we need to get her to the hospital right now or she'll never make it.” The pony said calmly. “O-Okay.” The medical ponies begin sprinting toward the hospital and were soon out of sight. Fluttershy began sobbing harder. One of the officer ponies walked up to her and gently patted her on the back. “I'm so deeply sorry for this tragedy miss Fluttershy, but I promise you, we WILL find out who is behind this and we will take them down. You have my word on it.” He says. “T-Thank you. Oh no, what am I going to tell the girls? Oh they'll be so devastated!” “If you'd like we can break the news to them, save you the stress?” “No...no I think...I think I'd better do it...it'd be better if they heard it from me rather than some random pony they don't know...um, if that's okay with you...” “Of course. Again I'm sorry this has happened. My name is Officer Thunder Hoof. If you ever need anything, you let me know and I will get right on it.” “Okay...thank you...” Fluttershy just stared at the ground as she responded. “Well...we'd all better get out of this forest before the day gets worse don't you think?” Fluttershy clenched her eyes shut and mumbled to herself. “This day couldn't get any worse.” She soon flew out of the forest thinking about how she is going to tell the other girls. Landing on the ground back in Ponyville still lost in her own thoughts, she walked down the road before something shook her out of it. Something pink and happy. “Hey Fluttershy! What's up?!” Pinkie Pie yelled making the yellow Pegasus jump. “Oh...Pinkie...you startled me...” Fluttershy said. “Sorry!” Pinkie said with her usual large smile. “Um...Pinkie...I need you to go find the others and meet me at Twilights please... Everyone except Rainbow Dash...” Oblivious to the real situation at hand, Pinkies brain automatically switched to party mode. “OH MY GOSH! We all get to hang out for the first time in like two or three days hey I just noticed that something is different about you is it your mane did you do something to your mane...” “Pinkie...” “Of course there's nothing wrong with your mane but I know there is something definitely different about you and I will find out what it is even if I have to spend the whole day thinking about it...” Pinkie continued. “Pinkie...” “We should definitely have a party sometime you me Rarity Applejack Twilight Rainbow Dash all of us...” “PINKIE!!” The sudden outburst coming from the usually timid Fluttershy caused the pink party pony to stop mid sentence and stare at her with a blank look on her face. “Oh...I'm sorry Pinkie...I shouldn't have yelled like that...” “It's okay Fluttershy. Wait, why not Rainbow Dash?” “Just...please do it...” “OKAY!” Without waiting for any other form of response Pinkie Pie turned around and bounced off to find the other ponies. Fluttershy goes off to Twilights house reluctantly. Soon she found herself at the door of Twilights library. She waited for a moment before knocking on the door. Immediately she heard a familiar voice from the other side of the door. “IT'S OPEN!” Twilight yelled from the other side. Fluttershy opened the door and quietly walks in. Without looking up from her book, the unicorn greeted Fluttershy from her desk. “Hey Fluttershy, what's up?” “Um...Twilight...I'm afraid I have some bad news...the others are on their way...everypony...except Rainbow Dash.” The last part of this sentence grabbed Twilights attention from her book. She looks up from her book an saw that Fluttershy's eyes were welling up with tears. “Fluttershy? Is something wrong? Why isn't Rainbow Dash coming?” Twilight asked. “Um...I...uh...you see...R-Rainbow Dash is uh...” Fluttershy continued to stutter struggling to say what needed to be said. Just then, the door swung open and Pinkie pie walked in with Applejack and Rarity behind her. “We’re here! All but Rainbow Dash just like you said!” “What pray tell is this all about?” Rarity said with a quick flip of her mane. Applejack was next to speak up with a hint of annoyance in her voice. “Somepony better have a good explaination fer why Ah had ta give up workin' in the orchard all day.” She didn't mind hanging out with her friends, but when it came to working on the farm she liked to get things done. “Thank you for coming girls. I'm afraid I have terrible news.” “Why ain't RD comin'?” “Um...that's what I wanted to talk to you about...Rainbow Dash...isn't coming because, uh...w-well you see she...um...” Fluttershy began to tear up again, causing the other ponies to have a look of concern on their faces. “You alright hun?” “Um...I-I-I...I just...I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!” Fluttershy exclaimed breaking out into uncontrollable sobbing. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight all leapt to assist their grieving friend. “It's alright Fluttershy...whatever's happened...we can help you get through it...together. Right girls?” Twilight said to the others to which they all responded in unison. “Right!” “Would you rather I looked into your mind to see what's troubling you?” “I-If you want to...it won't hurt will it? I don't think I can take much more pain...” “I promise it won't hurt a bit Fluttershy. Princess Celestia used to use this spell on me whenever I had something on my mind. Now hold still.” Twilight shut her eyes and concentrated on her magic. Soon her horn glowed a faint purple and she was soon inside Fluttershy's mind. She started seeing a bunch of images of past events of that day, but nothing that would come across as concerning. She saw an aerial view of the Everfree forest, birds flying in and out of the trees, absolutely nothing that would seem to trouble the Pegasus. Twilight had half expected the poor pony to be grieving for the death of a forest animal or something along those lines. But she saw nothing. Until she saw an image of police ponies down on the ground. Then soon after, an image of Rainbow Dash bruised and beaten near death. That mental image made Twilight lose her concentration. She saw the other ponies staring at her wondering what she will say. Fluttershy though, was laying on her belly covering her head with her forehooves. “Well, what did ya see Twilight?” “Rainbow Dash...I saw...Rainbow Dash...she...” Applejack cut in with a wave of frustration. “Aw hayseed! Don't tell me she went and got herself arrested now! Ah swear that Pegasus don't know the first thing about stayin' outta trouble.” “No Applejack...it`s...much worse than that...” With a slight smile, Rarity asked. “What could possibly be worse than that darling?” “Wait! Maybe something bad happened to her! My Pinkie sense told me that something scary was about to happen! My knee was pinchy!” Twilight’s ears folded down to the sides of her head and her eyes began brimming with tears. “You're not far off the mark Pinkie. I'm sorry to say this...but...Rainbow Dash...is in the hospital. She's severely injured and unconscious. She might not wake up.” The unexpected news caused the other to ponies gasp in fear. With heavy fear now evident in her voice, Applejack looked at Twilight and asked. “Wha-What do ya mean she might not wake up?!” Pinkie Pie also started to tear up, her mane and tail went completely flat and her usual pink coat turned a few shades grayer than usual. She shook her head in disbelief and asked. “B-But how could this happen? Who would want to kill Rainbow Dash?” The orange farmer now shaking with anger, looked at Pinkie with an angry expression and with a deep growl said. “Ah dunno Pinkie. But what Ah do know is that when Ah get my hooves on whoever done this ta Rainbow Dash they're gonna wish they'd never touched her!” Fluttershy, still sobbing to herself looked up at Twilight and with a shaky voice said. “Oh Twilight...I'm so s-s-sorry! I-If I w-was there b-before they got to her! I-I-I c-could have stopped this from happening!” “Aw sugarcube, don't beat yerself up over it. It wasn't yer fault. Nopony coulda prevented this. Ah just wanna know who would be so dern angry as ta attack one of us.” Applejack said now with a sweet and gentle tone trying to calm down the crying Pegasus. Just then, a little purple and green dragon walked into the room carrying a large tray of nachos. Spike looked with a smile and said. “Hey everypony what's up? Uuuuh...why is everypony crying?” Suddenly without warning, something within Twilight snaps. She shot a death glare at the baby dragon with tears dripping from her eyes. “SPIKE!!! GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM!!! NOW!!!!” Spike says nothing but instead slowly set down the tray and went back up to his room without saying another word. Applejack still angry at the mystery attacker pointed a hoof at Twilight, and with annoyance evident in her voice she said. “Now hang on a second Twi, Ah get that yer hurtin’, hay, we all are. But that don't give ya no right ta yell and scream at the little feller like that. He didn't know what was goin’ on.” “You're right Applejack. I'm sorry. I'll go apologize to him right now.” Twilight turned to go back up to her assistant and apologize. But Rarity intervened. “We can worry about that later darling. Right now our dear friend needs us. We need to be there for her. Let's go girls!” “Spike! I'll be back! I want to talk to you when I get home!” The 5 friends made their way to Ponyville General hospital as fast as possible. Within an hour and a half they arrived at the hospital. Twilight walked up to a mare sitting at the front desk. She looked up and saw Twilight and company. “How may I help you?” The mare asked with a gentle smile. “Hello. We are here to see Rainbow Dash. Is she here?” “Hold on a moment please.” The mare flipped through a huge stack of papers and finally spotted what she was looking for. “AH! Yes! They just took her into surgery. You can observe through the glass if you'd like, but nopony's allowed to go in during the operation.” “Okay. Thank you so much!” Twilight and the others ran through the halls of the hospital trying to find the right room. Soon they saw the operating room where surgical ponies had the unconscious Rainbow Dash on the operating table trying to revive her. “WE'RE LOSING HER! THREE MORE TIMES!! GO!!” One of them said. One of the other doctors who was a unicorn levitates the defibrillator and placed the pads on the Pegasus' chest, giving her a good shock. “DO IT AGAIN! ONE! TWO! THREE! CLEAR!” “STAY WITH US!!! ONE MORE TIME! ONE!!! TWO!! THREE!!! CLEAR!!!” He said. Twilight and her friends could only hope and watch as the doctors tried to revive their dying friend. Eventually Nurse Redheart, a white earth pony with a pink mane and a Red Cross for a cutie mark walked up to them with a more than friendly smile. “Why don't you five take a seat. They may be a while.” “Thank you nurse.” Twilight and her friends accepted the offer and seat themselves in the hallway. Fluttershy never stopped crying through the whole ordeal until she layed her head down on Applejack’s shoulder and cried herself to sleep. “It's alright Fluttershy. She'll be alright.” Applejack said trying to soothe the poor pegasus. Even Applejack didn't even believe these words, how could Fluttershy believe her? An hour of waiting passed by in silence, until the door of the operating room opened and Rainbow Dash was being wheeled out on a gurney with an oxygen mask still over her muzzle. The sudden noise woke Fluttershy from her slumber and the five ponies immediately walk up to the doctor. With tears flowing from her eyes, Twilight asked the doctor. “How is she?!” The doctor looked at them with the best poker face any of them had ever seen. “I have good news and bad news.” The stallion said. The ponies say nothing waiting for his response. “The good news is she's stable for now. However, the bad news is that she keeps going into cardiac arrest. If these episodes keep occurring, I fear she won't make it to next month.” They gasp in disbelief and soon all of them were fighting back tears. However Applejack, no longer able to contain her anger lashed out. “NO!!!!” She swung a forehoof and punched straight through the wall! She too began sobbing. Twilight’s eyes went wide with a mixture of fear and concern. “OHMYGOSH!! APPLEJACK!!” The Alicorn ran up to the sobbing mare and placed a hoof on her back. Doctor Trotter`s eyes went wide. “Um...Miss? Are you going to be alright? I mean you just put your hoof through a solid wall like it was nothing, and you're not even in pain.” A look of shame washed over the country mares face. Applejack looked at the doctor and said with a shuddering voice. “Oh...Ah'm mighty sorry ‘bout that doc...A-Ah promise Ah'll pay fer the damages as soon as Ah get the money...” “Don't worry about it miss Applejack. These kinds of things happen a lot. Now come on, come with me and I'll check your hoof and make sure nothing's broken. On the house.” “Alright. Thank ya kindly doc.” “Not a problem. And please, Call me Doctor Trotter.” “Alright.” Applejack looked back at her friends who were still looking at her with fear in their eyes. “Ah'll be back in a bit ya'll. Shouldn't be too long” She said before walking away. For the first time since they arrived at the hospital, Fluttershy spoke up. “I hope Applejack is going to be okay.” “She'll be fine Fluttershy. She's a strong mare.” Twilight assured her silently not believing her own words. Fluttershy could only nod. About forty five minutes later Applejack came back no longer sobbing, although her eyes were puffy from the tears. “Good news ya'll. My hoof ain't broken, but my heart still is.” “At least she's alive Applejack.” Twilight said. “Yeah, but fer how long?” “Well for now all we can do is hope and pray she makes it.” For the next twenty four hours the five friends slept in the waiting area. Each took a turn staying awake in case the doctor came to them with an update on Rainbow Dashs condition. It was about seven thirty in the morning, it was Applejacks turn to stay awake while the others slept. She sat in silence just staring at the floor, lost in thought. ‘Why would anypony attack Rainbow Dash?’‘what if she doesn't make it?’‘who would be the next element of loyalty?’‘Nopony could replace her as a friend.’‘what....what is this feeing Ah'm gettin'? Am Ah....n-no! Impossible', She thought. These thoughts eventually got to the point she began silently sobbing with her hooves over her eyes. Twilight who was sitting right next to Applejack, heard this noise and opens her eyes to see one of her best friends crying. Twilight leaned up and placed a hoof on Applejack`s shoulder. She turned her head startled slightly by the sudden contact. In attempt to hide her tears, the country mare wiped her eyes dry and sniffed. “Twilight...what're ya doin' up? It ain't yer shift yet.” “I heard you crying...thinking about Rainbow Dash?” Applejack said nothing and just nodded. “Hey, it'll be okay. Alright? Look, I'm scared too. We all are. But Rainbow Dash is a tough mare. Even if she's unconscious, she isn't about to let something like this keep her from her best friends. She won't go out without a fight. They don't call her the element of loyalty for nothing you know.” Twilight whispered and smiled slightly trying to lighten the mood. Applejack didn't even chuckle at the joke making Twilight's forced smile quickly fade into non existence. “Look AJ. I know you're upset, but trust me, she will wake up. I promise.” “How do ya know?” “Trust me. I have a feeling she'll be okay.” “But...what if she don't?” “Hey. Don't think like that okay? She's going to wake up.” Twilight said gently but sternly. “But what if–” “She will!” Twilight hissed in a loud whisper. Applejack just nodded. “Now come here.” Twilight suddenly pulled the country mare into a hug. Applejack hesitantly returned the hug and smiled a little as she wiped her tears from her eyes. “Thanks Twi. Ah really needed this. A talk Ah mean. Now ya'll should try to get a little more shut eye 'fore the doctor shows up.” “I can't sleep anymore.” A couple of minutes later the doctor finally walked up to the group. Twilight got on her hooves while Applejack woke up the others. “How is she Doctor Trotter?” His eyes scanned over the other ponies before he answered. “She's awake. She's in pain though. Her left wing and a couple of vertebrae in her neck are broken. She isn't going to be able to fly for a while. The scariest part for all of us is that if her heart rate increases when flying, the increase in adrenaline may be too much for her weak heart, and it can explode, immediately killing her.” The five other elements of harmony gasped with surprise and fear. Twilight was the first to respond. Sorrow and fear heavy in her voice. “Oh no! She'll be so heart broken!” “It's for the best. For her safety.” Doctor trotter said. “May we go see her?” “Of course. She's in room 312. But I'd advice you all to be as quiet as possible. She has a raging headache so any loud noise will make it worse.” “Thank you so much Doctor Trotter.” Doctor Trotter responded smiling at the Alicorn. “No problem at all Princess.” “Call me Twilight.” “Alright. No problem at all Twilight.” The five friends walked to said room and slowly make their entrance. Not a sound could be heard accept the slow beeping of the heart monitor. Twilight and her friends made their way into the room and soon were at the end of the bed, where a bandaged Rainbow Dash lay there seemingly asleep. “Rainbow...Rainbow its me...Twilight. I'm here with the others.” Twilight whispered. No answer. Nervousness now creeping into her voice Twilight spoke again. “Rainbow Dash? A-Are you awake?” Suddenly a light shuffling was heard and Rainbow Dash slowly awoke. “Ungh...T-Twilight? I-Is that you?” The injured Pegasus muttered. “Yeah. We're here Dash. All of us.” “Hi Dashie.” Pinkie Pie said with a small smile. “Um...hello.” “Hello darling.” “Hey there sugarcube.” Applejack said quietly, her voice cracking a bit. “How are you feeling?” Twilight asked. “Like crap.” Rainbow Dash said no longer struggling for words. Applejack went in for a small hug. “Oh sugarcube. A-Ah'm so sorry this happened to ya. What happened?” “I don't remember much. Except I went out flying. I wanted to practice some new moves I had for the Wonderbolts. Then some pony blasted me out of the air. I couldn't see who it was but after I hit the ground I stood up challenging them to fight me, then I blacked out with a severe pain traveling through my body. That's all I remember.” Twilight walked up to Rainbow Dash placing a hoof over Rainbow’s. “I promise Rainbow, we are going to get to the bottom of this. We will find whomever did this to you.” Rainbow Dash could only muster up a weak smile. “I....I know you will Twilight. I have faith in all of you.” “I'm so sorry Dash.” Twilight said with her ears folded back and tears forming in her eyes. “It's alright Twilight. None of you are to blame here. It's my fault for trying to fight back. What was I thinking?” “You were acting in self defense Rainbow.” “Yeah sugarcube. Ah mean Ah'm pretty sure ev'ry one o' us woulda done the same thing had we been in yer situation. But you have no idea how happy we are to know that you–, uh Rainbow? You alright?” Applejack said getting concerned. “I, I dunno, I just....d-don't feel so good....I think...agh my heart....it's....agh....” Rainbow Dash slowly began to lose consciousness. Suddenly the heart monitor went flat. Applejack and the others began to panic. “Rainbow?! RAINBOW!!! COME ON RAINBOW!! DONT DO THIS TO US!! RAINBOW DASH WAKE UP!!! PLEASE!” Applejack yelled trying to wake the pegasus with tears rolling down her cheeks. “COME ON SUGARCUBE PLEASE WAKE UP! DON'T DIE ON US!!! PLEASE!” “NURSE! WE NEED HELP!! PLEASE HURRY!” Twilight yelled as she too broke down crying. Seconds later Nurse Redheart and a few other nurses came in. “I'm sorry but we need your friends to wait out in the hall.” “PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA BRING HER BACK!” Applejack yelled crying a river of tears. “We will do everything we can miss, now please. We need you and your friends to exit the room.” The nurse said with a stern but sympathetic tone. The ponies exit the room and wait for the next hour and a half for Nurse Redheart to give them the news. For what feels like an eternity, the other five element bearers sat in silence as they all listen to the constant yelling in the room of their dying friend. “COME ON! WAKE UP!! ONE! TWO! THREE! CLEAR!” Nurse Redheart yelled. Each passing moment lowered the groups hope that somehow she would pull through. Finally after an hour and a half, Nurse Redheart and the team of doctors breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Twilight could hear this even though the door is closed. Her ears instantly perked up as Doctor Trotter walked out of the hospital room. “You and your friends can rest easy now. We got her back. She's been coughing and wanting to see you all. Best not to keep her waiting.” Said the doctor with a smile. “Thank you s-so much doctor.” Twilight said smiling trying to suppress her tears. Albeit unsuccessfully. “Not a problem at all Miss Sparkle. Just doing my job.” Twilight and her friends walked into the hospital room and saw the blue color of Rainbow Dashs coat. The Pegasus was twitching slightly eliciting groans of pain. “Oh thank Celestia you're okay...we were so afraid you weren't going to make it.” Twilight said with tears forming in her eyes. “...ugh...my body...hurts...” Rainbow Dash stuttered with her hooves wrapped around her like a tightly wound blanket. “Oh Dash...I'm so sorry. I wish we could help.” “It's alright Twilight...just...all of you being here...is help enough.” Replied the Pegasus with a weak smile. “We're going to get to the bottom of things. Find out who's behind this.” “Well before any if that, can we get some pain medicine, my head and neck are killing me.” “There's a reason behind that sugarcube.” “Oh?” Rainbow Dash said. “Yeah...uh...how can ah put this delicately? The doc said that, your neck is broken and you have a concussion.” “Ah pony feathers.” Rainbow Dash said angrily. “Gets worse than that sugarcube.” Applejack silently prepared herself for the next piece of bad news. “How could it get any worse than this?” “Uh...hehe...well, yer left wing is busted.” “Ugh. Perfect.” Rainbow said sarcastically. “And...eh...the doc also says that if you raise yer blood pressure too high while yer flying, yer heart might give out on ya and explode.” “WHAT–OW!” Rainbow practically jumped out of the hospital bed flaring her wings, only to have a surge of pain hit her neck and wing like a ton of bricks, making her drop back down into the bed. “Easy Rainbow! Easy, easy...Doctor Trotter said you won't be flying for a while.” Twilight said. “Well this is just great! I'm a fricking walking blue vegetable with wings!” “That's not true Rainbow. You're so much more. You may be bed ridden for a while, but you're far from useless. Let's not forget who refused the Shadowbolts so that she could assist her friends.” “The Shadowbolts were fake, Twilight. Remember? They were nothing but Nightmare Moon trying to get me to abandon you guys.” “Even still, you still put your own wants aside so you could help us.” Twilight said with nothing but truthfulness in her voice. “Thanks guys.” “You okay Dashie?” Pinkie Pie finally spoke up. Rainbow Dash was struggling to keep her head up and she began to slur her speech. “I...I'm just a little...d-dizzy...wooooooo–goodnight.” And she was out like a light. Rainbow Dash's head finally went limp and fell back against the pillow. Everypony was sent into a state of fear. “NURSE!!!” Twilight yelled. Seconds later Nurse Redheart ran in wide-eyed and quickly checked the unconscious mare. She puts a hoof on Rainbows forehoof and smiled. “She's fine. She's just sleeping.” Said Nurse Redheart. The remaining five mares breathed a heavy sigh of relief. “Oh thank Celestia.” Twilight said placing a hoof over her heart. “Perhaps you all should head home and get some rest. You all have had an eventful couple of days.” “Please let us know if anything changes.” “I will do that Miss Sparkle. Doctor Trotter will inform you whenever Miss Dash is ready to be checked out.” “Thank you nurse.” “Oh! One more thing before I forget, I understand Rainbow Dash lives alone, and since she can't fly for a while she will need to stay with one of you for a while in the mean time.” After a few seconds of silence, a certain cowpony stepped forward. “Ah'll do it.” Smiling at the gutsy mare, Nurse Redheart said to her. “Okay...thank you for volunteering. I will send a letter to your home when she is ready.” “Thank ya kindly nurse Redheart.” “Not a problem Miss Applejack. Now. Why don't you ponies head home and get some rest. We will keep you updated on her conditon.” “Thank you. Alright girls, let's head home.” Twilight and the rest of the group turned to leave. “Goodbye girls.” As the five ponies passed the receptionists desk, Twilight turned around. “Thank you so much for your help.” “No problem Princess Twilight. Happy to help.” Said the mare. Twilight smiled and trots off once again as she and her friends begin to head there separate ways back to their homes. Chapter 2Within two hours after departing from the hospital, each pony is at the front doorstep of their own homes. Fluttershy walks into her cottage and immediately breaks down into sobs. Her bunny Angel tries everything to cheer her up, but his attempt is in vain. Nothing would be able to cheer up the yellow Pegasus for the rest of the night. Pinkie Pie walks into Sugarcube corner and immediately locks herself in her room upstairs as her mane completely flattens. Even something as simple as a cupcake or even a party would do nothing for the saddened party pony. Rarity on the other hoof is reduced to quietly sobbing before she even reaches the front door of her boutique. Her little sister Sweetie Belle does absolutely everything she can to make her big sister happy, but it was all for nothing. When Twilight reaches the library, she stops just outside the door. ‘Keep it together Twilight’, she thinks before finally opening the door and walking inside. “Spike? Spike I'm home! I need to talk to you!” A few seconds goes by before Spike walks out of his room and down the stairs. “Hey Twilight. What's up?” Says the little dragon. “Look, Spike...I want to apologize for the way I acted earlier. I shouldn't have yelled at you. You were just curious.” Twilight digs at the floor with a hoof unable to make eye contact with the drake. Spike crosses his arms and asks with a raised eyebrow. “Yeah, what was that about?” Twilight points to the stairs with a hoof finally making eye contact before saying simply. “You'd better sit down.” The dragon sits down on the bottom step with his arms still crossed. “Alright. Now what's up?” Twilight looks away momentarily, her ears pin back. She doesn't even notice that she is biting her lip until she begins to speak. “Well, the girls and I have been at the hospital all day, we just got back from there...and...I'm afraid that...” Spike gets an uncomfortable look in his eyes. “Ooooh no...Twilight...you're not, y'know...” Twilight looks at him with a confused look. The alicorn finally gets the hint when Spike makes a shape around his stomach with his claws. Her eyes shrink to pinpricks and her ears pin back once again. “Oh Celestia no!!!! Yuck!!!” “Oh good.” Twilight shakes her head to rid herself of those unpleasant thoughts, only to have her head filled with new thoughts, making her frown. “No, I'm not, thank Celestia. But we were at the hospital because, Rainbow Dash is in there. Somepony attacked her and hurt her pretty bad. She's alive but she keeps having a series of heart attacks. She might not make it another month.” “Oh no! Rainbow!” “That's why I snapped at you earlier. It's no excuse for me to do that, but we were all stressed out from earlier and I just lost it. I'm sorry.” Twilight flashes a small smile at Spike in hopes she earns his forgiveness. The little dragon walks up to twilight and wraps her in a big hug to which she quickly returns. “It's alright Twilight. I don't hold grudges.” Twilight mentally sighs with relief and smiles. “That's why you're my number one assistant.” “You'd better head off to bed.” “Alright, goodnight Spike.” “Night Twilight.” The Alicorn makes her way up to her bedroom and sinks beneath the covers. The next ten minutes are spent thinking about nothing except the wounded mare that she and so many others have come to love. Twilight sniffles and soon is quietly sobbing to herself. Eventually the dark cloud that is tiredness overtakes her and she slowly drifts off to a world of slumber. Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acres, the entire Apple family is enjoying the rest of the night in the living room, save for a certain blonde cowpony. When she doesn't come inside the house, the hulking red stallion known as Big Macintosh goes out to investigate her reasoning. He spends the next two hours searching the orchard but finds no sign of his sister. He almost decides to call it a night and head back up to the house, until finally he sees that the light in the barn is on. Slowly and quietly the stallion approaches the barn and sees the mare in question, quietly sobbing to herself, and that she's on here sixteenth bottle of cider. He slowly approaches the mare to prevent startling her in her drunken condition. “AJ?” Applejack immediately straightens up and attempts to cease her tears, but is unsuccessful. “Oh, h-heeeeeeey Big Mac...h-h-h-h-h-how r-r-rong you been shtanding dere??” “Ah been standin’ here long enough to know that you done had too much ta drink.” “Pfft! Horseapples! Ah ain't never not no felt none no better in mmmmy liiiiife!” “Applejack, yer drunk. We need ta getcha inside 'fore ya hurt yerself.” “Ah ain't swear Ah drunk ta Celestia! Ah'm sober as an alcoholic on a Tuesday mornin’!!” “AJ...there ain't a single word in those two sentences that made a lick o' sense.” Big Mac slowly approaches his sloshed sister trying to help her onto his back, only to have her angrily push him back. “AH'M FINE DAGGUMMIT!!!!” Knowing his sister is in rough shape, Big Macintosh is able to keep his composure. Though his patience is slowly wearing thin. With a comforting look to his eyes, Big Mac asks in a stern but quiet voice. “AJ. Tell me what's wrong. And Ah know you can't lie ta save yer life, so fess up and talk.” Applejack takes one more big swig of her cider and chucks it across the barn, barely missing Big Mac`s head. “Ah'm wor-r-r-r-r-r'd m’bout Daaaaaaasssssh.” As if there were an on/off switch to his throat, Big Mac says in a gentle now more brotherly voice. “Ah understand. But believe me, she will make it. Ah promise ya.” This only angers the drunken mare and with bitterness in her voice, she replies. “You dunn-no nuth'n m'bout what t'slike ta dern near lose someponnnnny ya loooooove.” His patience running on empty, and anger fully loaded, Big Mac snaps as he suddenly smacks a forehoof down on the top of the counter missing the drunk mare by inches, almost completely sobering her up with the sudden impact. Big Mac hit the table with so much force there was a groove in the shape of a large fetlock. Applejack can only stare at the angry stallion with the widest eyes possible. “HOW IN EQUESTRIA CAN YA SAY AH DON'T KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TA LOSE SOMEPONY?! YA THINK AH DIDN'T CRY NONE WHEN OUR FOLKS PASSED?! YA DON'T THINK AH WAS DEPRESSED OR NOTHIN'?! YA THINK AFTER THEY WAS BURIED EV’RYTHING WAS ALL FINE AND DANDY FER ME IMMEDIATELY AFTER?! WELL IF THATS WHAT YA THINK THEN YER SORELY MISTAKEN LIL MISSY!!!” Big Mac yells with a deep bellowing voice nearly scaring the cider out of his poor sister. Applejacks mood immediately changes from angry and drunk, to sober and regretful. “Big Mac...A-Ah'm so sorry. It was the cider...oh Mac...Ah'm so sorry...reckon Ah really have had a bit too much ta drink huh?” Big Mac suddenly calms down at her sudden change in voice and smiles. “More'n a little.” “Yeah. Yeah yer right. Again Ah'm real sorry Big Mac. Ah'm just worried ‘bout Rainbow Dash. Ah dunno what any o' us will do if she's gone. Ah don't wanna lose her too. Ah can't go through it again! Ah just can't!” Applejack throws her forehooves around her brothers neck as she begins sobbing into his shoulder. Big Mac embraces his sister in the tightest but gentlest hugs he could muster. “Ya really love ‘er, huh?” Applejack slowly nods, tears still blurring her vision. “More'n anything Big Mac. More’n apple buckin’ itself. It's like, when Ah'm around her Ah feel that it's jus' the two of us. Ev'rythin’ just stops. She somehow fills the hole that's been in my heart since ma and pa passed.” “Then why dontcha tell her that? Next time ya go fer a visit, tell her that. But ya don't wanna make it too obvious. Give her a few hints and let ‘er guess fer herself.” “Since when were ya the love whisperer?” Applejack asks with a grin. Big Mac smiles with a toothy grin. “Ah may or may not have been practicin’ fer a special somepony.” Without missing a beat, Applejack asks with the most evil smile she could get. “It's Cherilee ain't it?” “You say a single word ta her about it and Ah'll drag ya out ta the South fields and tie ya to one of the vampire fruit bat trees and leave ya there ‘til roosters crow.” Big Mac playfully threatens. “You wouldn't dare!” Big Mac raises an eyebrow and his smile just grows wider. “Ya wanna bet on that Lil Jacky?” It only takes a few seconds for Applejack to realize that her brother is telling the truth. She could see it in his eyes. His evil little eyes. With a gulp she tries to think of something to say. She fails. “Heh...yeah you know Ah ain't foalin’ around dontcha.” Applejack rolls her eyes smiling at his teasing. “Oh you hush up now.” “Ah'm sorry fer scarin’ ya earlier sis, it just gets ta me when ponies try tellin’ me Ah ain't got a clue how they feel when losin’ a loved one.” “You ain't gotta apologize fer anything Macky. Ah shouldnta said what Ah said. My fault fer actin’ a daggum foal drinkin’ my troubles away. That's gonna come back and haunt me in the mornin’.” Applejack says smacking a hoof to her face. “Eeyup.” “Welp. Ah guess we'd better mosey on up ta the house and get whatever sleep we can.” Applejack attempts to stand on all fours, only to stumble like a new born fawn. “Wooah! Alright. Let's go–(SMACK!!) Applejack stumbles after running muzzle first into a wooden beam. “Here sis, lemme help ya. Hop up on my back. Ah'll just carry ya up there.” Big Mac lowers himself low enough for the drunken mare to slide into his back. Slowly and lazily she climbs on. “Alright. Let's go.” The two siblings stay silent as Big Mac carries Applejack up to the house and slowly, quietly walks inside, closing the door behind him and carefully walking up the stairs to Applejack`s room. Once they reach her bed Big Mac waits for Applejack to slowly slide herself under the covers. He grips her signature Stetson hat in his teeth and places it on the nightstand next to her bed. “Alright. Now ya best get some sleep. Yer gonna need it ta deal with the monster hangover that's comin’ yer way in the morning.” “Yippee...” Applejack says flatly. Big Mac just lets out a small chuckle before saying to her. “G’nite sis. Lemme know if ya need me ta getcha anything. Ah love ya.” Big Mac leans down and kisses Applejack on the forehead. “Night Big Mac. Ah love ya too” As Big Mac is about to walk out the door, Applejack stops him. “Big Mac?” The red stallion turns around and looks at her. “Hmm?” “Ah actually dunno if Ah can sleep. Ah'm too worried about Dash.” “Believe me, if Ah know that mare, she'll be alright. Trust me AJ. Nothing's gonna happen ta her. Alright? Try ta get some sleep. Ah'll see ya in the mornin’.” Big Mac turns back around and closes the door. Applejack rolls over on her side. “That's what Ah'm afraid of.” She says to herself before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep within minutes. Author's Note This chapter is a lot shorter than the last chapter. I just couldn't think of anything for this one. My rough draft was so much better, but alas, I no longer have it. Oh well! Laters! Chapter 3The next day started the same as always. Wake up. Eat breakfast. Continue through the day. At least that's how most ponies went about their day. Not for Twilight Sparkle however. Twilight wakes up with tear stains trailing down her face after crying herself to sleep. Slowly and lazily, she makes her way out of bed and goes to the mirror for her daily routine. Her disheveled mane in need of serious brushing, she levitates the brush with her magic and takes the next five minutes taking out every single knot that had formed over night from her tossing and turning. Once that is taken care of, the Alicorn trots into her bathroom and splashes her face to rid herself of the tear stains that had dried and matted her coat. Twilight dries her face off and looks at her refreshed reflection in the mirror. “She'll be fine Twilight. She's strong.” She told herself. And with that, she went downstairs to begin her day. As she walks down the stairs to the library an aroma hits her. The smell of fresh pancakes being made could be smelled from outside. She looks into the kitchen and sees Spike flipping pancakes. “Oh hey Twilight. Breakfast is almost ready. You hungry?” Twilight smiles slightly and nods. “I'm starving. Thanks Spike.” Twilight looks away from the dragon to take a look at the clock hanging on the wall, making her eyes grow wide with panic. “11:30?! Spike! The library was supposed to be open an hour ago!! Why didn't you wake me?! Now we're one whole hour late opening!” Spike looks at her calmly and says to her. “Calm down, you all had a rough day yesterday, I figured you should get a little more sleep.” Twilights panic subsides just as quickly as it appeared and is then replaced with a loving gentle smile. She leans down and pulls the baby dragon into a hug. “You're right. Yesterday was hard for all of us. Thank you Spike.” Spike smiles back at her. “That's what I'm here for.” Twilight now beaming with joy, takes a big bite out of her pancakes and moans with delight. “Spike, these are delicious!” “Just a quick recipe I dug up. No biggie.” He says confidently. “What do you think I should get Rainbow Dash as a get well soon present?” “I dunno Twilight. Think about it. What are some things she likes?” Twilight thinks long and hard about what Rainbow Dash would like. Then, it hits her and her ears perk up and she smiles wide. “I've got it!!” She says. The Alicorn quickly scrambles out of her seat and into her room to grab something. Spike rolls his eyes as he hears things hitting the floor and crashing down on the floor above. A short time later, Twilight runs back down the stairs with something wrapped in paper and ribbon floating inside her magical aura. “IT'S PERFECT!” She says excitedly. “What is it?” Smiling silently to herself she responds. “Come with me next time I go see her and you'll find out.” “Okay. And since we are picking out gifts for her, I'll be right back.” Spike quickly runs out of the kitchen and up the stairs to his bedroom for a few minutes, and comes back down carrying something rattling in a box. “What did YOU pack?” Twilight asks with a raised eyebrow. Spike smiles and pokes Twilight in the muzzle. “You'll have to wait and find out.” Twilight rolls her eyes and smiles. Meanwhile at an old cottage by the Everfree Forest, the Fluttershy is sound asleep on her comforter. That is, until a carrot flies up like a missile and smacks her in the forehead. Her eyes slowly flutter awake and she looks around before letting out a big yawn. Fluttershy looks around before settling her gaze on the floor where Angel is impatiently waiting for her, tapping his foot repeatedly. “Oh, good morning Angel. Are you hungry?” Angel turns around and bolts into the kitchen. Fluttershy smiles and shakes her head before slowly getting up off the comforter and walking into the kitchen. “Okay Picky Pete, if I give you your food now, then you will just have to wait until I get home again. Is that understood?” Angel angrily points to his empty bowl as if he's trying to say, ‘Girl you better feed me before I stick this rabbits foot clear up your–’ “Okay then, just remember you asked.” Fluttershy says before dropping four large carrots into his food bowl. Angel happily dives into his bowl munching away at the delicious contents inside it. “Now don't forget Angel, you musn't eat too fast or you'll make yourself sick. Now I'll be back later. I'm off to see... Fluttershy stops as realization hits her, causing her eyes to tear up. “Rainbow Dash.” Was all she could say before her knees buckle and she collapses in a sobbing heap whispering to herself. “Oh Rainbow Dash...please...please be okaayyyyy...” She suddenly feels a tiny pair of paws on her shoulder. She looks up from her hooves and sees Angel looking at her with a look of apology and sympathy. She sniffles but nonetheless smiles. “Oh...it's okay. I know I didn't come home until it was vey late last night so I'm sure you were starving.” Angel shakes his head and offers her an uneaten carrot. Smiling at the generous offer, she kindly takes the carrot in her teeth and sets it down on her forehooves. “Aww. Thank you Angel.” She slowly eats away at the carrot, taking tiny bites out of the vegetable. Once she was finished she stood up once again smiling. “Okay. I should go visit Rainbow Dash now. Oh! But I can't visit her without bringing a get well soon gift for her. Ooh what would she like?” Fluttershy thinks for the next few minutes about the perfect gift to give her Rainbow maned friend. Suddenly she finally figured it out. “Oh! I know!” She starts fumbling through her cottage looking for something. A few minutes later she is carrying something in her mouth wrapped in gift wrap. She places the object in her satchel and waves to all of her animal friends. “Goodbye my friends. I'll be back later. Angel, you're in charge until I get home.” She then takes off in a gallop out the door. Meanwhile a certain bunny rabbit flashes an evil grin and his ears pin back as he begins to hatch an idea in his head. The mood at sugarcube corner was no better. The pink party pony was up in her room laying down on her bed refusing to budge. Her mane, usually poofy and full of life was now laying flat and lifeless. Her normally vibrant pink coat was now dull and grey. “Oh Gummy, what am I going to do? Rainbow Dash is hurt and we have no idea who did dun do’ed it. And worst of all she may not live much longer!” Pinkie looks down at her pet baby alligator Gummy, who just stares blankly at nothing in particular. “Yes I know she's loyal and strong. But what if this is too much for her to handle?” The reptile still doesn't respond. Suddenly as if flicking a light switch, Pinkies attitude suddenly shifts and her mane and coat go back to their natural states. “You're absolutely right Gummy! She will make it!