Twilight was at a loss for what to do. She had attempted memory spell after memory spell, hoping to recover something that the friends could use to find Rainbow Dash, but nothing ended up positive. Fluttershy truly must not know where Rainbow is... But that doesn't make any sense! Her increased bouts of amnesia coincide almost completely with Rainbow’s disappearance. That can’t be a coincidence… can it?

Fluttershy had turned in for the night hours ago, but Twilight stayed awake. She kept telling herself that she was merely observing Fluttershy in case she experienced any uncontrollable magic surges during the night, but she knew that she had an ulterior motive deep down. Twilight glanced over at Applejack, concern heavily lining her friend's features as she lay on the hard crystal floor, staring at nothing. She hadn't moved all night, obviously too deep in thought to even recognize any stiffening muscles or strained eyes.

Twilight had suspected the earth pony of having a crush for a long time, but it took her even longer to deduce who exactly was on the receiving end of Applejack's attention. To be honest, the princess thought that they would make a cute couple, yet Rainbow was always oblivious to “uncool feelings” like crushes; Twilight didn’t even know if she swung that way or not. Nevertheless, Applejack's feelings never wavered, at least not that Twilight could tell.

Twilight cautiously approached Applejack, being careful to not startle the farmpony. The orange mare's ear twitched, acknowledging Twilight's presence, yet the pony herself showed no signs of rousing from her thoughts. Twilight sighed and draped a wing over her friend, trying to bring some comfort without seeming overbearing. According to her calculations, this was the most logical form of comfort that balanced easily between too distant and too overbearing. Twilight sighed mentally as she chided herself. I shouldn't have to include logic or calculations in this situation. I'm the Princess of Friendship. I should know how to comfort a friend!

The alicorn decided to let Applejack have a break from her thoughts; the mare looked like she hadn't slept in days due to stress. Twilight silently activated her horn and touched Applejack's head with it. Her friend immediately fell unconscious, temporarily free from her worries about Rainbow Dash. Twilight levitated over a sleeping bag and pillow, using her telekinesis to zip Applejack up inside until she looked like she was sleeping without a care in the world. "We'll find her, Applejack. I'll find her."

Author's Note

I wasn't planning on including AppleDash, but I figured that they needed some extra motivation to find Rainbow Dash, and a love interest seemed the best way to do that. Also, we're back to a short chapter for the time being. I've just been SUPER busy due to work, school, and family visiting for Thanksgiving, plus I've been suffering from writer's block. I have some parts written for when RD wakes up, but I thought that she hasn't been unconscious long enough for that to make it in this chapter.

As always, let me know what you think and how I can improve! Constructive criticism is always encouraged.