Her Sick Little Bird

Chapters

Stage 0
Stage 1
Stage 3
Stage 4 - A
Stage 2

Stage 0

Mondays were always the worst days in her mind. They were the start of work and school, they often dragged on for ages, and they were overall tiresome. This Monday, however, was different for her. It was her sister’s birthday. That and all schools in Ponyville were closed. To make matters even better, she was spending the whole day with her friends. She was even spending the night with them! Nothing, Apple Bloom thought, nothing could ruin this day.

Scootaloo’s scooter skidded to a halt. In the cheeriest voice possible, she turned to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle and informed, “We’re here!”

In response, the two hopped off the scooter and approached the tent entrance. It was a clinical white tent, with signs plastered all around the entryway. Yellow signs with bold black text warned children to stay away from the tent, followed by biohazard symbols. Seeing this prompted Sweetie Belle to finally ask a question that had been scratching at the back of her head for quite some time. “Um, Apple Bloom,” she asked wearily, “Why are we here again?”

The young filly furrowed her eyebrows together in annoyance. “Didn’t I already tell ya’ll that,” she pondered aloud. The two shook their heads vigorously, both making their confusion very obvious to her. Unfurrowing her brow, Apple Bloom cleared her throat and explained, “Well, today’s my sister’s birthday, and so I figured we’d give her a surprise gift.”

Looking at each other, the two other fillies continued to wear their confusion on their faces. Sweetie Belle was the first to turn back to Apple Bloom, bearing yet another question. “And that surprise is..?”

Rolling her eyes, Apple Bloom pushed open the tent’s opening just enough to glance inside. Peering in, she saw the rows of beds. “Alright, the coast is clear,” she whispered. She waved a hoof to the other two, encouraging them to follow her.

Reluctantly, the two followed her inside. The three sneaked under a table set to the side. To their surprise, not many nurses were in the tent, though to be fair, it was around lunchtime. “Didn’t our sisters tell us not to come here?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Aw come on,” Apple Bloom whined. “We’re only gonna be in here for a second. Just need ta find Applejack’s stuff and drop this in it.” Apple Bloom pulled out a crumpled-up letter she stuffed into her bike helmet.

“Couldn’t you have just given it to her this morning?” Sweetie Belle asked, eyeing the foals resting on the beds. Machines were attached to each of them, beeping and buzzing. Tubes were stuck up their noses; an observation that made Sweetie Belle cringe.

“Quit worrying,” Scootaloo reassured. “We’ll be fine.” Sweetie Belle groaned. Scootaloo scanned the area with Apple Bloom, trying to find Applejack’s stuff.

“There it is,” Apple Bloom whispered. The three looked over to see a brown saddlebag near the far back wall of the tent. A brown Stetson rested beside it, along with a half-empty bottle of water.

Sweetie Belle squinted. “How are we supposed to even get to it?” she asked. “It’s not like we can just walk up to it.”

“I got this,” Scootaloo said confidently. Grabbing the crumpled letter from Apple Bloom, Scootaloo scanned the pathway in between the table they hid under and the row of beds in front of them.

Seeing there weren’t any adults nearby, she dashed over to the row of beds, diving underneath it. She turned around and winked at the crusaders, and began crawling to the bag. She made sure to stay away from the edges of the bed, hoping not to be spotted.

Spotting hooves belonging to a volunteer nurse walking down the row she was under, a small bead of sweat rolled down her forehead. Slowly but surely, she inched her way toward her goal. Eventually, she finally spotted the end of the row she hid under.

A set of pale-yellow hooves blocked her path. Shoot! Scootaloo glanced behind her, almost being able to make out Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. I can’t give up now, she thought.

Looking around, Scootaloo spotted a pebble somepony forgot to brush away. She could use it, but where would she throw it? There, she thought, spotting a metal pole that held the tent up.

Picking up the pebble in her mouth, she took aim. A loud clang followed. “Eep,” a small voice yelped. The yellow hooves began moving, walking over to the pole. Now’s my chance! She pulled herself to the bag, trying to stay as low to the ground as possible.

Opening one of the flaps, she shoved the letter in and raced back to her hiding spot. She waited anxiously. One second passed. Then two. Then three. “A pebble?” the voice questioned. “Where…?” The yellow hooves moved back to the bag. A smirk grew on Scootaloo’s face. The plan had worked. Successful in her mission, she turned around and began crawling back to her friends.

As she did, she heard the foals above her. They groaned, sniffled, coughed, and wheezed, sending a chill down Scootaloo’s spine. She couldn’t even fathom what pain they were going through.

“C-Can we just get out of here?” Sweetie Belle croaked. “I-I don’t wanna get sick…” The soft whisper of her friend snapped her out of her thoughts. Almost there, Scootaloo thought.

“Oh relax,” Apple Bloom scoffed. “We’ve only been in here for about a minute.”

“A minute and 45 seconds,” Sweetie Belle mumbled.

Coming out from underneath the bed and sprinting to the table her friends hid under, Scootaloo whispered, “I got it in!”

Sweetie Belle took this as a good opportunity to pester Apple Bloom again. “Now can we go? Please?”

“Yeah yeah,” Apple Bloom replied, waving a hoof to signal them to follow her. The three crept to the entrance, sliding outside without notice.

As soon as the sun shone on their faces, Sweetie Belle pranced over to the scooter. She wanted to get as far away from the tent as possible. Taking a gasp, she exhaled. “Thank Celestia it’s over!”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. “Come on, ya big baby. It wasn’t that bad. So, where’d ya stick it, Scoot?”

Hopping onto her scooter, Scootaloo replied, “I stuffed it into the front flap. Didn’t have much time to put it in though… Sorry if your gift comes out crumpled.” She scratched the back of her head awkwardly.

“Oh, it don’t matter,” Apple Bloom assured. “The present inside is a locket, so I doubt ya could do any damage.” Pausing, she tapped her chin. “Though the letter might be a bit worse for wear….”

She shrugged, remarking, “Oh well.” Looking over to Sweetie Belle, she waved a hoof. “Hop on! Let’s get back ta yer sister’s boutique.”

Sweetie Belle hesitated, recoiling. “Uh,” she replied, looking to the scooter, “t-that scooter is really cramped….”

“So? Ya rode on here while we were headin’ here.”

“Yeah, but…”

“What, you wanna walk all the way back?” Apple Bloom asked, slyly smirking.

Gulping, Sweetie Belle reluctantly hopped onto the back of the scooter. “You better not be sick,” she muttered.

With that, Scootaloo kicked off, sending the three fillies racing down the dirt road. As they zoomed through the streets, she felt Apple Bloom grip harder onto her back. “Wooo hooo,” Scootaloo shouted, the wind brushing across her face.

Seeing all three fillies near each other was an odd sight to the pedestrians around them. Not many foals were walking around town and those who were typically kept a safe distance. Most were too deterred by either a paranoia of getting sick or, in most cases, a fear of getting tested.

Sure enough, a keen eye would notice the small bandages on each of the fillies. Since they took a small sacrifice to be together, nopony interrupted their fun.

Soon, they arrived at Rarity’s boutique, and Scootaloo skidded to a halt. “We’re here,” Scootaloo announced chipperly. All three hopped off of the scooter.

“The fun’s just startin’ girls,” Apple Bloom assured, walking up to the boutique door. “Yall excited for tonight?”

Scootaloo nodded emphatically, whereas Sweetie Belle looked off to the side. “Um… are we sure this is a good idea?”

“Quit bein’ a spoil sport,” Apple Bloom quipped. Opening the door, the three fillies entered, a small bell chiming as they entered. “’Sides, it ain’t like we can back out now. Yer sister’s the only one not workin’ today, remember?”

Sweetie Belle grumbled. As they entered the kitchen, Rarity set down a few large bowls onto the kitchen table. Spotting the three, Rarity smiled. “Hello girls,” She greeted. “Did you have fun out there? You did remember to stay away from the other foals, correct?”

“Course,” Apple Bloom lied. “Though Sweetie Belle might’ve been a tad too paranoid ta have fun.” Apple Bloom chuckled, leaning over to give Sweetie Belle a noogie.

“Ack! Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle complained, pulling away. Trying to fix her mane, she groaned. “Don’t do that! You’ll ruin my mane!”

Sitting down at the kitchen table, Rarity responded, “Well, it’s better to be ‘paranoid’ than careless. You really don’t want to catch it. Trust me.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Apple Bloom conceded, joining Rarity at the table. Feeling their stomachs grumble, the other two fillies followed suit, sitting down around the table.

Looking down at the bowls, they were greeted with gooey cheddar cheese mac and cheese seasoned with oregano, black pepper, and a small bay leaf on top. Next to the bowls were glasses of freshly squeezed, pulp-free lemonade.

The alluring aroma of the exquisitely made meal made their mouths water. “Sweet mother of Celestia,” Apple Bloom muttered.

“Wow,” Scootaloo gawked.

Rarity tsked, “Now now, don’t go praising something you haven’t even tried. Take a bite first.” Levitating her fork, she jabbed the pasta and moved it to her mouth, taking a small, lady-like bite. After she had chewed and swallowed her small nibble, she reminded, “Haven’t you learned not to judge a book by its cover?”

“Well, it smells good, that’s fer sure,” Apple Bloom replied. Scootaloo, reminded of its fantastic scent, sniffed in the air again… only, she couldn’t.

“Uh, hey, do you have any tissues?” Scootaloo asked, looking around the room. “I need to blow my nose.” Soon, a purple box of tissues was levitated over by a blue aura. “Thanks,” she said, pulling one out of the box.

