Tears. They softly dropped from her eyes and ran down her cheeks, carving out paths from the soot and ash caked onto her coat. Dried blood covered her body. Some of it was her own, but most of it was Rainbow Dash's. There had been so much of it. When Rainbow had slipped into unconsciousness, Twilight used her magic to clot the blood and slow down the bleeding. But so much had already been lost. Dash had been so still. No sign of breath or heart beat.

She let out a dry sob and dropped her head into her hooves, crying in earnest. The thought of it brought her so much pain, so much sorrow. She felt responsible. Maybe if she hadn't held back in the first place, if she'd just killed all the wolves right then and there, instead of waiting till it was too late, maybe they wouldn't have gotten her. Maybe they'd all be walking back right now, smiling at their victory. Just… anything but this.

Once Twilight had stopped the bleeding, she had used her magic to teleport herself and Dash straight to the hospital. The doctors had rushed in and taken her. Taken her friend where she couldn't follow. They had tried to examine her too, but she refused. She was in pain, but she was glad for it, happy that the pain could serve as a distraction from the reality. Albeit a poor one.

Her sobs began to lessen, and the seemingly endless well of tears began to stem. She was still tormented by the thought, but the exhaustion and shock were making it hard to keep it up. Feeling a drink of water might help her calm down, she looked around for a fountain. She took in her surroundings for the first time. Some hospital waiting room. Plain white walls and tiled floors. A few benches and paintings were all there were to suggest anything other than an empty room.

She pulled herself wearily to her hooves. She was tired, very tired. How many hours had it been since they started this fiasco? Ten? Twelve? The long day and the emotional stress from it all was getting to her. If she didn't rest soon, she might need to check into the hospital herself. No! She told herself. No resting until you know what's happening. Nothing until you know whether she… Twilight gulped, unable to even think of something so horrible. Whether she... died or not... Come on, Twilight. You're a smart pony. You saw the wound, you saw how much blood she lost. You know what her chances of survival are.

“No!”

She almost screamed the last part. An old gray stallion sitting across the room glared at her before closing his eyes again. She shot a glare of her own at him before walking out of the room. She stepped out into a large hallway adorned in much the same way as the waiting room. To her right was a set of doors leading outside. To her left, the hallway stretched deeper into the complex. Directly ahead of her was a desk where a few nurse ponies sat. Walking across to the desk, her hooves making a clip-clop noise as she did, she approached a friendly looking unicorn with an almost blindingly white coat.

“Excuse me, Miss?”

The unicorn turned to face her, a cheery smile on her face. “Yes, dear? Oh my-” The mare's smile faltered as her eyes fell upon Twilight.

“Um... are you okay? You look a little… banged up.”

Twilight could tell the mare was trying to be gentle. She looked horrible and she knew it.

“Yes, I'm fine. I was wondering, is there a restroom or washroom I could get cleaned up a little bit in?”

The nurse still seemed a little shocked at the sight of her. “Well, uh, yes. Just down the hall and second door on the left.”

“Thank you.”

Twilight turned and walked away. A few more solitary tears rolled down her face, but the exhaustion was keeping her emotions at bay. Maybe she should just stay awake for the rest of her life so she could banish all the guilt to the darkest recesses of her mind.

Before she knew it she was in front of the door to the washroom. Pushing it open, she entered a room that was at complete odds with what she'd seen of the rest of the hospital. Lit by lanterns placed along the walls, the room basked in a low, flickering, warm light. The walls were a cheery yellow and all the furniture was made of a fine wood. A counter ran the length of one wall, with large ceramic bowls sunken into it's surface. A mirror adorned the wall above it. A few chairs and a small table were pushed up against the opposite wall.

The room had a calming effect on her, soothing her frayed nerves. She stepped up to the counter and took a glance at the mirror. The pony that stared back at her looked like it had just come from battle. Her entire body was slightly blackened from smoke and soot, the fine white ash adding a thin coat onto that. Her face and chest had been dyed red from where she leaned against Rainbow Dash. Another large red stain on her back indicated where the pegasus had rested while being brought to the hospital. Her mane was tousled and contained ash and bits of the forest, as well as being badly singed in some places. She was quite the spectacle.

