Rarity grunted and clutched her side.

Rainbow promptly draped a wing over her back. "It's okay, Rarity. Just another hour or two, and it'll be over."

Rarity nodded. "Assuming the surgery goes right."

"Hey, the guy may be new to Ponyville, but he's been practicing for years now. There's nothing to worry about. This guy knows what he's doing." At least, from what I've heard.

"Yeah. I suppose so."

Rainbow looked at the hospital as they approached it. This is nerve-wracking. If any Stand Users interrupt the surgery, I won't be able to do much about it. I've been on edge since I learned that my friends are potentially Stand Users. They might attract other Stand Users but won't have a way to defend themselves. The best they can do is run away until help arrives, and that might not always be an option.

"Are you alright, darling?"

Rainbow looked at Rarity. "I'm fine." Rainbow pushed open the door to the hospital.

"Which is why it may be for the best that the surgery is done in..." A large, green stallion turned from the counter to the two mares. "Oh. Hello there."

"Hel... lo... Urgh." Rarity suddenly stumbled.

"Rarity!" Rainbow helped her friend into a seated position.

"I'll be fine. That was just... hunger."

The stallion walked over lifted Rarity onto his back. "Then we should hurry the surgery along. Both for your infection and your stomach."

Rarity giggled. "O-of course."

The stallion carried Rarity through the door leading back, slamming it in Rainbow's face.

"Hey!"

"I'm sorry about him." The mare at the counter leaned over it to look at Rainbow. "He can be pretty rude to anypony that's not a patient or doctor."

Rainbow bit her lip. "I just want to make sure-"

"It's alright. He may be rude, but Cioccolata is a great surgeon. Rarity's in good hooves."

Rainbow looked at the door.

"Why don't you walk around outside for a bit? Just to clear your head."

"... Alright."

"Can you believe it? Skystar is coming to visit me! Me! I can't wait to show her around Ponyville! Oh my gosh! It's her first time seeing my home! It's so cool! She's finally coming here! My penpal is coming to visit me! Oh my gosh! She's my penpal! That means I'm best friends with a princess! A princess! Can you believe I'm friends with a princess?"

Maud stared at her sister. "Yes."

"I mean, it's super crazy to think about! Being friends with royalty is super rare! Oh, wait. I'm friends with Twilight, right? I was friends with her before she became a princess. But that's super cool too! Being friends with someone that became a princess! Can you imagine if I became a princess? Princess Pinkie Pie! Princess of Parties! Ponies would feel so happy around me!"

Maud's eye twitched. "They'd feel something alright."

"Hey! There's Skystar! Why is she going away from town? She must be lost. Oh, well. I'll help her find Ponyville real fast! Just wait right here! I'll be right back!"

Maud watched as Pinkie bounced towards the semi-distant Hippogriff. "Alright."

Oh, Skystar. You silly filly. You're going the wrong way! Wait. Pinkie slowed down and started walking. What's that around her neck?

Author's Note

Strap in. This arc's going to be a doozy.