“Mmmm-mm,” Apple Bloom hummed. “Sooooo goooood.”

A slight blush grew on Rarity’s face. “Oh, come now, I’m sure Granny Smith is a far better cook then I,” Rarity replied.

Apple Bloom gulped down another large bite. “Maybe with apples, but I think yer mac and cheese is leagues better than Granny’s. She just uses them microwave cups.”

“That stuff’s still pretty good, though,” Scootaloo said, taking her first bite. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as flavorful as she thought it’d be. Not bad at all, just a bit flat.

“It’s not really my thing,” Sweetie Belle chimed in, taking a bite for herself. “Those cups always taste watery.”

“How the heck does somethin’ taste ‘watery’?” Apple Bloom asked, giggling.

Soon, the three fillies were chatting up a storm, Rarity even chiming in every so often. Time flew by, and soon they each found their bowls completely empty. “Whew, I’m stuffed,” Apple Bloom sighed.

“Same,” Scootaloo replied. She watched as Rarity took the empty bowls to the kitchen sink and began washing them. “So… what do we do now?”

“We could… play a board game?” Sweetie Belle suggested. “We have Monopoly.”

“Eh, good enough for me,” Apple Bloom replied, hopping down from her chair. Waving a hoof in gesture, she said, “Come on girls! Let’s get this party started!”

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo got up and began following Apple Bloom. As they left the kitchen, however, Scootaloo felt a small headache start. She put a hoof to her forehead and rubbed where the ache stemmed from. Dang… oh well. Shrugging, she went off after her friends.

Author's Note

Hope you've enjoyed this first chapter! I had a lot of fun working on it. It's a nice change of pace from what I was working on prior. I don't really have much to add, so stay safe and have a happy Pride Month! :pinkiehappy:

Stage 1

The sun was just setting over Ponyville, the sky clear of any clouds. Birds sang on top of rooftops, lightning bugs began roaming the streets, and the few ponies still out were heading home, all tired from the long day. All of this was just outside the windows.

Despite what most may call a beautiful scene, the three fillies weren’t interested. Instead, they had just finished eating slices of delivery pizza and were locked in an intense game of truth or dare.

“Truth, huh,” Apple Bloom asked, tapping her chin. After a moment’s thought, she grew a wicked grin. “Soooo,” she began, “Sweetie Belle. Got any crushes?”

Sweetie Belle’s face blushed intensely with embarrassment. “C-Crushes? I-I…uh… W-Why would you think that?” she nervously giggled, trying to avoid answering.

Snickering, Apple Bloom mocked, “Yer blushin’ redder than a ripe tomato!” Sighing, she tried to hide her glee. “Come on, Sweetie Belle. We ain’t gonna judge ya. Right, Scoot?”

“Of course not,” Scootaloo assured. After a moment of silence from Sweetie Belle, she suggested, “Hey, how about I tell you mine after? Would that make you feel better?”

An almost inaudible mumble came from a flustered Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow. “Did you say somethin?” she asked.

Sweetie Belle mumbled again, this time a little louder than before. “Huh?” Scootaloo asked.

“I SAID I HAVE A CRUSH ON PIPSQUEAK,” Sweetie Belle shouted, her voice cracking.

The other two recoiled, shocked at Sweetie Belle’s sudden increase in volume. Looking at each other, they gave equally confused glances. Finally, Apple Bloom looked back at Sweetie Belle. “Pipsqueak?” Apple Bloom asked.

“He’s a nice colt! A-And he’s cute,” Sweetie Belle defended, blushing furiously. “Don’t judge me!”

“I-It ain’t that I’m judgin’,” Apple Bloom assured. “It’s just… why’d you feel so embarrassed about him?”

“Yeah,” Scootaloo chimed in. Giggling, she explained, “With a look like that, I thought you’d say somepony like Snails!”

Sweetie Belle cringed. “Snails?” she asked, exasperated. “Eeww! That’s just gross!”

“He ain’t that bad,” Apple Bloom countered, trying to hide her laughter.

“Well, no, but…” Scootaloo trailed her sentence off as she felt a sudden jab in her head. Quietly grumbling, she began rubbing her forehead with a hoof.

Both of her friends gave her a concerned look. “You doin’ alright, Scoot?” Apple Bloom asked, frowning.

“Yeah,” Scootaloo replied, looking up at her friends. “Just a little headache.” Reaching to the side of her, she was met with an empty tissue box. “Shoot. Do you have any more tissues?”

“There’s a box downstairs…,” Sweetie Belle informed, hesitantly, “but are you sure you’re feeling alright?” There was a pause before Sweetie Belle continued, almost taking on a conspiratorial tone. “You’re not… sick, are you?”

Scootaloo deadpanned, rolling her eyes. “This again?” she whined, tired of Sweetie Belle’s paranoia. “For the last time, it’s just a cold!”

“B-But-”

Loudly groaning, Scootaloo spat, “Look. I haven’t had any dark, oily stuff come out, right? If I were really sick, surely I’dve produced some of that stuff by now, right?”

Sweetie Belle looked off to the side, muttering spitefully, “Sorry I asked.”

Seeing the awkward tension in the room, Apple Bloom attempted to lighten the mood. “I’m sure it’s nothin’,” she assured. “Why don’t ya go downstairs ‘n get that box. After ya can tell us yer crush!”

“Huh?” Scootaloo asked, standing up. “Oh that. My crush is probably-”

“Not now! We wanna talk about it after, dummy,” Apple Bloom hastily exclaimed.

“Eh, if that’s what you want,” Scootaloo replied, a smirk on her face. “Be back in a few!”

With that, Scootaloo strolled out of the room, gently closing Sweetie Belle’s door. The hall she had entered was certainly more extravagant than the one back at her own home. The wallpaper had variety, with two different shades of deep purple complimenting the lavender-coated wood trim.

Adding to the wall, there were elegant paintings of ponies she could only guess were their relatives from the past. If that wasn’t enough, above her hung intricate chandeliers, not a speck of dust clinging on them. The best way she could come up with to describe it was palace-like.

Continuing down the hall, she eventually approached a stairwell, taking it to get to the boutique floor. As she descended, her head continued to pound, her nose becoming more blocked. She sniffled.

Passing through the boutique, she arrived at the kitchen entrance. Rarity looked up, watching Scootaloo stroll in. “Hello darling,” she greeted, smiling elegantly. “Having fun?”

“Huh?” Scootaloo asked, her attention moving from her pounding head. “Oh, uh, yeah! It’s been really fun! I mean, I haven’t seen them in so long. Definitely worth getting tested.”

“That’s wonderful,” Rarity exclaimed. “I know being tested hurts. Why, if adults were able to get the virus, I don’t even know if I’d have the willpower to go through with what you all did.” Smiling, Rarity concluded, “I suppose that just goes to show how strong your bonds truly are with each other.”

“Yeah,” Scootaloo replied, only half paying attention. She scanned the room to see if there were any tissues nearby. “Uh, where do you keep the tissues?”

“Oh! Let me fetch you a box,” she said, opening up a small cabinet door close to the floor. She levitated out a small lavender box of tissues, setting it down in front of Scootaloo. “Here you are, darling.”

Nesting the box between her wing, Scootaloo went to blow her nose. “Now, why don’t you head on back up to-” As Scootaloo pulled the tissue away, both Rarity and she felt their hearts skip a beat. The tissue had been stained black.

A screech that shattered her eardrums followed by the sound of a breaking glass. It was something out of a horror movie. Worse, the loud noise caused a jagged stab in her head, far more painful than the dull thumping from before. She dropped the tissue box and tissue, sitting down and pressing onto her temples with her forehooves.

Immediately, Rarity covered her mouth, realizing how loud she must’ve sounded to Scootaloo. She bit her lip, frantically trying to get her mind to focus. “Wait right there,” Rarity ordered, trying to be quieter. Standing up, she speed-walked out of the room. Sure enough, as she left the room, she heard little hooves descending the stairs. The sound made her cringe, wishing her sister wasn’t so curious.

Rarity ran over to the stairwell, plucking two startled fillies off it with her magic. For half of a second, she questioned how she was even capable of doing this in the first place. It took an extremely powerful and skillful pony to lift other ponies, and she was nowhere near that.

That moment hastily scurried away as new, more pressing matters clawed into her mind. Knowing how she was doing this could wait. For now, she needed her sister out of the boutique.

Thanking Celestia for her sudden strength, she dashed to the boutique’s entrance and plopped the two outside. She slipped past the door, carefully closing it as to prevent more pain to Scootaloo’s eardrums.

Apple Bloom’s wide eyes looked up at Rarity’s. “W-What’s goin’ on?” Apple Bloom asked, her voice shaking.

“Symptoms,” Rarity demanded, turning her head towards the fillies. Her eyes were practically bound to them, not letting herself blink once. “Answer me,” she cried, all sense of class flying away.

Giving each other another glance, both fillies shook their heads. “Thank Celestia,” she muttered, exhaling a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Clearing her voice, she commanded, “Stay out here and keep a reasonable distance between you two. Understood?”

Both fillies nodded. Hoping they’d do as they were told, Rarity ran back into the boutique. Inside, she heard a stifled cry from the kitchen following a slam of the boutique door. “Ack! S-Sorry darling,” Rarity apologized, galloping to the kitchen.

Scootaloo was still next to the dropped box of tissues, rubbing her head to soothe her pain. As Rarity searched through a frilly saddle bag resting on the counter, Scootaloo asked, “Um, am I going to be alright?”