Using the water from the bowls and a small towel from the table, she began to clean herself off. It took time, and even with all of her scrubbing the red stain refused to depart from her coat. But eventually, she returned herself to a somewhat passable sight. Using her magic, she tried to remove the blood. It didn't work, and it drained her of the little energy she had left. She collapsed into one of the chairs and closed her eyes.

Twilight didn't know how long she had been asleep before being shaken awake. She groggily opened her eyes, but it was dark so she couldn't see anything. She closed her eyes again and tried to sense her surroundings. She was in a bed. It felt like her be- She jolted awake and jumped to the floor. A hoof caught her around the neck, stopping her. A candle was lit and her room came into view.

“Easy there, Twi. It's alright, everything’s fine.”

“Applejack?”

“Yeah, it's me.”

Twilight turned around to see the earth pony standing beside her, holding a candle.

“Bu-but the hospital. H-how did I get here?”

“Well, it took us quite some time to walk back from the forest, and than to round everypony up on the way. So by the time we got to the hospital you'd gone and fallen asleep. The others stayed but I elected to take ya home. Thought you could do with some rest.”

Twilight tried to process it all. “But… but I needed to stay at the hospital. I needed to be there for Rainbow!”

She tried to head for the door but Applejack threw her hoof out again and caught her.

“Now hold yer horses. I was waking you up so we could go back to the hospital. I thought I'd give you a few hours than I'd take you back. But first, you haven't had anything to eat or drink in the past thirty six hours. You are going to have breakfast first. We don't need you in the hospital too.”

Twilight slumped against her friend in defeat. She didn't want to think about anything but Rainbow, but her body wouldn't listen to her brain. It was weak, and it wanted nourishment.

Applejack smiled. “There ya go. Now lets go get some food in you and then we'll head back.”

She gently led the unicorn out of her room and down the stairs. She set Twilight down at her desk and than walked away. “Now, just wait right there and I'll bring you something.”

She pushed a door out of the way and left the room. Twilight just sat slumped in her chair, staring at a wall. How could she indulge herself with rest when Rainbow was struggling for her life. I'm a horrible pony. My friend, my love, is struggling for life, could be dead for all I know, and I have the audacity to sleep?! She began to cry again, tears of guilt and of pain. They glistened on the end of her muzzle in the flickering light before falling. She looked down, and watched them fall. A red blotch caught her eye. Blood still stained her chest. Rainbow's blood. She let out a cry.

“Twilight? What was that? Is everything ok-” Applejack came back into the room balancing a tray on her back. Catching sight of Twilight, she stopped. She carefully set the tray down on the table and walked over to the sobbing unicorn. “Oh, sugarcube,” was all she said before sitting down next to Twilight and wrapping a foreleg around her.

They sat like that for a few minutes, Twilight crying into the comforting embrace of her friend, Applejack rubbing her shoulder soothingly. Twilight closed her eyes and leaned into Applejack. Suddenly, Applejack became very still.

“You love her... don't you, Twi?”

Twilight's head shot up. Her jaw dropped and the tears immediately stopped. She couldn't speak, couldn't think. She just sat there aghast, staring at Applejack.

She finally managed to spit out a few words. “Wha-what? Do I love her?!”

“Twilight, relax. I'm not like that. I don't see anything wrong with love between two mares, or two stallions for that matter. I won't tell nopony either. That's your right. But ya need to talk about it. And if you ca- won't tell RD, than you might as well tell me.”

Twilight bit her lip. Thoughts raced through her head. So many questions, so much that she wanted to tell her, that she needed to tell somepony about.

“How long have you known, AJ?”

The mare smiled. “I think quite a lot longer than you. Started noticing it long time ago. Some funny looks and laughs an such. Didn't want to say nothing case I's wrong. But lately, I started noticing it more. Specially all that blushing. Ha, heat my flank!”

“So, you're not mad at me?”

Applejack gasped in surprise. “Now, why in the world would I be mad at you? I jes' told you I agreed with that lifestyle didn't I?”

Twilight sat up a little straighter, but continued avoiding her friends eye. “You know, mad because I cared more for one of you than the others.”