*GASP!* I gotta get her a get well soon gift and get all the preparations done for the get well soon party then get ready for the get well soon after party!! OOOH!! THIS IS GOING TO BE SOOOOOOOOOOO GREAT!!! AND I KNOW JUST WHAT TO GET HER.” Somehow in the blink of an eye, the pink mare goes through her closet and takes out an object that is already gift wrapped, as if she somehow prepared for a moment like this to happen. “BYE GUMMY! TAKE CARE OF THE BAKERY WHILE IM GONE!” Pinkie speeds out of the complex and runs straight for the hospital. Meanwhile, at the Carousel Boutique, a certain white mare is laying in her bedroom sobbing. Sweetie Belle slowly makes her way up to her big sisters room to find her laying on her bed in tears. Sweetie Belle quietly tip-hoofs up to Rarity's bed and nervously speaks up. “H-Hey sis. Is everything okay?” Rarity gasps and does her best to fix her already ruined makeup. “S-Sweetie Belle! What are you doing in here? Don't you know it's not nice to sneak up on a lady?” Rarity says as she struggles to keep her composure. “Sorry. It's just...I heard sobbing and I was starting to get worried so I thought I'd come check up on you. What's wrong?” “Oh. You needn't worry yourself with something such as this. It's grown up pony issues.” Rarity puts on a fake smile. Sweetie Belle however is unconvinced. Finally Rarity lets out a deep breath she didn't know she was holding and patted the bed next to her. “Come. Sit. Let me explain what troubles me.” Sweetie Belle jumps up and sits down next to Rarity who wraps a hoof around her shoulders and brings her close to her body. The older unicorn takes a deep breath before speaking. “Sweetie Belle, do you remember, a few months ago when you were extremely ill and had to be taken to the hospital?” Rarity asks the little unicorn filly. Sweetie Belle squints her eyes in thought, then nods her head. “Do you remember me telling you that the doctors said there was the very minutest chance that you would survive?” Rarity tears up at the thought of this terrible memory. This memory also makes Sweetie Belle’s ears flatten and once again nod. It takes a full minute for Rarity to regain her composure and continue with her statement. “Well, Rainbow Dash is in the hospital. Only she isn't sick. I mean, I suppose you could say she is sick depending on how you look at it, but, Dash is very hurt. Somepony attacked her...S-She may not live through it if her condition worsens.” Rarity is still struggling very hard to keep her composure. However this attempt fails when a small gasp is heard coming from the little filly next to her. Then, a series of tiny quiet sobs are heard coming from the little pony. “B-B-But Rainbow Dash can't die! Scootaloo would be so heartbroken!” Sweetie Belle squeals with a series of sobs racking her body. Rarity pulls the filly into her embrace. “Oh Sweetie Belle, I know, I don't want anything to happen to her either. Believe me she's one of my best friends. I just don't know what we would do without her.” For the next ten minutes Rarity tries everything she possibly can to calm her little sister whilst struggling not to cry herself. “W-We have to help her Rarity! We can't lose her!” Sweetie Belle is now loudly sobbing. Rarity tightens her grip around the poor filly. “Oh Sweetie Belle. I so wish there was something that could be done. But the most we can do is wait for things to improve. However long that will take.” Once again, tears once again threaten to pour from seemingly nowhere. “W-What if we got her a gift. Would that make her f-feel a lot better?” Rarity places a hoof to her chin and thinks about it for a few seconds before answering with a sudden smile. “Sweetie Belle you're a genius!” Rarity says with excitement. “But why buy her a gift, when I can make one!” Rarity got off her bed and started running down the stairs. Sweetie Belle follows suit. “What do you mean?” “Can't talk! Must create!” Rarity runs around her shop levitating the proper supplies and gets straight to work. Sweetie Belle sits in silence for the next two hours as her sister makes a one of a kind masterpiece for her injured friend. Finally the final stitch is put into place. “ITS PERFECT!” In a fit of excitement, Rarity forcefully shoves the newly made present into the garment in a box and sprints out the door and calls to her little sister. “Come along Sweetie Belle!” Sweetie Belle runs out the door following her sister trying to catch up. Later that day, at Sweet Apple Acres. The whole Apple family is wide awake at the breakfast table. All but one. Applejack was still in her bedroom deep asleep while the others were getting ready to eat. Granny Smith notices the lack of Orange cowpony in the room and looks at Big Mac. “Big Mac, could you please go upstairs and wake yer sister? It's almost time fer breakfast.” “Eeyup” Slowly climbing the steps that lead upstairs, Big Mac steadily climbs the steps that lead to his sisters room. Big Mac quietly opens the door and looks inside the room to see that Applejack is indeed still asleep and that she has pulled a pillow over her head to block out any light and noise and reduce her headache. Her signature Stetson lay on the table next to her. Big Mac walks up to the sleeping pony and gently nudges her left foreleg. “AJ. C'mon AJ, time ta get up. Breakfast is ready fer ya.” The only reply he gets is the muffled snoring of his little sister still asleep. “Come on sis. Ah know ya ain't feeling up to it today but we're all waiting on ya. We need ya down here with us.” He gently begins to shake her hoping that will wake her from her slumber. Once again, no response is heard other than the mares soft snoring. Thinking quietly to himself, Big Mac notices that Applejacks` tail is hanging limp off the side of her bed which brings an idea to his head. Moving closer to her bed side he seized her tail in his mouth and yanks it just hard enough to wake her up without hurting her causing her to give a surprised yelp. “YAAH!!!” Now fully awake from her little wake up call, Applejack groggily looks around her room to find Big Mac behind her smiling with her tail still in his mouth. She narrows her eyes at him and lets out a small growl as he spits out her tail. Trotting toward the door, he looks back at Applejack. “C'mon AJ. Time fer breakfast.” Trotting toward the door, he looks back at Applejack. “Mmmrff. Fine...be down in a minute.” She groans. With her brother now waiting for her downstairs, she groans to herself and takes a few minutes braiding her mane and tail, tying the ends off with a red band. Finally she picks up her Stetson and places it on top of her head before getting out of bed and going downstairs. She goes downstairs and sees her family patiently waiting for her at the table. Without saying anything and with a slightly frustrated, slightly pained look on her face, she sits down at the table and starts eating. Her little sister Apple Bloom looks at her and smiles brightly. “Mornin’ sis.” Apple Bloom says happily. “Howdy...” “What's wrong?” “Yer sis is just feelin’ a bit under the weather this mornin’ AB. Past couple days've been a might rough on ‘er and the rest o’ her group of friends.” Big Macintosh cuts in. “Whattya mean?” “Ah'll tell ya in a bit. Alright? This ain't the time er place ta be discussin’ it.” “S’alright Big Mac. Ya can tell ‘er.” “Tell me what?” “Well Apple Bloom, from what Ah understand, Rainbow Dash is hurt and is stuck in the hospital. Now please don't fret to much about what Ah'm ‘bout to tell you, but, if things don't work out the way we want `em to, Rainbow Dash may not make it.” With a confused look on her face, the filly asks in the most innocent way possible. “Make what?” “No, uh, Ah mean, she may move on ta the pasture in the sky.” Apple Blooms eyes grow to the size of dinner plates and tear up and she starts trembling. “Y-Ya mean she might die?!” Asked the horrified filly. “Yeah Apple Bloom, that's what could happen.” The filly immediately climbs down from her seat walks around the table and nearly tackles Applejack to the ground in a hug whilst in tears, to which Applejack quickly returns. “Oh Applejack, Ah'm so sorry!” “It ain't yer fault AB. This was somepony else's doin’.” “Scootaloo will be so sad!” “Now hold on just a pony pickin’ minute. Rainbow Dash ain't dead yet. There's just a possibility that's what might happen. Ugh....Big Mac. Could ya get me a couple painkillers from the cabinet please?” “Eeyup.” The stallion quickly goes to the kitchen cabinet and retrieves two painkillers and hoofs them to Applejack. “Much obliged.” Taking a big gulp of water, the country mare tosses the pills down her gullet and swallows. Apple Bloom dries her tears and asks another question. “Whattya need painkillers for sis? What's hurtin’ ya?” Without missing a beat Big Mac responds. “Yer sister had a bit too much cider last night Apple Bloom. Woke up with a monster headache.” Big Mac smiles slightly at his blushing sister. “A little ain't the word fer it.” Applejack mumbles to herself. “How come ah never get a headache from drinkin'?” “‘Cause you ain't ever had our cider. Yer too young fer that.” Applejack tells her. Apple Bloom responds with the best angry voice a filly her age could have. “But ah AM a big pony!” “Ah never said ya weren't, sugarcube, but ya ain't old enough. Not my rules. It's the law of the town.” Apple Bloom growls to herself. “Hmph. Dumb laws.” “Big Mac. Do ya think ya can do my chores fer today? Ah really wanna go see RD today.” Applejack pleads. “Eeyup.” Applejack smiles with a wide grin and tightly hugs her brother. “Thanks Big Mac. Ah should probably bring a gift with me fer her. Dontcha think?” Big Mac nods. Then, a figurative lightbulb goes off in her head. “Ah got it!” Meanwhile at Ponyville General Hospital, Rainbow Dash was lying in her bed asleep trying to rid herself of all the aches and pains coursing through her body. Much to her dismay, it isn't working. Suddenly the door opens and hoof steps can be heard as sompony walks up to Rainbow Dash's bed. “Miss Dash, it's time for your medications.” Doctor Trotter levitates a bottle of medicine towards the sleeping Pegasus and lays it down on the nightstand in front of her. The only audible sound coming from the Pegasus is a muffled angry groan. “Mmmmrf...” “I'm sorry Rainbow Dash but you need to take your medicine. If you want to get out of here I need you to cooperate.” “...Fine...” Rainbow Dash slowly sits up in her bed, cringing with pain every so often. Reluctantly, she takes the pills in the crook of her hoof and one by one swallows each pill and washes them down with water. “Can I get some sleep now?” “Actually, I believe you have some visitors. They wanted to see you so badly I nearly had to put a freeze spell around them just to get them to settle down.” Doctor Trotter chuckles. “Let them in then.” “Alright. They'll be in shortly.” Leaving Rainbow Dash to herself, Doctor Trotter walks out the door. Moments later, the rest of the Mane 6 walk in quietly balancing gifts on their backs. “Hey Dashie.” “H-Hello Rainbow.” “Hello Darling.” “How are you Rainbow Dash?” Greets Twilight with Spike waving on her back. “Howdy Sugarcube.” Says Applejack who seems a little more fidgety than usual, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo following behind her as well. “Hey guys. Glad you could make it–OOF!!!” Rainbow Dash grunts as she is nearly tackled out of bed by Scootaloo who's silently crying tears. Rainbow Dash tightly hugs the little filly until Scootaloo finally slides off the bed and quietly takes side by Apple Bloom. Rainbow Dash can't help but smile. “Hey everypony, thanks for coming.” “We wouldn't miss a day coming to see you for the world darling.” Rainbow Dash notices the gifts. “What're those?” “Everypony brought a gift for you as a get well soon motivator of sorts. Whose would you like to open first?” Twilight asks. “Doesn't matter to me.” “Um, you could open mine first, that is, um, if you want to...” “Sure. Bring it over.” Fluttershy brings the small package over to Rainbow Dash who rips open the paper and looks in confusion. “Shell wax?” Fluttershy smiles wide and nods. “Oh yes. For when Tank`s shell get all dry and dirty, this will give it the beautiful shine it deserves. Making him look better than before!” “Oh, yeah! Right! Thanks Flutters!” Rainbow hugs the yellow mare in appreciation. “You are very welcome Rainbow Dash.” “OOOH!! Mine next!” Rainbow Dash smiles and rolls her eyes at Rarity's excitement. “Alright. Bring it here.” Rarity levitates the curiously pony sized gift over to Rainbow Dash who carefully takes the gift into her hooves and slowly tears it open with suspicion. Rainbow’s eyes grow wide with excitement as she pulls out an exact replica of a Wonderbolts uniform. The iconic blue complimented by the yellow lighting bolt streaking across the chest. Rarity looks at the uniform proudly. “Came out marvelously if I do say so myself.” “I'll say! It's so awesome!” “I'm glad you think so.” “Ooh! Ooh! Me next!” “Ok ok Pinkie!” Rainbow laughs. “Open the card first.” “Okay.” Rainbow Dash says as she picks up the cylindrical object and places it next to her. Then she grabs the envelope, and rips the top open. She grabs the card with her mouth and pulls it out of the envelope, discarding the envelope itself. Taking a quick breath she opens the card with her forehooves. She takes a second and reads the card out loud. “Get well soon Rainbow Dash. There will be a party waiting for you when you get out. P.S: make sure the black end of the gift is pointing away from you before you open it. You only make that mistake once. Trust me. Your friend, Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow looks up and sees Pinkie Pie looking at her with a wide smile that threatens to cut her face in half. Rainbow Dash sets the card down and flips the cylinder over so that the black end is facing away from her. She slowly rips the gift wrap away from the item and sees that there are instructions on the side of it. ‘Step 1: point away from face. Step 2: twist the cap off. Step 3: rip the cap off as quickly as possible to prevent injury to ones hoof’. Confused, Rainbow Dash looks up at Pinkie Pie who just slowly nods and smiles nearly shaking with excitement. Rainbow Dash closes her eyes as tight as possible and turns her head away twisting off the cap. A loud pop emanates through the room as confetti flies out of the end of the tube and spreads through the room. The sudden noise makes Rainbow Dash drop the tube and cover her ears with her hooves, clutching her head like a vice. “GAH!!! Ow my head!” Pinkie Pies face goes to happy and energetic, to sad and concerned in an instant. “Oh...I'm sorry Dashie...I thought that would cheer you up. Are you okay?” Rainbow Dash shakes her head to rid herself of the pain and smiles lightly at the pink pony. “I'm good Pinkie. Thank you.” Hearing those words coming from her friend, Pinkie Pie immediately perks up and a happy ‘squee’ comes out of her. Applejack walks up to Rainbow Dash and as quietly as possible, whispers into her ear. “Wait fer everypony ta leave ‘fore ya open mine, alright sugarcube?” Rainbow Dash nods. “Alright Twilight. Let's see what you got.” She says. Twilights horn lights up and levitates a flimsy, thin package over and sets it in Rainbows lap. Without any hesitation Rainbow opens it and her eyes immediately light up with excitement. “OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh!!! Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone?! First edition?!” With a knowing smile on her face, Twilight asks Rainbow Dash. “You like it?” “I love it!” “I figured you would.” Spike then walks up to the side of Rainbows bed and places a small object on her bed next to her. “Hope you get well soon Rainbow Dash.” The little drake says taking a step back from the bed. Rainbow dash picks up the gift in the crook of her hoof and tears off the wrapper. Inside was a glossy red Ruby roughly half the size of Rainbows hoof. The ruby shined brilliant red wherever the lights hit it just right. “Spike...Its beautiful. Thank you.” “Don't mention it.” Suddenly Scootaloo speaks up for the first time since they all got there. “Please get better soon Rainbow Dash. You're too awesome to ‘leave’ us.” Scootaloo`s eyes start brimming with tears. “Hey...its going to be alright squirt. I promise, I'll get out of here and kick deaths butt.” “Promise?” Scootaloo struggles to keep herself from crying in risk of being sappy in front of her idol. “Pinkie Promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” All Scootaloo can do is smile a little and wipe her eyes clean of any tears. Rainbow Dash pats a spot next to her, beckoning Scootaloo to join her. “C'mere.” Scootaloo looks at Twilight for help. Twilight focuses her magic and lifts the little Pegasus and places her on the bed beside Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash pulls Scootaloo in for a hug. Scootaloo quickly returns the hug and suddenly her emotional dam bursts, unleashing a tidal wave of tears to pour out of her eyes like a river. “I d-don't want you to die Rainbow!” Scootaloo yells burying her muzzle into Rainbow`s neck. Rainbow Dash's ears fold to her head and tears threaten to leak from her eyes as she tightens her grip on the little filly. “I know Scoots. I don't either. But like I said, I'm going to make it out of here. I promise. Alright?” “O-Okay.” Replies the filly sniffling. Rainbow can only offer a small smile while feeling terrible for the little Pegasus. Scootaloo turns her head away in shame refusing to look at Rainbow in the eyes. “Y-You must think I'm a total loser. You probably think I'm weak.” “Now why in Equestria would you think that I thought like that about you Scootaloo?” “Because you're here and you got so much faith and confidence that you will live through this, and hear I am crying like a foal.” “Hey. It's alright Scootaloo. It's okay to cry sometimes. I mean, I don't cry because I'm too awesome for that.” Realizing what she had just said, Rainbow mentally kicks herself and tries to rephrase it. “I mean. I have never thought you were weak. I still don't. You are one of the most courageous, bravest, and toughest little fillies I've ever met. I've never been more proud of you. You have almost as much determination as I had when I was your age. You, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. All three of you are so bent on getting your cutie marks that you would stop at nothing until you reached your goal. If there were a better example of moxie I haven't seen it. Fillies like you three deserve a good cry.” Rainbow Dash says with a smile. Scootaloo smiles and wipes the tears from her eyes. “Thanks Rainbow Dash.” “No problem kiddo.” Rainbow Dash says ruffling Scootaloo`s mane. Scootaloo hops down off the bed and rejoins Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom who both place a hoof on her back to calm her down. After about two hours of visiting, laughing, and telling jokes, it was time to go. “Well it was very nice to see you all but I must get going. Princess Celestia is expecting me. I really hope you get well soon. See ya! Come on Spike!” Twilight and Spike both teleport away. “I must be heading home as well. I have a huge order to fill for a client with such short time. Do get better Rainbow Dash. Come along Sweetie Belle.” Rarity trots out of the room with Sweetie Belle following closely behind. “Bye Rainbow Dash! Hope you get better!” Says the unicorn filly exiting the room. “I gotta go too! Mr. and Mrs. Cake need me to babysit the twins tonight! See ya! Hope you recover Dashie! La-lala-lala-lala!” Pinkie Pie bounces out of the room. “I really should be getting home too. Angel Bunny gets really cranky when I'm gone for too long. Goodbye Rainbow Dash.” Applejack calls out to the Pegasus before she can leave. “Wait Fluttershy!” “What is it Applejack?” “You think you can take Apple Bloom and Scootaloo home fer me. Ah gotta stay an' talk ta Rainbow Dash about somethin'.” “Of course. Please get better soon Rainbow Dash. Come on girls.” “Bye Rainbow Dash! Get well soon!” Both fillies say simultaneously before all three of them leave the room, closing the door behind them. “What'd you wanna talk to me about AJ?” “Aw heck Ah just wanted them ta leave so Ah could do this without all of em breathin’ down my neck.” “Applejack...did you lie?” Rainbow Dash asks with a smug grin on her face. “No Ah did not lie. Ah really do need ta talk to ya. Ah just didn't tell `em the whole story.” “Whatever helps you sleep at night AJ. so what's up?” “Well. Here's one of yer gifts.” Applejack sets a circular package down on Rainbow`s lap. “It's warm. It's an apple pie isn't it? I bet it's an apple pie.” Applejack says nothing but instead smiles. Rainbow Dash opens the package and sure enough, a fresh baked apple pie is sitting in a pie tin waiting to be gobbled up and enjoyed. “I knew it!!! It IS an apple pie!!!” With a hint of sarcasm clearly present, Applejack says to Rainbow Dash. “What was yer first clue sugarcube? The fact that Ah got the word ‘apple’ in my name? Or the fact that that there pie is ‘bout as hot as metal on a summers day?” “Eh, lucky guess.” Rainbow Dash shrugs. Applejack rolls her eyes at this comment. “Ah got somethin’ else fer ya. Close yer eyes and hold out yer hooves.” “Why do I have to–” “Ah said close ‘em!” Rainbow Dash closes her eyes and holds her hooves outstretched. Rainbow Dash suddenly feels something cold hit her hooves and hears a slight sloshing sound. “Alright. Open yer eyes.” Rainbow Dash opens her eyes and sitting in her hooves, is a full bottle of Applejack`s homemade cider. “Awww yeah! Sweet Apple Acres cider!” “Ah figured you'd like that. Ah would have bottled up more fer ya but, Ah...kinda drank most of the cider Ah had.” Applejack says with a shamed look. “You drank most of your cider?” Applejack nods without looking Rainbow in the eyes. “Why?” “Ah was worried about ya sugarcube. Ah didn't know if ya were gonna make it or not.” “AJ. I'm fine. Alright? Look don't worry about me. I'll make it out. How has your liver not quit on you?” “You know what Rainbow? Ah often ask myself that same daggum question.” Applejack says smiling a little at the Pegasus' surprised look. “Well do me a favor AJ, next time you're worried about me, just come find me instead of trying to drink your troubles away. Alright? I don't want to hear you died of liver failure because of me.” “Yer right Rainbow...that's what Ah shoulda done in the first place. Ah'm sorry.” “So what's the card say?” “Well...uh...before Ah give ya yer card...Ah just wanna say that Ah hope that what yer ‘bout ta read don't change the way you see me...Ah hope this don't jeopardize our friendship or nothin’. But, here.” Applejack hoofs the card to Rainbow Dash. Before Rainbow even opens the envelope she looks at the cider bottle. “How about you pour us both a drink and then I'll read it?” Applejack nods and pours cider into two mugs for them. “Thanks. Alright. Here goes.” Rainbow Dash opens the envelope and pulls out the card concealed inside. She opens the card and reads out loud. “Dear Rainbow Dash. Ah hope this card don't change nothin’ between us, but Ah had ta get this off my chest. You and Ah have been best friends fer years now. And recently, Ah've been feelin’ more towards ya than Ah ever have before. Ah completely understand if ya don't want nothin’ ta do with me after ya read this here card, but Ah want ya ta know...that Ah really like ya Rainbow Dash. Ah really do. And Ah hope ya feel the same. Love, Applejack.” At the end of the letter Applejack had drawn a heart underneath it. Rainbow looks up from the card to see Applejack taking a drink from her mug. Her hoof shaking with nervousness. “Well, yeah of course I like you AJ. I mean, your one of the first friends I ever made aside from Fluttershy.” “No, Rainbow, Ah mean I like ya in another way...” “Another way?” She thinks for a few seconds before the realization suddenly hits her. “Oooh! You like me that way!” Applejack bursts out laughing. “Finally! Ah was beginnin’ ta think Ah was gonna have ta spell it out fer ya.” Applejack brings the mug back up to her lips for another drink. With a nervous smile, Rainbow Dash looks at Applejack and says. “Well...uh, I'm glad you told me this because, I-I like you like that too.” This makes Applejack take in more cider than intended and she starts coughing hard. “Beg pardon?” Applejack says through her coughing fit. “Hahahaha! You alright AJ? Why so surprised?” “Ah just didn't expect ya ta feel the same way.” Applejack says finally catching her breath. “Well, I do.” “Well, uh, great. So, would ya like ta, uh, go out, see how it goes?” “I would love to AJ.” “Great!” Rainbow Dash raises her mug in the air waiting for Applejack to do the same. Applejack raises her mug up to Rainbow Dash's mug and they knock them together. “Cheers.” They both say simultaneously before quickly drinking every last drop on their mugs. A few minutes later Dr. Trotter walks in. “Alright Miss Applejack. Thank you for coming but Rainbow Dash needs her rest. You can come back in a couple weeks if she's been cleared to leave. If that is the case then we will let you know.” “Alright. Thanks doc. Ah'll be by some other time ta see ya. Or pick ya up. Which ever comes first. Ah love ya.” Applejack gives Rainbow a flirtatious wink before walking toward the door. “Alright AJ. I love you too.” After Applejack walks out of the room Dr. Trotter looks at Rainbow Dash. “She seems nice.” “Yeah. Yeah she is.” Chapter 4The next couple of weeks go by without any form of excitement or incident whatsoever. Until one day Twilight wakes up to what sounds like moaning coming from the library. Curious, Twilight lazily gets out of bed and walks out of her bedroom to go into the library. When she exits her room she sees Spike laying on the floor surrounded by multiple scrolls, all the while clutching his stomach in pain. “Spike? What's going on?” She asks. “We've been receiving scrolls from somepony all morning. I feel siiiiiick.” He groans. Twilight levitates one of the scrolls with her magic and opens it and reads it out loud. “‘Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, it seems that we have run into some complications with Rainbow Dash. She hasn't been feeling well all morning. We would appreciate if you and your friends came down immediately.’“Oh no.” She says now getting worried. She levitates another scroll already afraid of what it might say. “‘Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, it is with great relief that I write to you and tell you that Rainbows earlier complications were only because her medications were wearing off. If all goes well, she may be able to leave.’ YAY!” She levitates one more scroll and opens it. “Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, I have great news. Rainbow Dash has been cleared to leave the hospital. We are awaiting the arrival of you and your friends before we let her out. Come as soon as possible.’ OH YAY!! RAINBOW DASH IS GOOD TO GO!!” “That's great....really....if you need me....uuuuugh....I'll be upstairs asleep.” Spike says with a less than enthused tone in his voice. Twilight hastily gathers her stuff together and places her saddlebags over her back before quickly trotting out the door and making a bee-line for the hospital. Meanwhile at the Apple family residence. Applejack has just woken up from what she would consider the best nights sleep she has gotten in so long. She quickly braids her mane and ties it off with her red hair band and does the same with her tail. Satisfied with her work she places her Stetson hat on top of her head and trots out the door. She walks down the stairs to the bottom floor of her home and is greeted by her family sitting at the table eating breakfast. “Mornin’ ya'll.” she says happily. “You seem ta be in a chipper mood today. Any particular reason why?” Granny Smith asks. “Well, yeah, Rainbow Dash is doin’ fine and if all goes well she'll be aloud ta leave the hospital soon.” “Well that's good.” Suddenly somepony knocks on the door. “Ah'll get it.” Applejack says happily before opening the door to reveal an earth pony carrying a mailbag. “Well howdy. What can Ah do ya fer?” Applejack asks. “I have a letter for Miss Applejack Apple.” Responds the mailmare. “That's me.” Applejack responds. The mailmare pulls out the letter and hoofs it to Applejack. “Thank ya kindly.” “Have a good day Miss Apple!” Says the earth pony before she trots away. “You too!” Applejack turns around and closing the door behind her. She rips open the envelope and pulls out the letter concealed within it. ‘Dear Applejack, we are pleased to inform you that Rainbow Dash is doing very well and is ready to be checked out of the hospital later today. Please arrive at the hospital soon to pick her up. Thank you!’ All Applejack can do is sigh in relief. “Thank Celestia.” “What's it say Applejack?” Apple Bloom asks. “Rainbow Dash is ready ta go. Ah'm goin’ ta pick her up in a bit. Oh! That reminds me, ah completely forgot, Ah hope ya'll are alright with it, but Ah offered ta take care of Dash while she gets better.” “Sounds good ta me honey!” Granny Smith says. “Eeyup.” “Alright! It'll almost be like havin’ a second sister! But a Pegasus!” “Well alright. Thanks ya'll. Ah'll be back later everypony, with one very stubborn Pegasus.” Applejack straps on her saddlebags and exits the house. The hour long journey is a quiet one, Applejack being lost in thought the whole way until she finally reached the hospital. She walks inside and the same mare from before is waiting at the counter. “Hello.” She says with a smile. “Howdy.” Applejack replies. “How may I help you today?” Asks the receptionist. “Ah'm here ta pick up Rainbow Dash.” “One second miss.” Searching through the catalog, the mare finally pulls out a piece of paper which confirms that Rainbow Dash is to be released. “Ah, yes. You must be Applejack?” “Yes ma'am.” Applejack responds with a smile. “Go right ahead Miss Applejack. Just sign out when you both get back here so that we don't have to file a missing ponys report.” She jokes. “Heh. We wouldn't want that ta happen would we?” Applejack responds sarcastically. “Certainly not.” Applejack places the quill back down after scribbling in her name. Without another word Applejack walks back into Rainbow Dash's room to see her wide awake with a smile. Next to her is the doctor levitating a clipboard in his magic. “Hey there sugarcube. How ya feelin’?” Applejack asks in a loving tone. “I'm ready to get the hay outta here.” “Ah understand completely. Best part ‘bout it is ya get ta come home with me.” “Really?!” “That's right.” Applejack replies. Pumping both forehooves in the air, Rainbow yells in excitement. “AW HAY YES!!!” “Well Rainbow Dash, everything looks very promising and all the proper paperwork is in order. Next is to get you admitted out of here.” Doctor Trotter says. “Thanks for everything doc.” “My pleasure Miss Dash.” Then without warning, a loud poof emanates throughout the room and a white flash appears in the middle of it. The light dies out and Twilight Sparkle is looking around frantically, hoping she wasn't too late. “I'm here! Where's Rainbow Dash?! Is she already gone?!” “I'm still here egghead.” Responds the Pegasus with a smile. “Oh good. I was afraid I'd missed you.” “Actually, yer just in time. Rainbow Dash is bein’ released right now.” “Hey Applejack. How are you doing today?” “Jus’ fine an’ dandy. How about yerself Twi?” “I'm good. So excited that Rainbow is finally able to leave!” “Yeah well I'll bet neither one of you is as pumped to get out of here as I am! I've been in here too long!” “Well first things first, Miss Apple, Rainbow will need to come back here for a check up in two weeks. Make sure she takes her medications. Two pills three times a day. Her bandages wil need changed out everyday to reduce the chance of infection. And whatever you do, do not let her do any kind of physical work for at least a month and a half. We can't risk the chance of her over exerting herself and coming back here in worse condition than she originally was. Got it?” “Ah got it doc. Ah'm used to doin’ more’n my fair share of physical work back at the farm.” Doctor Trotter nods and looks at Rainbow Dash who is patiently waiting. “Alright. How about we get you signed out then?” “Right. Let's go!” She says ecstatically. “Now Ah know you ain't one fer goin’ slow, but ya really need ta take yer time gettin’ outta bed Rainbow. Last thing we need is fer ya ta hurt yerself ‘fore ya even set hoof out the door.” “For once, I agree with taking it slow.” Rainbow Dash slowly dangles her forehooves off the side of the bed and carefully slides off. As her hooves make contact with the ground she momentarily loses her balance. “Wooah!” Rainbow staggers around trying not to fall flat on her muzzle. “Easy now Rainbow. Remember, take it slow. Tell me if ya need any help.” Once Rainbow Dash regains her stance, she nods at Applejack to let her know that she is okay. Applejack steps back but keeps a watchful eye on the Pegasus. Slowly but surely Rainbow Dash carefully walks (more like limps) out of the room, occasionally bumping into things. Worried about Rainbows condition, the earth pony leans over to the doctor and whispers to him. “Is she gonna be alright?” “She'll be fine. She just needs a lot of rest. I'm sure she'll be good as new in no time if she's in your hooves.” Applejack smiles sheepishly and responds as quiet as possible “Heh. Well Ah'll certainly try my best.” “I'm sure you'll do fine.” “Thanks.” “Let's go! I'm ready to get out of this place!” “Hold yer horses, Ah'm comin’!” “Have a good day you three. And Dash, stay off the wing for a while. And no exciting adventures until your condition gets better.” “I will. Thanks doc.” “Not a problem.” The three friends separate from the doctor and head back towards the hospital exit. When they get there the mare at the front desk looks up and smiles. “Hello again.” She says. “Howdy.” “What can I do for you this time?” “Ah need ta schedule an appointment for Rainbow Dash in two weeks.” “Alright.” The mare looks through her schedule and finally finds a time. “Does four-thirty work for you?” “Yeah, that'll be fine.” “Alrighty, I have you scheduled for Thursday at four-thirty p.m. two weeks from now.” “Thank ya kindly.” “Thanks.” “Have a great day.” She says. “You too.” The three friends say in unison. The trio exits the hospital doors and as soon as they all set hoof outside, Twilight face hoofs when she realizes something. “Shoot!” “You forget somethin’ Twilight?” Applejack asks curiously. “I just realized we didn't plan out how we were going to get Rainbow Dash to your house. In her condition she really shouldn't be doing a lot of walking.” “Well shucks, is that all? Why dontcha just send a letter ta Big Mac? He'll be here in two shakes of a pony tail if ya tell him it's urgent.” “Are you sure he isn't too busy?” Twilight asks. “Ah'm sure. Go ahead.” “Alright then. If you're sure.” Using her magic, Twilight levitates a writing quill and a scroll and begins to write her letter. “Dear Big Mac. I am happy to inform you that Rainbow Dash has officially been released and is ready to come home. However, it seems that somewhere along the way I forgot to plan a means of transportation for Rainbow Dash to be able to do so. So I was wondering if it wasn't too much trouble if you could take some time off of working in the orchard and come pick us up? If so that would be great! Sincerely, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Once she finishes the letter Twilight zaps the scroll with a teleportation spell and sends it on it's way. “Alright. He should receive it any second now.” “Ah give him two minutes ‘fore he shows up.” Twilight looks at Applejack curiously. “What makes you say that?” Applejack just grins. “Just ya watch.” Surely enough, no more than two minutes later the big red stallion comes into view hauling a large wagon. He reaches the hospital and skids to a stop. Applejack looks at Twilight with a smug look on her face. Twilight can only stare in amusement. “Wow.” “Great timin’ Big Mac. Now let's get home so we can get Rainbow all set up.” “Eeyup.” Twilight is the first to climb into the back of the wagon, followed by Applejack. Rainbow places her forehooves on the edge of the wagon and attempts to hoist herself up. But she is cut off when a sharp pain in her ribs cause her to stop. Applejack sees this and holds out a hoof out to the struggling Pegasus. Rainbow gladly accepts and is safely helped into the wagon. Grateful for the help, Rainbow smiles at Applejack. “Thanks AJ.” “Don't mention it sugarcube. Alright Big Mac! Let's get movin’!” Big Mac stands on his hind legs before coming back down and taking off in a dead sprint. Applejack is in the back having the time of her life. “YEEEEHOOO!!!” A short time later they all finally arrive at Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight hops off the back of the wagon and waits for the other two. Applejack hops down and helps Rainbow Dash down off the back of the wagon. Applejack looks at her brother and smiles. “Thank ya Big Mac.” “Eeyup.” Big Mac then unhooks himself from the wagon and walks away to continue his work. “Well it's been fun girls, but I must get back to the castle. I just got a wagon load of new books that should help me out to learn more on friendship. So I've got some reading to catch up to. I'm glad you're out of the hospital Rainbow Dash. And don't worry, we'll find out who the culprit is and I'll be sure to see to it that they get punished for their crimes.” “Thanks Twi.” Twilight gently wraps Rainbow Dash in a hug. A few short moments later, Twilight breaks the hug and turns toward Applejack. “Thank ya kindly Twilight fer helpin’ us out.” “It's no problem at all AJ. Well I'll see you later girls.” Twilight's horn glows a faint purple and in a flash, she's gone. “Alright Rainbow, let's getcha inside and inta bed.” “Right.” Applejack slowly leads Rainbow Dash inside the house, letting the Pegasus lean against her when she got tired. Soon they were in the house and Applejack calls out. “We're home ya'll!” “Welcome to our home.” Says Granny Smith as she slowly walks into the room. “Thanks Granny Smith.” “Let's sit ya down on the couch. Dinner should be ready soon.” “Sounds good to me AJ.” Applejack walks into the kitchen to start making dinner. Rainbow Dash follows Applejack out with her eyes and never looks away from the kitchen, until Rainbow feels a presence beside her. She looks away from the kitchen and looks to her left to see Apple Bloom sitting next to her with a really wide smile. “What's up AB?” “Nuthin’. Jus’ glad yer alright.” “You and me both kid.” “Do ya feel any better?” “Loads better. My wing is still a little stiff and I'm still limping a bit. But other than that I'm fine.” Apple Bloom suddenly gets an uncomfortable look on her face, to which Rainbow Dash notices. “Alright kid, spill it, what's buggin’ ya?” “Um, nothin’s buggin’ me. Ah was just wonderin’, uh, if-if it was okay with you if Ah could, uh, feel yer wing? Ah ain't ever felt a Pegasus’ wings before and Ah always was wonderin’ what it was like.” Applejack is listening from the kitchen and tries to intervene. “Now Apple Bloom, Ah ain't too sure that that's such a good idea.” “It's alright AJ. I don't mind. She won't hurt anything. Just be careful alright kid? My left wing is still a bit sore.” “Ah'll be careful. Ah promise.” “Alright.” Rainbow Dash slowly extends her left wing, cringing a little in pain every so often. But with a little effort she is able to extend the wing completely. Apple Bloom just stares as if she's having second thoughts. “Go ahead AB. I don't bite.” Apple Bloom slowly reaches her forehooves out, but pulls back slightly with uncertainty. Rainbow looks and says to Apple Bloom with a smile. “It's alright Apple Bloom. I'm a big pony. I can take it.” This seems to work to boost the filly’s confidence as she slowly reaches out again and gently makes contact with the feathers on the underside of Dash's wing. Apple Blooms go wide in amazement. “It's so soft!” “Well yeah, they're feathers.” Apple Bloom gently rubs the feathers on Dash's wing and moves her hooves around the entire wing until she finally reaches the area where the wing connects to the side of her body. Rainbows eyes grow wide and on reflex snaps her wing shut tightly to her body. Apple Bloom asks in a sorrowful tone. “Oh, Ah'm sorry. Did ah hurt ya?” “Nah, you didn't hurt me, I'm just a bit ticklish there. Most, if not all Pegasi are.” “Really?” “Yep. Kind of like Earth ponies are anywhere else.” “Rainbow Dash extends a single feather and gently brushes it Apple Blooms belly with it, making her squirm and fall off the couch with a squeal and a thud. Rainbow Dash chuckles at this. “You okay kid? “Ah'm good.” “Good.” Applejack then pokes her head out of the kitchen and beckons them into the kitchen with a forehoof. “Soup’s on everypony.” “Alright. I'm starving. Let's eat.” Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom walk into the kitchen. Applejack, Granny Smith, and Big Macintosh are already seated. “Dig in everypony! It's all fresh.” On the table is an assortment of apple-based and non apple-based foods. Apple fritters, cider, Apple juice, Apple pie, biscuits, and hay fries. Rainbow Dash says happily. “This all looks so good!” “Hope ya’ll enjoy it.” “AJ, if you guys cooked it, it's guaranteed to be good.” “Thanks Rainbow.” Rainbow Dash nods and takes a bite of the apple pie. “Sweet Celestia this is amazing pie. Who made it?” The Apple family stays silent until Big Macintosh raises a hoof. “Well it's amazing.” Big Mac nods and with a slightly cocky tone he says. “Eeyup!” Then the chair breaks out from under him sending him falling to the floor. Everypony bursts out in laughter except for him. “Looks like ya might need ta lay off the pie fer a while Big Mac.” Big Mac grumbles angrily. “Aw come on now. We're just pullin’ yer leg.” “So. How's the rest of the food Rainbow Bash?” “Dash, Granny.” “Huh? Whuzzat dear?” “Her name is Rainbow Dash.” “Ready ta go crash? But it ain't even time fer bed yet.” “No, Granny, Rainbow Dash!” “Yer gonna go smash? Smash what?” “RAINBOW DASH!!!” “Ooooh, why didn’t ya say so?” “Oye. Sorry ‘bout that sugarcube.” “S’all good. And the food is amazing Granny Smith.” “That's good.” The rest of dinner was spent talking about the rest of the Mane six and what sorts of adventures they'd recently went on. Rainbow Dash talked about how she is the lead weather pony and a mishap involving a certain gray pony with crazy eyes and a blonde mane. Applejack talked about how she had to chase away a bunch of squirrels, or varmints as she called them, to prevent them from eating her crop. Apple Bloom talked about how she and the other CMC's were trying to help a colt discover his talent, involving a zip line, a pool, and a hoop that was on fire. Don't ask. Big Mac said nothing as usual, and Granny Smith all but nodded off in the middle of it. After dinner was done Big Mac went back out into the orchard to finish the job. Granny Smith went into her bedroom to sleep for the rest of the day, and Rainbow Dash offered to help Applejack with the dishes. “Ah got it sugarcube. Why dontcha go back into the livin’ room and hang out fer a spell?” “Are you sure you don't need any help AJ?” “Ah'm sure sugarcube. Ah got this. ‘Sides the doc said ya ain't ‘sposed ta be doin’ a whole lotta anythin’ till ya heal up. Now go sit down and enjoy yerself.” “Alright.” As requested, Rainbow Dash went back into the living room and sat back down on the couch. Shortly after, Apple Bloom walks back up and sits down in front of Rainbow Dash, looking up at her with a worried look on her face. “What's wrong kid?” “Ah'm just worried ‘bout ya. We all are. Ah mean Applejack said ya almost died! Ah don't want that ta happen again...” Apple Bloom starts to tear up and Rainbow Dash wraps the small filly in a hug. “Hey. Look, I'm fine now. Okay? Nothing is going to happen to me. The doctor says I'm fine now, I just need to take it slow for a while. I promise, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. It's gonna take a lot more than some angry pony and a heart attack to take down this much awesome.” She says with a wink. Apple Bloom sniffles and smiles a little. “You promise?” “Have I ever let you down?” Apple Bloom smiles a little wider and says with a hint of sarcasm. “Wellllll...” “Watch it kid...” “Sorry...no, ah guess yer right.” “‘Course I'm right. Look who you're talking to. Look, I promise, I'm not going anywhere, I'd never leave my friends hanging. How do ya think I earned the title, ‘Element of Loyalty’?” “Good point.” “Right.” Rainbow looks into the kitchen and sees that Applejack seems to be in her own little world. A plan forms in Dash's head and she smiles evilly. “Hey. I got an idea. I'm gonna scare your sister.” “Well good luck with that. Ah've been tryin’ ta get the jump on her fer a while and nothin’s worked.” “I got ways. Trust me. Now just watch.” “Rainbow Dash slowly tiphoofs into the kitchen and inches closer behind Applejack until she is barely a hoof's length away from the back of Applejacks head. She breathes in as much air as her lungs can hold and let's out a loud... “BOO!” “GAH!” Applejack spins around and slips on a small puddle of water next to the sink and falls backwards, landing on her rump. Rainbow Dash at this point is on the floor crying with laughter. Applejack stares at her in anger. “Dammit Dash! Yer gonna give me a heart attack!!” “Hahaha!! That was awesome! I told ya I would get her AB!” Apple Bloom struggles not to laugh herself. “Gee sis. Ah didn't know you was so skittish.” Applejack points a threatening hoof at the two pranksters. “Ah'll getcha both back fer this. Just ya watch.” “Uh huh. Sure. Whatever you say Applejack.” “Trust me. Ah'll getcha when ya least expect it.” “Ah don't think she's kiddin’ Rainbow.” “Good.” “Uh oh.” “C’mon Rainbow. Let's getcha into the guest bedroom.” Applejack says. Rainbow slowly walks into the guest room, where there is a clean freshly made bed waiting. Rainbow slowly puts both forehooves on the bed and pulls herself up on the mattress. “Y’know that was real sweet of ya what ya said ta Apple Bloom earlier. ‘Bout ya not leavin’ us.” “Well I made a promise. I intend to keep it.” Applejacks ears droop to the sides of her head and she starts tearing up. “Ah really hope so Rainbow. A-Ah just dunno what Ah'd do if ya just up an’ died. Ah can't lose you like I lost my parents. Ah j-just can't.” Applejack breaks down into silent sobs and buries her muzzle into Dash's neck, grabbing her in a hug. Rainbows ears pin back and she returns the hug. “Hey hey hey...it's alright. Shhh. I'm not going anywhere. Alright? Look at me AJ. Look at me.” Applejack looks at Rainbow Dash, with tears flooding her own. “I made a promise to Apple Bloom. I'm making that same promise to you. So long as I'm still awesome, I'm not going anywhere. Okay?” “Ah...Ah love you Rainbow...Ah don't want to lose you...not you too...” “I know AJ. I know. And you won't. Okay? Believe me I would rather lose my ability to fly than lose you. And that's saying something. As long as I have you by my side. And of course the others, nothing will take me out.” Rainbow smirks confidently. “Ah know...” “Come on. What's up?” “It's just...thinkin’ ‘bout losin’ you makes me think ‘bout how Ah lost my parents...” “Oh...I'm sorry Applejack...you wanna talk about it? How they died?” “Ah don't know Rainbow...Ah ain't ever told anypony. Only ones who know are Big Macintosh and Granny...Ah don't wanna make things more depressin’ than they already are.” “Look AJ...you don't have to tell me if you don't want to...but just know I'm here to listen...” Applejack sniffles and thinks silently for a few minutes. “Okay Rainbow...Ah'll tell ya.” “You sure?” “Yeah...Ah'm sure.” “Okay...take your time.” “Well, it happened when Ah was a really young filly, even younger than Apple Bloom. Big Mac stayed behind on the farm to take care of Granny, so Ah went with ma and pa on a pie delivery that was up in the snowy part of them mountains. Now you oughta know better than anypony that the higher up ya go in the mountains, the colder it gets.” “Sure.” “Well we was on our way to a small village somewhere up there. Ah was colder than a snowpony in a blizzard, and the ground was mighty slippery. Ah seen that the ground had started crackin’ and...(sniff) I'm sorry...” “It's alright AJ...you don't have to continue if you don't want to.” Rainbow Dash drapes her good wing over Applejacks back. “No...Ah told ya Ah'd tell ya...” “Alright...just take your time. Breathe slow and just stop whenever it gets to be too much.” Applejack slowly exhales and continues. “Ah saw the ground crackin’, and pa said ta get movin’ faster, but by that time...the ground started givin’ away. Ma pushed me away from the ledge and they fell and were holdin’ on ta the ledge, barely. A–Ah tried so hard ta help them... Mama put her hat on my head and told me everythin’ was gonna be alright...they both said it would be alright but the look...the look in there eyes told me everything...Ah new that it was not about ta be alright...they both said they loved me. Ah kept shouting ‘No! No! No!’ and ‘please don't leave me!’. And...and they just...just...they slipped and fell... Ah looked over the ledge ta see if by some miracle that they made it...but Ah didn't see them...Ah saw blood...there was so much blood...ah couldn't believe it...they...they were just...just gone...” Applejack starts sobbing hard and pulls her hat down over her eyes. She looks up and sees Rainbow Dash's eyes wide open, pupils the size of pinpricks and tears threatening to pour from her eyes. She trembles as she tries to say something. “What's wrong sugarcube? Ah'm sorry if–” “When did this happen?” “Huh?” “When was the accident?” “It happened...‘bout three days before you and Ah met.” “Oh dear Luna...” Rainbow responds shakily covering her muzzle with a hoof before she starts sobbing into her fetlock. “Rainbow? W–Why are ya cryin’? What happened?” “T–That's the same day my parents were killed...” Applejack gasps and covers her muzzle with both forehooves, shaking her head in disbelief. “Oh Celestia...Rainbow...Sugarcube Ah'm so sorry...what happened to ‘em? You wanna talk ta me about ‘em?” “When I still lived in Cloudsdale, my parents and I would always go for a fly, to stretch our wings. No set destination, just a calm fly through the city. Well one day...I guess we flew under a particularly bad cloud...mom was struck by lightning and she died immediately...the force of the hit shot her right into dad, knocking him out...and it sent them both falling to the earth...I–I tried so hard Applejack...I really did...I tried to catch them! I flew! And I flew and I flew and I flew but it just wasn't enough! Dad was killed on impact with the ground...I'm the fastest flyer in all of Equestria and I still couldn't BUCKING CATCH THEM!! WHAT THE BUCK IS WRONG WITH ME!!” Rainbow starts smashing her hooves into a pillow out of anger, sadness, and heartbreak. Applejack wraps the mare in a hug, to which Rainbow accepts and begins sobbing loudly into AJ's shoulder. “Rainbow..Ah...Ah don't even know what ta say...Celestia I'm so sorry ya had ta go through that sugarcube. I'm so sorry...” “I miss them so much AJ...I miss them so much! If I had been faster they'd still be here!” “Ah know Rainbow...Ah know...Let it all out. Shhh. It wasn't yer fault Rainbow. It was a horrible accident.” “I let them die! Because I wasn't fast enough! They're both dead because of ME!” “CONSARNIT RAINBOW DASH!!” Hearing Applejack yell was enough to make Rainbow Dash stop crying. However she still couldn't look at her in the eyes. Applejack places a hoof under Rainbows chin and forces her to look her in the eye. “Rainbow, look at me. What happened ta yer parents wasn't yer fault. Don't be blamin’ yerself fer stuff that you had no way of preventin’. Believe me, A-Ah used ta do the same thing. When my folks passed, ah kept tellin’ myself that they're blood was on my hooves, that if Ah had done somethin’ different, they'd still be here. Hay sometimes Ah still feel like that...but Ah know it ain't gonna do me any good ta blame myself fer what happened.” “I just miss them so much Applejack...” “Ah know sugarcube. Ah miss my parents too...but cryin and blamin’ yerself ain't gonna bring ‘em back. It's better ta just remember the happy moments ya had with ‘em and move on from there.” Rainbow Dash wipes a hoof across her muzzle stifling a sniffle. She lets out a couple more sobs before she finally regains her composure somewhat. She flashes a tiny smile and shakily says. “Thanks AJ. I feel a little better.” “No problem sugarcube. Now c’mere.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash embrace each other in a tight hug. After what seemed like an eternity the two broke their hug. Applejack gently kisses Rainbow Dash on the end of her snout, which makes her cheeks go red and her eyes go wide. Applejack sees the embarrassment on the Pegasus' face and giggles. “You alright Dash?” “Uuuuuuh. Yeah?” “Good. Now, ya best be gettin’ some shuteye. We got a big day tomorrow.” “What do you mean?” “Ah got a lotta work ta do tomorrow. So we both need ta be gettin’ some sleep.” “Oh, okay. Well, goodnight AJ.” “G'nite Rainbow.” Applejack stands up and walks to the door. Rainbow Dash stops her before she walks out. “Applejack?” Applejack looks over her shoulder at the rainbow maned Pegasus. “Yeah Rainbow?” “Thank you. For taking me in I mean. For volunteering to take care of me until I got better.” “Shucks Rainbow, t'ain’t nothin’. Ah woulda done it anyway. ‘Sides, were marefriends now, we stick together more than ever.” Rainbow Dash smiles. “Thanks AJ. This talk really helped.” “Anytime sugarcube.” “I love you AJ.” Hearing this coming from her lover for the first time makes tears leak from her eyes and a smile form on her lips. “Ah love you too Rainbow. G’nite.” “Goodnight AJ.” Applejack shuts off the light and closes the door behind her. She goes across the hallway into her bedroom and walks inside, shutting the door behind her. The orange earth pony sits down on her bed and removes the red bands holding her mane and tail in there usual braids, letting her hair fall freely. She sets the bands on the nightstand next to her and removes her hat setting it down next to them. She pulls back the covers of her bed and slides underneath them. She takes a few minutes to get comfortable under the covers while a happy smile shows on her face meanwhile a single though goes through her head. ‘Thank Celestia she's okay’ Finally the feeling of sleep welcomes her as she closes her eyes and slowly drifts off to sleep. But before she is completely unconscious the door to her bedroom creaks open, the sound of hooves quietly making contact with the wooden floor gets closer to her bed. A sudden weight finds itself on the other side of the bed. Applejack cracks one eye open to see that a certain blue Pegasus had lied down next to her and quickly fallen asleep. Instead of waking up her marefriend and asking her to go back to the guest room, Applejack just smiles and closes her eye again, whispering quietly to herself. “Sleep tight Rainbow.” Chapter 5Applejack wakes up to a delicious smell coming from the kitchen. Sitting up slowly she wipes the sleep from her eyes and looks to see Rainbow still deep asleep. Smiling to herself, Applejack grabs the red hair bands and ties them around her tail and mane in their usual fashion. Trying not to wake her new marefriend, Applejack slowly slides out of bed and trots downstairs to the kitchen. In the kitchen was Apple Bloom cooking eggs in a pan. Not cleanly, but still cooking. Apple Bloom looks to Applejack and smiles. “Mornin' sis!” “Mornin’ Apple Bloom. Whatcha doin’?” Apple Bloom responds with a smile. “Makin’ y'all's breakfast!” “Ah can see that.” Applejack says looking around the kitchen. “Sorry 'bout the mess. Hope the breakfast makes up fer it.” “Yer an Apple. Ah'm sure it tastes fine. Now ya better run along ta school ‘fore yer late again.” “Oh alright. Ah love ya sis.” “Ah love ya too Apple Bloom. Now get goin’.” Apple Bloom slings her saddle bags around her back and runs out the door. Meanwhile Applejack scoops the eggs out and places two per plate. Satisfied with this, she goes back upstairs and sees Rainbow still in bed asleep. ‘Ah swear that pony sleeps longer than anypony else Ah’ve ever met.’ She thinks to herself. Walking over to the sleeping Pegasus, Applejack nudges Rainbow's back with her muzzle. “Rainbow. Rainbo~ow. Come on sugarcube it's time ta get up.” No response. Just a lot of comically loud snoring. “Rainbow Dash, it's time ta wake up.” Rainbow Dash continues to snore. Applejack rolls her eyes. “Alright Rainbow, ya asked fer it.” Applejack jumps back up onto the bed and getting really close to Rainbow Dash’s ear, she yells. “RAINBOW J. DASH!!! AH'M GONNA GIVE YA ‘TILL THE COUNT OF THREE TA GET YER LITTLE BLUE HINDQUARTERS OUTTA BED RIGHT NOW MISSY!” Rainbow Dash immediately wakes up startled and falls out of bed, hitting her head on the hard wood floor. “Ow...” “Oh good. Yer awake.” Applejack says with a smile. “I am now.” “You alright sugarcube?” “I'm fine. I can't hear outta my left ear now, but I'm fine.” “Then maybe you'll get outta bed the next time Ah call fer ya?” “Whatever. What's for breakfast?” “Eggs.” “Cool.” Both mares trot back downstairs and into the kitchen. Once they reach the kitchen they sit down and feast on the delicious breakfast bestowed upon them. “These eggs are really good AJ.” “Apple Bloom made ‘em.” With a surprised look, Rainbow Dash swallows her food and asks. “Really?” “Yup.” “Wow. I guess great cooking runs in the family.” “That's what happens when yer an Apple. Now hurry up and eat. Ah gotta run ta Twilight's house.” “Okay.” Once Rainbow finishes her food, she and Applejack make there way to Twilight's library. “What do you need to talk to her about.” “Ah need a book on how ta get rid of a bunch of varmints tearing up my land.” “Gotcha.” Soon they both are at the front door step. Applejack knocks on the door and waits for a response. “Come in!” Both mares enter the library and see Twilight frantically looking for something. “Hey Twi. Whatcha lookin’ fer?” “One of my letters to the Princess! I was sure I had it!” “Where was the last place ya had it?” “I was in my room!” “Then check there.” Twilight then stops with a baffled look on her face. “Oh. Right.” Twilight teleports upstairs and a few seconds later a distant “Got it!” emanates from the room. “Good. Now. Ah need ta borrow a book from ya right quick.” “What kind of book?” “Anything that can help me get rid of any pests that destroy my orchard.” “Of course.” The purple mare skims through her library looking for said book. “Here it is. ‘Pest control & Removal: A reference guide.’” “That'll work.” Twilight levitates the book into Applejacks saddlebag. “Here you go AJ. Just return it when you're done.” “Thanks Twi. Ah really need ta figure this out before my apples p–...uh Rainbow? You okay Hun?” Applejack gets worried when she notices that Rainbow Dash is struggling to stand, wobbling from side to side. “I...I dunno. I just don't, feel so good...” What happens next causes terror to strike the faces of the other two mares. Rainbow Dash collapses. Twilight is the first to speak. “RAINBOW DASH!!” Applejack is immediately by Rainbow Dash’s side as she holds the mare in her hooves, supporting her head with one of them. “RAINBOW DASH! WHAT’S WRONG SUGARCUBE?! COME ON DASH SAY SOMETHING!” Rainbow Dash opens her mouth to speak but to everypony’s horror, as soon as she opens her mouth she begins to cough violently, puking up blood while doing so. Soon after, little trails of blood begin leaking out of Rainbow’s ears and snout. “NO! RAINBOW DASH!! DON’T DIE ON ME!!! Seconds later, the door of the library swings open, revealing a mysterious pony hidden within a cloak. A unicorn. Seeing this pony enter the library raises red flags for Twilight and Applejack as they take an offensive position in front of the dying mare. “YOU STAY AWAY FROM HER OR AH'LL MAKE SURE YA DON’T WALK OUTTA HERE!!!” Twilight’s horn glows a bright almost white color as she arms herself to attack. “Who in Equestria are you?!” The figure says nothing, instead they fire a bolt of light blue magic at the two still standing ponies, hitting Twilight in the chest before she can react. The force of the blast throws Twilight into one of the many bookshelves throughout the library, knocking her unconscious. “TWILIGHT!! YER GONNA PAY FER’ THAT YA SON OF A–” The cloaked figure fires another shot aimed at Applejack, just missing the pony by inches. Swiftly dodging the attack, Applejack leaps toward the figure attempting to tackle them to the ground. However the assailant is too quick and swings a purple forehoof catching Applejack squarely in the lower jaw, throwing her into the same bookshelf Twilight collided with. The force of the punch knocks the wind out of the cowpony, making her go dizzy. Struggling to regain focus, Applejack watches in horror as the unicorn levitates a knife out of the kitchen, and brings it to Rainbow Dash. Applejack’s eyes widen in horror before she screams. “GET AWAY FROM HER!!!” The attacker turns around glaring at Applejack before turning their full attention to her. Before the assailant can get close enough, Twilight wakes up from her daze and pounces on top of the unicorn, her wings flaring. Once again the unicorn is able to throw Twilight off and into the staircase, wounding her but she still remains conscious. The unicorn only gets closer to Applejack, the knife drawn and ready. Applejack clenches her eyes shut and awaits for her impending death. Suddenly, the attacker speaks. “Three down, three to go...” This makes Applejack open her eyes in horror knowing the meaning of these words. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Applejack hears a very familiar but distant voice. “Applejack! Wake up! Applejack! Wake up Applejack!” “What?...” The unicorn standing over the earth pony brings the knife up higher, then quickly brings it down for the kill. Then, everything goes black. Applejack’s eyes shoot wide open. Her forehead practically sweating bullets. Still in a daze, she doesn't realize it was all a dream and feels a pair of hooves on her shoulders. Not knowing what else to do, Applejack swings violently at the unknown pony and screams. “NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!! RAINBOW DASH!!” “No! Applejack! It's okay! It was just a dream!” Applejack's right forehoof connects to The pony's jaw, sending her tumbling to the floor. “ACK!” Finally, the realization hits her and she sees that she is in her bedroom in no real danger. She also realizes exactly who it was that she had just assaulted. “Is that how you say good morning here on the farm?” Rainbow Dash asks while rubbing her sore jaw. “Oh Celestia...Rainbow Dash, Ah'm so sorry Sugarcube. Are ya alright?” “I'm good. But for the love of Luna you have the meanest right hook I've ever felt!” “Sorry. Ah was just...havin’ a bad dream.” “Yeah, I noticed. You want to tell me about it?” “Ah don't wanna scare ya sugarcube.” “Hey. This is Rainbow Dash you're talking to. I don't scare easily.” “Alright fine. We had just woken up and Ah had ta go ta Twilight’s like Ah said we were gonna do today. So we get there and as she drops the book into my saddlebag, you tell us ya start feelin’ weird, then ya just collapse right there in front of both of us. That alone nearly gave me a heart attack. Then as Ah'm holdin’ ya in my hooves, Ah try gettin’ ya ta talk, but ya started coughin’ up a lotta blood. It just came out yer mouth, out yer ears, and out yer nose. Ah was so scared. Then somepony kicks in the door. Ah couldn't see who it was cause they was disguised by a cloak. Twilight and Ah both stood in front of ya ta protect ya. But the pony knocked Twilight out cold. Ah tried ta get the jump on ‘em. But they up and punched me before Ah could even touch ‘em. Knocked me into a daze. Then...Then they had a knife. A big one. They got closer ta me and just before it ended, they said somethin’ Ah will never ferget. They looked right at me an’ said, ‘three down. Three to go.’ Then it all went black and Ah woke up and hit ya.” Applejack wipes away the tears that had formed and looked up at Rainbow Dash, who looked back at Applejack with loving but nervous eyes. “Ah'm sorry. Ah shouldn't have told ya. It just felt so real Dash. Everythin’ felt so damn real. Ah was so scared Ah'd lost you and Twilight.” “No. No I'm glad you told me AJ. Tell you what, how about we go over to Twilight’s right now and I'll show you that she’s just as safe as I am. Okay?” “Okay Rainbow.” “Don't worry Applejack. I'm not going anywhere. I promise. Now let's get to Twilight’s alright?” “But, it's five in the morning. Are ya sure Twilight is up at this hour?” “Trust me AJ, it doesn't matter what time of day it is. Twilight would do anything to help a friend in need. How do you think she earned the title of ‘The Princess of Friendship’?” “Well, alright. If yer sure.” “I am.” “Well then gimme a minute ta get ready. Ah ain't goin’ nowhere lookin’ like Ah just got busy with a bull.” Applejack realizes too late what she said and now Rainbow Dash is struggling to keep her composure as she bites onto her fetlock trying not to laugh. Applejack gives Dash an extremely bemused look. “Shut up.” “I didn't say anything!” “You were thinkin’ somethin’. Ah got a gut feelin’ that Ah know what that somethin’ is. So keep her trap shut, and Ah won't have ta hog tie ya and throw ya into the cellar.” Rainbow’s smile only grows bigger. “Kinky.” “DAGGUMMIT!!” Rainbow Dash can no longer hold it in, she bursts out into hard laughter clutching her sides. “You made it too easy Applejack! Hahaha!” Applejack flashes an angry look at the Pegasus. “Alright! Ya had yer laugh. Now get out so Ah can get ready.” She says with a blush. “Seriously AJ? Were ponies, were naked all the time.” “Ah mean ta put in my hair ties and grab my hat!” Applejack’s blush grows in intensity. “Do I really need to be out in the hall for that?” With a defeated huff, Applejack responds. “No...Ah guess not.” “Great.” “But don't ya be gettin’ any ideas!” Applejack points an accusing hoof at her marefriend. Rainbow holds her forehooves up in submission. “Wouldn't dream of it.” Applejack grabs her red bands and puts her mane in its usual braid and does the same with her tail. But she notices that her hat is nowhere to be found. “Where in tarnation is my hat?!” “I got it.” Applejack looks at Rainbow Dash who is proudly wearing a brown Stetson belonging to the orange pony. “Give it here!” Applejack swipes at the Pegasus, but Rainbow Dash is too quick and gallops out of the room with the hat. Applejack quickly follows and soon this playful activity turns into an all out chase through Ponyville. The hour long chase turns into hysterical laughter the longer it goes on. Eventually Rainbow Dash decides that Applejack has had enough and slows down enough to place her hat back on top of the farm ponys head. “Thanks Rainbow.” “Don't mention it.” “So uh, AJ. I've been meaning to ask. When are we gonna tell the girls that were like, a thing now?” “Whenever the times right Ah reckon. Ah never really put a whole lotta thought into it sugarcube. Reckon we could tell `em all tomorrow afternoon once Ah get everythin’ taken care of. Sound good ta you?” “Works for me.” “Alright.” After a few more minutes of walking, the newly formed couple arrives at the Golden Oaks Library. Applejack knocks on the door and waits for a response. A few moments later the door handle starts glowing a light purple aura. The door opens and a very tired Twilight Sparkle come into view. With a deep yawn, Twilight forms a small almost forced smile. “Applejack? Rainbow Dash? What are you girls doing here? It's 6:00 in the morning.” “AJ had a bad dream and I told her it would do her a lot of good to talk to you about it.” “Of course. Come on in. Would you girls like some tea?” “Sure. I'll take some.” “Thank ya kindly, but Ah think Ah'll pass on that.” “Alright. I'll be back in a minute. Make yourselves comfortable.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash take a seat beside each other on the couch waiting for Twilight to return. Rainbow looks at the farm pony who is staring hard at the floor, seemingly off in her own world. Rainbow Dash places a gentle hoof on Applejacks back, making the mare jump at the contact. “You okay?” “Ah'm fine. Ah'm just...thinkin’.” “Hey. I told you I'd be fine. And so will Twilight. Alright?” Applejack smiles a little at the reassurance. “Thanks Rainbow.” “Anytime.” A couple of minutes later, Twilight returns from the kitchen levitating two small cups and a pitcher of tea in her magic. Gently setting the supplies down she takes a seat across from the other two mares. “Alright. So what's been going on? Tell me about your dream.” For the next few minutes Applejack explains to Twilight about her dream, stopping every once in a while to regain her composure. Once she finishes the story she looks up at Twilight who has a look of shock and confusion plastered over her face. “...And that's when Ah woke up and ended up punching Dash in the jaw by accident. Sorry 'bout that by the way.” “It's alright. I'm a big pony. I can take a punch.” “Still don't excuse the fact Ah hit ya.” “Really. Don't worry about it. I know you were scared.” “‘Scared’ ain't the word fer it. What do you think it means Twi? Ah'm hopin’ it was all just a dream, and not the future.” “Well, it's possible that it could have been a vision. Though there's a less than 5 percent chance of that happening. So it was more than likely just a dream. Let's hope that's all it was.” “Ah hope yer right Twilight.” “I'm sure it was just a dream. But there's something that AJ told me that she remembers from the dream that the attacker said. Something that chilled her to the bone. They said, ‘three down, three to go.’” Twilight places a hoof on her chin in thought. “Hmmm. Sounds like whoever it was in your dream was going after all six of us. That's oddly specific.” “Can you remember anything about what they looked like? Any features that stood out to you?” Rainbow asks. “Not really. Ah mean, it was obviously a unicorn, their magic had a light blue color to it. And they had purple fur. And the voice sounded feminine.” Rainbow Dash's eyes go wide. “Okay this is getting weird.” “Whaddya mean Rainbow?” “Those details sound exactly like the pony who attacked me.” “Hmmm. This is strange. This almost never happens.” “What almost never happens Twi?” “Applejack, you, like the rest of us have never seen who attacked Rainbow Dash, correct?” “Right.” “Rainbow Dash, according to you, the pony AJ just described is exactly who you saw, correct?” “Yeah?” “The correlation between you two describing this pony is an extremely rare event. Making it sound more like a vision than a dream. But that still doesn't mean it wasn't a dream.” “Well, what do we do?” Rainbow asks. “We find them before they can hurt anypony else.” “Gotcha.” “There's something I've been wondering for the past few minutes though.” “What's that Twi?” “Why were you two in the same room when Applejack woke up?” This question completely throws Applejack and Rainbow Dash off guard, causing them both to blush deeply. “We'll tell ya later sugarcube. We're gonna have the others meet us here. Alright?” “Well, okay. Is there anything else you need?” “Nah. Ah think we're okay fer now. Thank ya kindly though.” “Alright. Well if either of you need me, you know where to find me.” “Thanks egghead.” “You are both very welcome.” “We'll see ya in a little while, Twilight. Dontcha ferget we're comin’ back in a bit with the other girls.” “Okay Applejack. You two take care now.” “We will. And thanks for the tea Twi.” “No problem.” After Twilight makes her way back upstairs, Applejack and Rainbow Dash exit the library and start their journey back to Sweet Apple Acres. “You feel better now?” “Yeah. Ah guess Ah was jus’ bein’ silly.” “Nah. Nothing silly about it. It's good to be concerned. Let's ponies know you care.” Applejack notices that Rainbow Dash is walking with a slight limp. “You feelin’ alright sugarcube?” “I'm alright AJ.” “Yer limpin’.” “I'll live.” “Rainbow. Ya know yer talkin’ ta the element of honesty right? Ya can't lie ta me. Stop tryin’ ta be Miss Tough Feathers and just say that yer achin’.” “Ugh...fine. I guess my leg does cramp a little bit. But I'll be okay.” With a frustrated sigh, Applejack says to Rainbow Dash. “Ah swear sometimes Ah think ya might be more stubborn than Ah am. Let's get back ta the farm and Ah'll give ya some o' my painkillers.” “Fine.” Sometime later, the two ponies make their way back up to the house. Once they get to the front porch Applejack slowly and carefully turns the knob and pushes the door open with her forehoof. Applejack slowly tiphoofs into the kitchen with Rainbow following closely behind her. Once they reach the kitchen Applejack opens the cabinet and reaches in before pulling out a small bottle of red tablets. With a twist of the cap Applejack takes the cap off and pours out two of the red tablets. Taking each one in her forehooves Rainbow Dash tosses them into her mouth and swallows. But instead of going down smoothly, the pills get caught in her throat and she immediately starts choking. Before anypony can even blink, Applejack runs to the sink and fills up a glass of water and comes back to Rainbow Dash who is still choking on the stubborn pills. Applejack gently tilts the glass up to Dash's lips and tells Rainbow Dash to drink. “C'mon Dash, drink a little water. It'll help.” Finally the pills slide down her throat and into her stomach. Rainbow Dash can finally get some air and starts coughing. “Thanks AJ...I almost died...again!” “Yer welcome sugarcube. That's exactly what Ah'm tryin’ ta prevent. Ya feelin’ better?” Applejack pats Rainbow on the back who is still catching her breath. “Yeah. I'm good. Thanks.” “No problem. Ya still tired? We can head back ta bed if'n ya want.” “I'm not tired now. Kinda hungry actually.” “Well alright. Ah'll whip us up some grub. You just sit there and look pretty.” Applejack turns to walk away and hears Rainbow Dash mutter something along the lines of, ‘I'm not pretty. I'm awesome.’ Applejack giggles at her embarrassment. Rainbow walks into the family room and lays down on the couch. Soon after the smell of eggs and pancakes float into the room. Rainbow Dash takes in the heavenly aroma, making her mouth water. A few minutes later, Rainbow Dash gets bored and decides to walk back into the kitchen, where Applejack is standing by the oven on her hind legs flipping pancakes over. Rainbow Dash gets right behind the earth pony, stands up on her hind legs and wraps her forehooves around Applejack's barrel and lays her head on her shoulder. Applejack looks back into Rainbow's eyes and smiles. “It'll be done ‘fore ya know it sugarcube. Don't ya worry.” “I know, I'm just so bored.” Rainbow leans in a little further and quietly whispers into Applejack's ear. “I wanna do something other than stand here.” Applejack's face suddenly grows noticeably red with embarrassment. Her body tenses up before she says with a stutter. “W-Well, uh, Ah ain't really in the mood fer that, right now. U-Uh, why don't ya jus’ take a nap and Ah'll wake ya when the food's done.” Noticing Applejack's embarrassment, Rainbow Dash smirks before lowering her forehooves and gently rubbing small circles around the earth pony's cutie mark, getting a small whinny from her. “Nah, I'm too energetic for that right now. I was thinking something a bit more...personal.” Rainbow whispers the last part into Applejack's ear, causing her blush to grow intensely. “But the others are upstairs.” “C'mon Jackie, let me show you why I'm the fastest. And the best...at everything.” “R-Rainbow, now ain't the time fer stuff like that.” In a bit of frustration, Rainbow Dash drops back down to all fours and walks away back to the couch. “Fine...” “As much as Ah'd like to.” Applejack says to herself. About ten minutes later, Applejack places the last of the eggs and pancakes on two separate plates and carries them to the table. Going back to the cabinet she grabs two more plates and places them at both ends of the table. “Soups on Dash. Get it while it's hot.” “Okay.” Rainbow Dash walks back into the kitchen and sits down in one of the chairs. Applejack takes the other chair. Applejack grabs her fork with her teeth and scrapes a pancake onto Rainbow's plate before scraping an egg onto her own. Applejack watches Rainbow's facial expression go from happy, to pure joy as she takes a big bite out of her pancake. “Mmmm. These are awesome AJ! How do you do it?” “With love Rainbow, with love.” “That's so cheesy.” “Well it's true.” Applejack bites into her egg and chews in silence. By the time the two ponies are finished with breakfast, everypony else was just starting to get up out of bed. Big Macintosh is the first to get down the stairs. “Mornin’ Big Mac. Sleep well?” “Eeyup.” “Ready ta get goin’ with the chores?” “Nope.” “Ah hear ya. Well Ah gotta take care of Rainbow again so ya mind takin’ over again?” “Nope.” “Thanks Big Mac.” “Eeyup.” Big Mac walks out of the house, leaving Applejack and Rainbow Dash in silence. The next few minutes go by in silence until a thought comes to Rainbow's mind. “Y'know, I was just thinking, we haven't changed my bandages yet.” “Ah woulda done it by now but we don't got any new ones yet.” Suddenly a knock on the door interrupts the conversation. Applejack goes to the door and opens it where a mailpony is waiting outside. “Package for Applejack.” He says. “Well, if that ain't good timin’, Ah reckon Ah dun’ know what is.” Applejack takes the package from the stallion and waves. “Thank ya kindly. Ya have yerself a good day.” “You too Miss Applejack.” Applejack closes the door and walks over to Rainbow Dash before setting the package down on the floor. Applejack opens the package and looks at the contents inside. Three large rolls of gauze, one bottle of painkillers, a large roll of tape, and a splint. Applejack pulls out a letter that was laying on top of everything. She takes a moment and reads the note. ‘Dear Applejack, I realized that when you left the hospital I had forgotten to give you everything you need to tend to Rainbow Dash's injuries. In this box is everything you will need. Take care of her. Sincerely, Doctor Trotter.’ Setting the letter off to the side Applejack pulls out all of the supplies. “That the stuff I need?” “Yup.” “Great. These bandages are getting uncomfortable.” “Alright. Well let's just take care of that now.” “Okay. Just be careful. I'm still a little sore.” “Don't worry sugarcube. Ah'll get it done.” Taking extra caution to not hurt the Pegasus, Appejack slowly and carefully unwraps the injured wing to allow air to get to it. Rainbow Dash steps back a few feet. “That's better. Gimme a minute to stretch it out. It's been cramping for a while now.” “Take all the time ya need sugarcube.” Rainbow Dash slowly extends the injured wing as far as she can without pain coursing through it. She only gets about half way before she cringes and pain shoots up and down her entire wing. Rainbow's wing reflexively snaps back to her side. She tries again a little slower this time. She manages to extend her wing farther than the previous attempt before the pain becomes too much to bear and she closes it again. “Reckon it ain't ready to be let loose jus’ yet.” “Yeah. It still hurts a little.” “Good thing we got the painkillers huh?” “Yeah but considering I just took two of them, I can't take anymore for another four to six hours. Since painkillers are nothing more than blood thinners, if I were to get another deep gash or reopen one of my wounds, I'd probably bleed out.” “How exactly do you know that?” “I'm not a moron AJ. I payed attention in school.” Applejack raises an eyebrow in disbelief. “Somewhat.” “That's better. Anywho, Ah reckon yer right. We'll jus' wait a few hours. In the mean time, let's get that wing redressed.” “Right.” “Now Dash, ya ain't gonna like this idea. But Ah'm gonna need ya ta fully extend that wing. Ah know it hurts, but Ah need it ta be straight out so Ah can put it on this here splint. Otherwise it ain't gonna heal right.” “Okay. Just be careful.” “You have my word sugarcube.” Slowly and painfully, Rainbow Dash extends her left wing as far as she can before the pain gets to be too much. “Sorry AJ, that's as far as I can go.” “Ah'm sorry Dash. But Ah'm gonna need ta extend it the rest of the way myself.” Rainbow Dash gulps and starts shaking. “Sorry Dashie, but Ah need ta do this if ya want ta fly right again. Do ya trust me?” “Of course I trust you Applejack. It just hurts really bad.” “Believe me hun, Ah know. When Ah was a little'n Ah had my right front leg broken when one o' the wheels to the apple cart fell off and the cart itself landed on top o' me. Ah couldn't applebuck fer half the year.” “Ouch.” Rainbow says cringing at the thought. “Hurt like a motherbucker. Now please hold still fer me. Ah'll be as gentle as Ah can.” “Okay...” Was all Rainbow managed to squeak out before clamping her eyes shut bracing for the pain. Applejack gently took both sides of Rainbow's wing between her forehooves, being careful not to cause anymore pain. “Are ya ready Dash?” “I guess...” “Alright. On three. One...” Applejack pulls the wing out slightly. “Two...” She stretches the wing out a little more. “Three...” Applejack extends the wing as as far as it will go. Rainbow Dash is biting down on her fetlock trying to ignore the pain. “Ggggggrrrgggh!!!!” Rainbow grunts trying not to scream. “Ah know sugarcube. Ah know it hurts. We're almost done.” Somehow managing to keep the feathered appendage in one forehoof, Applejack uses the other to pick up the splint and place it at the base of the wing, making sure one end is touching the joint where the wing connects to the rest of Rainbow's body. Applejack presses her muzzle against the splint to keep it in place while she grabs the tape in her forehoof. She places the tape in front of Rainbow's muzzle. “Here Dashie. Bite down on this. It might help distract ya from the pain.” Rainbow Dash grabs the roll of tape in between her teeth and bites down hard. She is almost in tears at this point. With the tape secured in place, Applejack rips off a long strip of the tape and wraps it around Rainbow's wing and the splint, making sure the wing stays straight. Applejack repeats this process over and over until the splint is in place. “Yer doin' great sugarcube. Ah just need ta wrap it in gauze and we'll be done.” Applejack grabs one of the rolls of gauze in between her forehooves and wraps it snug around the wing until not a single feather can be seen. Finally, Applejack rips off one last strip of tape and places it over the gauze to keep it wrapped. “We're done sugarcube. You did great.” Rainbow Dash stands up and spits out the roll of tape. She looks at Applejack, obviously still in pain. “Ow...” “Awww. Ah'm sorry Dashie, Ah tried ta be as gentle as Ah could. C'mere.” The two ponies embrace in a tight hug. A hug which seemed to last forever, but in reality was only a couple minutes. Finally they break the hug and Applejack speaks. “The meds should be kickin' in right about now. How ya feelin'?” “It's starting to go away. Thank you AJ.” “T'weren't nothin' Rainbow. Just tryin' ta make sure yer doin' alright.” Applejack places her hoof on Rainbow's cheek. “I love you AJ.” “Ah love ya too Dash.” The sound of hoofsteps emanates from the stairs to reveal Apple Bloom walking down the stairs with a curious look on her face. “What was all the hollerin' about?” “Dash was just in a bit o' pain is all. She's better now. Ain't ya Dash?” “Yep! Never better!” She says a little louder than she had intended. “Oh. Alright.” “Ya best get along if'n yer gonna be playin' with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo today.” “Okay! See ya sis! By Rainbow Dash!” “See ya A.B.!” “So now whaddya wanna do?” Rainbow Dash smiles deviously making Applejack facehoof herself. “Not that. Ya ain't in the condition ta be doin' stuff like that right now.” “Awww...” “Sorry Dash. Tell ya what? When yer all better and nothin's broken. How about Ah teach ya all about Apple family hospitality.” Applejack winks at Rainbow Dash, who's other wing had fully extended at AJ's last statement. Applejack giggles to herself. “Ya look excited Dash. Somethin' ya wanna tell me?” “Uhhhh...” Was all Rainbow could say before she snaps back to reality. “Um. I like that idea.” “Ah thought ya might. Now let's get on over ta Twilight's. Ah think it's time we told everypony the news.” “Right. Let's go!” “We gotta let the others know first.” “Alright. Let's head to Sugarcube Corner first. It's the closest. Then we'll stop by the Carousel Boutique, then head out the the Everfree Forest to get Fluttershy.” “Sounds like a plan. Let's git!” With that, the two loveponies head toward Ponyville. After fifteen minutes of walking, they finally reach Sugarcube Corner. They walk inside and immediately spot Mister and Mrs. Cake at the front counter, but not a pink party planner to be found. They walk up to the counter and ask where Pinkie might be. “Howdy Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Ya'll don't happen ta know where Pinkie Pie might be would ya?” Without missing a heartbeat, Pinkie Pie somehow manages to sneak up behind the two ponies undetected. “HERE I AM!!” “Gah!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash all but jump out of their coats at Pinkie's surprise appearance. After checking that her heart is still beating, Applejack yells. “Sweet Celestia Pinkie! Yer gonna give ponies heart attacks if'n ya keep doin' that!” The pink pony's grin just widens. “Heehee! Sorry!” “We're glad your here Pinkie. We need you to meet us at Twilight's in a few minutes. AJ and I have a surprise for you all.” “A surprise? Oh! Oh! Is it a dragon?! No! Wait! Is it another gator? Gummy needs a new friend!” “If we told ya it wouldn't be a surprise would it?” Rainbow asks rhetorically. “Good point! I'll see you there!” Without so much as a goodbye, Pinkie Pie speeds off like a bullet. “How does that pony do that?” “Reckon it's best if we never found out.” “You're probably right. Let's go.” Shortly after their departure from Sugarcube Corner, they arrive at the Carousel Boutique. Applejack rings the bell and waits for a response. “Just a min~ute!” A voice called with a singsong tone. A few short moments later a white unicorn with a purple fancy styled mane and tail enter the main room. Rarity. “Hello darlings. To what do I owe the pleasure?” “Hey Rarity. We're gatherin' up the other gals and havin' them meet us at the library. We need ya ta meet us there too.” “Oh, of course. I'll be done very soon and I shall meet you both there.” “Thanks. We'll get outta yer mane fer now. C'mon Rainbow.” “Ta ta!” After exiting the Boutique they begin their walk to the Everfree Forest. About five minutes into the walk, Applejack notices that Rainbow Dash has a worried expression written across her face. “What's eatin' at ya sugarcube?” “I'm just nervous. What if they don't accept us? What if they don't want to be our friends anymore after we tell them?” “It'll be alright Dash. Just wait and see. They're our best friends. They won't judge us fer the simple fact that we fancy each other. And if they do reject us, then they weren't our real friends ta begin with.” “Yeah. I guess you're right.” “Don't you fret none. It'll all work out fine. Let's just get ta Fluttershy's and we can head back to the library.” “Right.” About twenty five minutes later, Applejack and Rainbow Dash reach Fluttershy's shack at the edge of the forest. Applejack knocks on the door three times and waits. A few seconds later the door opens just enough for a pony to peek out with one eye. Fluttershy looks through the crack in the door and replies nervously. “Um....H–Hello?” “Hey Flutters.” “Howdy.” “Oh...Applejack. Rainbow Dash. What are you two doing all the way out here?” “We just came by ta tell ya that Dash and Ah have a big announcement and we need ev'ry one o' ya'll ta meet us at Twilight's library.” “Oh...U-Um...o-okay...I'll see you both there in about a half an hour...um...I-If that's okay with you...” “Perfect! We'll see ya there Flutters!” “Bye girls.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash walk in silence for most of the trip to the library. Until Applejack finally speaks up. “What's got ya down this time?” “Just thinking about some stuff.” “Like what?” “My job as lead weatherpony. The Wonderbolts Academy.” “Oh...” “I guess I'll have to quit them both. Kinda hard to fly when I got a busted wing.” “Dash...Ah really am sorry–” “It's fine. Really. Besides. I'd rather be down here with you. Even though you can't fly.” “Well thank ya. Ah think.” Rainbow Dash smirks. “Don't mention it. Applejack just rolls her eyes and smiles. Sometime later they arrive at Twilight's library. Once again, Applejack knocks on the door and shortly after Twilight's voice follows. “Come in!” AJ and Rainbow Dash walk into the library and see Twilight reading on of her many...many...many...books. Twilight looks up and smiles. “Hello girls. What's going on?” “The others are coming by.” “Okay. Spike!” “What's up Twilight?” “The other girls are coming over. We're going to need some nachos.” “Coming right up!” Spike gives Twilight a salute before running off into the kitchen. “So how are you feeling Rainbow?” “I feel better. AJ has been taking extremely good care of me. She's the one that actually dressed my wing. Which reminds me AJ, how did you learn to do that?” “When ya grow up with a sister that's constantly gettin' cuts, bruises, and broken bones, ya tend ta learn a thing 'er two about healin'.” “That makes sense.” After another half and hour of conversing, the rest of the Mane 6 walks through the door. “Hey girls.” Twilight says. “HI!” “Hello Darling.” “Um...h-hello...” “So what pray tell was the big announcement?” “Ya'll may wanna sit down fer this. It's gonna be a bit of a shock to ya.” The other members of the Mane 6 sit down on the couch eagerly awaiting the news. Rainbow Dash gets off of the couch and starts pacing nervously around the room. “Now spill the beans!” “Well...uh...we both hope that ya'll will still be our friends when we tell ya this. We hope it don't change nothin' between us. But...here goes.” Applejack clears her throat nervously before continuing. “Rainbow Dash and Ah...are datin'.” The four seated ponies gasp in disbelief. “OH MY GOSH!! THIS IS SO INCREDIBLE!!!” “Yay...” “Why that's wonderful news darlings.” Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all have looks of pure joy on their faces. Twilight's expression however remained unchanged. “Well? What do ya think Twi? Ain't ya happy fer us?” “I have to admit I didn't see this coming at all. And it does seem strange to me. But if you two are happy. Then I'm happy for you both. After all, who am I to get in the way of love?” “Thanks Twi.” “Thanks egghead.” “No problem girls.” “Oh my...I need to sketch some designs for your dresses! Oh they are going to be absolutely exquisite! “Rarity...we're dating, not getting married.” Rainbow deadpanned. “Oh...uh, of course. Heh heh. How silly of me.” “When did all this happen?” Twilight asked. “‘Member when Ah told ya'll that Ah needed ta talk ta Dash after ya left?” They all nod their heads. “It was about five minutes after ya'll left the room.” “Awwww.” They all said together. “Yeah yeah we're a cute couple whatever. Enough of this mushy stuff!” “Now hold on just a gosh darn minute. Ah seem ta remember you gettin' all mushy with me yesterday all afternoon. Why ain't ya like that now?” “Not now AJ!” Rainbow says quietly through her teeth. “Oh fine. Don't get yer mane in a twist. Now come over here and sit by me.” “What if I don't wanna?” Rainbow says crossing her hooves over her chest. With a bemused look Applejack points to the floor beside her and says sternly. “Rainbow Dash. Here. Now.” Rainbow reluctantly and slowly walks back over to where Applejack is sitting. Twilight decides to mess with Rainbow Dash and cracks her tail like a whip. Rainbow turns around and gives Twilight a death stare. The purple Alicorn just smiles innocently. “So other than the obviously painful wing and everything, how do you feel?” Twilight asks with her smug grin still present. “Other than that I feel better. I can't wait for my stitches to dissolve and my neck to stop cramping. I still don't know why they didn't put me in a neck brace.” “Doc said yer neck wasn't too broken to put one on. There was only a light fracture in it.” “Still. Fracture or not, aren't you suppose to put a pony in a neck brace if they so much as crack a bone in their neck?” “Guess they didn't feel it was necessary.” Suddenly, Spike comes running from the kitchen holding a scroll in his hand. “Hey Twilight. Got another scroll.” Twilight levitated the paper in her magic and reads the side of it. On the side in the fanciest of fancy writing was the name, ‘Rainbow Dash’. “It's for you Rainbow.” Rainbow grabs the scroll with her mouth and rolls it open and begins to read it. ‘Dear Rainbow Dash. First, how are you feeling? I hope your recovery is going well. Second, I think we are getting much closer to finding the culprit who attacked you. Meet me and the rest of my squad in the waiting area in the hospital today as soon as you can. Thank you!’ Rainbow's eyes go wide. “Uh oh.” “What?” Twilight asks. “We need to meet Officer Thunder Hoof at the hospital. They may have found more evidence that may help them find out who tried to bump me off.” “Well what in tarnation are we standin’ here for? Let's go!” Without so much as another word, the Mane 6 plus Spike make their way toward Ponyville General Hospital, not knowing what to expect. Author's Note It's finally here! It's been sooooooooo long! Hope you enjoy! Chapter 6There was a whole plethora of emotions running through the Mane 6 after receiving the letter. Fear, nervousness, happiness, excitement, and so on. None of them knew what to expect. On one hoof, theyre that much closer to catching Rainbow Dash's attacker. But on the other hoof, the attacker is still out there and could strike at any moment. After what seemed like an eternity, the six ponies plus one dragon arrive at Ponyville General Hospital, bursting through the doors to see Officer Thunder Hoof standing at the far corner of the lobby, his face as stoic and emotionless as ever. Twilight and her friends walk up to the stallion as she smiles and nods. "Hello again, Officer. How are you today?" She asks with a soft smile. Even through his soft smile, Thunder Hoof can only let out a gruff sigh and shake his head. "Same shit, different pile im afraid. Come with me, girls. I think its best we discuss this somewhere a little more private..." He says before walking through the double doors and making his way down the hall, causing the others to follow close by. After a short walk the girls find themselves in the cafeteria of the hospital, where it seems not a soul can be seen, safe for the few guards posted at the exits. Officer Thunder Hoof and the girls seat themselves at a nearby table before the stallion lays down a manilla folder. "Officer...we got your letter. Is it true? Do you know who attacked Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asks, her forehooves planted on the table in anticipation. Officer Thunder Hoof raises a hoof in the air and motions for the alicorn to sit down, making her blush as she slowly sinks back to her seat. "We're not sure yet. But were getting closer. Ive brought pieces of evidence here with me to see what you can make of them, Princess." "Twilight is fine." "Alright, Twilight. What do you think?" Thunder Hoof removes multiple bags of different materials out of the folder, as well as a couple of photographs taken at the scene of the attack, and places them in front of the alicorn. Upon a glance at the first bag, Twilights eyes widen in realization. "Is that what i think it is?" Thunder Hoof nods with a confident grin, sitting back in his seat and crossing his hooves. Inside the first bag was a grainy sky blue powder that almost looked like colored sugar. There wasnt a lot of it. But it was enough to cover the bottom of the bag as Twilight levitated it in her magic. "M-Magic residue? This stuff is nearly impossible to gather after the first hour of being discharged! Thats the whole reason why not even unicorn scientists know a lot about it or its effects and properties!" "We found the stuff stuck to the brush line. The same place where we took these pictures..." Thunder Hoof points at the photos spread out over the table. One of them was a shot of hoof prints found in the brush. The second picture was a closer shot of the same picture, with some of the details being circled in red. The third picture was the brush line itself. First glance revealed nothing out of the ordinary. But upon a closer look, it showed that some of the vegetation had been layed flat, signifying that the culprit had hidden in the bushes at the time of the attack. An ambush. "Rainbow Dash was ambushed. Its as if the attacker KNEW Rainbow Dash would be there..." Officer Thunder Hoof nods and pushes forward another bag toward the Princess, this time the bag is full of fur. Twilight opens the bag and looks at the stallion. "May I?" She asks, to which he gives her a simple nod. Twilight removes the fur from the bag and studies it intently, staying silent as she enters 'Observer Mode'. After a short while of silence, she looks back up and asks. "Have you ran an identification spell on the sample?" Officer Thunder Hoof nods and rubs his face in irritation. "Four times. Each one turned up negative. Whoever attacked Rainbow Dash made it a point that they did NOT want to be found. The only bit of evidence we have to go off of that could give them away is their hoofprints and magic residue once we get somepony that knows what to look for with it. Until then were at a crossroads..." he says with a shrug. "Damn it..." Rainbow Dash curses, smacking her hoof on the table top. "Its alright, Dash. They'll find 'em. Either they will or we will. And if we do, it aint gonna be pretty." "I know AJ...im just frustrated were no closer to finding them than we were before!" "You have my word Miss Dash. I will find them and i WILL bring them down. If its the last thing I ever do you will have answers!" "Thanks..." "Well...thats all I had for you girls today. Youre free to go. Be safe and watch your backs. You never know when theyll strike again." "Thank you Officer. We will keep an eye out." Twilight says with a nod. And with that, the Mane Six exit the cafeteria and head back toward the exit. But before they can make it, Doctor Trotter catches them. "Oh! Hey! Rainbow Dash! Im glad i ran into ya. Youre not due to come back for another week. But since you're here we can perform an X-Ray and see how youre healing. Sound good?" "Yeah, okay." The pegasus responds with a nod. "Great! Lets go get it done and we'll have you back out shortly." He says with a smile. The girls silently follow Doctor Trotter to the nearest X-Ray room and starts messing with a series of buttons and switches. "Alright Rainbow Dash, if you could go over to the machine and lay on your back for me, wings spread..." Rainbow Dash nods and walks up to the bed of the machine, climbing on top of it before nodding to Applejack. The earth pony smiles before walking over to her and unraveling her injured wing, and helping her stretch it out comfortably so she can lay back. "Hows that, Sugarcube?" "Perfect. Thanks AJ." "Anytime sweetheart..." "Alright Rainbow. Ready?" Trotter asks. "As I'll ever be..." Twilight and the others go into a separate room with Doctor Trotter before he nods and clicks a button to a remote, taking a few quick pictures of Rainbows skeletal structure. "Mhm...mmmhm...okaaaay aaaand done! Alright, Miss Dash, roll onto your side for me, keep your wings outstretched." Rainbow rolls her eyes and rolls onto her left side, keeping her wing stretched out so the doctor can take more pictures. "Good! Now the other side, please." Rainbow nods and slowly rolls onto her other side, cringing as slight pain hits her injured wing. But eventually she makes it onto her other side just long enough for Doctor Trotter to take the remaining pictures he needs. "Alright Rainbow! We got 'em. You can sit up now. Ill go get these processed and we'll take a look." With that, Doctor Trotter grabs the printed photos and walks out of thee room to have them processed, leaving the Mane Six to themselves. "Oooh I cant wait to see how good youre healing! Its just so exciting!!" Pinkie Pie says with...barely contained excitement. "Im curious to see the results as well, Darling. But please do keep your voice down. Were at a hospital, not a squealing match." "Yeah well. Progress or not, I still cant fly..." "You will Rainbow. Give it time. You just about lost your life. You can go a month or two without flying." "Easy for you to say, Egghead. You didnt grow up as a pegasus." "Just give it time, Rainbow." "Merf..." Finally after forty five minutes of waiting, and one death by boredom for Rainbow Dash later, Doctor Trotter finally comes back in with the newly developed pictures. "Alright' lets have a look here..." he says before slapping the pictures on the light board. "So by the looks of it you had a severe fracture in your Humerus, however when you took whatever hard hit you took to your wing, everything from your Ulna to your Alula was almost crushed beyond repair. But luckily we have some of the best doctors in Equestria here, so they were able to piece you back together. Everything seems to be healing fine. Now your neck, while the buildup of calcium around the fracture in your neck is slightly concerning, it shouldnt have any lasting effects until further down the line, so that looks good. No we just need to take a look at the ol' ticker. Sit up straight for me." He says as he brings the stethoscope out. Rainbow Dash nods and sits up as straight as she can. Doctor Trotter places the evilly cold stethoscope to the middle of her breast. "Deep breath in please." Rainbow takes in a deep breath and holds it for a second before letting it out. Doctor Trotter places the stethoscope on the right side. "Breathe in..." Rainbow Dash breathes in once again, letting it back put after a moment. Doctor Trotter places the stethoscope on the left side. "Breathe in." "Rainbow once again takes a deep breath in and holds it for a moment before letting it out through her mouth. "Alright. Your heart could use a little more work. Its stil recovering from the trauma so id take it easy for a while. But other than that everything sounds good!" "So we can go?" Rainbow asks. "You may go." "Yes! See ya!" Says the speedster before she takes off running out the door, only to accidentally tumble into a nurse. "O-Oops...hehe...sorry..." AJ can only firmly plant her hoof to her face as she shakes her head. "And ah gotta go home with that...Celestia help me..." And with that, the Mane Six exit the hospital and split up, each pony going their separate ways after sharing their goodbyes, to head toward their respective homes. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were walking side by side in silence as they walked. For once, Rainbow didnt have anything that needed to be said. It was a long twenty minutes before the silence was broken. "Hey AJ?" "Yeah Rainbow?" "T-Thank you...for everything. You didnt have to take me in but you did anyway. So thank you..." AJ simply smiles back and turns her attention toward her destination. "Dont mention it, Rainbow. Dont mention it...." Chapter 7It had been a little over half an hour since the Mane Six left the hospital, and the sun had finally lowered beneath the horizon. Everypony was relieved to hear that Rainbow Dash was healing nicely and they were all looking forward to her having a full recovery. Pinkie Pie was so giddy about Rainbow Dash's recovering that she practically bounced back to Sugarcube Corner, giggling like a little filly. Fluttershy, while just as excited, wore a much more subdued smile as fatigue began to overtake her. Twilight merely said her goodbyes to the group and teleported off back to the castle. She had a lot to think about now that she had been presented with actual tangible evidence to who the attacker could be. Rarity, being just as happy as the rest of the group, walked back to Carousel Boutique, where her little sister Sweetie Belle would be waiting for her arrival. Once she gets up to the doorsteps of her Boutique, Rarity removes the spare key she keeps hidden in the planter by the window, and quietly unlocks the door before stepping in and shutting the door behind her. She quietly locks the door and begins her journey up the stairs of the boutique to check on her sister. She opens the door as quietly as she can and peeks inside, seeing the little white lump that makes up her sister, sleeping peacefully in her bed. With a content smile she shuts the door and crosses the hall to her own bedroom, shutting her door and placing herself in front of the mirror. After a while of staring at herself in the mirror she cant help the sinking feeling making its way into her gut. She shakes it off as nothing and smiles, talking quietly to herself. "Ooh stop your worrying Rarity...everything is going to be fine. Rainbow Dash is healing up quite nicely, and shes still alive. Everything will work out in the end..." After her self given peptalk, Rarity opens one of the drawers to her dresser and removes a packet of makeup removal wipes. Taking a few minutes to wipe the makeup from her eyes and face, she nods in satisfaction when she finds no leftover makeup, and throws away the used wipe. With a tired yawn, Rarity slips under the covers and soon finds herself drifting off into a deep sleep, letting Princess Luna take the reigns of her dreams. Within the next hour, Rarity finds herself backstage of the biggest fashion show she could imagine, the crowd of ponies behind the curtains calling her name, screaming for her to make an appearance. It was all so exhilarating. With a wide smile, Rarity takes a deep breath and goes to take a step, only to be stopped by a dark blue forehoof grabbing onto her shoulder. Her eyes follow the hoof, up the arm, and soon realizes who it belongs to. "Oh! Hello Princess Luna! Im surprised to see you here." Princess Luna could only raise an eyebrow in disbelief. "Youre surprised to see ME...here...in the DREAMWORLD..." Realizing how ridiculous she just made herself sound, Rarity blushes and giggles a bit. "H-Heh...yes well...um...i just mean..." she stutters before Luna herself starts to giggle. "I know what you mean. Im just here to check up on things. To see if any nightmares need extinguished..." "Oh. Well...there doesnt seem to be any nightmares at the moment..." "Quite..." Rarity turns back around and simply listens to the crowd chanting and calling her name, her smile growing ever so slowly. "Magnificent isn't it?" Luna asks woth a soft smile. "It really is magical. Just think. One day I will make it here. This will be me one day. I can just feel it." Luna nods with a warm smile. "I don't doubt it for a second." After what feels like hours of silence, in reality only a couple of minutes, Rarity breaks the silence with a sigh. "You know...this is one of my biggest dreams. My biggest fantasy. I have faith that this will be where I stand some day. But...I'm scared. Im scared that if I do make it big, that that would require me to move on and leave my friends. I simply couldn't do that to them! They'd be crushed! What would you do?" She asks turning back to the Princess. Luna simply smiles and shakes her head. "I'm afraid that is a question only you alone can answer. But I'm certain that when the time comes, you will make the right choice." Rarity stares up at Luna in desperation, but takes a moment to think it over before she smiles. "You're right...I'm worrying about nothing. Stop worrying about something that hasn't even happened yet..." But then, like flipping a switch, Luna face contorts from happiness, to one of pure fear. She gasps as her wings start to flare, and moves herself in front of Rarity. "Somethings happening in the real world...something bad!" "W-What do you mean, Princess?" She asks with fear laced into her voice. "It's time to go! Take your sister and get out! NOW!" Luna says urgently, her horn starting to spark. "M-My sister? Luna, what's ha–" "No time! Go! Now!" Luna says before she finally lowers her head, her horn touching Rarity's forehead, and everything goes white. Rarity, being woken from the dreamworld, wakes up with a start, shooting straight up out of bed with a gasp. Or at least...she would gasp if she could breathe. But upon taking her first breath, Rarity nearly chokes to death on what she discovers as black smoke. Fire. Carousel Boutique was on fire! Rarity could feel her body grow cold with fear, even as the temperature in the building rose. Whipping the blankets off her body, she rolls off the bed and heads for her door, nearly ripping it off the hinges as she rips it open. What she saw on the other side terrified her to the core. Flames devouring the walls of the building, casting the place in an orange glow that would make anypony feel like they were in Hell. Rarity gulps woth fear as the flames begin to lick the ceiling, so without any time to waste, she runs across the hall and kicks open the door. Sweetie Belle nearly jumps put of her fur at the sudden bang when the door collides with the wall. "EEEK! R-Rarity?! What's going on?!" "Come on Sweetie Belle! We have to go now!" "Rarity! Whats happening?!" "The boutique is on fire, Sweetie! We have to go!" Sweetie Belle lets out a gasp of fear as Rarity scoops her up out of bed and hoists the little filly onto her back. With no time to spare, Rarity turns tail and bolts through the doorway, as the flames start burning through the walls of Sweetie's room. "Rarity! I-I'm scared!" "I know Sweetie! Just be brave! We'll make it out of here, I promise!" Rarity says back in attempt to calm the little filly, though she wasn't too sure how true it was herself. Rarity skids to a stop as she finds that part of the burning ceiling had fallen apart, and blocked the stairs in a fiery inferno, effectively blocking the only safe way out of the building. "We're doomed!" "No we're not! We are going to get out of here, Sweetie!" Rarity spins around and attempts to make her way back to her bedroom, but just before she can make it through the doorway, more parts of the roof collapse and fill the bedroom with burning debris. Running out of options, Rarity takes a quick moment to think of any other alternative paths she can take to get her and her sister out safely. Her thoughs are soon cut off when she starts to hear Sweetie Belle coughing from lack of oxygen. If she doesnt get out soon, her sister will be dead. She quickly spins her head back and forth, searching for any possible exits that could get them out safely, but a loud cracking sound breaks her train of thought, causing her to look up. Her eyes shrink in fear as the ceiling above them was starting to crack. Rarity barely had time to act on pure instinct as the ceiling caves and falls on top of them. Thankfully, due to her quick thinking and trusting her instincts, Rarity sparked her horn just in time to throw up a shield around her and Sweetie Belle, deflecting any debris that would have otherwise crushed them. Not seeing any other option, she looks at the one doorway that had not been touched by the inferno. The bathroom. Rarity carefully removes Sweetie Belle from her back, cupping the fillys face as signs of Carbon Dioxide poisoning were starting to take hold. "Sweetie! Sweetie look at me! I need you to trust me okay?! Were going to get out of here. I need you to shut your eyes and hold on tight okay?! No matter what happens do NOT open your eyes! Can you do that?!" Unable to say anything through her tears, Sweetie Belle simply nods and buries her face into Rarity's chest. The alabaster mare once again picks up her little sister and slings her onto her back, backing up as far as she can without touching the fire threatening to swallow everything within seconds. With a burning determination she has never felt before in her life, Rarity fires a beam of magic from her horn powerful enough to knock the door off its' hinges. Grinding her back hooves into the floor, she lets out a snort before taking off in a dead sprint, her eyes fixed on their target. The bathroom window. 'Celestia above, if you're listening, if it's my time take me. But please spare my little sister...' This is the last thought that goes through Rarity's mind before she levitates Sweetie Belle off her back, and into her hooves as she pushes off the floor with her back hooves. Turning her body so her back is to the window, Rarity covers Sweeties' head with her chin as they both crash through the window, and fall twenty feet straight to the ground. Rarity of course takes the brunt of the impact as it knocks the air clear out of her body, knocking her unconscious. Sweetie Belle, who had let out an ear piercing scream during the fall, still buried into her sisters chest. Once everything goes still, Sweetie Belle peeks one eye out and realizes she's safe. "W-We made it! Rarity we made it! Rarity?" She looks down and sees Raritys' unconscious form, letting out a gasp as she does whatever she can to wake her up. "Rarity! Rarity wake up! Come on, please!" "Ugh..." "R-Rarity? A-Are you okay?" "I...I think so...Celestia my head hurts..." Rarity looks back and frowns as her beloved boutique burns to the ground. "R-Rarity...a-are we homeless?" Rarity turns back around to meet her sisters tearful gaze, sighing as she touches her forehead to Sweetie's. "Yes I'm...I'm afraid we are, Sweetie Belle..." "W-What do we do now?..." "Rarity!" Perking up at the familiar voice, Rarity spins her head around in time to see Twilight landing in front of her before trapping her and Sweetie Belle in a hug. "W-What happened?!" "I dont know, Darling. Sweetie and I were asleep. I was having the most pleasant dream when Princess Luna came in and said I needed to wake up. Next thing I know is the boutique was on fire..." Barely able to hold back her tears, Twilight releases the two sisters and looks up at the inferno in front of them. "I've already contacted the weather ponies. They'll have the fire out soon. The EMT's are on their way as well..." "T-Thank you, Twilight..." Twilight gives Rarity a single nod before once again falling into silence. The next twenty minutes is spent with neither of the three ponies uttering a single word, even as the weather ponies come by and put out the fire. Shortly after the fire is snuffed, whats left of the building crumbles to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris. A short time later the EMT's finally arrive and walk up to the trio. One of them, a blue Earth pony stallion whom they assume is the lead member of the squad, starts asking Rarity and Sweetie Belle a bunch of questions. "Is there anyone else in there?" "No." Rarity answers with a shake of her head. Sweetie Belle lets out a pained gasp as a though finally hits her. "W-Wait! What about Opal?!" "Opal is with Fluttershy, Darling. Don't worry." "Ma'am. Are you hurt?" He asks, eyeing the various cuts all over Raritys' body. Rarity simply shakes her head defiantly. "No no, I'm fine thank you." Sweetie Belle lets out a heavy sigh that she had apparently been holding, before she breaks out into a heavy wheezing cough. The stallions eyes go wide before he calls over the other two paramedics. "We got one injured here! Non fatal! Could possibly have carbon dioxide poisoning!" "Yes sir!" One of them calls out. Within seconds they have Sweetie Belles' right forehoof wrapped in a vinyl cuff, used to monitor her blood pressure. "How are you feeling young one?" "I...I have a headache. A-And I'm really tired..." "Are you finding it hard to breath?" "A-A little..." "Do you know where you are?" "Carousel Boutique...I think..." "It's like I thought. She has severe carbon dioxide poisoning. We need to get her to the hospital now!" "B-But I dont wanna go!" "Little one, don't you understand?! If we don't get you to the hospital and get you help soon, you'll die!" Sweetie Belle gulps in fear before she nods and looks back to Rarity. "Y-You'll come with me won't you? Im scared..." "Of course I will, Sweetie." Rarity looks over to Twilight with a pained look in her eyes. "Im going to the hospital with Sweetie Belle, let everyone else know whats happened, okay?" "I will Rarity, I promise." "Thank you Twilight...you're a good friend..." Rarity takes a deep breath and starts walking away with the EMT's and her sister in tow. Meanwhile, now that she's by herself, Twilight finally lets out a frustrated sigh as tears drip down her face. Shaking her head at the pile of burnt rubble, she turns around and teleports away to break the news to her friends.