There was an unnerving pause before Rarity finally spoke. “I-I’m sure you’ll be alright, darling.” Soon, she levitated out three testing kits, setting one down next to Scootaloo. “Now, I need you to hold still for me, alright?” Rarity asked.

With a lump in her throat, Scootaloo nodded. She watched as Rarity opened the testing kit. Inside was a small tool that looked somewhat like a potato peeler, a small bottle of rubbing alcohol, a small fabric, a bandage, and a small square tab that shined in the light.

Rarity gently tugged Scootaloo’s foreleg, pulling it out flat. First, she wetted the small fabric with the rubbing alcohol and proceeded to rub a small section of Scootaloo’s foreleg with it.

Next, she pulled out the tool, pressing it on the top of the now damp section. “This may hurt a tad,” She informed. “Do you want me to count down?”

Scootaloo shook her head. “N-No thanks,” she said, trying to sound confident.

“Alright, then,” Rarity conceded. “Just hold still.” In a blink of an eye, she scrapped the tool down Scootaloo’s foreleg. She watched the filly flinch in pain, the rubbing alcohol no doubt making it even more uncomfortable.

Once she had scrapped to the bottom of the damp section, she threw the tool aside. There was now a wound on Scootaloo’s foreleg. Soon, blood began to rise out.

Seeing this, Rarity hastily picked up the small square tab and carefully placed it on the wound. As she applied pressure to the tab, she levitated the bandage out as well, wanting to get the wound patched as quickly as possible.

Finally, after about 5 seconds, she pulled the tab off, replacing it with the bandage. Once the bandage was secure, she looked over to the tab. As it dried, its color turned from crimson to bright neon green.

Scootaloo’s heart sank as she heard Rarity wearily mutter, “Positive.”

***

As the sun began to set over Ponyville, Rainbow began packing her saddlebag. “Hey, there, partner,” a friendly voice called. Looking over, Rainbow Dash saw Applejack approach.

“Headin’ home I take it?” Applejack asked, stopping in front of Rainbow. She held an inhaler, tissues, a thin book, and a small plush bear, all in the grasp of one foreleg. The sight was impressive, to say the least.

“Uh yeah,” Rainbow replied, stuffing her now empty brown lunch bag into one of the pockets. “We’ve been working all day. Shouldn’t you be going home too?”

“Me?” Applejack asked, looking around. “Oh, uh, I’m gonna help Twist first.” She shifted her foreleg up her chest, trying not to drop the stuff she was holding. “She’ll be in stage 4 soon, so I figured I’d give her a little extra attention.”

“You’re working late again?” Rainbow asked, baffled. “But it’s your birthday!”

“So?” Applejack asked. “It’s my birthday. Can’t I spend it however I want?”

“T-That’s-” Rainbow’s cheeks reddened. “Ugh! I just thought you’d wanna do something different today,” she explained.

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Oh?” she asked, lightly smirking. “How do you think I should spend it?”

“I don’t know, party with Pinkie Pie? Go out on the town? It’s your birthday, Applejack! You should be having fun! Not working,” Rainbow concluded.

Before Applejack could respond, she spotted Fluttershy trying to sneak past them, shaking. “Fluttershy?” Applejack asked, causing her yellow friend to yelp.

“O-Oh, um, hello Applejack,” Fluttershy whispered. “W-What are you still doing here?”

“Working,” Rainbow deadpanned. Plucking up her saddlebag, she tossed it in the air, catching it on her back. “You headed home?”

“Um, well, I was, but…” Fluttershy’s words trailed off, her eyes fraught with worry.

“Somethin’ happen?” Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow.

“N-No! Nothing at all! I-I’m just…” Biting her lip, sweat began to pour down her head. She hid behind her long pink mane, trying to hide from her friends.

Applejack noticed the signs immediately. She was looking off to the side, she was sweating bullets, and she was fidgety; a trait Fluttershy often had when uncomfortable. She was lying.

“I-I-”

Cutting Fluttershy off, Applejack softly spoke. “No need ta hide anythin’,” she reminded. “We’re yer friends, remember? We won’t judge.”

Glancing to the side, Fluttershy stammered, “I-I-It’s not that…” There was a moment of silence after she trailed off. Crickets chirped in the evening air, the wind blowing lazily. Gulping down her fear, she muttered, “Well, I suppose you two should know…”

“Know what?” Rainbow asked, scratching the back of her neck.

“W-We got a call from R-R-Rarity,” Fluttershy whimpered. Applejack and Rainbow both looked at each other, their faces rapidly turning ghostly. There was a small pause before Fluttershy spoke up again. “S-She said- …um…”

Applejack looked to her yellow friend. The items she was holding began to slip out of her grasp. “What did she say?” she asked wearily.

“Somepony tested positive,” Fluttershy blurted out, clenching her eyes tight and recoiling, biting down on her bottom lip.

Rainbow’s eyes darted between her friends, hoping one of them would speak up. Her throat turned to sandpaper as the seconds of silence passed. Finally, she croaked out, “Who?”

“S-She didn’t say who, b-but she sounded so s-s-scared.” Rainbow’s mind was twirling. She forced her tense muscles to relax, trying to calm herself. Stay calm, she reminded herself. Breathe. Scoot’s fine. She’ll be fine…

Applejack let the items drop onto the grass. “Come on,” she called, her voice filled with gusto. “We gotta hurry! ‘Fore the virus spreads ta the others!”

Applejack took off, Fluttershy and Rainbow following inches behind. They passed tents after tents, galloping to where the carts were. Once in view, they ran over to one of the makeshift medical carts.

The one they ran to had a Sweet Apple Acres logo emblazoned on the side. To make it suitable for medical transfer, the cart had been modified with tarp over the top and the inside covered in disposable plastic.

“Fluttershy,” Applejack called. “Stay here an’ get a bed set up!” She latched the cart to her, looking back. Fluttershy nodded and left hastily. “Ya wanna hop in, Rainbow?”

There was absolutely no way Rainbow could sit still in that cart. Her heart was pounding, her adrenaline rushing. “I-I’ll just hoof it,” she squawked.

Applejack shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

With that, the two kicked off, running out into Ponyville. Seeing that the tents were set up in the park, it wouldn’t be too long until they arrived at Rarity’s Boutique. Still, even that short amount of time was excruciating on Rainbow’s mind.

She kept pushing her anxiety away, only for it to creep up again. It isn’t her, she repeated, again and again, trying to hold onto her sanity. She could practically hear her inner pessimist scrape its way into her mind. But what if…

Rainbow shook those thoughts away, continuing to trudge on. Finally, after what felt like a century, Rarity’s boutique came into view. For a fleeting second, she felt a sense of relief.

Then she realized who was outside. Rarity stood in front of two fillies, neither of which were Scootaloo. Though her pace didn’t wane, there was a hurricane wracking her surprisingly fragile heart. As soon as they were in earshot, Rainbow cried, “Where is Scoot?” Her voice sounded on the verge of a mental breakdown. “Where?”

A sour flinch came from Rarity as she looked over to see who was coming. The two mares skidded to a halt in front of her. “Rainbow, Applejack, darlings,” she stalled. “What are-”

“WHERE?”

She knew her friend wasn’t asking. Reluctantly, Rarity muttered, “The kitchen,” in a squeaky, frightened voice. Without another word, Rainbow barreled past her, knocking her to the ground.

The door to the boutique flew open, nearly falling off its hinges. Rainbow ran through, gunning for the kitchen. The kick of her adrenaline got her there in less than a second, freezing at the kitchen entrance.

Scootaloo sat near the dining table, clutching a box of tissues while rubbing her head. A dribble of blackened snot dribbled out her irritated nostril. She looked exhausted. “Rainbow?” She asked, looking up.

Her body was still as stone, her mind swirling. Rainbow’s world began spinning. She felt her head grow light and her muscles go numb. Words failed her as she tried to say something, her throat producing only a dry gargle. Then she went dark.

THUD!

Author's Note

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! It took a tad longer than I thought due to personal reasons, so sorry for the delay :twilightblush: . I'll try to get the next chapter out within a month. Thanks for reading!

Stage 3

Thundering smacks hailed above her as she lay on the uncomfortable bed. She whimpered, rubbing her head with one of her hooves. As her nose began to tickle, she clenched her eyes shut. “A-CHOO!” Blackened snot drizzled out. Wiping it away with her foreleg, she felt the caked black crust around her nostrils.

Sitting up, she reached over to a clinical bedside table, plucking a tissue from the box on top. She blew her nose, sniffling as she pulled it away. She let the thing drop to the grassy floor below, not caring what happened to it.

As somepony came near, she snapped her ears from the racket outside. “Hey, kid,” Rainbow greeted with a smile and a single tray balanced on one hoof. “Got some grub. You hungry?”

She felt a wave of nausea flow over her. The thought of having to swallow more disgusting, flavorless slop was almost unbearable. She bit her lip, glancing over at Silver Spoon. “Uhm, sis?” she responded, wearily. “I… I don’t… Can I ask you something?”

Rainbow nodded, an understanding look on her face. “Alright,” she encouraged. “Shoot.”

“W-Well, I, uh…” Scootaloo stumbled on her words as anxiety set in. She glanced at Silver again, her eyes catching on the tube up her friend’s nose. Even though Silver said it didn’t hurt that much, it still made her cringe. “Uhm… m-mh…”

“You still not up to eating, kid?” Rainbow asked softly, frowning.