“Twilight Sparkle. I could never be mad at you for following your heart. And as for caring bout the rest of us, don't you worry. You're one of the most caring friends a pony could ask for.”

Twilight smiled, relieved to finally have someone to talk to. She leaned in and hugged her friend. “Thank you, Applejack.”

“Anytime darling. Now, let's eat and get on over to that hospital.”

The hospital. And with that, the guilt came rushing back. What did it matter if she loved Rainbow or not if the pegasus was dead?

“Applejack, What if she doesn't make it?” Twilight asked meekly, the corners of her eyes glistening.

The earth pony was silent for a moment. She appeared deep in thought. Finally she broke the silence, though somewhat reluctantly. “I doubt there's anything in the world, that could take that stubborn mare away. You can bet on that.”

The rest of the meal passed in silence.

They stepped out of the tree house to see the horizon turn gray as the first rays of the sun found it. Fog was creeping in off the Everfree and it brought with it a chilly mist. Twilight shivered from the cold, but also from the sight of the forest. Forest of nightmares. I'd like to see it all burn. She turned and followed Applejack, still mulling over their brief conversation.

Just my luck. I find a special somepony I care about, come to terms with it, and she gets attacked. How is that fair to me? Why did Rainbow go and have to- Twilight stopped in her tracks. How could she even think that? It was just so selfish of her, these thoughts she just had. They were dark, twisted. Not her own. I suppose it's just the trauma from the incident. It'll probably pass… I hope.

It was several minutes before they reached the hospital, in which time, Twilight had only succeeded in making herself feel worse. The warmth and light of the hospital almost seemed friendly compared to the conditions just outside it's doors, but it did nothing for the mood she'd driven herself too.

Applejack went straight into the waiting room, so Twilight followed. It looked just the same as it had when she'd been there. With the exception of the three ponies and dragon dozing on it's benches. One of the ponies, a mare with a white coat and elegant horn, awoke to the sound of their approach. She batted her eyes wearily, trying to focus on the new arrivals.

“Oh, Applejack, Twilight. It's you.” She paused to yawn and stretch her legs.

“Wait .. Twilight!” With the realization she jumped up and rushed to the purple mare and wrapped her forelegs around her in a hug.

“Oh dear, Twilight! You look awful! I mean, look at your mane! And… is that blood?!” She backed up with a repulsive look.

Twilight was about to tell her off, but Applejack did it for her. “Rare, I'm sure you're jes' trying to help in your strange way. But now isn't the best time.”

Rarity looked a little dejected but continued on. “Yes, I'm sorry, just a little carried away. Twilight? You look, eh... pretty?”

Apparently, bad liars were common in this circle. “Thank you, Rarity. But I know I don't.” Twilight quickly changed the topic. “But more importantly, have you heard anything?”

Rarity nodded. “A doctor came a little while ago. Said they'd done everything they could for Rainbow, and that she was stable, but she's also comatose. They said we could go and see her in a few hours.”

Twilight collapsed into a seat with relief. She's alive! She made it. She's going to be okay. But that darker and more twisted side of her mind threw in its two bits as well. Yes, she's alive. But in a coma. If you call that living- No! She will be fine! She forced the voice back down, and brought her attention back to her friends, who were starting to wake up.

The butterscotch pegasus yawned and gave her wings a feeble flap. “Oh. Good morning, girls. I mean, well, I think it is. But if you don't, that's okay too.”

“Of course, it's okay silly! It's better than okay!” The loud voice of the mare told everyone in the hospital that Pinkie Pie had awoken.

“How could it not be? Rainbow is fine! And comatose! I don't know what that means but it sounds good! And Dashie has it! So-” A hoof was placed in front of her mouth.

“Pinkie? Darling? Could you perhaps dial it down a bit? Someponies are tired. And no, comatose is not good. It means she's in a coma.” Rarity let her hoof drop from the earth pony's mouth, though she kept it handy.

“Oh.” Pinkie's smile faltered and turned into a frown.

Fluttershy let out another yawn. “We should all stay positive though. It could have been a lot worse. At least she's okay.” All the ponies nodded.