Chapter 1It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, everything was peaceful. Unfortunately, things would take a turn for the worst. A young Pegasus named Sugar Wing was trotting through the Everfree Forest, when she found something that anypony would pay a million bits to unsee. Rainbow Dash, the fastest flier in all of Equestria, was laying on the ground, completely still. She was bruised all over, there was a river of blood flowing from her nose and deep cuts in her neck, sides, and stomach. Her neck and left wing also looked broken. Sugar Wing screamed in horror as she flew out of the forest as fast as she could to find help. A couple of hours later a butter yellow Pegasus with a candy pink mane was flying through the Everfree Forest when she spotted the local police ponies crowded around a small area. The Pegasus named Fluttershy flew back down to the ground to investigate. “Umm...Excuse me? What's going on here?” Said the Pegasus trying to get answers. The police ponies didn't hear her. “Um...Excuse me?” Still no answer. “Excuse me sir?” The officer finally noticed her and attempted to push her away. “You need to leave miss. This is a crime scene. Nothing to see here.” “Oh my...what's happened?” Fluttershy asked. “Do you know a Pegasus named Rainbow Dash?” “Why yes. She and I have been best friends since we were fillies.” Fluttershy said smiling. The officers frown only deepened more. “Oh. I'm...sorry.” Fluttershy's smile disappeared as a look of fear and worry spread over her face. “Oh dear...what happened? Is she okay? Oh I hope she isn't hurt!” With each second slowly ticking by, her fear intensified tremendously. “I'm sorry miss Fluttershy. But there's been an accident and your friend Rainbow Dash was involved. She is seriously injured. Medical ponies are on their way as fast as they can get here, but, she may not survive the ride over to the hospital. I'm very sorry.” Fluttershys eyes widened in horror. “NO!!!” “Miss Fluttershy, I can't express our sorrow for this tragedy. This is a truly sad day for Ponyville.” “Rainbow Dash! No! Please Celestia don't do this!” The officer walkred up to the grieving Pegasus and placed a hoof on her back. “Are you alright miss?” “MY BEST FRIEND HAS BEEN ATTACKED BY A MYSTERIOUS PONY AND COULD POSSIBLY DIE! NO I'M NOT OKAY!” For the first time in her life, the sweet, quiet, shy Pegasus who was quite literally afraid of her own shadow, yelled at another pony without any concern of the consequences whatsoever. “It's going to be alright ma'am. The medics are going to do everything they can to save your friend.” “M-May I plea-(hic)-ease go s-see her?!” She asks between sobs. “Of course. She's over there. She's unconscious, but she's alive, barely. She's under the white sheet. Take as much time as you need.” “Thank you...” “Of course.” Fluttershy walked over to a white blanket that was shaped like a pony. She grabbed the top of the sheet with her mouth and pulled it down revealing the bruised face of a unconscious Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy's eyes once again teared up as she watched the cyan Pegasus' chest faintly rise and fall, indicating that she was barely breathing. “Oh Rainbow Dash! I'm so sorry! I wish I could have been there to stop them! Please wake up!” Fluttershy yelled as she grasped the blue Pegasus in her front legs and huggedher limp body close. The yellow Pegasus whispered into the cyan Pegasus' ear. “Please wake up.” Fluttershy gently layed the unconscious mare back down on the ground as medical ponies, one being a unicorn, arrived on the scene. “Get a mask on her! NOW!” One of the medical ponys said. Once an oxygen mask was placed over Rainbow Dash's muzzle, the medical unicorn lifted up the wounded Pegasus with magic. She turned to the horrified Fluttershy who was in tears with fear for her injured friend. “I promise, we will take good care of her and do everything we can to save her.” The medic said. “PLEASE H-HELP HER!!! P-Ple-ease!!!” “Calm down miss. We're doing everything we can. Now we need to get her to the hospital right now or she'll never make it.” The pony said calmly. “O-Okay.” The medical ponies begin sprinting toward the hospital and were soon out of sight. Fluttershy began sobbing harder. One of the officer ponies walked up to her and gently patted her on the back. “I'm so deeply sorry for this tragedy miss Fluttershy, but I promise you, we WILL find out who is behind this and we will take them down. You have my word on it.” He says. “T-Thank you. Oh no, what am I going to tell the girls? Oh they'll be so devastated!” “If you'd like we can break the news to them, save you the stress?” “No...no I think...I think I'd better do it...it'd be better if they heard it from me rather than some random pony they don't know...um, if that's okay with you...” “Of course. Again I'm sorry this has happened. My name is Officer Thunder Hoof. If you ever need anything, you let me know and I will get right on it.” “Okay...thank you...” Fluttershy just stared at the ground as she responded. “Well...we'd all better get out of this forest before the day gets worse don't you think?” Fluttershy clenched her eyes shut and mumbled to herself. “This day couldn't get any worse.” She soon flew out of the forest thinking about how she is going to tell the other girls. Landing on the ground back in Ponyville still lost in her own thoughts, she walked down the road before something shook her out of it. Something pink and happy. “Hey Fluttershy! What's up?!” Pinkie Pie yelled making the yellow Pegasus jump. “Oh...Pinkie...you startled me...” Fluttershy said. “Sorry!” Pinkie said with her usual large smile. “Um...Pinkie...I need you to go find the others and meet me at Twilights please... Everyone except Rainbow Dash...” Oblivious to the real situation at hand, Pinkies brain automatically switched to party mode. “OH MY GOSH! We all get to hang out for the first time in like two or three days hey I just noticed that something is different about you is it your mane did you do something to your mane...” “Pinkie...” “Of course there's nothing wrong with your mane but I know there is something definitely different about you and I will find out what it is even if I have to spend the whole day thinking about it...” Pinkie continued. “Pinkie...” “We should definitely have a party sometime you me Rarity Applejack Twilight Rainbow Dash all of us...” “PINKIE!!” The sudden outburst coming from the usually timid Fluttershy caused the pink party pony to stop mid sentence and stare at her with a blank look on her face. “Oh...I'm sorry Pinkie...I shouldn't have yelled like that...” “It's okay Fluttershy. Wait, why not Rainbow Dash?” “Just...please do it...” “OKAY!” Without waiting for any other form of response Pinkie Pie turned around and bounced off to find the other ponies. Fluttershy goes off to Twilights house reluctantly. Soon she found herself at the door of Twilights library. She waited for a moment before knocking on the door. Immediately she heard a familiar voice from the other side of the door. “IT'S OPEN!” Twilight yelled from the other side. Fluttershy opened the door and quietly walks in. Without looking up from her book, the unicorn greeted Fluttershy from her desk. “Hey Fluttershy, what's up?” “Um...Twilight...I'm afraid I have some bad news...the others are on their way...everypony...except Rainbow Dash.” The last part of this sentence grabbed Twilights attention from her book. She looks up from her book an saw that Fluttershy's eyes were welling up with tears. “Fluttershy? Is something wrong? Why isn't Rainbow Dash coming?” Twilight asked. “Um...I...uh...you see...R-Rainbow Dash is uh...” Fluttershy continued to stutter struggling to say what needed to be said. Just then, the door swung open and Pinkie pie walked in with Applejack and Rarity behind her. “We’re here! All but Rainbow Dash just like you said!” “What pray tell is this all about?” Rarity said with a quick flip of her mane. Applejack was next to speak up with a hint of annoyance in her voice. “Somepony better have a good explaination fer why Ah had ta give up workin' in the orchard all day.” She didn't mind hanging out with her friends, but when it came to working on the farm she liked to get things done. “Thank you for coming girls. I'm afraid I have terrible news.” “Why ain't RD comin'?” “Um...that's what I wanted to talk to you about...Rainbow Dash...isn't coming because, uh...w-well you see she...um...” Fluttershy began to tear up again, causing the other ponies to have a look of concern on their faces. “You alright hun?” “Um...I-I-I...I just...I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!” Fluttershy exclaimed breaking out into uncontrollable sobbing. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight all leapt to assist their grieving friend. “It's alright Fluttershy...whatever's happened...we can help you get through it...together. Right girls?” Twilight said to the others to which they all responded in unison. “Right!” “Would you rather I looked into your mind to see what's troubling you?” “I-If you want to...it won't hurt will it? I don't think I can take much more pain...” “I promise it won't hurt a bit Fluttershy. Princess Celestia used to use this spell on me whenever I had something on my mind. Now hold still.” Twilight shut her eyes and concentrated on her magic. Soon her horn glowed a faint purple and she was soon inside Fluttershy's mind. She started seeing a bunch of images of past events of that day, but nothing that would come across as concerning. She saw an aerial view of the Everfree forest, birds flying in and out of the trees, absolutely nothing that would seem to trouble the Pegasus. Twilight had half expected the poor pony to be grieving for the death of a forest animal or something along those lines. But she saw nothing. Until she saw an image of police ponies down on the ground. Then soon after, an image of Rainbow Dash bruised and beaten near death. That mental image made Twilight lose her concentration. She saw the other ponies staring at her wondering what she will say. Fluttershy though, was laying on her belly covering her head with her forehooves. “Well, what did ya see Twilight?” “Rainbow Dash...I saw...Rainbow Dash...she...” Applejack cut in with a wave of frustration. “Aw hayseed! Don't tell me she went and got herself arrested now! Ah swear that Pegasus don't know the first thing about stayin' outta trouble.” “No Applejack...it`s...much worse than that...” With a slight smile, Rarity asked. “What could possibly be worse than that darling?” “Wait! Maybe something bad happened to her! My Pinkie sense told me that something scary was about to happen! My knee was pinchy!” Twilight’s ears folded down to the sides of her head and her eyes began brimming with tears. “You're not far off the mark Pinkie. I'm sorry to say this...but...Rainbow Dash...is in the hospital. She's severely injured and unconscious. She might not wake up.” The unexpected news caused the other to ponies gasp in fear. With heavy fear now evident in her voice, Applejack looked at Twilight and asked. “Wha-What do ya mean she might not wake up?!” Pinkie Pie also started to tear up, her mane and tail went completely flat and her usual pink coat turned a few shades grayer than usual. She shook her head in disbelief and asked. “B-But how could this happen? Who would want to kill Rainbow Dash?” The orange farmer now shaking with anger, looked at Pinkie with an angry expression and with a deep growl said. “Ah dunno Pinkie. But what Ah do know is that when Ah get my hooves on whoever done this ta Rainbow Dash they're gonna wish they'd never touched her!” Fluttershy, still sobbing to herself looked up at Twilight and with a shaky voice said. “Oh Twilight...I'm so s-s-sorry! I-If I w-was there b-before they got to her! I-I-I c-could have stopped this from happening!” “Aw sugarcube, don't beat yerself up over it. It wasn't yer fault. Nopony coulda prevented this. Ah just wanna know who would be so dern angry as ta attack one of us.” Applejack said now with a sweet and gentle tone trying to calm down the crying Pegasus. Just then, a little purple and green dragon walked into the room carrying a large tray of nachos. Spike looked with a smile and said. “Hey everypony what's up? Uuuuh...why is everypony crying?” Suddenly without warning, something within Twilight snaps. She shot a death glare at the baby dragon with tears dripping from her eyes. “SPIKE!!! GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM!!! NOW!!!!” Spike says nothing but instead slowly set down the tray and went back up to his room without saying another word. Applejack still angry at the mystery attacker pointed a hoof at Twilight, and with annoyance evident in her voice she said. “Now hang on a second Twi, Ah get that yer hurtin’, hay, we all are. But that don't give ya no right ta yell and scream at the little feller like that. He didn't know what was goin’ on.” “You're right Applejack. I'm sorry. I'll go apologize to him right now.” Twilight turned to go back up to her assistant and apologize. But Rarity intervened. “We can worry about that later darling. Right now our dear friend needs us. We need to be there for her. Let's go girls!” “Spike! I'll be back! I want to talk to you when I get home!” The 5 friends made their way to Ponyville General hospital as fast as possible. Within an hour and a half they arrived at the hospital. Twilight walked up to a mare sitting at the front desk. She looked up and saw Twilight and company. “How may I help you?” The mare asked with a gentle smile. “Hello. We are here to see Rainbow Dash. Is she here?” “Hold on a moment please.” The mare flipped through a huge stack of papers and finally spotted what she was looking for. “AH! Yes! They just took her into surgery. You can observe through the glass if you'd like, but nopony's allowed to go in during the operation.” “Okay. Thank you so much!” Twilight and the others ran through the halls of the hospital trying to find the right room. Soon they saw the operating room where surgical ponies had the unconscious Rainbow Dash on the operating table trying to revive her. “WE'RE LOSING HER! THREE MORE TIMES!! GO!!” One of them said. One of the other doctors who was a unicorn levitates the defibrillator and placed the pads on the Pegasus' chest, giving her a good shock. “DO IT AGAIN! ONE! TWO! THREE! CLEAR!” “STAY WITH US!!! ONE MORE TIME! ONE!!! TWO!! THREE!!! CLEAR!!!” He said. Twilight and her friends could only hope and watch as the doctors tried to revive their dying friend. Eventually Nurse Redheart, a white earth pony with a pink mane and a Red Cross for a cutie mark walked up to them with a more than friendly smile. “Why don't you five take a seat. They may be a while.” “Thank you nurse.” Twilight and her friends accepted the offer and seat themselves in the hallway. Fluttershy never stopped crying through the whole ordeal until she layed her head down on Applejack’s shoulder and cried herself to sleep. “It's alright Fluttershy. She'll be alright.” Applejack said trying to soothe the poor pegasus. Even Applejack didn't even believe these words, how could Fluttershy believe her? An hour of waiting passed by in silence, until the door of the operating room opened and Rainbow Dash was being wheeled out on a gurney with an oxygen mask still over her muzzle. The sudden noise woke Fluttershy from her slumber and the five ponies immediately walk up to the doctor. With tears flowing from her eyes, Twilight asked the doctor. “How is she?!” The doctor looked at them with the best poker face any of them had ever seen. “I have good news and bad news.” The stallion said. The ponies say nothing waiting for his response. “The good news is she's stable for now. However, the bad news is that she keeps going into cardiac arrest. If these episodes keep occurring, I fear she won't make it to next month.” They gasp in disbelief and soon all of them were fighting back tears. However Applejack, no longer able to contain her anger lashed out. “NO!!!!” She swung a forehoof and punched straight through the wall! She too began sobbing. Twilight’s eyes went wide with a mixture of fear and concern. “OHMYGOSH!! APPLEJACK!!” The Alicorn ran up to the sobbing mare and placed a hoof on her back. Doctor Trotter`s eyes went wide. “Um...Miss? Are you going to be alright? I mean you just put your hoof through a solid wall like it was nothing, and you're not even in pain.” A look of shame washed over the country mares face. Applejack looked at the doctor and said with a shuddering voice. “Oh...Ah'm mighty sorry ‘bout that doc...A-Ah promise Ah'll pay fer the damages as soon as Ah get the money...” “Don't worry about it miss Applejack. These kinds of things happen a lot. Now come on, come with me and I'll check your hoof and make sure nothing's broken. On the house.” “Alright. Thank ya kindly doc.” “Not a problem. And please, Call me Doctor Trotter.” “Alright.” Applejack looked back at her friends who were still looking at her with fear in their eyes. “Ah'll be back in a bit ya'll. Shouldn't be too long” She said before walking away. For the first time since they arrived at the hospital, Fluttershy spoke up. “I hope Applejack is going to be okay.” “She'll be fine Fluttershy. She's a strong mare.” Twilight assured her silently not believing her own words. Fluttershy could only nod. About forty five minutes later Applejack came back no longer sobbing, although her eyes were puffy from the tears. “Good news ya'll. My hoof ain't broken, but my heart still is.” “At least she's alive Applejack.” Twilight said. “Yeah, but fer how long?” “Well for now all we can do is hope and pray she makes it.” For the next twenty four hours the five friends slept in the waiting area. Each took a turn staying awake in case the doctor came to them with an update on Rainbow Dashs condition. It was about seven thirty in the morning, it was Applejacks turn to stay awake while the others slept. She sat in silence just staring at the floor, lost in thought. ‘Why would anypony attack Rainbow Dash?’‘what if she doesn't make it?’‘who would be the next element of loyalty?’‘Nopony could replace her as a friend.’‘what....what is this feeing Ah'm gettin'? Am Ah....n-no! Impossible', She thought. These thoughts eventually got to the point she began silently sobbing with her hooves over her eyes. Twilight who was sitting right next to Applejack, heard this noise and opens her eyes to see one of her best friends crying. Twilight leaned up and placed a hoof on Applejack`s shoulder. She turned her head startled slightly by the sudden contact. In attempt to hide her tears, the country mare wiped her eyes dry and sniffed. “Twilight...what're ya doin' up? It ain't yer shift yet.” “I heard you crying...thinking about Rainbow Dash?” Applejack said nothing and just nodded. “Hey, it'll be okay. Alright? Look, I'm scared too. We all are. But Rainbow Dash is a tough mare. Even if she's unconscious, she isn't about to let something like this keep her from her best friends. She won't go out without a fight. They don't call her the element of loyalty for nothing you know.” Twilight whispered and smiled slightly trying to lighten the mood. Applejack didn't even chuckle at the joke making Twilight's forced smile quickly fade into non existence. “Look AJ. I know you're upset, but trust me, she will wake up. I promise.” “How do ya know?” “Trust me. I have a feeling she'll be okay.” “But...what if she don't?” “Hey. Don't think like that okay? She's going to wake up.” Twilight said gently but sternly. “But what if–” “She will!” Twilight hissed in a loud whisper. Applejack just nodded. “Now come here.” Twilight suddenly pulled the country mare into a hug. Applejack hesitantly returned the hug and smiled a little as she wiped her tears from her eyes. “Thanks Twi. Ah really needed this. A talk Ah mean. Now ya'll should try to get a little more shut eye 'fore the doctor shows up.” “I can't sleep anymore.” A couple of minutes later the doctor finally walked up to the group. Twilight got on her hooves while Applejack woke up the others. “How is she Doctor Trotter?” His eyes scanned over the other ponies before he answered. “She's awake. She's in pain though. Her left wing and a couple of vertebrae in her neck are broken. She isn't going to be able to fly for a while. The scariest part for all of us is that if her heart rate increases when flying, the increase in adrenaline may be too much for her weak heart, and it can explode, immediately killing her.” The five other elements of harmony gasped with surprise and fear. Twilight was the first to respond. Sorrow and fear heavy in her voice. “Oh no! She'll be so heart broken!” “It's for the best. For her safety.” Doctor trotter said. “May we go see her?” “Of course. She's in room 312. But I'd advice you all to be as quiet as possible. She has a raging headache so any loud noise will make it worse.” “Thank you so much Doctor Trotter.” Doctor Trotter responded smiling at the Alicorn. “No problem at all Princess.” “Call me Twilight.” “Alright. No problem at all Twilight.” The five friends walked to said room and slowly make their entrance. Not a sound could be heard accept the slow beeping of the heart monitor. Twilight and her friends made their way into the room and soon were at the end of the bed, where a bandaged Rainbow Dash lay there seemingly asleep. “Rainbow...Rainbow its me...Twilight. I'm here with the others.” Twilight whispered. No answer. Nervousness now creeping into her voice Twilight spoke again. “Rainbow Dash? A-Are you awake?” Suddenly a light shuffling was heard and Rainbow Dash slowly awoke. “Ungh...T-Twilight? I-Is that you?” The injured Pegasus muttered. “Yeah. We're here Dash. All of us.” “Hi Dashie.” Pinkie Pie said with a small smile. “Um...hello.” “Hello darling.” “Hey there sugarcube.” Applejack said quietly, her voice cracking a bit. “How are you feeling?” Twilight asked. “Like crap.” Rainbow Dash said no longer struggling for words. Applejack went in for a small hug. “Oh sugarcube. A-Ah'm so sorry this happened to ya. What happened?” “I don't remember much. Except I went out flying. I wanted to practice some new moves I had for the Wonderbolts. Then some pony blasted me out of the air. I couldn't see who it was but after I hit the ground I stood up challenging them to fight me, then I blacked out with a severe pain traveling through my body. That's all I remember.” Twilight walked up to Rainbow Dash placing a hoof over Rainbow’s. “I promise Rainbow, we are going to get to the bottom of this. We will find whomever did this to you.” Rainbow Dash could only muster up a weak smile. “I....I know you will Twilight. I have faith in all of you.” “I'm so sorry Dash.” Twilight said with her ears folded back and tears forming in her eyes. “It's alright Twilight. None of you are to blame here. It's my fault for trying to fight back. What was I thinking?” “You were acting in self defense Rainbow.” “Yeah sugarcube. Ah mean Ah'm pretty sure ev'ry one o' us woulda done the same thing had we been in yer situation. But you have no idea how happy we are to know that you–, uh Rainbow? You alright?” Applejack said getting concerned. “I, I dunno, I just....d-don't feel so good....I think...agh my heart....it's....agh....” Rainbow Dash slowly began to lose consciousness. Suddenly the heart monitor went flat. Applejack and the others began to panic. “Rainbow?! RAINBOW!!! COME ON RAINBOW!! DONT DO THIS TO US!! RAINBOW DASH WAKE UP!!! PLEASE!” Applejack yelled trying to wake the pegasus with tears rolling down her cheeks. “COME ON SUGARCUBE PLEASE WAKE UP! DON'T DIE ON US!!! PLEASE!” “NURSE! WE NEED HELP!! PLEASE HURRY!” Twilight yelled as she too broke down crying. Seconds later Nurse Redheart and a few other nurses came in. “I'm sorry but we need your friends to wait out in the hall.” “PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA BRING HER BACK!” Applejack yelled crying a river of tears. “We will do everything we can miss, now please. We need you and your friends to exit the room.” The nurse said with a stern but sympathetic tone. The ponies exit the room and wait for the next hour and a half for Nurse Redheart to give them the news. For what feels like an eternity, the other five element bearers sat in silence as they all listen to the constant yelling in the room of their dying friend. “COME ON! WAKE UP!! ONE! TWO! THREE! CLEAR!” Nurse Redheart yelled. Each passing moment lowered the groups hope that somehow she would pull through. Finally after an hour and a half, Nurse Redheart and the team of doctors breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Twilight could hear this even though the door is closed. Her ears instantly perked up as Doctor Trotter walked out of the hospital room. “You and your friends can rest easy now. We got her back. She's been coughing and wanting to see you all. Best not to keep her waiting.” Said the doctor with a smile. “Thank you s-so much doctor.” Twilight said smiling trying to suppress her tears. Albeit unsuccessfully. “Not a problem at all Miss Sparkle. Just doing my job.” Twilight and her friends walked into the hospital room and saw the blue color of Rainbow Dashs coat. The Pegasus was twitching slightly eliciting groans of pain. “Oh thank Celestia you're okay...we were so afraid you weren't going to make it.” Twilight said with tears forming in her eyes. “...ugh...my body...hurts...” Rainbow Dash stuttered with her hooves wrapped around her like a tightly wound blanket. “Oh Dash...I'm so sorry. I wish we could help.” “It's alright Twilight...just...all of you being here...is help enough.” Replied the Pegasus with a weak smile. “We're going to get to the bottom of things. Find out who's behind this.” “Well before any if that, can we get some pain medicine, my head and neck are killing me.” “There's a reason behind that sugarcube.” “Oh?” Rainbow Dash said. “Yeah...uh...how can ah put this delicately? The doc said that, your neck is broken and you have a concussion.” “Ah pony feathers.” Rainbow Dash said angrily. “Gets worse than that sugarcube.” Applejack silently prepared herself for the next piece of bad news. “How could it get any worse than this?” “Uh...hehe...well, yer left wing is busted.” “Ugh. Perfect.” Rainbow said sarcastically. “And...eh...the doc also says that if you raise yer blood pressure too high while yer flying, yer heart might give out on ya and explode.” “WHAT–OW!” Rainbow practically jumped out of the hospital bed flaring her wings, only to have a surge of pain hit her neck and wing like a ton of bricks, making her drop back down into the bed. “Easy Rainbow! Easy, easy...Doctor Trotter said you won't be flying for a while.” Twilight said. “Well this is just great! I'm a fricking walking blue vegetable with wings!” “That's not true Rainbow. You're so much more. You may be bed ridden for a while, but you're far from useless. Let's not forget who refused the Shadowbolts so that she could assist her friends.” “The Shadowbolts were fake, Twilight. Remember? They were nothing but Nightmare Moon trying to get me to abandon you guys.” “Even still, you still put your own wants aside so you could help us.” Twilight said with nothing but truthfulness in her voice. “Thanks guys.” “You okay Dashie?” Pinkie Pie finally spoke up. Rainbow Dash was struggling to keep her head up and she began to slur her speech. “I...I'm just a little...d-dizzy...wooooooo–goodnight.” And she was out like a light. Rainbow Dash's head finally went limp and fell back against the pillow. Everypony was sent into a state of fear. “NURSE!!!” Twilight yelled. Seconds later Nurse Redheart ran in wide-eyed and quickly checked the unconscious mare. She puts a hoof on Rainbows forehoof and smiled. “She's fine. She's just sleeping.” Said Nurse Redheart. The remaining five mares breathed a heavy sigh of relief. “Oh thank Celestia.” Twilight said placing a hoof over her heart. “Perhaps you all should head home and get some rest. You all have had an eventful couple of days.” “Please let us know if anything changes.” “I will do that Miss Sparkle. Doctor Trotter will inform you whenever Miss Dash is ready to be checked out.” “Thank you nurse.” “Oh! One more thing before I forget, I understand Rainbow Dash lives alone, and since she can't fly for a while she will need to stay with one of you for a while in the mean time.” After a few seconds of silence, a certain cowpony stepped forward. “Ah'll do it.” Smiling at the gutsy mare, Nurse Redheart said to her. “Okay...thank you for volunteering. I will send a letter to your home when she is ready.” “Thank ya kindly nurse Redheart.” “Not a problem Miss Applejack. Now. Why don't you ponies head home and get some rest. We will keep you updated on her conditon.” “Thank you. Alright girls, let's head home.” Twilight and the rest of the group turned to leave. “Goodbye girls.” As the five ponies passed the receptionists desk, Twilight turned around. “Thank you so much for your help.” “No problem Princess Twilight. Happy to help.” Said the mare. Twilight smiled and trots off once again as she and her friends begin to head there separate ways back to their homes.
Chapter 2Within two hours after departing from the hospital, each pony is at the front doorstep of their own homes. Fluttershy walks into her cottage and immediately breaks down into sobs. Her bunny Angel tries everything to cheer her up, but his attempt is in vain. Nothing would be able to cheer up the yellow Pegasus for the rest of the night. Pinkie Pie walks into Sugarcube corner and immediately locks herself in her room upstairs as her mane completely flattens. Even something as simple as a cupcake or even a party would do nothing for the saddened party pony. Rarity on the other hoof is reduced to quietly sobbing before she even reaches the front door of her boutique. Her little sister Sweetie Belle does absolutely everything she can to make her big sister happy, but it was all for nothing. When Twilight reaches the library, she stops just outside the door. ‘Keep it together Twilight’, she thinks before finally opening the door and walking inside. “Spike? Spike I'm home! I need to talk to you!” A few seconds goes by before Spike walks out of his room and down the stairs. “Hey Twilight. What's up?” Says the little dragon. “Look, Spike...I want to apologize for the way I acted earlier. I shouldn't have yelled at you. You were just curious.” Twilight digs at the floor with a hoof unable to make eye contact with the drake. Spike crosses his arms and asks with a raised eyebrow. “Yeah, what was that about?” Twilight points to the stairs with a hoof finally making eye contact before saying simply. “You'd better sit down.” The dragon sits down on the bottom step with his arms still crossed. “Alright. Now what's up?” Twilight looks away momentarily, her ears pin back. She doesn't even notice that she is biting her lip until she begins to speak. “Well, the girls and I have been at the hospital all day, we just got back from there...and...I'm afraid that...” Spike gets an uncomfortable look in his eyes. “Ooooh no...Twilight...you're not, y'know...” Twilight looks at him with a confused look. The alicorn finally gets the hint when Spike makes a shape around his stomach with his claws. Her eyes shrink to pinpricks and her ears pin back once again. “Oh Celestia no!!!! Yuck!!!” “Oh good.” Twilight shakes her head to rid herself of those unpleasant thoughts, only to have her head filled with new thoughts, making her frown. “No, I'm not, thank Celestia. But we were at the hospital because, Rainbow Dash is in there. Somepony attacked her and hurt her pretty bad. She's alive but she keeps having a series of heart attacks. She might not make it another month.” “Oh no! Rainbow!” “That's why I snapped at you earlier. It's no excuse for me to do that, but we were all stressed out from earlier and I just lost it. I'm sorry.” Twilight flashes a small smile at Spike in hopes she earns his forgiveness. The little dragon walks up to twilight and wraps her in a big hug to which she quickly returns. “It's alright Twilight. I don't hold grudges.” Twilight mentally sighs with relief and smiles. “That's why you're my number one assistant.” “You'd better head off to bed.” “Alright, goodnight Spike.” “Night Twilight.” The Alicorn makes her way up to her bedroom and sinks beneath the covers. The next ten minutes are spent thinking about nothing except the wounded mare that she and so many others have come to love. Twilight sniffles and soon is quietly sobbing to herself. Eventually the dark cloud that is tiredness overtakes her and she slowly drifts off to a world of slumber. Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acres, the entire Apple family is enjoying the rest of the night in the living room, save for a certain blonde cowpony. When she doesn't come inside the house, the hulking red stallion known as Big Macintosh goes out to investigate her reasoning. He spends the next two hours searching the orchard but finds no sign of his sister. He almost decides to call it a night and head back up to the house, until finally he sees that the light in the barn is on. Slowly and quietly the stallion approaches the barn and sees the mare in question, quietly sobbing to herself, and that she's on here sixteenth bottle of cider. He slowly approaches the mare to prevent startling her in her drunken condition. “AJ?” Applejack immediately straightens up and attempts to cease her tears, but is unsuccessful. “Oh, h-heeeeeeey Big Mac...h-h-h-h-h-how r-r-rong you been shtanding dere??” “Ah been standin’ here long enough to know that you done had too much ta drink.” “Pfft! Horseapples! Ah ain't never not no felt none no better in mmmmy liiiiife!” “Applejack, yer drunk. We need ta getcha inside 'fore ya hurt yerself.” “Ah ain't swear Ah drunk ta Celestia! Ah'm sober as an alcoholic on a Tuesday mornin’!!” “AJ...there ain't a single word in those two sentences that made a lick o' sense.” Big Mac slowly approaches his sloshed sister trying to help her onto his back, only to have her angrily push him back. “AH'M FINE DAGGUMMIT!!!!” Knowing his sister is in rough shape, Big Macintosh is able to keep his composure. Though his patience is slowly wearing thin. With a comforting look to his eyes, Big Mac asks in a stern but quiet voice. “AJ. Tell me what's wrong. And Ah know you can't lie ta save yer life, so fess up and talk.” Applejack takes one more big swig of her cider and chucks it across the barn, barely missing Big Mac`s head. “Ah'm wor-r-r-r-r-r'd m’bout Daaaaaaasssssh.” As if there were an on/off switch to his throat, Big Mac says in a gentle now more brotherly voice. “Ah understand. But believe me, she will make it. Ah promise ya.” This only angers the drunken mare and with bitterness in her voice, she replies. “You dunn-no nuth'n m'bout what t'slike ta dern near lose someponnnnny ya loooooove.” His patience running on empty, and anger fully loaded, Big Mac snaps as he suddenly smacks a forehoof down on the top of the counter missing the drunk mare by inches, almost completely sobering her up with the sudden impact. Big Mac hit the table with so much force there was a groove in the shape of a large fetlock. Applejack can only stare at the angry stallion with the widest eyes possible. “HOW IN EQUESTRIA CAN YA SAY AH DON'T KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE TA LOSE SOMEPONY?! YA THINK AH DIDN'T CRY NONE WHEN OUR FOLKS PASSED?! YA DON'T THINK AH WAS DEPRESSED OR NOTHIN'?! YA THINK AFTER THEY WAS BURIED EV’RYTHING WAS ALL FINE AND DANDY FER ME IMMEDIATELY AFTER?! WELL IF THATS WHAT YA THINK THEN YER SORELY MISTAKEN LIL MISSY!!!” Big Mac yells with a deep bellowing voice nearly scaring the cider out of his poor sister. Applejacks mood immediately changes from angry and drunk, to sober and regretful. “Big Mac...A-Ah'm so sorry. It was the cider...oh Mac...Ah'm so sorry...reckon Ah really have had a bit too much ta drink huh?” Big Mac suddenly calms down at her sudden change in voice and smiles. “More'n a little.” “Yeah. Yeah yer right. Again Ah'm real sorry Big Mac. Ah'm just worried ‘bout Rainbow Dash. Ah dunno what any o' us will do if she's gone. Ah don't wanna lose her too. Ah can't go through it again! Ah just can't!” Applejack throws her forehooves around her brothers neck as she begins sobbing into his shoulder. Big Mac embraces his sister in the tightest but gentlest hugs he could muster. “Ya really love ‘er, huh?” Applejack slowly nods, tears still blurring her vision. “More'n anything Big Mac. More’n apple buckin’ itself. It's like, when Ah'm around her Ah feel that it's jus' the two of us. Ev'rythin’ just stops. She somehow fills the hole that's been in my heart since ma and pa passed.” “Then why dontcha tell her that? Next time ya go fer a visit, tell her that. But ya don't wanna make it too obvious. Give her a few hints and let ‘er guess fer herself.” “Since when were ya the love whisperer?” Applejack asks with a grin. Big Mac smiles with a toothy grin. “Ah may or may not have been practicin’ fer a special somepony.” Without missing a beat, Applejack asks with the most evil smile she could get. “It's Cherilee ain't it?” “You say a single word ta her about it and Ah'll drag ya out ta the South fields and tie ya to one of the vampire fruit bat trees and leave ya there ‘til roosters crow.” Big Mac playfully threatens. “You wouldn't dare!” Big Mac raises an eyebrow and his smile just grows wider. “Ya wanna bet on that Lil Jacky?” It only takes a few seconds for Applejack to realize that her brother is telling the truth. She could see it in his eyes. His evil little eyes. With a gulp she tries to think of something to say. She fails. “Heh...yeah you know Ah ain't foalin’ around dontcha.” Applejack rolls her eyes smiling at his teasing. “Oh you hush up now.” “Ah'm sorry fer scarin’ ya earlier sis, it just gets ta me when ponies try tellin’ me Ah ain't got a clue how they feel when losin’ a loved one.” “You ain't gotta apologize fer anything Macky. Ah shouldnta said what Ah said. My fault fer actin’ a daggum foal drinkin’ my troubles away. That's gonna come back and haunt me in the mornin’.” Applejack says smacking a hoof to her face. “Eeyup.” “Welp. Ah guess we'd better mosey on up ta the house and get whatever sleep we can.” Applejack attempts to stand on all fours, only to stumble like a new born fawn. “Wooah! Alright. Let's go–(SMACK!!) Applejack stumbles after running muzzle first into a wooden beam. “Here sis, lemme help ya. Hop up on my back. Ah'll just carry ya up there.” Big Mac lowers himself low enough for the drunken mare to slide into his back. Slowly and lazily she climbs on. “Alright. Let's go.” The two siblings stay silent as Big Mac carries Applejack up to the house and slowly, quietly walks inside, closing the door behind him and carefully walking up the stairs to Applejack`s room. Once they reach her bed Big Mac waits for Applejack to slowly slide herself under the covers. He grips her signature Stetson hat in his teeth and places it on the nightstand next to her bed. “Alright. Now ya best get some sleep. Yer gonna need it ta deal with the monster hangover that's comin’ yer way in the morning.” “Yippee...” Applejack says flatly. Big Mac just lets out a small chuckle before saying to her. “G’nite sis. Lemme know if ya need me ta getcha anything. Ah love ya.” Big Mac leans down and kisses Applejack on the forehead. “Night Big Mac. Ah love ya too” As Big Mac is about to walk out the door, Applejack stops him. “Big Mac?” The red stallion turns around and looks at her. “Hmm?” “Ah actually dunno if Ah can sleep. Ah'm too worried about Dash.” “Believe me, if Ah know that mare, she'll be alright. Trust me AJ. Nothing's gonna happen ta her. Alright? Try ta get some sleep. Ah'll see ya in the mornin’.” Big Mac turns back around and closes the door. Applejack rolls over on her side. “That's what Ah'm afraid of.” She says to herself before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep within minutes. Author's Note This chapter is a lot shorter than the last chapter. I just couldn't think of anything for this one. My rough draft was so much better, but alas, I no longer have it. Oh well! Laters!