Looking off to the side, regretting she brought it up. Scootaloo bit her lip, replying, “M-Maybe…”

There was a small pause before Rainbow said, “Kid, I think it’s time to get you a feeding tube.” Although silence returned, Scootaloo’s eyes looked up at her, large and watery. “Tell you what. From what I hear, Fluttershy can get it in without you feeling anything at all. How about I go fetch her so she can set it up?”

“But…” Feeling cornered, Scootaloo searched for an excuse. “But that’ll interrupt her lunchtime,” she concluded, her voice cracking.

Rainbow gave a small, reassuring smile. “She wouldn’t mind,” she said softly. More silence followed. Placing the tray down at the foot of the bed, she stepped over to the side of the bed and leaned on it to get to her eye level. Stroking Scootaloo’s mane, Rainbow continued, “Look, kid, just trust me. I promise it won’t hurt, okay?”

Awkward silence came between the two again. Finally, Scootaloo suggested, “H-How about before dinner time? T-That way, I won’t interrupt anything.”

Staring into her sister’s wide eyes, Rainbow whispered, “Scoot, you can’t just keep starving yourself. You need to eat.”

“I know…” Scootaloo muttered. Her stomach gurgled. She grimaced. A bitter flavor stained her tongue and throat. “I’m just… I’m just-”

“You’re scared of it, right?” Rainbow concluded. Her sister’s face blushed. “Hey, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about, okay?” Looking outside, she bit her lip and exhaled. “Okay, fine,” she said, her eyes moving back to Scootaloo. “I’ll… I’ll let you skip lunch, but we’re getting that tube in later, okay?”

All Scootaloo could manage was a nod, her pride deflated. “I’ll see you soon, kid,” Rainbow said, pecking her on the forehead. She watched as Rainbow picked up the tray and left.

As Scootaloo thanked her lucky stars, a frustrated growl came from the left. Turning her head, she saw her gray bedmate staring up at the tent ceiling. “Oh, hey Silver,” Scootaloo greeted. “Didn’t realize you were awake.” Shifting to a more comfortable position, she continued. “What’s up?”

“Don’t know. Haven’t seen the sky in a while,” Silver joked in a flat, agitated tone. She looked over to Scootaloo. “What would I be doing anyway? There’s nothing to do here! Like, seriously, could they not have given us at least some entertainment?”

“I mean, it’s not their job to. Heck, they probably couldn’t even fit any with all the beds and stuff,” Scootaloo suggested chuckling. “Hey, how about we make our own entertainment?”

“How? We’re stuck in our beds, aching and feeling nauseous, and we don’t have anything to play with. No dolls, no board games, not even a pen and paper,” Silver moped.

“Oh come on. Don’t be like that,” Scootaloo scolded. “We don’t need things to have fun! We can… uh… play Eye Spy! Yeah! Eye spy with my little eye something…” Scootaloo scanned the room, looking for something. “Blue!”

Silver glanced at the room, uninterested. “Is it that foal vomiting onto his blanket?” she asked sarcastically, pointing at a blue colt. Looking over, Scootaloo saw a stallion trying to clean the blackened puke off the colt’s bedsheet.

Cringing, Scootaloo glared at the colt who was too distracted to notice. “Not helping me, dude,” she spitefully muttered. Turning back to Silver, she hastily thought of another thing. “Uh, what about we play Two Truths and a Lie?”

Scrunching her blanket, Silver spat, “I feel awful, we’re going to die in a week or two, and I’m an alicorn. Guess which one’s the lie.”

Frowning, Scootaloo questioned, “Are you… mad at me?”

Silver’s ears perked up. “N-No! Not at all,” she exclaimed, thrown by Scootaloo’s question. “I-I’m just…” Swallowing the knot in her throat, she continued in a softer tone. “I’m not feeling well today. That’s all.” She moved her eyes back to the blanket. “I… I’m sorry for being so rude.”

“It’s alright,” Scootaloo assured. She waited for a response, but none came. “Would you like to talk about it?”

A bittersweet smile faded onto Silver’s lips. “Where would I even start?” Tears began trickling down to the blanket below them. “Everything’s been so awful lately.” She locked eyes with Scootaloo again, asking, “W-Where should I start?”

“Just start with whatever you think of first,” Scootaloo suggested.

Taking a moment to think, Silver finally replied, “I-I thought I was going to follow my wildest dreams. I was going to find somepony I love, go to one of those big universities, get an expensive penthouse in a big city, start up a restaurant that would get scores of high-class patrons every day… B-But now…”

Scootaloo shook her head. “Wasn’t there some saying about a fat mare we learned in school?”

“It isn’t over till the fat mare sings?” Silver suggested.

“That’s it! It isn’t over yet! Who knows? Maybe they’ll find some kind of cure and we’ll get to go home,” Scootaloo chipperly exclaimed.

“Yeah right,” Silver moped. “There’s no way they’ll find a cure before we’re gone. Just face it. We’re done for.”

“You never know,” Scootaloo reminded. “Crazier things have happened here in Ponyville.”

Silver looked off to the side. “Maybe… Still, it doesn’t matter. I don’t want to go home anymore.”

“W-What?” Scootaloo asked, eyes widening. “But you just said-”

“That was before everything went downhill,” Silver explained. “Now, mother and father hate each other, and my only friend is dead,” she cried, tears cascading down her face. “Now I’m all alone and I’ll never get to follow my dreams.”

It felt like somepony had just punched her in the gut. The bluntness of Silver’s reply left her speechless for a moment. Scootaloo wanted to give her teary-eyed friend a hug, but she was too far away to reach.

“Silver, you aren’t alone,” Scootaloo corrected caringly. “Look, I know it isn’t a replacement for Diamond, but you’ve still got me. And if we do survive, maybe we can have a sleepover with the other Crusaders.”

Raising an eyebrow, Silver asked, “W-Why would you invite someone like me? I-I’m not a Crusader.”

Chuckling, Scootaloo replied, “You don’t have to be a Crusader just to hang out with us. But, if you do wanna join, we’d be glad to have you!”

Finally, Silver’s crying began to ease up, though her sorrow still stained her face. “You wouldn’t want somepony like me. I’m an idiot.”

“Why would you say that?” Scootaloo asked, tilting her head sideways.

“Because I am,” Silver muttered. Seeing Scootaloo wasn’t satisfied, she continued, “Look, I… I got sick because I did something stupid, okay?”

“What did you do?” Scootaloo asked, curiosity peaked.

“Well…”

***

The light drizzle tickled Rainbow’s neck as she walked toward the picknick spot Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie had set up. The location was under a large tree that was fairly close to the main tent and food prep tent, so luckily, she wouldn’t be drenched by the time she arrived.

She spotted the tree without trouble, her friends already digging into their lunches. Rainbow smiled as Pinkie’s eyes locked on her. Opening her wings, she flew the rest of the way over, landing in between Applejack and Pinkie. “Hey,” she greeted.

Pinkie beamed, exclaiming, “Dashie! You’re back,” with a chunk of half-chewed blueberry muffin still in her mouth.

Scratching the back of her neck, Rainbow awkwardly chuckled. “Hehe. Sorry about being so late,” she apologized.

“Oh, it’s alright,” Fluttershy’s timid voice assured. “Actually, we only started eating a minute ago. W-We thought you weren’t coming, since your sister… well… We thought you would be too busy taking care of her to come and eat with us.”

“About that,” Rainbow began, looking off in the direction of the tent she just left. “Fluttershy, I hope you don’t mind, but I’m gonna need your help after lunch.”

Fluttershy gasped, covering it with her forehoof. Stunned, she asked, “Y-You need my help?”

Rainbow choked back tears as the picture of her sweet little sister withering away entered her mind. Turning back to her shy friend, she meekly asked, “Can you put a feeding tube in Scoot for me?”

There was a small pause before Rainbow continued, “She isn’t eating because she’s nauseous, but she’s too scared to let me install it. I figured if you did it instead of me, she’d feel more comfortable, since you’re so gentle…” Her voice trailed, and she felt her heart sink. Unlike me, she thought.

“Oh, well, um, I-I suppose I could,” Fluttershy agreed, faintly blushing. “D-Do you need me to install it now, or…”

“After lunch’ll be great,” Rainbow informed, shoving her sorrow and guilt to the back of her mind. “I just need to-”

“Darlings!” A regal, snobby voice entered Rainbow’s ears. She didn’t need to even look to know who it was. “So, so, SO sorry for being late,” the mare apologized insincerely. “I was just having the worst of luck trying to find my umbrella.”

Tipping her hat while nodding, Applejack greeted, “Glad ya could make it, Rares.”

Rainbow ground her teeth as Rarity sat down. “I am too,” Rarity concurred. “It’s been ages since we’ve had one of our picknicks together; what with this foul disease and all.”

Rainbow felt her blood pressure rise. “Right?” Pinkie chipperly agreed. “I mean, I can’t even remember last time.”

Now Rainbow’s blood was beginning to boil. “But didn’t we do this two weeks ago?” Fluttershy timidly asked, hiding behind her mane.

“Has it only been that long?” Rarity asked, tapping her chin gently with her pristine white hoof. Shrugging it off, she casually suggested, “Perhaps the hectic work just made it feel longer.”

Her left eyelid twitched, her lid about to burst. Two weeks ago. It really only felt like a few days ago. At least, to her. After all, that was the day before her sister got sick. The day before her sister would be doomed to wither away on a hospital bed. And all of it was because of that mare.

“Time certainly does pass slower if one is overworked, wouldn’t you say?” Rarity asked.