Rarity looked around awkwardly. She gave a little cough before speaking. “Ahem, well. Should we go and ask if we can see Rainbow yet?”

Her reply was a chorus of silent nods.

With that the white unicorn turned and departed the waiting room, everypony else falling into line behind her. Twilight was about to leave when she remembered the sleeping dragon. She considered whether or not to wake him. No, he's young. He needs his rest. So she turned and followed her friends.

They were standing in front of the desk, talking to the same mare that had directed her earlier.

“Well, the doctor did say you could visit in the morning. So I suppose it would be alright. As long as you keep it quick and eh...” Her gaze drifted over Pinkie Pie skeptically, who at the moment was beaming and almost vibrating with pent up energy. “Calm.”

“We will be sure to do so. Now, if you could direct us to her room, I would be most grateful,” Rarity said with her usual dignified flourish.

“Yes, of course. Take the stairs to the third floor. Go to the end of the hall, her room is number three-seventeen. Remember though, she is currently in a coma and recovering. Be very gentle around her.” Once again the nurse pony directed her gaze at the pink earth pony.

The mare just beamed at her, oblivious to the nurse's doubts. “Okie dokie lokie! Let's go everypony!”

Pinkie led them down the hall, bouncing all the way. Twilight glared at her. How can she be so happy? How dare she be so happy! Rainbow Dash had been gravely injured, and was now in a coma as her friends mourned for her, and this pony was happy?! She must be taught a lesso- Twilight squelched the voice again. She did not like where it had been going. Though it did make a good point, she thought wearily as she began to climb the steps. How could Pinkie stay so happy despite all that ever happened? Her mantra of “Giggle at the Ghosties” was strong, no doubt, but it could only extend so far.

Her thoughts were cut off as the group reached the top of the stairs. Twilight stepped out into the third floor corridor. She blinked rapidly and had to shield her eyes with her hoof to keep the brilliant light that was pouring in through a window at the end of the hall, out. The sun was perfectly aligned in the window, casting it's full glow through into the pony filled hall.

Pinkie oohed and rushed to the window, like a moth to the flame. “Wow! Now that's bright! And I don't mean bright like smart bright, like Twilight. But bright like “Wow! Now that's bright! And I don't mean bright like smart bright, like Twilight. But bright like ”Wow! Now-”

Once again Rarity placed a hoof in front of her mouth. Stopping the infinite loop before it ended in an inevitable world shattering paradox. Pinkie just blew a raspberry against her friends hoof. Rarity withdrew the offended appendage with a look of shock.

“Pinkie! That was highly inappropriate! And extremely disgusting. Look at my precious coat, covered in slobber. I must go wash before it stains.” She turned and looked for a washroom.

“Um, excuse me? Rarity? I'm, um, sorry about your coat, but shouldn't we see Rainbow first?” Fluttershy immediately looked terrified that she may have offended her friend.

“I uh-” Rarity glance around at all of them. “Yes, of course. That is the most important thing to do right now.”

Pinkie Pie began to hop around in a circle. “Ooh! Look! There's Dashie's room!”

She bounded forward and through the door, which swung shut behind her. Fluttershy followed her through, than Rarity. Applejack stopped and turned to Twilight. She looked really worried. She gave a false smile before speaking.

“You gonna be able to do this, Twi? You look scared half ter death.”

Twilight shook her head and shrugged. Applejack just sighed and entered the room. All right Twilight, just walk into that room and see her. Walk into that room and see her laying there, beaten and broken. Walk in there and see that it can never be. Twilight smacked her hoof against her forehead. She took a deep breath, and walked through the door.

Authors Note
Okay, I would like to apologize in the delay in getting this chapter up. But I've been away and therefore unable to edit or upload. Also, I did say this chapter would be 6-7 thousand words, and it is. But when reading through it just didn't seem right so I decided to break it up into two pieces. Part 2 should be up relatively soon. Next 24 hours or so, though no guarantees. As usual special thanks to everyone who helped in the editing and proofreading process, I couldn't pull this off with out you guys. If you happen to see any problems or just have a question, please make a comment and I will address it as soon as I can. If you enjoyed please thumb and fave !