Chapter 3The next day started the same as always. Wake up. Eat breakfast. Continue through the day. At least that's how most ponies went about their day. Not for Twilight Sparkle however. Twilight wakes up with tear stains trailing down her face after crying herself to sleep. Slowly and lazily, she makes her way out of bed and goes to the mirror for her daily routine. Her disheveled mane in need of serious brushing, she levitates the brush with her magic and takes the next five minutes taking out every single knot that had formed over night from her tossing and turning. Once that is taken care of, the Alicorn trots into her bathroom and splashes her face to rid herself of the tear stains that had dried and matted her coat. Twilight dries her face off and looks at her refreshed reflection in the mirror. “She'll be fine Twilight. She's strong.” She told herself. And with that, she went downstairs to begin her day. As she walks down the stairs to the library an aroma hits her. The smell of fresh pancakes being made could be smelled from outside. She looks into the kitchen and sees Spike flipping pancakes. “Oh hey Twilight. Breakfast is almost ready. You hungry?” Twilight smiles slightly and nods. “I'm starving. Thanks Spike.” Twilight looks away from the dragon to take a look at the clock hanging on the wall, making her eyes grow wide with panic. “11:30?! Spike! The library was supposed to be open an hour ago!! Why didn't you wake me?! Now we're one whole hour late opening!” Spike looks at her calmly and says to her. “Calm down, you all had a rough day yesterday, I figured you should get a little more sleep.” Twilights panic subsides just as quickly as it appeared and is then replaced with a loving gentle smile. She leans down and pulls the baby dragon into a hug. “You're right. Yesterday was hard for all of us. Thank you Spike.” Spike smiles back at her. “That's what I'm here for.” Twilight now beaming with joy, takes a big bite out of her pancakes and moans with delight. “Spike, these are delicious!” “Just a quick recipe I dug up. No biggie.” He says confidently. “What do you think I should get Rainbow Dash as a get well soon present?” “I dunno Twilight. Think about it. What are some things she likes?” Twilight thinks long and hard about what Rainbow Dash would like. Then, it hits her and her ears perk up and she smiles wide. “I've got it!!” She says. The Alicorn quickly scrambles out of her seat and into her room to grab something. Spike rolls his eyes as he hears things hitting the floor and crashing down on the floor above. A short time later, Twilight runs back down the stairs with something wrapped in paper and ribbon floating inside her magical aura. “IT'S PERFECT!” She says excitedly. “What is it?” Smiling silently to herself she responds. “Come with me next time I go see her and you'll find out.” “Okay. And since we are picking out gifts for her, I'll be right back.” Spike quickly runs out of the kitchen and up the stairs to his bedroom for a few minutes, and comes back down carrying something rattling in a box. “What did YOU pack?” Twilight asks with a raised eyebrow. Spike smiles and pokes Twilight in the muzzle. “You'll have to wait and find out.” Twilight rolls her eyes and smiles. Meanwhile at an old cottage by the Everfree Forest, the Fluttershy is sound asleep on her comforter. That is, until a carrot flies up like a missile and smacks her in the forehead. Her eyes slowly flutter awake and she looks around before letting out a big yawn. Fluttershy looks around before settling her gaze on the floor where Angel is impatiently waiting for her, tapping his foot repeatedly. “Oh, good morning Angel. Are you hungry?” Angel turns around and bolts into the kitchen. Fluttershy smiles and shakes her head before slowly getting up off the comforter and walking into the kitchen. “Okay Picky Pete, if I give you your food now, then you will just have to wait until I get home again. Is that understood?” Angel angrily points to his empty bowl as if he's trying to say, ‘Girl you better feed me before I stick this rabbits foot clear up your–’ “Okay then, just remember you asked.” Fluttershy says before dropping four large carrots into his food bowl. Angel happily dives into his bowl munching away at the delicious contents inside it. “Now don't forget Angel, you musn't eat too fast or you'll make yourself sick. Now I'll be back later. I'm off to see... Fluttershy stops as realization hits her, causing her eyes to tear up. “Rainbow Dash.” Was all she could say before her knees buckle and she collapses in a sobbing heap whispering to herself. “Oh Rainbow Dash...please...please be okaayyyyy...” She suddenly feels a tiny pair of paws on her shoulder. She looks up from her hooves and sees Angel looking at her with a look of apology and sympathy. She sniffles but nonetheless smiles. “Oh...it's okay. I know I didn't come home until it was vey late last night so I'm sure you were starving.” Angel shakes his head and offers her an uneaten carrot. Smiling at the generous offer, she kindly takes the carrot in her teeth and sets it down on her forehooves. “Aww. Thank you Angel.” She slowly eats away at the carrot, taking tiny bites out of the vegetable. Once she was finished she stood up once again smiling. “Okay. I should go visit Rainbow Dash now. Oh! But I can't visit her without bringing a get well soon gift for her. Ooh what would she like?” Fluttershy thinks for the next few minutes about the perfect gift to give her Rainbow maned friend. Suddenly she finally figured it out. “Oh! I know!” She starts fumbling through her cottage looking for something. A few minutes later she is carrying something in her mouth wrapped in gift wrap. She places the object in her satchel and waves to all of her animal friends. “Goodbye my friends. I'll be back later. Angel, you're in charge until I get home.” She then takes off in a gallop out the door. Meanwhile a certain bunny rabbit flashes an evil grin and his ears pin back as he begins to hatch an idea in his head. The mood at sugarcube corner was no better. The pink party pony was up in her room laying down on her bed refusing to budge. Her mane, usually poofy and full of life was now laying flat and lifeless. Her normally vibrant pink coat was now dull and grey. “Oh Gummy, what am I going to do? Rainbow Dash is hurt and we have no idea who did dun do’ed it. And worst of all she may not live much longer!” Pinkie looks down at her pet baby alligator Gummy, who just stares blankly at nothing in particular. “Yes I know she's loyal and strong. But what if this is too much for her to handle?” The reptile still doesn't respond. Suddenly as if flicking a light switch, Pinkies attitude suddenly shifts and her mane and coat go back to their natural states. “You're absolutely right Gummy! She will make it!*GASP!* I gotta get her a get well soon gift and get all the preparations done for the get well soon party then get ready for the get well soon after party!! OOOH!! THIS IS GOING TO BE SOOOOOOOOOOO GREAT!!! AND I KNOW JUST WHAT TO GET HER.” Somehow in the blink of an eye, the pink mare goes through her closet and takes out an object that is already gift wrapped, as if she somehow prepared for a moment like this to happen. “BYE GUMMY! TAKE CARE OF THE BAKERY WHILE IM GONE!” Pinkie speeds out of the complex and runs straight for the hospital. Meanwhile, at the Carousel Boutique, a certain white mare is laying in her bedroom sobbing. Sweetie Belle slowly makes her way up to her big sisters room to find her laying on her bed in tears. Sweetie Belle quietly tip-hoofs up to Rarity's bed and nervously speaks up. “H-Hey sis. Is everything okay?” Rarity gasps and does her best to fix her already ruined makeup. “S-Sweetie Belle! What are you doing in here? Don't you know it's not nice to sneak up on a lady?” Rarity says as she struggles to keep her composure. “Sorry. It's just...I heard sobbing and I was starting to get worried so I thought I'd come check up on you. What's wrong?” “Oh. You needn't worry yourself with something such as this. It's grown up pony issues.” Rarity puts on a fake smile. Sweetie Belle however is unconvinced. Finally Rarity lets out a deep breath she didn't know she was holding and patted the bed next to her. “Come. Sit. Let me explain what troubles me.” Sweetie Belle jumps up and sits down next to Rarity who wraps a hoof around her shoulders and brings her close to her body. The older unicorn takes a deep breath before speaking. “Sweetie Belle, do you remember, a few months ago when you were extremely ill and had to be taken to the hospital?” Rarity asks the little unicorn filly. Sweetie Belle squints her eyes in thought, then nods her head. “Do you remember me telling you that the doctors said there was the very minutest chance that you would survive?” Rarity tears up at the thought of this terrible memory. This memory also makes Sweetie Belle’s ears flatten and once again nod. It takes a full minute for Rarity to regain her composure and continue with her statement. “Well, Rainbow Dash is in the hospital. Only she isn't sick. I mean, I suppose you could say she is sick depending on how you look at it, but, Dash is very hurt. Somepony attacked her...S-She may not live through it if her condition worsens.” Rarity is still struggling very hard to keep her composure. However this attempt fails when a small gasp is heard coming from the little filly next to her. Then, a series of tiny quiet sobs are heard coming from the little pony. “B-B-But Rainbow Dash can't die! Scootaloo would be so heartbroken!” Sweetie Belle squeals with a series of sobs racking her body. Rarity pulls the filly into her embrace. “Oh Sweetie Belle, I know, I don't want anything to happen to her either. Believe me she's one of my best friends. I just don't know what we would do without her.” For the next ten minutes Rarity tries everything she possibly can to calm her little sister whilst struggling not to cry herself. “W-We have to help her Rarity! We can't lose her!” Sweetie Belle is now loudly sobbing. Rarity tightens her grip around the poor filly. “Oh Sweetie Belle. I so wish there was something that could be done. But the most we can do is wait for things to improve. However long that will take.” Once again, tears once again threaten to pour from seemingly nowhere. “W-What if we got her a gift. Would that make her f-feel a lot better?” Rarity places a hoof to her chin and thinks about it for a few seconds before answering with a sudden smile. “Sweetie Belle you're a genius!” Rarity says with excitement. “But why buy her a gift, when I can make one!” Rarity got off her bed and started running down the stairs. Sweetie Belle follows suit. “What do you mean?” “Can't talk! Must create!” Rarity runs around her shop levitating the proper supplies and gets straight to work. Sweetie Belle sits in silence for the next two hours as her sister makes a one of a kind masterpiece for her injured friend. Finally the final stitch is put into place. “ITS PERFECT!” In a fit of excitement, Rarity forcefully shoves the newly made present into the garment in a box and sprints out the door and calls to her little sister. “Come along Sweetie Belle!” Sweetie Belle runs out the door following her sister trying to catch up. Later that day, at Sweet Apple Acres. The whole Apple family is wide awake at the breakfast table. All but one. Applejack was still in her bedroom deep asleep while the others were getting ready to eat. Granny Smith notices the lack of Orange cowpony in the room and looks at Big Mac. “Big Mac, could you please go upstairs and wake yer sister? It's almost time fer breakfast.” “Eeyup” Slowly climbing the steps that lead upstairs, Big Mac steadily climbs the steps that lead to his sisters room. Big Mac quietly opens the door and looks inside the room to see that Applejack is indeed still asleep and that she has pulled a pillow over her head to block out any light and noise and reduce her headache. Her signature Stetson lay on the table next to her. Big Mac walks up to the sleeping pony and gently nudges her left foreleg. “AJ. C'mon AJ, time ta get up. Breakfast is ready fer ya.” The only reply he gets is the muffled snoring of his little sister still asleep. “Come on sis. Ah know ya ain't feeling up to it today but we're all waiting on ya. We need ya down here with us.” He gently begins to shake her hoping that will wake her from her slumber. Once again, no response is heard other than the mares soft snoring. Thinking quietly to himself, Big Mac notices that Applejacks` tail is hanging limp off the side of her bed which brings an idea to his head. Moving closer to her bed side he seized her tail in his mouth and yanks it just hard enough to wake her up without hurting her causing her to give a surprised yelp. “YAAH!!!” Now fully awake from her little wake up call, Applejack groggily looks around her room to find Big Mac behind her smiling with her tail still in his mouth. She narrows her eyes at him and lets out a small growl as he spits out her tail. Trotting toward the door, he looks back at Applejack. “C'mon AJ. Time fer breakfast.” Trotting toward the door, he looks back at Applejack. “Mmmrff. Fine...be down in a minute.” She groans. With her brother now waiting for her downstairs, she groans to herself and takes a few minutes braiding her mane and tail, tying the ends off with a red band. Finally she picks up her Stetson and places it on top of her head before getting out of bed and going downstairs. She goes downstairs and sees her family patiently waiting for her at the table. Without saying anything and with a slightly frustrated, slightly pained look on her face, she sits down at the table and starts eating. Her little sister Apple Bloom looks at her and smiles brightly. “Mornin’ sis.” Apple Bloom says happily. “Howdy...” “What's wrong?” “Yer sis is just feelin’ a bit under the weather this mornin’ AB. Past couple days've been a might rough on ‘er and the rest o’ her group of friends.” Big Macintosh cuts in. “Whattya mean?” “Ah'll tell ya in a bit. Alright? This ain't the time er place ta be discussin’ it.” “S’alright Big Mac. Ya can tell ‘er.” “Tell me what?” “Well Apple Bloom, from what Ah understand, Rainbow Dash is hurt and is stuck in the hospital. Now please don't fret to much about what Ah'm ‘bout to tell you, but, if things don't work out the way we want `em to, Rainbow Dash may not make it.” With a confused look on her face, the filly asks in the most innocent way possible. “Make what?” “No, uh, Ah mean, she may move on ta the pasture in the sky.” Apple Blooms eyes grow to the size of dinner plates and tear up and she starts trembling. “Y-Ya mean she might die?!” Asked the horrified filly. “Yeah Apple Bloom, that's what could happen.” The filly immediately climbs down from her seat walks around the table and nearly tackles Applejack to the ground in a hug whilst in tears, to which Applejack quickly returns. “Oh Applejack, Ah'm so sorry!” “It ain't yer fault AB. This was somepony else's doin’.” “Scootaloo will be so sad!” “Now hold on just a pony pickin’ minute. Rainbow Dash ain't dead yet. There's just a possibility that's what might happen. Ugh....Big Mac. Could ya get me a couple painkillers from the cabinet please?” “Eeyup.” The stallion quickly goes to the kitchen cabinet and retrieves two painkillers and hoofs them to Applejack. “Much obliged.” Taking a big gulp of water, the country mare tosses the pills down her gullet and swallows. Apple Bloom dries her tears and asks another question. “Whattya need painkillers for sis? What's hurtin’ ya?” Without missing a beat Big Mac responds. “Yer sister had a bit too much cider last night Apple Bloom. Woke up with a monster headache.” Big Mac smiles slightly at his blushing sister. “A little ain't the word fer it.” Applejack mumbles to herself. “How come ah never get a headache from drinkin'?” “‘Cause you ain't ever had our cider. Yer too young fer that.” Applejack tells her. Apple Bloom responds with the best angry voice a filly her age could have. “But ah AM a big pony!” “Ah never said ya weren't, sugarcube, but ya ain't old enough. Not my rules. It's the law of the town.” Apple Bloom growls to herself. “Hmph. Dumb laws.” “Big Mac. Do ya think ya can do my chores fer today? Ah really wanna go see RD today.” Applejack pleads. “Eeyup.” Applejack smiles with a wide grin and tightly hugs her brother. “Thanks Big Mac. Ah should probably bring a gift with me fer her. Dontcha think?” Big Mac nods. Then, a figurative lightbulb goes off in her head. “Ah got it!” Meanwhile at Ponyville General Hospital, Rainbow Dash was lying in her bed asleep trying to rid herself of all the aches and pains coursing through her body. Much to her dismay, it isn't working. Suddenly the door opens and hoof steps can be heard as sompony walks up to Rainbow Dash's bed. “Miss Dash, it's time for your medications.” Doctor Trotter levitates a bottle of medicine towards the sleeping Pegasus and lays it down on the nightstand in front of her. The only audible sound coming from the Pegasus is a muffled angry groan. “Mmmmrf...” “I'm sorry Rainbow Dash but you need to take your medicine. If you want to get out of here I need you to cooperate.” “...Fine...” Rainbow Dash slowly sits up in her bed, cringing with pain every so often. Reluctantly, she takes the pills in the crook of her hoof and one by one swallows each pill and washes them down with water. “Can I get some sleep now?” “Actually, I believe you have some visitors. They wanted to see you so badly I nearly had to put a freeze spell around them just to get them to settle down.” Doctor Trotter chuckles. “Let them in then.” “Alright. They'll be in shortly.” Leaving Rainbow Dash to herself, Doctor Trotter walks out the door. Moments later, the rest of the Mane 6 walk in quietly balancing gifts on their backs. “Hey Dashie.” “H-Hello Rainbow.” “Hello Darling.” “How are you Rainbow Dash?” Greets Twilight with Spike waving on her back. “Howdy Sugarcube.” Says Applejack who seems a little more fidgety than usual, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo following behind her as well. “Hey guys. Glad you could make it–OOF!!!” Rainbow Dash grunts as she is nearly tackled out of bed by Scootaloo who's silently crying tears. Rainbow Dash tightly hugs the little filly until Scootaloo finally slides off the bed and quietly takes side by Apple Bloom. Rainbow Dash can't help but smile. “Hey everypony, thanks for coming.” “We wouldn't miss a day coming to see you for the world darling.” Rainbow Dash notices the gifts. “What're those?” “Everypony brought a gift for you as a get well soon motivator of sorts. Whose would you like to open first?” Twilight asks. “Doesn't matter to me.” “Um, you could open mine first, that is, um, if you want to...” “Sure. Bring it over.” Fluttershy brings the small package over to Rainbow Dash who rips open the paper and looks in confusion. “Shell wax?” Fluttershy smiles wide and nods. “Oh yes. For when Tank`s shell get all dry and dirty, this will give it the beautiful shine it deserves. Making him look better than before!” “Oh, yeah! Right! Thanks Flutters!” Rainbow hugs the yellow mare in appreciation. “You are very welcome Rainbow Dash.” “OOOH!! Mine next!” Rainbow Dash smiles and rolls her eyes at Rarity's excitement. “Alright. Bring it here.” Rarity levitates the curiously pony sized gift over to Rainbow Dash who carefully takes the gift into her hooves and slowly tears it open with suspicion. Rainbow’s eyes grow wide with excitement as she pulls out an exact replica of a Wonderbolts uniform. The iconic blue complimented by the yellow lighting bolt streaking across the chest. Rarity looks at the uniform proudly. “Came out marvelously if I do say so myself.” “I'll say! It's so awesome!” “I'm glad you think so.” “Ooh! Ooh! Me next!” “Ok ok Pinkie!” Rainbow laughs. “Open the card first.” “Okay.” Rainbow Dash says as she picks up the cylindrical object and places it next to her. Then she grabs the envelope, and rips the top open. She grabs the card with her mouth and pulls it out of the envelope, discarding the envelope itself. Taking a quick breath she opens the card with her forehooves. She takes a second and reads the card out loud. “Get well soon Rainbow Dash. There will be a party waiting for you when you get out. P.S: make sure the black end of the gift is pointing away from you before you open it. You only make that mistake once. Trust me. Your friend, Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow looks up and sees Pinkie Pie looking at her with a wide smile that threatens to cut her face in half. Rainbow Dash sets the card down and flips the cylinder over so that the black end is facing away from her. She slowly rips the gift wrap away from the item and sees that there are instructions on the side of it. ‘Step 1: point away from face. Step 2: twist the cap off. Step 3: rip the cap off as quickly as possible to prevent injury to ones hoof’. Confused, Rainbow Dash looks up at Pinkie Pie who just slowly nods and smiles nearly shaking with excitement. Rainbow Dash closes her eyes as tight as possible and turns her head away twisting off the cap. A loud pop emanates through the room as confetti flies out of the end of the tube and spreads through the room. The sudden noise makes Rainbow Dash drop the tube and cover her ears with her hooves, clutching her head like a vice. “GAH!!! Ow my head!” Pinkie Pies face goes to happy and energetic, to sad and concerned in an instant. “Oh...I'm sorry Dashie...I thought that would cheer you up. Are you okay?” Rainbow Dash shakes her head to rid herself of the pain and smiles lightly at the pink pony. “I'm good Pinkie. Thank you.” Hearing those words coming from her friend, Pinkie Pie immediately perks up and a happy ‘squee’ comes out of her. Applejack walks up to Rainbow Dash and as quietly as possible, whispers into her ear. “Wait fer everypony ta leave ‘fore ya open mine, alright sugarcube?” Rainbow Dash nods. “Alright Twilight. Let's see what you got.” She says. Twilights horn lights up and levitates a flimsy, thin package over and sets it in Rainbows lap. Without any hesitation Rainbow opens it and her eyes immediately light up with excitement. “OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh!!! Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone?! First edition?!” With a knowing smile on her face, Twilight asks Rainbow Dash. “You like it?” “I love it!” “I figured you would.” Spike then walks up to the side of Rainbows bed and places a small object on her bed next to her. “Hope you get well soon Rainbow Dash.” The little drake says taking a step back from the bed. Rainbow dash picks up the gift in the crook of her hoof and tears off the wrapper. Inside was a glossy red Ruby roughly half the size of Rainbows hoof. The ruby shined brilliant red wherever the lights hit it just right. “Spike...Its beautiful. Thank you.” “Don't mention it.” Suddenly Scootaloo speaks up for the first time since they all got there. “Please get better soon Rainbow Dash. You're too awesome to ‘leave’ us.” Scootaloo`s eyes start brimming with tears. “Hey...its going to be alright squirt. I promise, I'll get out of here and kick deaths butt.” “Promise?” Scootaloo struggles to keep herself from crying in risk of being sappy in front of her idol. “Pinkie Promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” All Scootaloo can do is smile a little and wipe her eyes clean of any tears. Rainbow Dash pats a spot next to her, beckoning Scootaloo to join her. “C'mere.” Scootaloo looks at Twilight for help. Twilight focuses her magic and lifts the little Pegasus and places her on the bed beside Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash pulls Scootaloo in for a hug. Scootaloo quickly returns the hug and suddenly her emotional dam bursts, unleashing a tidal wave of tears to pour out of her eyes like a river. “I d-don't want you to die Rainbow!” Scootaloo yells burying her muzzle into Rainbow`s neck. Rainbow Dash's ears fold to her head and tears threaten to leak from her eyes as she tightens her grip on the little filly. “I know Scoots. I don't either. But like I said, I'm going to make it out of here. I promise. Alright?” “O-Okay.” Replies the filly sniffling. Rainbow can only offer a small smile while feeling terrible for the little Pegasus. Scootaloo turns her head away in shame refusing to look at Rainbow in the eyes. “Y-You must think I'm a total loser. You probably think I'm weak.” “Now why in Equestria would you think that I thought like that about you Scootaloo?” “Because you're here and you got so much faith and confidence that you will live through this, and hear I am crying like a foal.” “Hey. It's alright Scootaloo. It's okay to cry sometimes. I mean, I don't cry because I'm too awesome for that.” Realizing what she had just said, Rainbow mentally kicks herself and tries to rephrase it. “I mean. I have never thought you were weak. I still don't. You are one of the most courageous, bravest, and toughest little fillies I've ever met. I've never been more proud of you. You have almost as much determination as I had when I was your age. You, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. All three of you are so bent on getting your cutie marks that you would stop at nothing until you reached your goal. If there were a better example of moxie I haven't seen it. Fillies like you three deserve a good cry.” Rainbow Dash says with a smile. Scootaloo smiles and wipes the tears from her eyes. “Thanks Rainbow Dash.” “No problem kiddo.” Rainbow Dash says ruffling Scootaloo`s mane. Scootaloo hops down off the bed and rejoins Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom who both place a hoof on her back to calm her down. After about two hours of visiting, laughing, and telling jokes, it was time to go. “Well it was very nice to see you all but I must get going. Princess Celestia is expecting me. I really hope you get well soon. See ya! Come on Spike!” Twilight and Spike both teleport away. “I must be heading home as well. I have a huge order to fill for a client with such short time. Do get better Rainbow Dash. Come along Sweetie Belle.” Rarity trots out of the room with Sweetie Belle following closely behind. “Bye Rainbow Dash! Hope you get better!” Says the unicorn filly exiting the room. “I gotta go too! Mr. and Mrs. Cake need me to babysit the twins tonight! See ya! Hope you recover Dashie! La-lala-lala-lala!” Pinkie Pie bounces out of the room. “I really should be getting home too. Angel Bunny gets really cranky when I'm gone for too long. Goodbye Rainbow Dash.” Applejack calls out to the Pegasus before she can leave. “Wait Fluttershy!” “What is it Applejack?” “You think you can take Apple Bloom and Scootaloo home fer me. Ah gotta stay an' talk ta Rainbow Dash about somethin'.” “Of course. Please get better soon Rainbow Dash. Come on girls.” “Bye Rainbow Dash! Get well soon!” Both fillies say simultaneously before all three of them leave the room, closing the door behind them. “What'd you wanna talk to me about AJ?” “Aw heck Ah just wanted them ta leave so Ah could do this without all of em breathin’ down my neck.” “Applejack...did you lie?” Rainbow Dash asks with a smug grin on her face. “No Ah did not lie. Ah really do need ta talk to ya. Ah just didn't tell `em the whole story.” “Whatever helps you sleep at night AJ. so what's up?” “Well. Here's one of yer gifts.” Applejack sets a circular package down on Rainbow`s lap. “It's warm. It's an apple pie isn't it? I bet it's an apple pie.” Applejack says nothing but instead smiles. Rainbow Dash opens the package and sure enough, a fresh baked apple pie is sitting in a pie tin waiting to be gobbled up and enjoyed. “I knew it!!! It IS an apple pie!!!” With a hint of sarcasm clearly present, Applejack says to Rainbow Dash. “What was yer first clue sugarcube? The fact that Ah got the word ‘apple’ in my name? Or the fact that that there pie is ‘bout as hot as metal on a summers day?” “Eh, lucky guess.” Rainbow Dash shrugs. Applejack rolls her eyes at this comment. “Ah got somethin’ else fer ya. Close yer eyes and hold out yer hooves.” “Why do I have to–” “Ah said close ‘em!” Rainbow Dash closes her eyes and holds her hooves outstretched. Rainbow Dash suddenly feels something cold hit her hooves and hears a slight sloshing sound. “Alright. Open yer eyes.” Rainbow Dash opens her eyes and sitting in her hooves, is a full bottle of Applejack`s homemade cider. “Awww yeah! Sweet Apple Acres cider!” “Ah figured you'd like that. Ah would have bottled up more fer ya but, Ah...kinda drank most of the cider Ah had.” Applejack says with a shamed look. “You drank most of your cider?” Applejack nods without looking Rainbow in the eyes. “Why?” “Ah was worried about ya sugarcube. Ah didn't know if ya were gonna make it or not.” “AJ. I'm fine. Alright? Look don't worry about me. I'll make it out. How has your liver not quit on you?” “You know what Rainbow? Ah often ask myself that same daggum question.” Applejack says smiling a little at the Pegasus' surprised look. “Well do me a favor AJ, next time you're worried about me, just come find me instead of trying to drink your troubles away. Alright? I don't want to hear you died of liver failure because of me.” “Yer right Rainbow...that's what Ah shoulda done in the first place. Ah'm sorry.” “So what's the card say?” “Well...uh...before Ah give ya yer card...Ah just wanna say that Ah hope that what yer ‘bout ta read don't change the way you see me...Ah hope this don't jeopardize our friendship or nothin’. But, here.” Applejack hoofs the card to Rainbow Dash. Before Rainbow even opens the envelope she looks at the cider bottle. “How about you pour us both a drink and then I'll read it?” Applejack nods and pours cider into two mugs for them. “Thanks. Alright. Here goes.” Rainbow Dash opens the envelope and pulls out the card concealed inside. She opens the card and reads out loud. “Dear Rainbow Dash. Ah hope this card don't change nothin’ between us, but Ah had ta get this off my chest. You and Ah have been best friends fer years now. And recently, Ah've been feelin’ more towards ya than Ah ever have before. Ah completely understand if ya don't want nothin’ ta do with me after ya read this here card, but Ah want ya ta know...that Ah really like ya Rainbow Dash. Ah really do. And Ah hope ya feel the same. Love, Applejack.” At the end of the letter Applejack had drawn a heart underneath it. Rainbow looks up from the card to see Applejack taking a drink from her mug. Her hoof shaking with nervousness. “Well, yeah of course I like you AJ. I mean, your one of the first friends I ever made aside from Fluttershy.” “No, Rainbow, Ah mean I like ya in another way...” “Another way?” She thinks for a few seconds before the realization suddenly hits her. “Oooh! You like me that way!” Applejack bursts out laughing. “Finally! Ah was beginnin’ ta think Ah was gonna have ta spell it out fer ya.” Applejack brings the mug back up to her lips for another drink. With a nervous smile, Rainbow Dash looks at Applejack and says. “Well...uh, I'm glad you told me this because, I-I like you like that too.” This makes Applejack take in more cider than intended and she starts coughing hard. “Beg pardon?” Applejack says through her coughing fit. “Hahahaha! You alright AJ? Why so surprised?” “Ah just didn't expect ya ta feel the same way.” Applejack says finally catching her breath. “Well, I do.” “Well, uh, great. So, would ya like ta, uh, go out, see how it goes?” “I would love to AJ.” “Great!” Rainbow Dash raises her mug in the air waiting for Applejack to do the same. Applejack raises her mug up to Rainbow Dash's mug and they knock them together. “Cheers.” They both say simultaneously before quickly drinking every last drop on their mugs. A few minutes later Dr. Trotter walks in. “Alright Miss Applejack. Thank you for coming but Rainbow Dash needs her rest. You can come back in a couple weeks if she's been cleared to leave. If that is the case then we will let you know.” “Alright. Thanks doc. Ah'll be by some other time ta see ya. Or pick ya up. Which ever comes first. Ah love ya.” Applejack gives Rainbow a flirtatious wink before walking toward the door. “Alright AJ. I love you too.” After Applejack walks out of the room Dr. Trotter looks at Rainbow Dash. “She seems nice.” “Yeah. Yeah she is.”
Chapter 4The next couple of weeks go by without any form of excitement or incident whatsoever. Until one day Twilight wakes up to what sounds like moaning coming from the library. Curious, Twilight lazily gets out of bed and walks out of her bedroom to go into the library. When she exits her room she sees Spike laying on the floor surrounded by multiple scrolls, all the while clutching his stomach in pain. “Spike? What's going on?” She asks. “We've been receiving scrolls from somepony all morning. I feel siiiiiick.” He groans. Twilight levitates one of the scrolls with her magic and opens it and reads it out loud. “‘Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, it seems that we have run into some complications with Rainbow Dash. She hasn't been feeling well all morning. We would appreciate if you and your friends came down immediately.’“Oh no.” She says now getting worried. She levitates another scroll already afraid of what it might say. “‘Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, it is with great relief that I write to you and tell you that Rainbows earlier complications were only because her medications were wearing off. If all goes well, she may be able to leave.’ YAY!” She levitates one more scroll and opens it. “Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, I have great news. Rainbow Dash has been cleared to leave the hospital. We are awaiting the arrival of you and your friends before we let her out. Come as soon as possible.’ OH YAY!! RAINBOW DASH IS GOOD TO GO!!” “That's great....really....if you need me....uuuuugh....I'll be upstairs asleep.” Spike says with a less than enthused tone in his voice. Twilight hastily gathers her stuff together and places her saddlebags over her back before quickly trotting out the door and making a bee-line for the hospital. Meanwhile at the Apple family residence. Applejack has just woken up from what she would consider the best nights sleep she has gotten in so long. She quickly braids her mane and ties it off with her red hair band and does the same with her tail. Satisfied with her work she places her Stetson hat on top of her head and trots out the door. She walks down the stairs to the bottom floor of her home and is greeted by her family sitting at the table eating breakfast. “Mornin’ ya'll.” she says happily. “You seem ta be in a chipper mood today. Any particular reason why?” Granny Smith asks. “Well, yeah, Rainbow Dash is doin’ fine and if all goes well she'll be aloud ta leave the hospital soon.” “Well that's good.” Suddenly somepony knocks on the door. “Ah'll get it.” Applejack says happily before opening the door to reveal an earth pony carrying a mailbag. “Well howdy. What can Ah do ya fer?” Applejack asks. “I have a letter for Miss Applejack Apple.” Responds the mailmare. “That's me.” Applejack responds. The mailmare pulls out the letter and hoofs it to Applejack. “Thank ya kindly.” “Have a good day Miss Apple!” Says the earth pony before she trots away. “You too!” Applejack turns around and closing the door behind her. She rips open the envelope and pulls out the letter concealed within it. ‘Dear Applejack, we are pleased to inform you that Rainbow Dash is doing very well and is ready to be checked out of the hospital later today. Please arrive at the hospital soon to pick her up. Thank you!’ All Applejack can do is sigh in relief. “Thank Celestia.” “What's it say Applejack?” Apple Bloom asks. “Rainbow Dash is ready ta go. Ah'm goin’ ta pick her up in a bit. Oh! That reminds me, ah completely forgot, Ah hope ya'll are alright with it, but Ah offered ta take care of Dash while she gets better.” “Sounds good ta me honey!” Granny Smith says. “Eeyup.” “Alright! It'll almost be like havin’ a second sister! But a Pegasus!” “Well alright. Thanks ya'll. Ah'll be back later everypony, with one very stubborn Pegasus.” Applejack straps on her saddlebags and exits the house. The hour long journey is a quiet one, Applejack being lost in thought the whole way until she finally reached the hospital. She walks inside and the same mare from before is waiting at the counter. “Hello.” She says with a smile. “Howdy.” Applejack replies. “How may I help you today?” Asks the receptionist. “Ah'm here ta pick up Rainbow Dash.” “One second miss.” Searching through the catalog, the mare finally pulls out a piece of paper which confirms that Rainbow Dash is to be released. “Ah, yes. You must be Applejack?” “Yes ma'am.” Applejack responds with a smile. “Go right ahead Miss Applejack. Just sign out when you both get back here so that we don't have to file a missing ponys report.” She jokes. “Heh. We wouldn't want that ta happen would we?” Applejack responds sarcastically. “Certainly not.” Applejack places the quill back down after scribbling in her name. Without another word Applejack walks back into Rainbow Dash's room to see her wide awake with a smile. Next to her is the doctor levitating a clipboard in his magic. “Hey there sugarcube. How ya feelin’?” Applejack asks in a loving tone. “I'm ready to get the hay outta here.” “Ah understand completely. Best part ‘bout it is ya get ta come home with me.” “Really?!” “That's right.” Applejack replies. Pumping both forehooves in the air, Rainbow yells in excitement. “AW HAY YES!!!” “Well Rainbow Dash, everything looks very promising and all the proper paperwork is in order. Next is to get you admitted out of here.” Doctor Trotter says. “Thanks for everything doc.” “My pleasure Miss Dash.” Then without warning, a loud poof emanates throughout the room and a white flash appears in the middle of it. The light dies out and Twilight Sparkle is looking around frantically, hoping she wasn't too late. “I'm here! Where's Rainbow Dash?! Is she already gone?!” “I'm still here egghead.” Responds the Pegasus with a smile. “Oh good. I was afraid I'd missed you.” “Actually, yer just in time. Rainbow Dash is bein’ released right now.” “Hey Applejack. How are you doing today?” “Jus’ fine an’ dandy. How about yerself Twi?” “I'm good. So excited that Rainbow is finally able to leave!” “Yeah well I'll bet neither one of you is as pumped to get out of here as I am! I've been in here too long!” “Well first things first, Miss Apple, Rainbow will need to come back here for a check up in two weeks. Make sure she takes her medications. Two pills three times a day. Her bandages wil need changed out everyday to reduce the chance of infection. And whatever you do, do not let her do any kind of physical work for at least a month and a half. We can't risk the chance of her over exerting herself and coming back here in worse condition than she originally was. Got it?” “Ah got it doc. Ah'm used to doin’ more’n my fair share of physical work back at the farm.” Doctor Trotter nods and looks at Rainbow Dash who is patiently waiting. “Alright. How about we get you signed out then?” “Right. Let's go!” She says ecstatically. “Now Ah know you ain't one fer goin’ slow, but ya really need ta take yer time gettin’ outta bed Rainbow. Last thing we need is fer ya ta hurt yerself ‘fore ya even set hoof out the door.” “For once, I agree with taking it slow.” Rainbow Dash slowly dangles her forehooves off the side of the bed and carefully slides off. As her hooves make contact with the ground she momentarily loses her balance. “Wooah!” Rainbow staggers around trying not to fall flat on her muzzle. “Easy now Rainbow. Remember, take it slow. Tell me if ya need any help.” Once Rainbow Dash regains her stance, she nods at Applejack to let her know that she is okay. Applejack steps back but keeps a watchful eye on the Pegasus. Slowly but surely Rainbow Dash carefully walks (more like limps) out of the room, occasionally bumping into things. Worried about Rainbows condition, the earth pony leans over to the doctor and whispers to him. “Is she gonna be alright?” “She'll be fine. She just needs a lot of rest. I'm sure she'll be good as new in no time if she's in your hooves.” Applejack smiles sheepishly and responds as quiet as possible “Heh. Well Ah'll certainly try my best.” “I'm sure you'll do fine.” “Thanks.” “Let's go! I'm ready to get out of this place!” “Hold yer horses, Ah'm comin’!” “Have a good day you three. And Dash, stay off the wing for a while. And no exciting adventures until your condition gets better.” “I will. Thanks doc.” “Not a problem.” The three friends separate from the doctor and head back towards the hospital exit. When they get there the mare at the front desk looks up and smiles. “Hello again.” She says. “Howdy.” “What can I do for you this time?” “Ah need ta schedule an appointment for Rainbow Dash in two weeks.” “Alright.” The mare looks through her schedule and finally finds a time. “Does four-thirty work for you?” “Yeah, that'll be fine.” “Alrighty, I have you scheduled for Thursday at four-thirty p.m. two weeks from now.” “Thank ya kindly.” “Thanks.” “Have a great day.” She says. “You too.” The three friends say in unison. The trio exits the hospital doors and as soon as they all set hoof outside, Twilight face hoofs when she realizes something. “Shoot!” “You forget somethin’ Twilight?” Applejack asks curiously. “I just realized we didn't plan out how we were going to get Rainbow Dash to your house. In her condition she really shouldn't be doing a lot of walking.” “Well shucks, is that all? Why dontcha just send a letter ta Big Mac? He'll be here in two shakes of a pony tail if ya tell him it's urgent.” “Are you sure he isn't too busy?” Twilight asks. “Ah'm sure. Go ahead.” “Alright then. If you're sure.” Using her magic, Twilight levitates a writing quill and a scroll and begins to write her letter. “Dear Big Mac. I am happy to inform you that Rainbow Dash has officially been released and is ready to come home. However, it seems that somewhere along the way I forgot to plan a means of transportation for Rainbow Dash to be able to do so. So I was wondering if it wasn't too much trouble if you could take some time off of working in the orchard and come pick us up? If so that would be great! Sincerely, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Once she finishes the letter Twilight zaps the scroll with a teleportation spell and sends it on it's way. “Alright. He should receive it any second now.” “Ah give him two minutes ‘fore he shows up.” Twilight looks at Applejack curiously. “What makes you say that?” Applejack just grins. “Just ya watch.” Surely enough, no more than two minutes later the big red stallion comes into view hauling a large wagon. He reaches the hospital and skids to a stop. Applejack looks at Twilight with a smug look on her face. Twilight can only stare in amusement. “Wow.” “Great timin’ Big Mac. Now let's get home so we can get Rainbow all set up.” “Eeyup.” Twilight is the first to climb into the back of the wagon, followed by Applejack. Rainbow places her forehooves on the edge of the wagon and attempts to hoist herself up. But she is cut off when a sharp pain in her ribs cause her to stop. Applejack sees this and holds out a hoof out to the struggling Pegasus. Rainbow gladly accepts and is safely helped into the wagon. Grateful for the help, Rainbow smiles at Applejack. “Thanks AJ.” “Don't mention it sugarcube. Alright Big Mac! Let's get movin’!” Big Mac stands on his hind legs before coming back down and taking off in a dead sprint. Applejack is in the back having the time of her life. “YEEEEHOOO!!!” A short time later they all finally arrive at Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight hops off the back of the wagon and waits for the other two. Applejack hops down and helps Rainbow Dash down off the back of the wagon. Applejack looks at her brother and smiles. “Thank ya Big Mac.” “Eeyup.” Big Mac then unhooks himself from the wagon and walks away to continue his work. “Well it's been fun girls, but I must get back to the castle. I just got a wagon load of new books that should help me out to learn more on friendship. So I've got some reading to catch up to. I'm glad you're out of the hospital Rainbow Dash. And don't worry, we'll find out who the culprit is and I'll be sure to see to it that they get punished for their crimes.” “Thanks Twi.” Twilight gently wraps Rainbow Dash in a hug. A few short moments later, Twilight breaks the hug and turns toward Applejack. “Thank ya kindly Twilight fer helpin’ us out.” “It's no problem at all AJ. Well I'll see you later girls.” Twilight's horn glows a faint purple and in a flash, she's gone. “Alright Rainbow, let's getcha inside and inta bed.” “Right.” Applejack slowly leads Rainbow Dash inside the house, letting the Pegasus lean against her when she got tired. Soon they were in the house and Applejack calls out. “We're home ya'll!” “Welcome to our home.” Says Granny Smith as she slowly walks into the room. “Thanks Granny Smith.” “Let's sit ya down on the couch. Dinner should be ready soon.” “Sounds good to me AJ.” Applejack walks into the kitchen to start making dinner. Rainbow Dash follows Applejack out with her eyes and never looks away from the kitchen, until Rainbow feels a presence beside her. She looks away from the kitchen and looks to her left to see Apple Bloom sitting next to her with a really wide smile. “What's up AB?” “Nuthin’. Jus’ glad yer alright.” “You and me both kid.” “Do ya feel any better?” “Loads better. My wing is still a little stiff and I'm still limping a bit. But other than that I'm fine.” Apple Bloom suddenly gets an uncomfortable look on her face, to which Rainbow Dash notices. “Alright kid, spill it, what's buggin’ ya?” “Um, nothin’s buggin’ me. Ah was just wonderin’, uh, if-if it was okay with you if Ah could, uh, feel yer wing? Ah ain't ever felt a Pegasus’ wings before and Ah always was wonderin’ what it was like.” Applejack is listening from the kitchen and tries to intervene. “Now Apple Bloom, Ah ain't too sure that that's such a good idea.” “It's alright AJ. I don't mind. She won't hurt anything. Just be careful alright kid? My left wing is still a bit sore.” “Ah'll be careful. Ah promise.” “Alright.” Rainbow Dash slowly extends her left wing, cringing a little in pain every so often. But with a little effort she is able to extend the wing completely. Apple Bloom just stares as if she's having second thoughts. “Go ahead AB. I don't bite.” Apple Bloom slowly reaches her forehooves out, but pulls back slightly with uncertainty. Rainbow looks and says to Apple Bloom with a smile. “It's alright Apple Bloom. I'm a big pony. I can take it.” This seems to work to boost the filly’s confidence as she slowly reaches out again and gently makes contact with the feathers on the underside of Dash's wing. Apple Blooms go wide in amazement. “It's so soft!” “Well yeah, they're feathers.” Apple Bloom gently rubs the feathers on Dash's wing and moves her hooves around the entire wing until she finally reaches the area where the wing connects to the side of her body. Rainbows eyes grow wide and on reflex snaps her wing shut tightly to her body. Apple Bloom asks in a sorrowful tone. “Oh, Ah'm sorry. Did ah hurt ya?” “Nah, you didn't hurt me, I'm just a bit ticklish there. Most, if not all Pegasi are.” “Really?” “Yep. Kind of like Earth ponies are anywhere else.” “Rainbow Dash extends a single feather and gently brushes it Apple Blooms belly with it, making her squirm and fall off the couch with a squeal and a thud. Rainbow Dash chuckles at this. “You okay kid? “Ah'm good.” “Good.” Applejack then pokes her head out of the kitchen and beckons them into the kitchen with a forehoof. “Soup’s on everypony.” “Alright. I'm starving. Let's eat.” Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom walk into the kitchen. Applejack, Granny Smith, and Big Macintosh are already seated. “Dig in everypony! It's all fresh.” On the table is an assortment of apple-based and non apple-based foods. Apple fritters, cider, Apple juice, Apple pie, biscuits, and hay fries. Rainbow Dash says happily. “This all looks so good!” “Hope ya’ll enjoy it.” “AJ, if you guys cooked it, it's guaranteed to be good.” “Thanks Rainbow.” Rainbow Dash nods and takes a bite of the apple pie. “Sweet Celestia this is amazing pie. Who made it?” The Apple family stays silent until Big Macintosh raises a hoof. “Well it's amazing.” Big Mac nods and with a slightly cocky tone he says. “Eeyup!” Then the chair breaks out from under him sending him falling to the floor. Everypony bursts out in laughter except for him. “Looks like ya might need ta lay off the pie fer a while Big Mac.” Big Mac grumbles angrily. “Aw come on now. We're just pullin’ yer leg.” “So. How's the rest of the food Rainbow Bash?” “Dash, Granny.” “Huh? Whuzzat dear?” “Her name is Rainbow Dash.” “Ready ta go crash? But it ain't even time fer bed yet.” “No, Granny, Rainbow Dash!” “Yer gonna go smash? Smash what?” “RAINBOW DASH!!!” “Ooooh, why didn’t ya say so?” “Oye. Sorry ‘bout that sugarcube.” “S’all good. And the food is amazing Granny Smith.” “That's good.” The rest of dinner was spent talking about the rest of the Mane six and what sorts of adventures they'd recently went on. Rainbow Dash talked about how she is the lead weather pony and a mishap involving a certain gray pony with crazy eyes and a blonde mane. Applejack talked about how she had to chase away a bunch of squirrels, or varmints as she called them, to prevent them from eating her crop. Apple Bloom talked about how she and the other CMC's were trying to help a colt discover his talent, involving a zip line, a pool, and a hoop that was on fire. Don't ask. Big Mac said nothing as usual, and Granny Smith all but nodded off in the middle of it. After dinner was done Big Mac went back out into the orchard to finish the job. Granny Smith went into her bedroom to sleep for the rest of the day, and Rainbow Dash offered to help Applejack with the dishes. “Ah got it sugarcube. Why dontcha go back into the livin’ room and hang out fer a spell?” “Are you sure you don't need any help AJ?” “Ah'm sure sugarcube. Ah got this. ‘Sides the doc said ya ain't ‘sposed ta be doin’ a whole lotta anythin’ till ya heal up. Now go sit down and enjoy yerself.” “Alright.” As requested, Rainbow Dash went back into the living room and sat back down on the couch. Shortly after, Apple Bloom walks back up and sits down in front of Rainbow Dash, looking up at her with a worried look on her face. “What's wrong kid?” “Ah'm just worried ‘bout ya. We all are. Ah mean Applejack said ya almost died! Ah don't want that ta happen again...” Apple Bloom starts to tear up and Rainbow Dash wraps the small filly in a hug. “Hey. Look, I'm fine now. Okay? Nothing is going to happen to me. The doctor says I'm fine now, I just need to take it slow for a while. I promise, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. It's gonna take a lot more than some angry pony and a heart attack to take down this much awesome.” She says with a wink. Apple Bloom sniffles and smiles a little. “You promise?” “Have I ever let you down?” Apple Bloom smiles a little wider and says with a hint of sarcasm. “Wellllll...” “Watch it kid...” “Sorry...no, ah guess yer right.” “‘Course I'm right. Look who you're talking to. Look, I promise, I'm not going anywhere, I'd never leave my friends hanging. How do ya think I earned the title, ‘Element of Loyalty’?” “Good point.” “Right.” Rainbow looks into the kitchen and sees that Applejack seems to be in her own little world. A plan forms in Dash's head and she smiles evilly. “Hey. I got an idea. I'm gonna scare your sister.” “Well good luck with that. Ah've been tryin’ ta get the jump on her fer a while and nothin’s worked.” “I got ways. Trust me. Now just watch.” “Rainbow Dash slowly tiphoofs into the kitchen and inches closer behind Applejack until she is barely a hoof's length away from the back of Applejacks head. She breathes in as much air as her lungs can hold and let's out a loud... “BOO!” “GAH!” Applejack spins around and slips on a small puddle of water next to the sink and falls backwards, landing on her rump. Rainbow Dash at this point is on the floor crying with laughter. Applejack stares at her in anger. “Dammit Dash! Yer gonna give me a heart attack!!” “Hahaha!! That was awesome! I told ya I would get her AB!” Apple Bloom struggles not to laugh herself. “Gee sis. Ah didn't know you was so skittish.” Applejack points a threatening hoof at the two pranksters. “Ah'll getcha both back fer this. Just ya watch.” “Uh huh. Sure. Whatever you say Applejack.” “Trust me. Ah'll getcha when ya least expect it.” “Ah don't think she's kiddin’ Rainbow.” “Good.” “Uh oh.” “C’mon Rainbow. Let's getcha into the guest bedroom.” Applejack says. Rainbow slowly walks into the guest room, where there is a clean freshly made bed waiting. Rainbow slowly puts both forehooves on the bed and pulls herself up on the mattress. “Y’know that was real sweet of ya what ya said ta Apple Bloom earlier. ‘Bout ya not leavin’ us.” “Well I made a promise. I intend to keep it.” Applejacks ears droop to the sides of her head and she starts tearing up. “Ah really hope so Rainbow. A-Ah just dunno what Ah'd do if ya just up an’ died. Ah can't lose you like I lost my parents. Ah j-just can't.” Applejack breaks down into silent sobs and buries her muzzle into Dash's neck, grabbing her in a hug. Rainbows ears pin back and she returns the hug. “Hey hey hey...it's alright. Shhh. I'm not going anywhere. Alright? Look at me AJ. Look at me.” Applejack looks at Rainbow Dash, with tears flooding her own. “I made a promise to Apple Bloom. I'm making that same promise to you. So long as I'm still awesome, I'm not going anywhere. Okay?” “Ah...Ah love you Rainbow...Ah don't want to lose you...not you too...” “I know AJ. I know. And you won't. Okay? Believe me I would rather lose my ability to fly than lose you. And that's saying something. As long as I have you by my side. And of course the others, nothing will take me out.” Rainbow smirks confidently. “Ah know...” “Come on. What's up?” “It's just...thinkin’ ‘bout losin’ you makes me think ‘bout how Ah lost my parents...” “Oh...I'm sorry Applejack...you wanna talk about it? How they died?” “Ah don't know Rainbow...Ah ain't ever told anypony. Only ones who know are Big Macintosh and Granny...Ah don't wanna make things more depressin’ than they already are.” “Look AJ...you don't have to tell me if you don't want to...but just know I'm here to listen...” Applejack sniffles and thinks silently for a few minutes. “Okay Rainbow...Ah'll tell ya.” “You sure?” “Yeah...Ah'm sure.” “Okay...take your time.” “Well, it happened when Ah was a really young filly, even younger than Apple Bloom. Big Mac stayed behind on the farm to take care of Granny, so Ah went with ma and pa on a pie delivery that was up in the snowy part of them mountains. Now you oughta know better than anypony that the higher up ya go in the mountains, the colder it gets.” “Sure.” “Well we was on our way to a small village somewhere up there. Ah was colder than a snowpony in a blizzard, and the ground was mighty slippery. Ah seen that the ground had started crackin’ and...(sniff) I'm sorry...” “It's alright AJ...you don't have to continue if you don't want to.” Rainbow Dash drapes her good wing over Applejacks back. “No...Ah told ya Ah'd tell ya...” “Alright...just take your time. Breathe slow and just stop whenever it gets to be too much.” Applejack slowly exhales and continues. “Ah saw the ground crackin’, and pa said ta get movin’ faster, but by that time...the ground started givin’ away. Ma pushed me away from the ledge and they fell and were holdin’ on ta the ledge, barely. A–Ah tried so hard ta help them... Mama put her hat on my head and told me everythin’ was gonna be alright...they both said it would be alright but the look...the look in there eyes told me everything...Ah new that it was not about ta be alright...they both said they loved me. Ah kept shouting ‘No! No! No!’ and ‘please don't leave me!’. And...and they just...just...they slipped and fell... Ah looked over the ledge ta see if by some miracle that they made it...but Ah didn't see them...Ah saw blood...there was so much blood...ah couldn't believe it...they...they were just...just gone...” Applejack starts sobbing hard and pulls her hat down over her eyes. She looks up and sees Rainbow Dash's eyes wide open, pupils the size of pinpricks and tears threatening to pour from her eyes. She trembles as she tries to say something. “What's wrong sugarcube? Ah'm sorry if–” “When did this happen?” “Huh?” “When was the accident?” “It happened...‘bout three days before you and Ah met.” “Oh dear Luna...” Rainbow responds shakily covering her muzzle with a hoof before she starts sobbing into her fetlock. “Rainbow? W–Why are ya cryin’? What happened?” “T–That's the same day my parents were killed...” Applejack gasps and covers her muzzle with both forehooves, shaking her head in disbelief. “Oh Celestia...Rainbow...Sugarcube Ah'm so sorry...what happened to ‘em? You wanna talk ta me about ‘em?” “When I still lived in Cloudsdale, my parents and I would always go for a fly, to stretch our wings. No set destination, just a calm fly through the city. Well one day...I guess we flew under a particularly bad cloud...mom was struck by lightning and she died immediately...the force of the hit shot her right into dad, knocking him out...and it sent them both falling to the earth...I–I tried so hard Applejack...I really did...I tried to catch them! I flew! And I flew and I flew and I flew but it just wasn't enough! Dad was killed on impact with the ground...I'm the fastest flyer in all of Equestria and I still couldn't BUCKING CATCH THEM!! WHAT THE BUCK IS WRONG WITH ME!!” Rainbow starts smashing her hooves into a pillow out of anger, sadness, and heartbreak. Applejack wraps the mare in a hug, to which Rainbow accepts and begins sobbing loudly into AJ's shoulder. “Rainbow..Ah...Ah don't even know what ta say...Celestia I'm so sorry ya had ta go through that sugarcube. I'm so sorry...” “I miss them so much AJ...I miss them so much! If I had been faster they'd still be here!” “Ah know Rainbow...Ah know...Let it all out. Shhh. It wasn't yer fault Rainbow. It was a horrible accident.” “I let them die! Because I wasn't fast enough! They're both dead because of ME!” “CONSARNIT RAINBOW DASH!!” Hearing Applejack yell was enough to make Rainbow Dash stop crying. However she still couldn't look at her in the eyes. Applejack places a hoof under Rainbows chin and forces her to look her in the eye. “Rainbow, look at me. What happened ta yer parents wasn't yer fault. Don't be blamin’ yerself fer stuff that you had no way of preventin’. Believe me, A-Ah used ta do the same thing. When my folks passed, ah kept tellin’ myself that they're blood was on my hooves, that if Ah had done somethin’ different, they'd still be here. Hay sometimes Ah still feel like that...but Ah know it ain't gonna do me any good ta blame myself fer what happened.” “I just miss them so much Applejack...” “Ah know sugarcube. Ah miss my parents too...but cryin and blamin’ yerself ain't gonna bring ‘em back. It's better ta just remember the happy moments ya had with ‘em and move on from there.” Rainbow Dash wipes a hoof across her muzzle stifling a sniffle. She lets out a couple more sobs before she finally regains her composure somewhat. She flashes a tiny smile and shakily says. “Thanks AJ. I feel a little better.” “No problem sugarcube. Now c’mere.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash embrace each other in a tight hug. After what seemed like an eternity the two broke their hug. Applejack gently kisses Rainbow Dash on the end of her snout, which makes her cheeks go red and her eyes go wide. Applejack sees the embarrassment on the Pegasus' face and giggles. “You alright Dash?” “Uuuuuuh. Yeah?” “Good. Now, ya best be gettin’ some shuteye. We got a big day tomorrow.” “What do you mean?” “Ah got a lotta work ta do tomorrow. So we both need ta be gettin’ some sleep.” “Oh, okay. Well, goodnight AJ.” “G'nite Rainbow.” Applejack stands up and walks to the door. Rainbow Dash stops her before she walks out. “Applejack?” Applejack looks over her shoulder at the rainbow maned Pegasus. “Yeah Rainbow?” “Thank you. For taking me in I mean. For volunteering to take care of me until I got better.” “Shucks Rainbow, t'ain’t nothin’. Ah woulda done it anyway. ‘Sides, were marefriends now, we stick together more than ever.” Rainbow Dash smiles. “Thanks AJ. This talk really helped.” “Anytime sugarcube.” “I love you AJ.” Hearing this coming from her lover for the first time makes tears leak from her eyes and a smile form on her lips. “Ah love you too Rainbow. G’nite.” “Goodnight AJ.” Applejack shuts off the light and closes the door behind her. She goes across the hallway into her bedroom and walks inside, shutting the door behind her. The orange earth pony sits down on her bed and removes the red bands holding her mane and tail in there usual braids, letting her hair fall freely. She sets the bands on the nightstand next to her and removes her hat setting it down next to them. She pulls back the covers of her bed and slides underneath them. She takes a few minutes to get comfortable under the covers while a happy smile shows on her face meanwhile a single though goes through her head. ‘Thank Celestia she's okay’ Finally the feeling of sleep welcomes her as she closes her eyes and slowly drifts off to sleep. But before she is completely unconscious the door to her bedroom creaks open, the sound of hooves quietly making contact with the wooden floor gets closer to her bed. A sudden weight finds itself on the other side of the bed. Applejack cracks one eye open to see that a certain blue Pegasus had lied down next to her and quickly fallen asleep. Instead of waking up her marefriend and asking her to go back to the guest room, Applejack just smiles and closes her eye again, whispering quietly to herself. “Sleep tight Rainbow.”
Chapter 5Applejack wakes up to a delicious smell coming from the kitchen. Sitting up slowly she wipes the sleep from her eyes and looks to see Rainbow still deep asleep. Smiling to herself, Applejack grabs the red hair bands and ties them around her tail and mane in their usual fashion. Trying not to wake her new marefriend, Applejack slowly slides out of bed and trots downstairs to the kitchen. In the kitchen was Apple Bloom cooking eggs in a pan. Not cleanly, but still cooking. Apple Bloom looks to Applejack and smiles. “Mornin' sis!” “Mornin’ Apple Bloom. Whatcha doin’?” Apple Bloom responds with a smile. “Makin’ y'all's breakfast!” “Ah can see that.” Applejack says looking around the kitchen. “Sorry 'bout the mess. Hope the breakfast makes up fer it.” “Yer an Apple. Ah'm sure it tastes fine. Now ya better run along ta school ‘fore yer late again.” “Oh alright. Ah love ya sis.” “Ah love ya too Apple Bloom. Now get goin’.” Apple Bloom slings her saddle bags around her back and runs out the door. Meanwhile Applejack scoops the eggs out and places two per plate. Satisfied with this, she goes back upstairs and sees Rainbow still in bed asleep. ‘Ah swear that pony sleeps longer than anypony else Ah’ve ever met.’ She thinks to herself. Walking over to the sleeping Pegasus, Applejack nudges Rainbow's back with her muzzle. “Rainbow. Rainbo~ow. Come on sugarcube it's time ta get up.” No response. Just a lot of comically loud snoring. “Rainbow Dash, it's time ta wake up.” Rainbow Dash continues to snore. Applejack rolls her eyes. “Alright Rainbow, ya asked fer it.” Applejack jumps back up onto the bed and getting really close to Rainbow Dash’s ear, she yells. “RAINBOW J. DASH!!! AH'M GONNA GIVE YA ‘TILL THE COUNT OF THREE TA GET YER LITTLE BLUE HINDQUARTERS OUTTA BED RIGHT NOW MISSY!” Rainbow Dash immediately wakes up startled and falls out of bed, hitting her head on the hard wood floor. “Ow...” “Oh good. Yer awake.” Applejack says with a smile. “I am now.” “You alright sugarcube?” “I'm fine. I can't hear outta my left ear now, but I'm fine.” “Then maybe you'll get outta bed the next time Ah call fer ya?” “Whatever. What's for breakfast?” “Eggs.” “Cool.” Both mares trot back downstairs and into the kitchen. Once they reach the kitchen they sit down and feast on the delicious breakfast bestowed upon them. “These eggs are really good AJ.” “Apple Bloom made ‘em.” With a surprised look, Rainbow Dash swallows her food and asks. “Really?” “Yup.” “Wow. I guess great cooking runs in the family.” “That's what happens when yer an Apple. Now hurry up and eat. Ah gotta run ta Twilight's house.” “Okay.” Once Rainbow finishes her food, she and Applejack make there way to Twilight's library. “What do you need to talk to her about.” “Ah need a book on how ta get rid of a bunch of varmints tearing up my land.” “Gotcha.” Soon they both are at the front door step. Applejack knocks on the door and waits for a response. “Come in!” Both mares enter the library and see Twilight frantically looking for something. “Hey Twi. Whatcha lookin’ fer?” “One of my letters to the Princess! I was sure I had it!” “Where was the last place ya had it?” “I was in my room!” “Then check there.” Twilight then stops with a baffled look on her face. “Oh. Right.” Twilight teleports upstairs and a few seconds later a distant “Got it!” emanates from the room. “Good. Now. Ah need ta borrow a book from ya right quick.” “What kind of book?” “Anything that can help me get rid of any pests that destroy my orchard.” “Of course.” The purple mare skims through her library looking for said book. “Here it is. ‘Pest control & Removal: A reference guide.’” “That'll work.” Twilight levitates the book into Applejacks saddlebag. “Here you go AJ. Just return it when you're done.” “Thanks Twi. Ah really need ta figure this out before my apples p–...uh Rainbow? You okay Hun?” Applejack gets worried when she notices that Rainbow Dash is struggling to stand, wobbling from side to side. “I...I dunno. I just don't, feel so good...” What happens next causes terror to strike the faces of the other two mares. Rainbow Dash collapses. Twilight is the first to speak. “RAINBOW DASH!!” Applejack is immediately by Rainbow Dash’s side as she holds the mare in her hooves, supporting her head with one of them. “RAINBOW DASH! WHAT’S WRONG SUGARCUBE?! COME ON DASH SAY SOMETHING!” Rainbow Dash opens her mouth to speak but to everypony’s horror, as soon as she opens her mouth she begins to cough violently, puking up blood while doing so. Soon after, little trails of blood begin leaking out of Rainbow’s ears and snout. “NO! RAINBOW DASH!! DON’T DIE ON ME!!! Seconds later, the door of the library swings open, revealing a mysterious pony hidden within a cloak. A unicorn. Seeing this pony enter the library raises red flags for Twilight and Applejack as they take an offensive position in front of the dying mare. “YOU STAY AWAY FROM HER OR AH'LL MAKE SURE YA DON’T WALK OUTTA HERE!!!” Twilight’s horn glows a bright almost white color as she arms herself to attack. “Who in Equestria are you?!” The figure says nothing, instead they fire a bolt of light blue magic at the two still standing ponies, hitting Twilight in the chest before she can react. The force of the blast throws Twilight into one of the many bookshelves throughout the library, knocking her unconscious. “TWILIGHT!! YER GONNA PAY FER’ THAT YA SON OF A–” The cloaked figure fires another shot aimed at Applejack, just missing the pony by inches. Swiftly dodging the attack, Applejack leaps toward the figure attempting to tackle them to the ground. However the assailant is too quick and swings a purple forehoof catching Applejack squarely in the lower jaw, throwing her into the same bookshelf Twilight collided with. The force of the punch knocks the wind out of the cowpony, making her go dizzy. Struggling to regain focus, Applejack watches in horror as the unicorn levitates a knife out of the kitchen, and brings it to Rainbow Dash. Applejack’s eyes widen in horror before she screams. “GET AWAY FROM HER!!!” The attacker turns around glaring at Applejack before turning their full attention to her. Before the assailant can get close enough, Twilight wakes up from her daze and pounces on top of the unicorn, her wings flaring. Once again the unicorn is able to throw Twilight off and into the staircase, wounding her but she still remains conscious. The unicorn only gets closer to Applejack, the knife drawn and ready. Applejack clenches her eyes shut and awaits for her impending death. Suddenly, the attacker speaks. “Three down, three to go...” This makes Applejack open her eyes in horror knowing the meaning of these words. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Applejack hears a very familiar but distant voice. “Applejack! Wake up! Applejack! Wake up Applejack!” “What?...” The unicorn standing over the earth pony brings the knife up higher, then quickly brings it down for the kill. Then, everything goes black. Applejack’s eyes shoot wide open. Her forehead practically sweating bullets. Still in a daze, she doesn't realize it was all a dream and feels a pair of hooves on her shoulders. Not knowing what else to do, Applejack swings violently at the unknown pony and screams. “NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!! RAINBOW DASH!!” “No! Applejack! It's okay! It was just a dream!” Applejack's right forehoof connects to The pony's jaw, sending her tumbling to the floor. “ACK!” Finally, the realization hits her and she sees that she is in her bedroom in no real danger. She also realizes exactly who it was that she had just assaulted. “Is that how you say good morning here on the farm?” Rainbow Dash asks while rubbing her sore jaw. “Oh Celestia...Rainbow Dash, Ah'm so sorry Sugarcube. Are ya alright?” “I'm good. But for the love of Luna you have the meanest right hook I've ever felt!” “Sorry. Ah was just...havin’ a bad dream.” “Yeah, I noticed. You want to tell me about it?” “Ah don't wanna scare ya sugarcube.” “Hey. This is Rainbow Dash you're talking to. I don't scare easily.” “Alright fine. We had just woken up and Ah had ta go ta Twilight’s like Ah said we were gonna do today. So we get there and as she drops the book into my saddlebag, you tell us ya start feelin’ weird, then ya just collapse right there in front of both of us. That alone nearly gave me a heart attack. Then as Ah'm holdin’ ya in my hooves, Ah try gettin’ ya ta talk, but ya started coughin’ up a lotta blood. It just came out yer mouth, out yer ears, and out yer nose. Ah was so scared. Then somepony kicks in the door. Ah couldn't see who it was cause they was disguised by a cloak. Twilight and Ah both stood in front of ya ta protect ya. But the pony knocked Twilight out cold. Ah tried ta get the jump on ‘em. But they up and punched me before Ah could even touch ‘em. Knocked me into a daze. Then...Then they had a knife. A big one. They got closer ta me and just before it ended, they said somethin’ Ah will never ferget. They looked right at me an’ said, ‘three down. Three to go.’ Then it all went black and Ah woke up and hit ya.” Applejack wipes away the tears that had formed and looked up at Rainbow Dash, who looked back at Applejack with loving but nervous eyes. “Ah'm sorry. Ah shouldn't have told ya. It just felt so real Dash. Everythin’ felt so damn real. Ah was so scared Ah'd lost you and Twilight.” “No. No I'm glad you told me AJ. Tell you what, how about we go over to Twilight’s right now and I'll show you that she’s just as safe as I am. Okay?” “Okay Rainbow.” “Don't worry Applejack. I'm not going anywhere. I promise. Now let's get to Twilight’s alright?” “But, it's five in the morning. Are ya sure Twilight is up at this hour?” “Trust me AJ, it doesn't matter what time of day it is. Twilight would do anything to help a friend in need. How do you think she earned the title of ‘The Princess of Friendship’?” “Well, alright. If yer sure.” “I am.” “Well then gimme a minute ta get ready. Ah ain't goin’ nowhere lookin’ like Ah just got busy with a bull.” Applejack realizes too late what she said and now Rainbow Dash is struggling to keep her composure as she bites onto her fetlock trying not to laugh. Applejack gives Dash an extremely bemused look. “Shut up.” “I didn't say anything!” “You were thinkin’ somethin’. Ah got a gut feelin’ that Ah know what that somethin’ is. So keep her trap shut, and Ah won't have ta hog tie ya and throw ya into the cellar.” Rainbow’s smile only grows bigger. “Kinky.” “DAGGUMMIT!!” Rainbow Dash can no longer hold it in, she bursts out into hard laughter clutching her sides. “You made it too easy Applejack! Hahaha!” Applejack flashes an angry look at the Pegasus. “Alright! Ya had yer laugh. Now get out so Ah can get ready.” She says with a blush. “Seriously AJ? Were ponies, were naked all the time.” “Ah mean ta put in my hair ties and grab my hat!” Applejack’s blush grows in intensity. “Do I really need to be out in the hall for that?” With a defeated huff, Applejack responds. “No...Ah guess not.” “Great.” “But don't ya be gettin’ any ideas!” Applejack points an accusing hoof at her marefriend. Rainbow holds her forehooves up in submission. “Wouldn't dream of it.” Applejack grabs her red bands and puts her mane in its usual braid and does the same with her tail. But she notices that her hat is nowhere to be found. “Where in tarnation is my hat?!” “I got it.” Applejack looks at Rainbow Dash who is proudly wearing a brown Stetson belonging to the orange pony. “Give it here!” Applejack swipes at the Pegasus, but Rainbow Dash is too quick and gallops out of the room with the hat. Applejack quickly follows and soon this playful activity turns into an all out chase through Ponyville. The hour long chase turns into hysterical laughter the longer it goes on. Eventually Rainbow Dash decides that Applejack has had enough and slows down enough to place her hat back on top of the farm ponys head. “Thanks Rainbow.” “Don't mention it.” “So uh, AJ. I've been meaning to ask. When are we gonna tell the girls that were like, a thing now?” “Whenever the times right Ah reckon. Ah never really put a whole lotta thought into it sugarcube. Reckon we could tell `em all tomorrow afternoon once Ah get everythin’ taken care of. Sound good ta you?” “Works for me.” “Alright.” After a few more minutes of walking, the newly formed couple arrives at the Golden Oaks Library. Applejack knocks on the door and waits for a response. A few moments later the door handle starts glowing a light purple aura. The door opens and a very tired Twilight Sparkle come into view. With a deep yawn, Twilight forms a small almost forced smile. “Applejack? Rainbow Dash? What are you girls doing here? It's 6:00 in the morning.” “AJ had a bad dream and I told her it would do her a lot of good to talk to you about it.” “Of course. Come on in. Would you girls like some tea?” “Sure. I'll take some.” “Thank ya kindly, but Ah think Ah'll pass on that.” “Alright. I'll be back in a minute. Make yourselves comfortable.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash take a seat beside each other on the couch waiting for Twilight to return. Rainbow looks at the farm pony who is staring hard at the floor, seemingly off in her own world. Rainbow Dash places a gentle hoof on Applejacks back, making the mare jump at the contact. “You okay?” “Ah'm fine. Ah'm just...thinkin’.” “Hey. I told you I'd be fine. And so will Twilight. Alright?” Applejack smiles a little at the reassurance. “Thanks Rainbow.” “Anytime.” A couple of minutes later, Twilight returns from the kitchen levitating two small cups and a pitcher of tea in her magic. Gently setting the supplies down she takes a seat across from the other two mares. “Alright. So what's been going on? Tell me about your dream.” For the next few minutes Applejack explains to Twilight about her dream, stopping every once in a while to regain her composure. Once she finishes the story she looks up at Twilight who has a look of shock and confusion plastered over her face. “...And that's when Ah woke up and ended up punching Dash in the jaw by accident. Sorry 'bout that by the way.” “It's alright. I'm a big pony. I can take a punch.” “Still don't excuse the fact Ah hit ya.” “Really. Don't worry about it. I know you were scared.” “‘Scared’ ain't the word fer it. What do you think it means Twi? Ah'm hopin’ it was all just a dream, and not the future.” “Well, it's possible that it could have been a vision. Though there's a less than 5 percent chance of that happening. So it was more than likely just a dream. Let's hope that's all it was.” “Ah hope yer right Twilight.” “I'm sure it was just a dream. But there's something that AJ told me that she remembers from the dream that the attacker said. Something that chilled her to the bone. They said, ‘three down, three to go.’” Twilight places a hoof on her chin in thought. “Hmmm. Sounds like whoever it was in your dream was going after all six of us. That's oddly specific.” “Can you remember anything about what they looked like? Any features that stood out to you?” Rainbow asks. “Not really. Ah mean, it was obviously a unicorn, their magic had a light blue color to it. And they had purple fur. And the voice sounded feminine.” Rainbow Dash's eyes go wide. “Okay this is getting weird.” “Whaddya mean Rainbow?” “Those details sound exactly like the pony who attacked me.” “Hmmm. This is strange. This almost never happens.” “What almost never happens Twi?” “Applejack, you, like the rest of us have never seen who attacked Rainbow Dash, correct?” “Right.” “Rainbow Dash, according to you, the pony AJ just described is exactly who you saw, correct?” “Yeah?” “The correlation between you two describing this pony is an extremely rare event. Making it sound more like a vision than a dream. But that still doesn't mean it wasn't a dream.” “Well, what do we do?” Rainbow asks. “We find them before they can hurt anypony else.” “Gotcha.” “There's something I've been wondering for the past few minutes though.” “What's that Twi?” “Why were you two in the same room when Applejack woke up?” This question completely throws Applejack and Rainbow Dash off guard, causing them both to blush deeply. “We'll tell ya later sugarcube. We're gonna have the others meet us here. Alright?” “Well, okay. Is there anything else you need?” “Nah. Ah think we're okay fer now. Thank ya kindly though.” “Alright. Well if either of you need me, you know where to find me.” “Thanks egghead.” “You are both very welcome.” “We'll see ya in a little while, Twilight. Dontcha ferget we're comin’ back in a bit with the other girls.” “Okay Applejack. You two take care now.” “We will. And thanks for the tea Twi.” “No problem.” After Twilight makes her way back upstairs, Applejack and Rainbow Dash exit the library and start their journey back to Sweet Apple Acres. “You feel better now?” “Yeah. Ah guess Ah was jus’ bein’ silly.” “Nah. Nothing silly about it. It's good to be concerned. Let's ponies know you care.” Applejack notices that Rainbow Dash is walking with a slight limp. “You feelin’ alright sugarcube?” “I'm alright AJ.” “Yer limpin’.” “I'll live.” “Rainbow. Ya know yer talkin’ ta the element of honesty right? Ya can't lie ta me. Stop tryin’ ta be Miss Tough Feathers and just say that yer achin’.” “Ugh...fine. I guess my leg does cramp a little bit. But I'll be okay.” With a frustrated sigh, Applejack says to Rainbow Dash. “Ah swear sometimes Ah think ya might be more stubborn than Ah am. Let's get back ta the farm and Ah'll give ya some o' my painkillers.” “Fine.” Sometime later, the two ponies make their way back up to the house. Once they get to the front porch Applejack slowly and carefully turns the knob and pushes the door open with her forehoof. Applejack slowly tiphoofs into the kitchen with Rainbow following closely behind her. Once they reach the kitchen Applejack opens the cabinet and reaches in before pulling out a small bottle of red tablets. With a twist of the cap Applejack takes the cap off and pours out two of the red tablets. Taking each one in her forehooves Rainbow Dash tosses them into her mouth and swallows. But instead of going down smoothly, the pills get caught in her throat and she immediately starts choking. Before anypony can even blink, Applejack runs to the sink and fills up a glass of water and comes back to Rainbow Dash who is still choking on the stubborn pills. Applejack gently tilts the glass up to Dash's lips and tells Rainbow Dash to drink. “C'mon Dash, drink a little water. It'll help.” Finally the pills slide down her throat and into her stomach. Rainbow Dash can finally get some air and starts coughing. “Thanks AJ...I almost died...again!” “Yer welcome sugarcube. That's exactly what Ah'm tryin’ ta prevent. Ya feelin’ better?” Applejack pats Rainbow on the back who is still catching her breath. “Yeah. I'm good. Thanks.” “No problem. Ya still tired? We can head back ta bed if'n ya want.” “I'm not tired now. Kinda hungry actually.” “Well alright. Ah'll whip us up some grub. You just sit there and look pretty.” Applejack turns to walk away and hears Rainbow Dash mutter something along the lines of, ‘I'm not pretty. I'm awesome.’ Applejack giggles at her embarrassment. Rainbow walks into the family room and lays down on the couch. Soon after the smell of eggs and pancakes float into the room. Rainbow Dash takes in the heavenly aroma, making her mouth water. A few minutes later, Rainbow Dash gets bored and decides to walk back into the kitchen, where Applejack is standing by the oven on her hind legs flipping pancakes over. Rainbow Dash gets right behind the earth pony, stands up on her hind legs and wraps her forehooves around Applejack's barrel and lays her head on her shoulder. Applejack looks back into Rainbow's eyes and smiles. “It'll be done ‘fore ya know it sugarcube. Don't ya worry.” “I know, I'm just so bored.” Rainbow leans in a little further and quietly whispers into Applejack's ear. “I wanna do something other than stand here.” Applejack's face suddenly grows noticeably red with embarrassment. Her body tenses up before she says with a stutter. “W-Well, uh, Ah ain't really in the mood fer that, right now. U-Uh, why don't ya jus’ take a nap and Ah'll wake ya when the food's done.” Noticing Applejack's embarrassment, Rainbow Dash smirks before lowering her forehooves and gently rubbing small circles around the earth pony's cutie mark, getting a small whinny from her. “Nah, I'm too energetic for that right now. I was thinking something a bit more...personal.” Rainbow whispers the last part into Applejack's ear, causing her blush to grow intensely. “But the others are upstairs.” “C'mon Jackie, let me show you why I'm the fastest. And the best...at everything.” “R-Rainbow, now ain't the time fer stuff like that.” In a bit of frustration, Rainbow Dash drops back down to all fours and walks away back to the couch. “Fine...” “As much as Ah'd like to.” Applejack says to herself. About ten minutes later, Applejack places the last of the eggs and pancakes on two separate plates and carries them to the table. Going back to the cabinet she grabs two more plates and places them at both ends of the table. “Soups on Dash. Get it while it's hot.” “Okay.” Rainbow Dash walks back into the kitchen and sits down in one of the chairs. Applejack takes the other chair. Applejack grabs her fork with her teeth and scrapes a pancake onto Rainbow's plate before scraping an egg onto her own. Applejack watches Rainbow's facial expression go from happy, to pure joy as she takes a big bite out of her pancake. “Mmmm. These are awesome AJ! How do you do it?” “With love Rainbow, with love.” “That's so cheesy.” “Well it's true.” Applejack bites into her egg and chews in silence. By the time the two ponies are finished with breakfast, everypony else was just starting to get up out of bed. Big Macintosh is the first to get down the stairs. “Mornin’ Big Mac. Sleep well?” “Eeyup.” “Ready ta get goin’ with the chores?” “Nope.” “Ah hear ya. Well Ah gotta take care of Rainbow again so ya mind takin’ over again?” “Nope.” “Thanks Big Mac.” “Eeyup.” Big Mac walks out of the house, leaving Applejack and Rainbow Dash in silence. The next few minutes go by in silence until a thought comes to Rainbow's mind. “Y'know, I was just thinking, we haven't changed my bandages yet.” “Ah woulda done it by now but we don't got any new ones yet.” Suddenly a knock on the door interrupts the conversation. Applejack goes to the door and opens it where a mailpony is waiting outside. “Package for Applejack.” He says. “Well, if that ain't good timin’, Ah reckon Ah dun’ know what is.” Applejack takes the package from the stallion and waves. “Thank ya kindly. Ya have yerself a good day.” “You too Miss Applejack.” Applejack closes the door and walks over to Rainbow Dash before setting the package down on the floor. Applejack opens the package and looks at the contents inside. Three large rolls of gauze, one bottle of painkillers, a large roll of tape, and a splint. Applejack pulls out a letter that was laying on top of everything. She takes a moment and reads the note. ‘Dear Applejack, I realized that when you left the hospital I had forgotten to give you everything you need to tend to Rainbow Dash's injuries. In this box is everything you will need. Take care of her. Sincerely, Doctor Trotter.’ Setting the letter off to the side Applejack pulls out all of the supplies. “That the stuff I need?” “Yup.” “Great. These bandages are getting uncomfortable.” “Alright. Well let's just take care of that now.” “Okay. Just be careful. I'm still a little sore.” “Don't worry sugarcube. Ah'll get it done.” Taking extra caution to not hurt the Pegasus, Appejack slowly and carefully unwraps the injured wing to allow air to get to it. Rainbow Dash steps back a few feet. “That's better. Gimme a minute to stretch it out. It's been cramping for a while now.” “Take all the time ya need sugarcube.” Rainbow Dash slowly extends the injured wing as far as she can without pain coursing through it. She only gets about half way before she cringes and pain shoots up and down her entire wing. Rainbow's wing reflexively snaps back to her side. She tries again a little slower this time. She manages to extend her wing farther than the previous attempt before the pain becomes too much to bear and she closes it again. “Reckon it ain't ready to be let loose jus’ yet.” “Yeah. It still hurts a little.” “Good thing we got the painkillers huh?” “Yeah but considering I just took two of them, I can't take anymore for another four to six hours. Since painkillers are nothing more than blood thinners, if I were to get another deep gash or reopen one of my wounds, I'd probably bleed out.” “How exactly do you know that?” “I'm not a moron AJ. I payed attention in school.” Applejack raises an eyebrow in disbelief. “Somewhat.” “That's better. Anywho, Ah reckon yer right. We'll jus' wait a few hours. In the mean time, let's get that wing redressed.” “Right.” “Now Dash, ya ain't gonna like this idea. But Ah'm gonna need ya ta fully extend that wing. Ah know it hurts, but Ah need it ta be straight out so Ah can put it on this here splint. Otherwise it ain't gonna heal right.” “Okay. Just be careful.” “You have my word sugarcube.” Slowly and painfully, Rainbow Dash extends her left wing as far as she can before the pain gets to be too much. “Sorry AJ, that's as far as I can go.” “Ah'm sorry Dash. But Ah'm gonna need ta extend it the rest of the way myself.” Rainbow Dash gulps and starts shaking. “Sorry Dashie, but Ah need ta do this if ya want ta fly right again. Do ya trust me?” “Of course I trust you Applejack. It just hurts really bad.” “Believe me hun, Ah know. When Ah was a little'n Ah had my right front leg broken when one o' the wheels to the apple cart fell off and the cart itself landed on top o' me. Ah couldn't applebuck fer half the year.” “Ouch.” Rainbow says cringing at the thought. “Hurt like a motherbucker. Now please hold still fer me. Ah'll be as gentle as Ah can.” “Okay...” Was all Rainbow managed to squeak out before clamping her eyes shut bracing for the pain. Applejack gently took both sides of Rainbow's wing between her forehooves, being careful not to cause anymore pain. “Are ya ready Dash?” “I guess...” “Alright. On three. One...” Applejack pulls the wing out slightly. “Two...” She stretches the wing out a little more. “Three...” Applejack extends the wing as as far as it will go. Rainbow Dash is biting down on her fetlock trying to ignore the pain. “Ggggggrrrgggh!!!!” Rainbow grunts trying not to scream. “Ah know sugarcube. Ah know it hurts. We're almost done.” Somehow managing to keep the feathered appendage in one forehoof, Applejack uses the other to pick up the splint and place it at the base of the wing, making sure one end is touching the joint where the wing connects to the rest of Rainbow's body. Applejack presses her muzzle against the splint to keep it in place while she grabs the tape in her forehoof. She places the tape in front of Rainbow's muzzle. “Here Dashie. Bite down on this. It might help distract ya from the pain.” Rainbow Dash grabs the roll of tape in between her teeth and bites down hard. She is almost in tears at this point. With the tape secured in place, Applejack rips off a long strip of the tape and wraps it around Rainbow's wing and the splint, making sure the wing stays straight. Applejack repeats this process over and over until the splint is in place. “Yer doin' great sugarcube. Ah just need ta wrap it in gauze and we'll be done.” Applejack grabs one of the rolls of gauze in between her forehooves and wraps it snug around the wing until not a single feather can be seen. Finally, Applejack rips off one last strip of tape and places it over the gauze to keep it wrapped. “We're done sugarcube. You did great.” Rainbow Dash stands up and spits out the roll of tape. She looks at Applejack, obviously still in pain. “Ow...” “Awww. Ah'm sorry Dashie, Ah tried ta be as gentle as Ah could. C'mere.” The two ponies embrace in a tight hug. A hug which seemed to last forever, but in reality was only a couple minutes. Finally they break the hug and Applejack speaks. “The meds should be kickin' in right about now. How ya feelin'?” “It's starting to go away. Thank you AJ.” “T'weren't nothin' Rainbow. Just tryin' ta make sure yer doin' alright.” Applejack places her hoof on Rainbow's cheek. “I love you AJ.” “Ah love ya too Dash.” The sound of hoofsteps emanates from the stairs to reveal Apple Bloom walking down the stairs with a curious look on her face. “What was all the hollerin' about?” “Dash was just in a bit o' pain is all. She's better now. Ain't ya Dash?” “Yep! Never better!” She says a little louder than she had intended. “Oh. Alright.” “Ya best get along if'n yer gonna be playin' with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo today.” “Okay! See ya sis! By Rainbow Dash!” “See ya A.B.!” “So now whaddya wanna do?” Rainbow Dash smiles deviously making Applejack facehoof herself. “Not that. Ya ain't in the condition ta be doin' stuff like that right now.” “Awww...” “Sorry Dash. Tell ya what? When yer all better and nothin's broken. How about Ah teach ya all about Apple family hospitality.” Applejack winks at Rainbow Dash, who's other wing had fully extended at AJ's last statement. Applejack giggles to herself. “Ya look excited Dash. Somethin' ya wanna tell me?” “Uhhhh...” Was all Rainbow could say before she snaps back to reality. “Um. I like that idea.” “Ah thought ya might. Now let's get on over ta Twilight's. Ah think it's time we told everypony the news.” “Right. Let's go!” “We gotta let the others know first.” “Alright. Let's head to Sugarcube Corner first. It's the closest. Then we'll stop by the Carousel Boutique, then head out the the Everfree Forest to get Fluttershy.” “Sounds like a plan. Let's git!” With that, the two loveponies head toward Ponyville. After fifteen minutes of walking, they finally reach Sugarcube Corner. They walk inside and immediately spot Mister and Mrs. Cake at the front counter, but not a pink party planner to be found. They walk up to the counter and ask where Pinkie might be. “Howdy Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Ya'll don't happen ta know where Pinkie Pie might be would ya?” Without missing a heartbeat, Pinkie Pie somehow manages to sneak up behind the two ponies undetected. “HERE I AM!!” “Gah!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash all but jump out of their coats at Pinkie's surprise appearance. After checking that her heart is still beating, Applejack yells. “Sweet Celestia Pinkie! Yer gonna give ponies heart attacks if'n ya keep doin' that!” The pink pony's grin just widens. “Heehee! Sorry!” “We're glad your here Pinkie. We need you to meet us at Twilight's in a few minutes. AJ and I have a surprise for you all.” “A surprise? Oh! Oh! Is it a dragon?! No! Wait! Is it another gator? Gummy needs a new friend!” “If we told ya it wouldn't be a surprise would it?” Rainbow asks rhetorically. “Good point! I'll see you there!” Without so much as a goodbye, Pinkie Pie speeds off like a bullet. “How does that pony do that?” “Reckon it's best if we never found out.” “You're probably right. Let's go.” Shortly after their departure from Sugarcube Corner, they arrive at the Carousel Boutique. Applejack rings the bell and waits for a response. “Just a min~ute!” A voice called with a singsong tone. A few short moments later a white unicorn with a purple fancy styled mane and tail enter the main room. Rarity. “Hello darlings. To what do I owe the pleasure?” “Hey Rarity. We're gatherin' up the other gals and havin' them meet us at the library. We need ya ta meet us there too.” “Oh, of course. I'll be done very soon and I shall meet you both there.” “Thanks. We'll get outta yer mane fer now. C'mon Rainbow.” “Ta ta!” After exiting the Boutique they begin their walk to the Everfree Forest. About five minutes into the walk, Applejack notices that Rainbow Dash has a worried expression written across her face. “What's eatin' at ya sugarcube?” “I'm just nervous. What if they don't accept us? What if they don't want to be our friends anymore after we tell them?” “It'll be alright Dash. Just wait and see. They're our best friends. They won't judge us fer the simple fact that we fancy each other. And if they do reject us, then they weren't our real friends ta begin with.” “Yeah. I guess you're right.” “Don't you fret none. It'll all work out fine. Let's just get ta Fluttershy's and we can head back to the library.” “Right.” About twenty five minutes later, Applejack and Rainbow Dash reach Fluttershy's shack at the edge of the forest. Applejack knocks on the door three times and waits. A few seconds later the door opens just enough for a pony to peek out with one eye. Fluttershy looks through the crack in the door and replies nervously. “Um....H–Hello?” “Hey Flutters.” “Howdy.” “Oh...Applejack. Rainbow Dash. What are you two doing all the way out here?” “We just came by ta tell ya that Dash and Ah have a big announcement and we need ev'ry one o' ya'll ta meet us at Twilight's library.” “Oh...U-Um...o-okay...I'll see you both there in about a half an hour...um...I-If that's okay with you...” “Perfect! We'll see ya there Flutters!” “Bye girls.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash walk in silence for most of the trip to the library. Until Applejack finally speaks up. “What's got ya down this time?” “Just thinking about some stuff.” “Like what?” “My job as lead weatherpony. The Wonderbolts Academy.” “Oh...” “I guess I'll have to quit them both. Kinda hard to fly when I got a busted wing.” “Dash...Ah really am sorry–” “It's fine. Really. Besides. I'd rather be down here with you. Even though you can't fly.” “Well thank ya. Ah think.” Rainbow Dash smirks. “Don't mention it. Applejack just rolls her eyes and smiles. Sometime later they arrive at Twilight's library. Once again, Applejack knocks on the door and shortly after Twilight's voice follows. “Come in!” AJ and Rainbow Dash walk into the library and see Twilight reading on of her many...many...many...books. Twilight looks up and smiles. “Hello girls. What's going on?” “The others are coming by.” “Okay. Spike!” “What's up Twilight?” “The other girls are coming over. We're going to need some nachos.” “Coming right up!” Spike gives Twilight a salute before running off into the kitchen. “So how are you feeling Rainbow?” “I feel better. AJ has been taking extremely good care of me. She's the one that actually dressed my wing. Which reminds me AJ, how did you learn to do that?” “When ya grow up with a sister that's constantly gettin' cuts, bruises, and broken bones, ya tend ta learn a thing 'er two about healin'.” “That makes sense.” After another half and hour of conversing, the rest of the Mane 6 walks through the door. “Hey girls.” Twilight says. “HI!” “Hello Darling.” “Um...h-hello...” “So what pray tell was the big announcement?” “Ya'll may wanna sit down fer this. It's gonna be a bit of a shock to ya.” The other members of the Mane 6 sit down on the couch eagerly awaiting the news. Rainbow Dash gets off of the couch and starts pacing nervously around the room. “Now spill the beans!” “Well...uh...we both hope that ya'll will still be our friends when we tell ya this. We hope it don't change nothin' between us. But...here goes.” Applejack clears her throat nervously before continuing. “Rainbow Dash and Ah...are datin'.” The four seated ponies gasp in disbelief. “OH MY GOSH!! THIS IS SO INCREDIBLE!!!” “Yay...” “Why that's wonderful news darlings.” Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all have looks of pure joy on their faces. Twilight's expression however remained unchanged. “Well? What do ya think Twi? Ain't ya happy fer us?” “I have to admit I didn't see this coming at all. And it does seem strange to me. But if you two are happy. Then I'm happy for you both. After all, who am I to get in the way of love?” “Thanks Twi.” “Thanks egghead.” “No problem girls.” “Oh my...I need to sketch some designs for your dresses! Oh they are going to be absolutely exquisite! “Rarity...we're dating, not getting married.” Rainbow deadpanned. “Oh...uh, of course. Heh heh. How silly of me.” “When did all this happen?” Twilight asked. “‘Member when Ah told ya'll that Ah needed ta talk ta Dash after ya left?” They all nod their heads. “It was about five minutes after ya'll left the room.” “Awwww.” They all said together. “Yeah yeah we're a cute couple whatever. Enough of this mushy stuff!” “Now hold on just a gosh darn minute. Ah seem ta remember you gettin' all mushy with me yesterday all afternoon. Why ain't ya like that now?” “Not now AJ!” Rainbow says quietly through her teeth. “Oh fine. Don't get yer mane in a twist. Now come over here and sit by me.” “What if I don't wanna?” Rainbow says crossing her hooves over her chest. With a bemused look Applejack points to the floor beside her and says sternly. “Rainbow Dash. Here. Now.” Rainbow reluctantly and slowly walks back over to where Applejack is sitting. Twilight decides to mess with Rainbow Dash and cracks her tail like a whip. Rainbow turns around and gives Twilight a death stare. The purple Alicorn just smiles innocently. “So other than the obviously painful wing and everything, how do you feel?” Twilight asks with her smug grin still present. “Other than that I feel better. I can't wait for my stitches to dissolve and my neck to stop cramping. I still don't know why they didn't put me in a neck brace.” “Doc said yer neck wasn't too broken to put one on. There was only a light fracture in it.” “Still. Fracture or not, aren't you suppose to put a pony in a neck brace if they so much as crack a bone in their neck?” “Guess they didn't feel it was necessary.” Suddenly, Spike comes running from the kitchen holding a scroll in his hand. “Hey Twilight. Got another scroll.” Twilight levitated the paper in her magic and reads the side of it. On the side in the fanciest of fancy writing was the name, ‘Rainbow Dash’. “It's for you Rainbow.” Rainbow grabs the scroll with her mouth and rolls it open and begins to read it. ‘Dear Rainbow Dash. First, how are you feeling? I hope your recovery is going well. Second, I think we are getting much closer to finding the culprit who attacked you. Meet me and the rest of my squad in the waiting area in the hospital today as soon as you can. Thank you!’ Rainbow's eyes go wide. “Uh oh.” “What?” Twilight asks. “We need to meet Officer Thunder Hoof at the hospital. They may have found more evidence that may help them find out who tried to bump me off.” “Well what in tarnation are we standin’ here for? Let's go!” Without so much as another word, the Mane 6 plus Spike make their way toward Ponyville General Hospital, not knowing what to expect. Author's Note It's finally here! It's been sooooooooo long! Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 6There was a whole plethora of emotions running through the Mane 6 after receiving the letter. Fear, nervousness, happiness, excitement, and so on. None of them knew what to expect. On one hoof, theyre that much closer to catching Rainbow Dash's attacker. But on the other hoof, the attacker is still out there and could strike at any moment. After what seemed like an eternity, the six ponies plus one dragon arrive at Ponyville General Hospital, bursting through the doors to see Officer Thunder Hoof standing at the far corner of the lobby, his face as stoic and emotionless as ever. Twilight and her friends walk up to the stallion as she smiles and nods. "Hello again, Officer. How are you today?" She asks with a soft smile. Even through his soft smile, Thunder Hoof can only let out a gruff sigh and shake his head. "Same shit, different pile im afraid. Come with me, girls. I think its best we discuss this somewhere a little more private..." He says before walking through the double doors and making his way down the hall, causing the others to follow close by. After a short walk the girls find themselves in the cafeteria of the hospital, where it seems not a soul can be seen, safe for the few guards posted at the exits. Officer Thunder Hoof and the girls seat themselves at a nearby table before the stallion lays down a manilla folder. "Officer...we got your letter. Is it true? Do you know who attacked Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asks, her forehooves planted on the table in anticipation. Officer Thunder Hoof raises a hoof in the air and motions for the alicorn to sit down, making her blush as she slowly sinks back to her seat. "We're not sure yet. But were getting closer. Ive brought pieces of evidence here with me to see what you can make of them, Princess." "Twilight is fine." "Alright, Twilight. What do you think?" Thunder Hoof removes multiple bags of different materials out of the folder, as well as a couple of photographs taken at the scene of the attack, and places them in front of the alicorn. Upon a glance at the first bag, Twilights eyes widen in realization. "Is that what i think it is?" Thunder Hoof nods with a confident grin, sitting back in his seat and crossing his hooves. Inside the first bag was a grainy sky blue powder that almost looked like colored sugar. There wasnt a lot of it. But it was enough to cover the bottom of the bag as Twilight levitated it in her magic. "M-Magic residue? This stuff is nearly impossible to gather after the first hour of being discharged! Thats the whole reason why not even unicorn scientists know a lot about it or its effects and properties!" "We found the stuff stuck to the brush line. The same place where we took these pictures..." Thunder Hoof points at the photos spread out over the table. One of them was a shot of hoof prints found in the brush. The second picture was a closer shot of the same picture, with some of the details being circled in red. The third picture was the brush line itself. First glance revealed nothing out of the ordinary. But upon a closer look, it showed that some of the vegetation had been layed flat, signifying that the culprit had hidden in the bushes at the time of the attack. An ambush. "Rainbow Dash was ambushed. Its as if the attacker KNEW Rainbow Dash would be there..." Officer Thunder Hoof nods and pushes forward another bag toward the Princess, this time the bag is full of fur. Twilight opens the bag and looks at the stallion. "May I?" She asks, to which he gives her a simple nod. Twilight removes the fur from the bag and studies it intently, staying silent as she enters 'Observer Mode'. After a short while of silence, she looks back up and asks. "Have you ran an identification spell on the sample?" Officer Thunder Hoof nods and rubs his face in irritation. "Four times. Each one turned up negative. Whoever attacked Rainbow Dash made it a point that they did NOT want to be found. The only bit of evidence we have to go off of that could give them away is their hoofprints and magic residue once we get somepony that knows what to look for with it. Until then were at a crossroads..." he says with a shrug. "Damn it..." Rainbow Dash curses, smacking her hoof on the table top. "Its alright, Dash. They'll find 'em. Either they will or we will. And if we do, it aint gonna be pretty." "I know AJ...im just frustrated were no closer to finding them than we were before!" "You have my word Miss Dash. I will find them and i WILL bring them down. If its the last thing I ever do you will have answers!" "Thanks..." "Well...thats all I had for you girls today. Youre free to go. Be safe and watch your backs. You never know when theyll strike again." "Thank you Officer. We will keep an eye out." Twilight says with a nod. And with that, the Mane Six exit the cafeteria and head back toward the exit. But before they can make it, Doctor Trotter catches them. "Oh! Hey! Rainbow Dash! Im glad i ran into ya. Youre not due to come back for another week. But since you're here we can perform an X-Ray and see how youre healing. Sound good?" "Yeah, okay." The pegasus responds with a nod. "Great! Lets go get it done and we'll have you back out shortly." He says with a smile. The girls silently follow Doctor Trotter to the nearest X-Ray room and starts messing with a series of buttons and switches. "Alright Rainbow Dash, if you could go over to the machine and lay on your back for me, wings spread..." Rainbow Dash nods and walks up to the bed of the machine, climbing on top of it before nodding to Applejack. The earth pony smiles before walking over to her and unraveling her injured wing, and helping her stretch it out comfortably so she can lay back. "Hows that, Sugarcube?" "Perfect. Thanks AJ." "Anytime sweetheart..." "Alright Rainbow. Ready?" Trotter asks. "As I'll ever be..." Twilight and the others go into a separate room with Doctor Trotter before he nods and clicks a button to a remote, taking a few quick pictures of Rainbows skeletal structure. "Mhm...mmmhm...okaaaay aaaand done! Alright, Miss Dash, roll onto your side for me, keep your wings outstretched." Rainbow rolls her eyes and rolls onto her left side, keeping her wing stretched out so the doctor can take more pictures. "Good! Now the other side, please." Rainbow nods and slowly rolls onto her other side, cringing as slight pain hits her injured wing. But eventually she makes it onto her other side just long enough for Doctor Trotter to take the remaining pictures he needs. "Alright Rainbow! We got 'em. You can sit up now. Ill go get these processed and we'll take a look." With that, Doctor Trotter grabs the printed photos and walks out of thee room to have them processed, leaving the Mane Six to themselves. "Oooh I cant wait to see how good youre healing! Its just so exciting!!" Pinkie Pie says with...barely contained excitement. "Im curious to see the results as well, Darling. But please do keep your voice down. Were at a hospital, not a squealing match." "Yeah well. Progress or not, I still cant fly..." "You will Rainbow. Give it time. You just about lost your life. You can go a month or two without flying." "Easy for you to say, Egghead. You didnt grow up as a pegasus." "Just give it time, Rainbow." "Merf..." Finally after forty five minutes of waiting, and one death by boredom for Rainbow Dash later, Doctor Trotter finally comes back in with the newly developed pictures. "Alright' lets have a look here..." he says before slapping the pictures on the light board. "So by the looks of it you had a severe fracture in your Humerus, however when you took whatever hard hit you took to your wing, everything from your Ulna to your Alula was almost crushed beyond repair. But luckily we have some of the best doctors in Equestria here, so they were able to piece you back together. Everything seems to be healing fine. Now your neck, while the buildup of calcium around the fracture in your neck is slightly concerning, it shouldnt have any lasting effects until further down the line, so that looks good. No we just need to take a look at the ol' ticker. Sit up straight for me." He says as he brings the stethoscope out. Rainbow Dash nods and sits up as straight as she can. Doctor Trotter places the evilly cold stethoscope to the middle of her breast. "Deep breath in please." Rainbow takes in a deep breath and holds it for a second before letting it out. Doctor Trotter places the stethoscope on the right side. "Breathe in..." Rainbow Dash breathes in once again, letting it back put after a moment. Doctor Trotter places the stethoscope on the left side. "Breathe in." "Rainbow once again takes a deep breath in and holds it for a moment before letting it out through her mouth. "Alright. Your heart could use a little more work. Its stil recovering from the trauma so id take it easy for a while. But other than that everything sounds good!" "So we can go?" Rainbow asks. "You may go." "Yes! See ya!" Says the speedster before she takes off running out the door, only to accidentally tumble into a nurse. "O-Oops...hehe...sorry..." AJ can only firmly plant her hoof to her face as she shakes her head. "And ah gotta go home with that...Celestia help me..." And with that, the Mane Six exit the hospital and split up, each pony going their separate ways after sharing their goodbyes, to head toward their respective homes. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were walking side by side in silence as they walked. For once, Rainbow didnt have anything that needed to be said. It was a long twenty minutes before the silence was broken. "Hey AJ?" "Yeah Rainbow?" "T-Thank you...for everything. You didnt have to take me in but you did anyway. So thank you..." AJ simply smiles back and turns her attention toward her destination. "Dont mention it, Rainbow. Dont mention it...."
Chapter 7It had been a little over half an hour since the Mane Six left the hospital, and the sun had finally lowered beneath the horizon. Everypony was relieved to hear that Rainbow Dash was healing nicely and they were all looking forward to her having a full recovery. Pinkie Pie was so giddy about Rainbow Dash's recovering that she practically bounced back to Sugarcube Corner, giggling like a little filly. Fluttershy, while just as excited, wore a much more subdued smile as fatigue began to overtake her. Twilight merely said her goodbyes to the group and teleported off back to the castle. She had a lot to think about now that she had been presented with actual tangible evidence to who the attacker could be. Rarity, being just as happy as the rest of the group, walked back to Carousel Boutique, where her little sister Sweetie Belle would be waiting for her arrival. Once she gets up to the doorsteps of her Boutique, Rarity removes the spare key she keeps hidden in the planter by the window, and quietly unlocks the door before stepping in and shutting the door behind her. She quietly locks the door and begins her journey up the stairs of the boutique to check on her sister. She opens the door as quietly as she can and peeks inside, seeing the little white lump that makes up her sister, sleeping peacefully in her bed. With a content smile she shuts the door and crosses the hall to her own bedroom, shutting her door and placing herself in front of the mirror. After a while of staring at herself in the mirror she cant help the sinking feeling making its way into her gut. She shakes it off as nothing and smiles, talking quietly to herself. "Ooh stop your worrying Rarity...everything is going to be fine. Rainbow Dash is healing up quite nicely, and shes still alive. Everything will work out in the end..." After her self given peptalk, Rarity opens one of the drawers to her dresser and removes a packet of makeup removal wipes. Taking a few minutes to wipe the makeup from her eyes and face, she nods in satisfaction when she finds no leftover makeup, and throws away the used wipe. With a tired yawn, Rarity slips under the covers and soon finds herself drifting off into a deep sleep, letting Princess Luna take the reigns of her dreams. Within the next hour, Rarity finds herself backstage of the biggest fashion show she could imagine, the crowd of ponies behind the curtains calling her name, screaming for her to make an appearance. It was all so exhilarating. With a wide smile, Rarity takes a deep breath and goes to take a step, only to be stopped by a dark blue forehoof grabbing onto her shoulder. Her eyes follow the hoof, up the arm, and soon realizes who it belongs to. "Oh! Hello Princess Luna! Im surprised to see you here." Princess Luna could only raise an eyebrow in disbelief. "Youre surprised to see ME...here...in the DREAMWORLD..." Realizing how ridiculous she just made herself sound, Rarity blushes and giggles a bit. "H-Heh...yes well...um...i just mean..." she stutters before Luna herself starts to giggle. "I know what you mean. Im just here to check up on things. To see if any nightmares need extinguished..." "Oh. Well...there doesnt seem to be any nightmares at the moment..." "Quite..." Rarity turns back around and simply listens to the crowd chanting and calling her name, her smile growing ever so slowly. "Magnificent isn't it?" Luna asks woth a soft smile. "It really is magical. Just think. One day I will make it here. This will be me one day. I can just feel it." Luna nods with a warm smile. "I don't doubt it for a second." After what feels like hours of silence, in reality only a couple of minutes, Rarity breaks the silence with a sigh. "You know...this is one of my biggest dreams. My biggest fantasy. I have faith that this will be where I stand some day. But...I'm scared. Im scared that if I do make it big, that that would require me to move on and leave my friends. I simply couldn't do that to them! They'd be crushed! What would you do?" She asks turning back to the Princess. Luna simply smiles and shakes her head. "I'm afraid that is a question only you alone can answer. But I'm certain that when the time comes, you will make the right choice." Rarity stares up at Luna in desperation, but takes a moment to think it over before she smiles. "You're right...I'm worrying about nothing. Stop worrying about something that hasn't even happened yet..." But then, like flipping a switch, Luna face contorts from happiness, to one of pure fear. She gasps as her wings start to flare, and moves herself in front of Rarity. "Somethings happening in the real world...something bad!" "W-What do you mean, Princess?" She asks with fear laced into her voice. "It's time to go! Take your sister and get out! NOW!" Luna says urgently, her horn starting to spark. "M-My sister? Luna, what's ha–" "No time! Go! Now!" Luna says before she finally lowers her head, her horn touching Rarity's forehead, and everything goes white. Rarity, being woken from the dreamworld, wakes up with a start, shooting straight up out of bed with a gasp. Or at least...she would gasp if she could breathe. But upon taking her first breath, Rarity nearly chokes to death on what she discovers as black smoke. Fire. Carousel Boutique was on fire! Rarity could feel her body grow cold with fear, even as the temperature in the building rose. Whipping the blankets off her body, she rolls off the bed and heads for her door, nearly ripping it off the hinges as she rips it open. What she saw on the other side terrified her to the core. Flames devouring the walls of the building, casting the place in an orange glow that would make anypony feel like they were in Hell. Rarity gulps woth fear as the flames begin to lick the ceiling, so without any time to waste, she runs across the hall and kicks open the door. Sweetie Belle nearly jumps put of her fur at the sudden bang when the door collides with the wall. "EEEK! R-Rarity?! What's going on?!" "Come on Sweetie Belle! We have to go now!" "Rarity! Whats happening?!" "The boutique is on fire, Sweetie! We have to go!" Sweetie Belle lets out a gasp of fear as Rarity scoops her up out of bed and hoists the little filly onto her back. With no time to spare, Rarity turns tail and bolts through the doorway, as the flames start burning through the walls of Sweetie's room. "Rarity! I-I'm scared!" "I know Sweetie! Just be brave! We'll make it out of here, I promise!" Rarity says back in attempt to calm the little filly, though she wasn't too sure how true it was herself. Rarity skids to a stop as she finds that part of the burning ceiling had fallen apart, and blocked the stairs in a fiery inferno, effectively blocking the only safe way out of the building. "We're doomed!" "No we're not! We are going to get out of here, Sweetie!" Rarity spins around and attempts to make her way back to her bedroom, but just before she can make it through the doorway, more parts of the roof collapse and fill the bedroom with burning debris. Running out of options, Rarity takes a quick moment to think of any other alternative paths she can take to get her and her sister out safely. Her thoughs are soon cut off when she starts to hear Sweetie Belle coughing from lack of oxygen. If she doesnt get out soon, her sister will be dead. She quickly spins her head back and forth, searching for any possible exits that could get them out safely, but a loud cracking sound breaks her train of thought, causing her to look up. Her eyes shrink in fear as the ceiling above them was starting to crack. Rarity barely had time to act on pure instinct as the ceiling caves and falls on top of them. Thankfully, due to her quick thinking and trusting her instincts, Rarity sparked her horn just in time to throw up a shield around her and Sweetie Belle, deflecting any debris that would have otherwise crushed them. Not seeing any other option, she looks at the one doorway that had not been touched by the inferno. The bathroom. Rarity carefully removes Sweetie Belle from her back, cupping the fillys face as signs of Carbon Dioxide poisoning were starting to take hold. "Sweetie! Sweetie look at me! I need you to trust me okay?! Were going to get out of here. I need you to shut your eyes and hold on tight okay?! No matter what happens do NOT open your eyes! Can you do that?!" Unable to say anything through her tears, Sweetie Belle simply nods and buries her face into Rarity's chest. The alabaster mare once again picks up her little sister and slings her onto her back, backing up as far as she can without touching the fire threatening to swallow everything within seconds. With a burning determination she has never felt before in her life, Rarity fires a beam of magic from her horn powerful enough to knock the door off its' hinges. Grinding her back hooves into the floor, she lets out a snort before taking off in a dead sprint, her eyes fixed on their target. The bathroom window. 'Celestia above, if you're listening, if it's my time take me. But please spare my little sister...' This is the last thought that goes through Rarity's mind before she levitates Sweetie Belle off her back, and into her hooves as she pushes off the floor with her back hooves. Turning her body so her back is to the window, Rarity covers Sweeties' head with her chin as they both crash through the window, and fall twenty feet straight to the ground. Rarity of course takes the brunt of the impact as it knocks the air clear out of her body, knocking her unconscious. Sweetie Belle, who had let out an ear piercing scream during the fall, still buried into her sisters chest. Once everything goes still, Sweetie Belle peeks one eye out and realizes she's safe. "W-We made it! Rarity we made it! Rarity?" She looks down and sees Raritys' unconscious form, letting out a gasp as she does whatever she can to wake her up. "Rarity! Rarity wake up! Come on, please!" "Ugh..." "R-Rarity? A-Are you okay?" "I...I think so...Celestia my head hurts..." Rarity looks back and frowns as her beloved boutique burns to the ground. "R-Rarity...a-are we homeless?" Rarity turns back around to meet her sisters tearful gaze, sighing as she touches her forehead to Sweetie's. "Yes I'm...I'm afraid we are, Sweetie Belle..." "W-What do we do now?..." "Rarity!" Perking up at the familiar voice, Rarity spins her head around in time to see Twilight landing in front of her before trapping her and Sweetie Belle in a hug. "W-What happened?!" "I dont know, Darling. Sweetie and I were asleep. I was having the most pleasant dream when Princess Luna came in and said I needed to wake up. Next thing I know is the boutique was on fire..." Barely able to hold back her tears, Twilight releases the two sisters and looks up at the inferno in front of them. "I've already contacted the weather ponies. They'll have the fire out soon. The EMT's are on their way as well..." "T-Thank you, Twilight..." Twilight gives Rarity a single nod before once again falling into silence. The next twenty minutes is spent with neither of the three ponies uttering a single word, even as the weather ponies come by and put out the fire. Shortly after the fire is snuffed, whats left of the building crumbles to the ground in a cloud of dust and debris. A short time later the EMT's finally arrive and walk up to the trio. One of them, a blue Earth pony stallion whom they assume is the lead member of the squad, starts asking Rarity and Sweetie Belle a bunch of questions. "Is there anyone else in there?" "No." Rarity answers with a shake of her head. Sweetie Belle lets out a pained gasp as a though finally hits her. "W-Wait! What about Opal?!" "Opal is with Fluttershy, Darling. Don't worry." "Ma'am. Are you hurt?" He asks, eyeing the various cuts all over Raritys' body. Rarity simply shakes her head defiantly. "No no, I'm fine thank you." Sweetie Belle lets out a heavy sigh that she had apparently been holding, before she breaks out into a heavy wheezing cough. The stallions eyes go wide before he calls over the other two paramedics. "We got one injured here! Non fatal! Could possibly have carbon dioxide poisoning!" "Yes sir!" One of them calls out. Within seconds they have Sweetie Belles' right forehoof wrapped in a vinyl cuff, used to monitor her blood pressure. "How are you feeling young one?" "I...I have a headache. A-And I'm really tired..." "Are you finding it hard to breath?" "A-A little..." "Do you know where you are?" "Carousel Boutique...I think..." "It's like I thought. She has severe carbon dioxide poisoning. We need to get her to the hospital now!" "B-But I dont wanna go!" "Little one, don't you understand?! If we don't get you to the hospital and get you help soon, you'll die!" Sweetie Belle gulps in fear before she nods and looks back to Rarity. "Y-You'll come with me won't you? Im scared..." "Of course I will, Sweetie." Rarity looks over to Twilight with a pained look in her eyes. "Im going to the hospital with Sweetie Belle, let everyone else know whats happened, okay?" "I will Rarity, I promise." "Thank you Twilight...you're a good friend..." Rarity takes a deep breath and starts walking away with the EMT's and her sister in tow. Meanwhile, now that she's by herself, Twilight finally lets out a frustrated sigh as tears drip down her face. Shaking her head at the pile of burnt rubble, she turns around and teleports away to break the news to her friends.