“Slower?” Rainbow mumbled. She was unable to hold back her tears any longer. She snapped her eyes up to meet Rarity’s, giving a wavering, hurt smile. “You gotta be kidding me.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, seeing Rainbow’s anger. “Since that day, I’ve had to watch as my sister in pain, day after day,” Rainbow seethed. “I’ve seen her lose her entire life thus far. It feels like it’s all gone by in a flash.”

“Rainbow, I-”

“NO,” Rainbow shouted, cutting Rarity off. At this point, there was no smile. Only an angry scowl. She stood up, closing her eyes. “If you had just watched them…”

Rainbow took in a deep breath. Her eyes snapped wide open, glaring down at Rarity, and she shouted at the top of her lungs, “SHE WOULDN’T BE DYING!”

Burning hot tears trickled down Rainbow’s cheeks, her face flush. “S-She’s dying because of YOU,” she cried, her voice cracking.

Rainbow felt her anger beginning to eat her up inside. Before anypony could say anything, she turned around and began running away from the tree, leaving her friends to sit there, slack jawed.

As she made it back to where the main tent was, the rain began to fall down harder, soaking her mane and coat. She could only imagine how loud it must’ve been for the foals, with their heightened hearing.

When she approached the tent, her tears had slowed and, so to, did her anger cool. Before entering the tent, she decided to toss what remained of her lunch, which she had snatched before she ran away.

Thankfully, the dumpsters were on the left side of the tent on the outside. As she approached them, her ear caught Scootaloo’s voice.

“Why would you say that?” Scootaloo’s voice asked. The tent walls were thin, meaning Rainbow was able to hear them fairly clearly, but with how loud the rain was, they couldn’t hear her.

“Because I am,” a slightly whiny sounding voice stated. Silver’s, no doubt. There was a small pause before the filly continued, “Look, I… I got sick because I did something stupid, okay?”

Rainbow stared down at the dumpster, ready to drop her trash in. But, for some reason, she found herself just listening in on her sister’s conversation.

“What did you do?” Scootaloo’s voice asked, sounding intrigued.

“Well…” There was another small pause before Silver answered. “I snuck out of the house.” Rainbow heard shuffling behind the wall of the curtain. “I was so bored and lonely, and I just wanted to talk to somepony again. And not my parents. All they do is fight. So, I snuck out… you can piece together the rest.”

To be honest, the story coming from Silver wasn’t all that uncommon. In fact, sneaking out was the leading cause of the spread. Still, Rainbow understood where Silver was coming from.

“That’s not so bad,” Scootaloo assured. Although Rainbow couldn’t see what was going on, she could tell Silver wasn’t convinced. “Sure is a lot less dumb than how I caught it.”

Rainbow’s ears perked up. “Yeah right,” Silver said.

“It is! In fact, I’ll tell you how I caught it! …if you promise not to tell anypony, that is.”

She wanted to intervene. She wanted to tell her sister that nothing was her fault, and that it was all Rarity’s, but curiosity got the better of Rainbow. Instead of cutting in, she just listened.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” Silver whispered loudly, probably trying to make sure Scootaloo heard her over the rain.

Yet another defining pause came, but only for a few seconds. Then, the truth came out.

Everything seemed to click together, like a twisted jigsaw puzzle. Nopony had noticed her enter nor did they notice her leave. It sounded crazy, but it made sense. The why, the how, it was all answered.

In that moment, standing there silently, hurt and seething with rage, Rainbow began seeing only red.

Author's Note

Well, it's been a while, but I managed to finish up this chapter. Stay tuned for the (eventual) release of the next, and thank you all so very much for continuing to read this story! :heart:

Stage 4 - A

It was strangely peaceful, walking down the park’s path that morning. The golden glow of the sun peeked out from behind the horizon, lighting the sky with brilliant orange. Morning dew held onto blades of grass, and the dirt road she strolled on was only slightly muddied by yesterday’s rain.

There was almost no noise this early in the morning. The foals in the medical tents were usually still fast asleep, granting them small reprieve from their pain, and the adults would try to stay as quiet as possible in order to not disturb them. The only sound she heard that morning was the light breeze flowing.

So it came as a surprise to Starlight when she heard her friend Rainbow talking. It took her a second to see where her friend was, but as she reached the top of a shallow slope, she saw Rainbow talking into one of the public telephones a few yards ahead.

“Not coming?” Rainbow shouted into the phone, sounding baffled. “But she’s your daughter!” She listened into the phone before replying, “Fine then! Don’t come! See if I care!” With that, she slammed the phone onto the clip.

Starlight approached, asking, “Is everything okay?”

Looking over, Rainbow greeted, “Hey Starlight,” in monotone. Sighing, she apologized, “Sorry you had to hear that. I was… on the phone with Scootaloo’s parents. Apparently, they’re too lazy to visit her.”

“Hold on,” Starlight said, raising a hoof. “Isn’t that jumping the shark a bit? I mean, Scootaloo’s mom is a botanist, right? Maybe she’s too busy with work.”

Rolling her eyes, Rainbow remarked, “The only thing Mane’s doing is getting drunk off her flank. Those two’ve neglected their daughter for years. They just make up those stories so Scoot doesn’t think of them poorly.”

“Really?” Starlight asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Do you remember when they were going to take Scootaloo with them?” Rainbow asked. “Well, that turned out to only be because of them being too cheap to pay Lofty and Holiday.” She paused before saying, “And before you say it, no, I wasn’t going to let them take her. I just wanted Scootaloo to get some confidence, so I ended up paying those two deadbeats to play along and leave.”

Starlight looked off to the side. “Wow, I never knew… So, now you’re paying Lofty and Holiday?” she asked.

Rainbow stared down at the ground, tired from her emotions. “Look, I know it’s been a while since we’ve talked, but I’ve gotta go. I wanna be there when Scoot wakes up. Catch up later.”

As Rainbow turned to leave, Starlight offered, “How about I come with you? I’ve got nothing better to do.”

Sighing, Rainbow replied, “Fine,” without looking back at Starlight. “But keep up the pace. I wanna be there when Scoot wakes up.”

The two began walking back to the main tent, Rainbow keeping a brisk pace. Starlight quickly found herself bothered by the deafening silence between the two. Perhaps it was fate, then, that Rainbow chose to ask, “So, uh, how’ve you been lately?”

“Ugh, don’t get me started,” Starlight replied, sounding exhausted. “On top of taking care of the ICU foals at night, I’ve been busy trying to hold our school together. Twilight might’ve shut down the schools, but the students who live abroad can’t travel back home unless they’re over 18. So now I’m forced to manage them in my free time. All on my own, too!”

“What about Trixie and Sunburst? Aren’t they helping?” Rainbow asked, tilting her head.

Starlight shook her head. “Nope,” she replied, gritting her teeth. “Trixie’s treating the whole thing like a vacation! I keep telling her that she needs to take care of the students, but of course, she says that she doesn’t have to work now, so why bother? Ugh I hate her sometimes.”

“And Sunburst?”

Starlight frowned. “He can’t. Apparently, he’s one of the few adults who can still get sick from it.” After a small pause she continued, “Sunburst was going to volunteer here with me, but once they found out immunocompromised adults could still catch it, things changed. He got spooked pretty bad from that, too. Now he refuses to even leave the castle,” she explained.

“Can’t blame him,” Rainbow muttered, staring off into space. When everything started, she thanked her lucky stars she couldn’t catch it, but now all she wished for was to switch spots with Scootaloo.

It was strange. Never before had she cared so much for somepony else. Sure, she cared for her parents, and sure, she cared for Fluttershy too, but Scootaloo was different. She’d do anything to see that foal happy. Sure, they weren’t related by blood, but in Rainbow’s mind, Scootaloo was more of a little sister to her than any blood relative could ever wish to be.

As a tear began do develop in Rainbow’s eye, an all too familiar country accent called out to them. “Howdy, ya’ll,” Applejack hollered. She smiled brightly, without a care in the world. “Hope ya’ller havin a good mornin’!” She approached with a kick in her step. “Oh, and Rainbow! I’ve got some good news. Fluttershy told me ta tell ya she was able to get Scoot’s feedin’ tube in if ya showed up today. I would’ve told ya sooner, but after ya left in a fit yesterday I figured it’d be best ta let ya cool off a bit,” she laughed, scratching the back of her neck. “Good ta see yer back, though.”

“Screw you,” Rainbow seethed. Applejack recoiled. Before she could say anything, Rainbow stepped forward, putting an uncomfortably close distance between the two. Rainbow pushed her hoof into her chest, scolding, “You thought I wouldn’t find out about what happened, huh?”

Applejack glanced over at Starlight, who simply shrugged. Looking back to Rainbow, she stammered, “H-Hold your horseshoe there, sugar cube. I don’t know exactly what yer talkin’ bout but let’s just simmer down and talk it out, alright?”

Squinting her eyes at Applejack, Rainbow growled, “Apple Bloom! Your sister! That’s what I’m talking about!”

Raising an eyebrow, Applejack asked, “Huh? W-What about her?”

The anger in Rainbow’s face caused a vein to pulse in her forehead. “Your sister pushed Scoot into getting sick!”

“Say what now?” she asked, not believing what she just heard.

“Don’t play dumb with me!” Forcefully jabbing Applejack’s chest with a hoof, she shouted, “It was your birthday card she had her deliver!”

“Birthday card?” Applejack muttered, a chill running down her spine. She remembered seeing her card stuffed inside her saddle bag, but at the time she thought nothing of it. At least, nothing negative. There was a momentary pause before she pleaded, “R-Rainbow, you’ve gotta believe me- I-I had no idea-”

A loud crack sounded, breaking the serenity of the park. “That’s for screwing my sister’s life over,” Rainbow spat, her hoof pulling away from where it landed.

All Applejack thought to do was to look up at Rainbow, stunned by her friend’s punch. She felt a bead of blood trickle out her nose. “R-Rainbow,” Starlight gasped in horror. “What did you just do?”

“I’m leaving. Hope your sister gets what’s coming to her,” Rainbow said, not looking either pony in the eye. With a flare of her wings, she kicked off into the sky, leaving a cloud of dirt in her wake.

Coughing and waving the dust away, Applejack felt a hoof tugging at her. “Sweet Celestia, are you okay?” Starlight asked.

“Y-Yeah,” Applejack breathed. “Wasn’t expectin’ her ta hit me like that.” Once Starlight pulled her to her hooves, she realized her Stetson wasn’t resting on her head. Looking to where she fell, she saw it, crumpled beyond repair, and frowned. “Guess Imma need a new hat now.”

“Your hat? What about your nose?” Starlight fretted, nervously biting on the tip of her forehoof. “I-I think she broke it!”

Touching her nose, Applejack winced. “Yep. Broken,” she confirmed. Shaking her head, she complained, “First Granny’s hip, now my nose… That’s gonna hurt the bank a might.”

“C-Come on. Let’s get you to a doctor,” Starlight said, her eyes locked onto the injury.

***

Silver scrunched her eyes as she slowly woke up. Her headache wasn’t any better, but nothing seemed to be worse either. Groaning, her eyes fluttered open, looking up at the tent ceiling.

Shifting, she propped herself up and examined her surroundings. It looked to be early in the morning. Most were still asleep, and the sun barely shined in through the tent’s rear entrance.

One glance proved her friend Scootaloo to be fast asleep. “At least she’s getting some sleep,” she muttered under her breath.

Out of nowhere, she heard a loud whoosh come from the back entrance of the tent. Snapping her attention to the startling noise, she saw Rainbow walk in.

As Rainbow approached, Silver greeted, “Good morning, ma’am,” her voice small and frail. The mare didn’t look her in the eye, instead locking on to Scootaloo. “Oh, um, I don’t think Scootaloo’s going to wake up anytime soon. She was, um… She was having trouble sleeping last night. You know, because of the feeding tube.”

Frowning, Rainbow looked down at the ground. “Drat. I knew I should’ve stayed,” Rainbow muttered. Moving her gaze back to Scootaloo she spat, “Some sister I am.”

“Hey, um, I know it isn’t any of my business, but did something happen yesterday?” Silver asked, concerned. “You left so early, and you didn’t tell anypony why…”

Rainbow looked over to Silver. “Yeah, actually. Something did happen,” she admitted. “And it made me angry. Really angry. Still am, actually.” She choked down tears before giving an empty chuckle. “Sweet Celestia, what’s wrong with me? I’m talking to a child like she’s my shrink or something. I really am a loser.”

Sighing, Rainbow said, “Anyway, it’s not like any of that affects you.” She scratched the back of her neck. “So, uh, since Scoot’s going to be asleep for a while, you need me to get you anything?”

“Um, maybe you could get me a new pillow?” Silver requested. “I-If you don’t mind, that is.” Reaching back, she pulled the pillow in front of her. “It’s too warm, and it’s all lumpy now.”

“Yeah, sure thing,” Rainbow said, taking the pillow away. “I’ll be right back. Just hold tight.” She flared her wings and flew off out of the tent at brilliant speed. The tornado like sound following her caused Silver to cringe, along with most of the foals who were awake.

Silver rubbed her ear. “Oww,” she mumbled. She immediately spotted a foal glaring at her, holding a pillow around their ears. She blushed, mouthing, “Sorry.”

Sinking down, Silver’s head touched the mattress and she turned to her side.

By some miracle, Scootaloo still was fast asleep. Her chest slowly rose and fell as she breathed softly. Her hooves rested in front of her, one lightly touching the side of her nose without a tube. Her mouth was open slightly, a small bit of drool landing on her pillow. She seemed so peaceful.

A small smile grew on Silver’s face. Maybe things would be fine after all. At least, she hoped so.

***

“She did WHAT?” Rarity exclaimed, almost choaking on her tea. She leaned forward in her seat with her mouth agape.

Scratching the back of her neck, Applejack explained, “It was a real shocker, I tell ya.” Her voice sounded more nasally thanks to the splint she was given.

“A-Applejack, I’m so sorry,” Rarity apologized, using a cloth napkin to lightly dab away any spots of tea on her lips. “I-If I hadn’t let them outside to play, none of this-”

Applejack shook her head, assuring, “It ain’t yer fault, Rares, much as Dash wants it ta be. You were workin’ after all. Ain’t no way you’d be able ta watch them the whole time. Specially with those three.”

“Well yes,” Rarity conceded, lightly placing the napkin down on the kitchen table, “but I can’t just stand idly by! Our friend has fallen off the deep end! We need to fix this… somehow…”

She glanced out her kitchen window, looking out at the bright sunny day. Against the pale-blue sky and the green the grass she spotted a pale-yellow mare near a bush just outside her yard. Gasping, Rarity shouted, “That’s it!”

With haste, she undid the latch that locked the window shut, and pushed it open. Rarity leaned over to the window and shouted, “Fluttershy! Over here!”

The mare jumped, softly crying, “Eep!” A few white bunnies hopped into the bush as Fluttershy snapped her head to where the noise came from. Spotting her friend Rarity waving her down through the window, she quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

She carefully hovered over the white picket fence and over to the window. “Um, g-good morning,” Fluttershy greeted, softly landing in front of the window. She leaned on the window as Rarity sat back in her chair. “It’s good to-” She gasped. “Applejack! What happened to your nose?”

Looking down at her teacup which was still filled to the brim, Applejack rolled her eyes. “I’m never gonna get ta drink this, am I?” she complained. “Long story short, Dash and I got in a fight. It didn’t go too well.”

“Oh my,” Fluttershy commented. “Well, um, I’d like to hear more, but I’m supposed to be working at the tent right now, actually, so um-”

“Fluttershy wait,” Rarity exclaimed. “Just hear me out. Your boyfriend, Discord, he’ll do anything for you.”

Blushing, Fluttershy muttered, “Um, m-maybe, but we aren’t-”

“Exactly,” Rarity affirmed. “And Discord can do just about anything, right?” she asked insinuatingly, smirking. “So maybe Discord would be willing to do you a favor… say, curing somepony’s illness?”

Fluttershy looked over to Applejack with concern, before moving back to Rarity. “Um, sorry Rarity, but, um, I really don’t think he can,” she answered, dejectedly.

“But he’s Discord,” Rarity countered. “He’s the most powerful creature in the world, darling! Why, he can do things we can’t even comprehend! Surely he can fix one pony!”

Frowning Fluttershy shook her head, explaining, “Rarity, I already asked, and he said he couldn’t do it. He said it was because of something to do with Chrysalis’s throne, I think?”

“B-B-But-”

Applejack cut in, saying, “It ain’t happenin’ Rares. Ain’t nothin’ we can do about it.” As Rarity sunk in her seat, Applejack apologized, “Sorry we bothered ya.”

“Oh, it’s alright,” Fluttershy timidly assured. “Really, I enjoy talking to you two, but with how everything’s been going these days, I just don’t have the time. Um, you two enjoy your lunch.”

With a gasp, Rarity sat right back up in her chair. Beaming with renewed confidence, she exclaimed, “Wait! I just got an idea! Fluttershy, what was it you said again?”

Fluttershy, looking a tad flustered, repeated, “I said I don’t have time to-”

“There! That’s how we’ll make amends,” Rarity declared. “Rainbow’s too busy taking care of the other foals, right? So what if we lend a hoof? It won’t fix poor Scootaloo’s position, but it’ll give them time to be together, at least.”

Applejack and Fluttershy looked over to each other. “Rares, ya do realize we’ve got our own responsibilities ta deal with, right?” Applejack asked, the two mares looking back to Rarity.

“Besides,” Fluttershy added, “don’t you have an important meeting today? I know Rainbow needs our help, but-”

“Fancy Pants can wait,” Rarity interrupted. “And as for me, I’m determined to help our friend,” she declared, standing up with confidence. “By any means necessary!”

“And Sweetie Belle?” Applejack asked. “Yer watchin’ her today, remember?”

There was a small pause before Rarity ordered, “You take Sweetie Belle to our parents’ house. Fluttershy, meet me at the tent as fast as you can!”

Before Applejack could object, Rarity took off, trotting out of the kitchen with her head held high. Sighing, Applejack muttered, “Dagnabit, Rares. I don’t have time fer this.”

Reluctantly, Applejack stood up. “Guess I’ll see ya in an hour or so,” she said, looking back at Fluttershy. With that, she too left the kitchen, although her head wasn’t held so high.

***

She heard the doctor and the head nurse arguing as she approached his private tent. “We need to stop accepting foals from out of town,” nurse Red Heart shouted. “Let Canterlot burn for all I care. Serves that princess right!”

Pinkie Pie had asked her to deliver another stack of paperwork. Scootaloo was still asleep despite it being almost noon, so she agreed to do it, but she worried her sister would wake up without her by her side. That said, something caused her to stop before entering the tent in front of her. Curiosity or more anger, she wasn’t sure.

“Red Heart, we can’t just ignore them,” Dr. Horse disputed. “They need our help as much as our own.”

“They’ll die either way,” Red Heart huffed. “At least it’ll send a message to that purple-”

“Red Heart,” Dr. Horse scolded. “You are way out of line. I’ve told you once and I’ll tell you again, we are NOT abandoning Canterlot. I don’t care what you or my brother say, it’s better to treat them than let them suffer alone. Besides, mayor Mare has ordered us to. We can’t go against that.”

Nurse Red Heart groaned. “Stupid mare. I’m never voting for her again,” she declared.

Once the arguing stopped, Rainbow pushed through the entrance and made it inside. “Oh, Ms. Dash! You have more paperwork to deliver?” Dr. Horse asked, pretending nothing had happened.

“Yeah, I got it right here,” she replied, nudging the papers to show them off. “Same place as before?”

Smiling, Dr. Horse answered, “Actually, you can hoof them to me. I’ve got nothing better to do.” Rainbow obeyed the request without question, placing down the papers in front of the doctor. As she turned to leave, nurse Red Heart asked, “Ms. Dash, I know you have somewhere to be, but can we talk for a minute?”

Looking back, Rainbow could see the concern on the nurse’s face. She figured she knew where this was going. “Fine,” she reluctantly agreed. “But you better be willing to walk back to the main tent.”

Nurse Red Heart nodded and walked up to Rainbow. Together, they left Dr. Horse’s tent and began their travel back. A few seconds in, Red Heart asked, “So, nice weather we’re having today, aren’t we? Lot better than yesterday’s forecast, that’s for sure.”

Rolling her eyes, Rainbow stated, “Look, I know you’re here to scold me, okay? Let’s just get it over with.”

Raising an eyebrow, Red Heart asked, “Scold you?”

“You know, for Applejack,” Rainbow reminded. “The whole reason Applejack didn’t get to work today.”

“Ah, I forgot! The Zap apple harvest is today,” the nurse recalled. “Who’d have thought I’d forget something so special!” There was a moment of pause as Red Heart went from excited to confused again. “Wait, but why would I scold you? You’re not even involved in it.”

A pair of conflicting emotions came to Rainbow. On the one hoof, this wasn’t about that morning’s incident, but on the other hoof, she had to come up with something. And fast. “W-Why? Uh, well…” Rainbow scratched the back of her neck. “Uh, because… I’m not helping with it. Y-You know, Element of Loyalty and all,” she lied, awkwardly laughing at the end.

Nurse Red Heart shook her head, smiling. “Of course I’m not going to scold you for that,” she assured, bumping her foreleg against Rainbow’s side playfully. “I wouldn’t tell somepony what to do with their own life.” Rainbow wanted to counter by pointing out her argument with Dr. Horse but chose to stay silent.

Red Heart’s expression fell. “Actually, I just wanted to check up on you,” she admitted. “I’ve been meaning to for a while, but I never found the time. The other nurses talk bout how you’ve seemed so down lately- u-understandably so, of course.”

Rainbow slowed to a halt. Hearing a faint rustling sound, she looked over to a nearby bush. “U-Um, of course, you don’t have to tell me anything,” Red Heart informed. “I-I just thought I should check.”

Squinting, Rainbow tried looking around the leaves to see who or what made the noise. “I-If you don’t mind though, I am a bit curious about why you haven’t taken any days off lately. Y-You know, being you’re a Wonderbolt and all.”

Seeing nothing, Rainbow gave up and turned back to Red Heart. “Oh, yeah, I, uh, I quit,” she replied nonchalantly. Just then she heard a gasp come from the bush. Before she could turn around, she was tackled to the ground. Above her stood a wide-eyed, pink mare. “Ack! Pinkie,” Rainbow complained. “You nearly gave me a heart attack! W-what are you doing here, anyway?”

“Me?” Pinkie asked, looking down at Rainbow. “I was coming to get you, silly! You were taking so long, so I decided that I should come find you. Then I saw what I thought was a bit in that bush over there and went to check, but when I did you and Red Heart showed up and I didn’t want to interrupt anypony, so I just hid in the bush,” she explained. “But that doesn’t matter. You said you quit the Wonderbolts?”

Grumbling, Rainbow answered, “Duh. How do you think I’ve been able to work here without leaving once a week?”

“B-But… b-but…” Pinkie was at a loss for words. Finally, she exclaimed, “But wasn’t that your dream, Dashie? To become a Wonderbolt?”

Sighing, Rainbow asked, “So what? Scootaloo’s not going to get to live her dream. Why should I?” She looked down at the dirt road. “The Wonderbolts don’t need me anyway. At least I can help my sister now.”

“Dashie-”

“Hey, wait a minute,” Rainbow said, cutting Pinkie off. She looked directly in Pinkie’s eyes with a scowl. “If you’re here, then who the hay is watching over Scootaloo?”

Pinkie Pie smiled. “Oh, don’t worry. I got Rarity to do it,” she calmly explained.

“What?” Rainbow asked, sternly.

Giggling, Pinkie related, “Yeah! I was just as shocked as you! Turns out she came back into work today just to help you out. She even canceled a meeting with Fancy Pants!”

Rainbow gritted her teeth. “You left Rarity to watch over her?” she asked, her voice rough and full of spite.

“Mhm,” Pinkie confirmed. Just then, she felt her knees feel pinchy. She hastily jumped to the side as Rainbow zoomed up into the air at brilliant speed.

Flying above the two mares, Rainbow shouted, “Pinkie you idiot!” She took off, racing back to the tent as fast as possible. Pinkie managed to keep chase, so Rainbow yelled, “Don’t you remember what happened yesterday?”

Panting, Pinkie nodded, “Yes- *wheeze* but I- *wheeze* Can we slow down please?”

Rainbow ignored her, seeing the tent a few feet away. Making sure she wouldn’t crash into it, she hit the ground and skidded to a halt right in front of the back entrance. As Pinkie ran up, Rainbow entered.

“There you go, darling,” Rarity’s regal voice cooed. Rainbow spotted Rarity tending to Silver, placing a cold pillow under her head.

“Who the heck do you think you are,” Rainbow shouted, running up to Rarity. Silver and Rarity both jumped at the shouting, their attention snapping to her. “I thought I made it clear I didn’t want to EVER see you again!”

As Pinkie ran in behind Rainbow, Rarity explained, “W-wait! I just wanted to help you-”

“I DON’T WANT YOUR HELP,” Rainbow shouted. Almost the entire tent was now looking over at Rainbow, some pulling their pillows over their ears to muffle the shouting. “I don’t need your help! You’re the one who ruined EVERYTHING!”

Before Rarity could get out a word, Pinkie shouted, “Duck!” Just as she registered Pinkie’s warning, Rainbow lunged at her. She dodged just in time, causing Rainbow to land face first into the ground. Taking the opportunity, she attempted to flee, only to fall to the ground herself as she tripped over Rainbow.

Rainbow growled, turning towards her. Rarity scrambled backward, her back nudging the foot of Scootaloo’s bed.

She knew she stood no chance with an athlete. All Rarity could do now was shake in fear as Rainbow fumbled her way up again. Rainbow stomped towards her, rage blinding the mare. She clenched her eyes shut, preparing to get hit. Then a small, weak grumble came from above her.

Rainbow froze and looked up. Scootaloo yawned as she propped herself up, her eyes fluttering open. “What’s with all the noise?” Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she attempted to look over at somepony and saw nothing.

All three mares were now peering at Scootaloo, who looked through them. The filly began to blink, rubbing her eyes again, only to look back at nothing. She began to hyperventilate. “I-I c-can’t see,” she stuttered. She clawed at her eyes, blinking faster and faster, but only a black void met her gaze. “I can’t see!”

Rainbow fumbled her way over, pulling the clawing hooves away from Scootaloo’s face. “H-Hang on, Scoot,” Rainbow said, putting a hoof on her shoulder. “Pinkie, get a stretcher!”

“A what?” Scootaloo frantically asked.

“We’re on it,” Pinkie accepted. She pulled Rarity to her hooves and dragged her out the tent, running to get what Rainbow asked for.

Scootaloo was now in tears, trying to move her eyes in hopes of seeing something. “A-A-Am I going to die?” Scootaloo asked, her voice strained and shaking.

Enveloping her in a hug, Rainbow cooed, “D-Don’t worry kid. You’ll be fine. I promise.”

Rainbow’s heart raced a mile a minute. “T-That’s you, right? Um, R-Rainbow?”

Nodding despite Scootaloo being unable to see it, Rainbow assured, “I’m here, kid. I’m right here.”

As Scootaloo continued to sob, Rainbow looked out the back entrance. Hurry!

Author's Note

Aaand there's stage 4a! As the title of the chapter implies, there will be a stage 4b as well, coming out sometime in the future (I still have to write it). I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and have a lovely day! :scootangel:

Stage 2

She felt a sour feeling in her stomach as she approached the main medical tent. Her knees felt weak, about to collapse again. “Not this time,” she muttered.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed through into the tent. An excited gasp immediately followed, causing Rainbow to flinch. Oh no. “Dashie!” She wearily looked over, only to be attacked with a hug by the pink party pony. “Dashie! You’re back,” Pinkie exclaimed.

Rainbow immediately noticed a few of the nearby foals cringe at the noise. “Good to see you too, Pinkie,” she replied in monotone. As Pinkie’s hug continued, she began trying to squirm out.

“I’m so so SO happy you’re here! I mean, I wasn’t even sure if you’d come back,” Pinkie explained. “I saw Rarity yesterday and I was like, ‘aren’t you supposed to be on a business trip today?’ And then she said that she was covering your shift, and when I asked why, she explained that you fainted, and I was like, ‘WHAT?’ And so Rarity explained that your little sister caught the virus and I got sooooo worried! And-”

“OKAY, I GET IT,” Rainbow shouted, her face blushing as red as a tomato. Great, she thought. Now everypony’ll think of me as some frail, fainting looser. Looking to the side, she huffed, “Thanks a lot, Rarity.”

“I’ll be sure to tell Rarity how grateful you are,” Pinkie said chipperly, Rainbow rolling her eyes in response. “So, I guess since your back, Rarity won’t have to take up your shift this morning. Hey! Maybe she could still make the business trip!”

Pinkie finally released Rainbow from the squeezing hug. “I’ll go tell Rarity about the good news. In the meantime, maybe you could drop this off for me?”

The pink mare pulled out a pink envelope coated in glitter addressed to Dr. High Horse that she somehow stuffed into her frizzy mane. “Uh, sure,” Rainbow said, wincing. She grabbed the letter carefully, trying not to get any excess glitter on her hooves. So much glitter.

With that, the pink mare ran off, shouting, “See you soon, Dashie!” Rainbow couldn’t help but feel sorry for the poor foals who got stuck with Pinkie taking care of them. It wasn’t that she was a poor caretaker, not that she was great either, but her shouting must’ve made the foals want to rip their ears off. She couldn’t imagine how loud it must’ve sounded to them.

Sighing, Rainbow began walking to the tent’s exit, following the glittered tracks Pinkie left behind. As the sun came back into view, Rainbow departed from the tracks, heading for Dr. Horse’s private tent.

Walking through the hastily made medical grounds, she spotted dozens of volunteer nurses, cooks, custodians, and a bunch of others. When she made it to the center, she saw two ponies sitting near the statue of Ponyville’s first mayor.

The pony closest to her coddled a crying stallion. Both were wearing titanium white aprons contrasted with black, ominous splotches sporadically flung atop. Morgue ponies. She felt a pit in her stomach. No matter how many times she saw them there, she always felt queasy.

Either way, she didn’t have time to observe. Passing the statue and the two ponies, Rainbow trudged onward to her goal. When she got close to the tent, she heard Dr. Horse talking with Nurse Red Heart.

“Our beds are getting filled fast,” Red Heart complained. “Those foals from Canterlot spread it faster than we can handle.”

“Red Heart, I’m trying to get more beds, but-” Dr. Horse stopped as Rainbow entered. “Oh.” Clearing his throat, he relaxed in his chair. “Ms. Dash. Welcome back,” he greeted. “Did you need something?”

“Just came to drop this… thing off for Pinkie,” Rainbow informed, holding out the glitter coated letter. “Uh, do you want me to place it somewhere, or…”

The doctor smiled. “Just place it over there,” he said, gingerly pointing to a metal letter tray. Nodding, Rainbow walked over to the tray, placing the letter down carefully. Looking over, she saw the doctor continuing his conversation with Red Heart. “Like I was saying, I’m trying to get more beds, but we’re running out of funds.”

“Then princess Twilight needs to give us more,” Red Heart retorted. “We’re taking care of Ponyville AND Canterlot foals! She needs to increase funding!”

“Now, now, Red Heart, you can’t go blaming her. She’s got a whole country to take care of, not just us,” Dr. Horse countered. “Besides, there’s only so much the princess can give.”

“Oh please. She’s just too preoccupied to worry about peasants like us,” Red Heart huffed. “Princess Celestia would’ve given us plenty had she stayed in power.”

Seeing tension in the air, Rainbow backed out the tent, hearing the bickering continue as she exited. It felt so alien to hear her friend diminished to a mere role. It made her mad. Twilight was more than that.

She shook her head. She had no time to dwell on the matter. She had a sister to see.

***

As she woke up, Scootaloo felt a dull, familiar pain emanating from the center of her forehead. She grumbled, not even bothering to open her eyes.

It was at that moment that she noticed how loud everything sounded. The day prior, she could tell it was heightened, but today was different. She could hear almost the whole tent now, in fairly clear detail, which only added to her ongoing headache.

She sighed, just lying there. She felt so lonely. They had placed her on the far-left side of the tent, the head of her bed pressed up against the tent’s left wall. To her right was a teenager, roughly 14 years of age. Despite him being only a few years older, she felt awkward talking to him.

To her left, was just an empty bed. There was a foal there when she first arrived. He was about the age of 6, and hadn’t gotten his cutie mark yet. She tried to strike up a conversation with him, but he was in too much pain. By the afternoon, they had moved him out of the tent. With nopony to talk to, she just laid there, bored to tears for the rest of the day.

“Morning, Scoot,” a raspy voice greeted. Scootaloo’s eyes fluttered open, and she sat up.

Gasping, she called, “Rainbow! You’re here!” Scootaloo’s face beamed with joy. She opened her forelegs wide, hugging Rainbow as best she could. Her back was sore from lying around all day, but she pushed past it. She needed to greet her big sister.

Rainbow gave a quiet chuckle, replying, “Good to see you too, kid.” After pulling away, she asked, “You get enough sleep last night? I know these beds aren’t the comfiest.”

“Huh?” Scootaloo blinked. “Yeah, I-I think I got enough.”

“You sure about that?” Rainbow smiled as a clearly exhausted Scootaloo nodded. “Anyway, I, uh, got some food for you.” Turning around, she picked up a plastic bowl full of warm, rolled oats and shiny red raspberries. “It tastes… eh, but it’s at least healthy.”

Gleefully, Scootaloo grabbed the bowl from Rainbow, taking a bite using the metal spoon stuck in it. As she swallowed, she stifled a gag. Bad was an understatement. It was sticky, and thick, and not even the raspberries could add enough flavor.

Rainbow nervously laughed, teetering off at the end. Scratching the back of her neck, she replied, “Sorry I couldn’t get you something tastier.” She looked back to the cart of meals behind her. “I’ve gotta deliver more meals, but I’ll be sure to visit you soon, kay?”

“O-Oh,” Scootaloo frowned. “Well, uh, I guess I’ll see you later.” Her big sister smiled and gave an affirmative nod, before pushing the cart away.

She felt her stomach grumble. “Guess I’m eating this,” she mumbled.

Lifting the spoon, she slurped up another bite, grimacing. The bite was just as bad but had a more somber tone. She thought about how alone she’d feel. How, for the rest of her life, she’d be stuck eating disgusting meals and lying in an uncomfortable bed without anypony to talk to. At least she had her sister.

“Ugh, who made this?” A voice came from the bed she thought to be abandoned. Looking over, she was shocked to see it had been filled once again. The filly in the bed looked over to her. “Oh, good morning,” she greeted happily. “Long time no see!”

“Silver Spoon?” Scootaloo asked in disbelief. “What are you doing here?”

“Hm?” Silver hummed, swallowing another bite of oats. “I tested positive last night,” she explained. “Father noticed I had a cough and tested me before bed. Guess it was a good call, seeing I’m here now.”

Confused, Scootaloo asked, “Where was I?”

“I think you were sleeping when they brought me in. It was pretty late in the night after all.” Silver Spoon took yet another bite.

“How late was it?”

Silver giggled. “3 AM,” she replied, her mouth still full of oats.

Scootaloo’s eyes shot open. “Three in the morning? Why were you up so late?”

Swallowing, she answered, “I would’ve gotten here sooner if father didn’t berate mother for so long. See, I had a bad headache that day, so by about 10 o’clock I was too exhausted to stay up. Father wanted to test me before bed, but mother said it wasn’t necessary. I let him test me anyway, just so he wouldn’t worry. That’s when the argument started. I ended up taking a nap while they were yelling at each other.”

Furrowing her brow, Scootaloo said, “Wait. So, instead of rushing you here, they sat and argued for five hours?”

“Technically, it was four and a half, and I’m not sure if it was the whole time, but yeah, close enough,” Silver replied nonchalantly. “After they were done, they woke me up and carried me here.”

“Dang,” Scootaloo commented. “Why were they arguing for so long?”

Silver sighed, taking a break from the bad oats. A sudden look of tiredness rolled over her face. “Mother and father have been arguing a lot lately. Honestly, I think they might be getting a divorce soon.”

Left speechless, all Scootaloo could do was wait for Silver to continue. “It started a while ago,” Silver continued. “I don’t know what happened, but I remember mother being extremely angry at father for a few weeks. Father ended up sleeping on one of our sofas down in the lounge.”

“But it was only for a few weeks, right?” Scootaloo asked, wearily.

Nodding, Silver explained, “For a while, everything calmed, but then it started up again, just a week ago. At least I don’t have to hear it anymore.”

The silence was deafening. Unfortunately, not deafening enough, it seemed. Scootaloo’s head began to pound harder due to the auditory overload. She grumbled, rubbing her head. “Are you alright?” Silver asked.

“Huh?” Scootaloo slowly shifted her attention back to Silver. She hid her pain with a smile. “Oh, uh, don’t worry about it. Just a little headache.”

“Oh, okay,” Silver replied. Her eyes locked onto the nearly untouched bowl of oats. “Say, are you gonna eat that?”

Scootaloo blinked. “Huh?” She looked down at the bowl she held. “You want these?” she asked. “I thought you said you didn’t like them.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” Silver corrected. “These oats are worse than those flavorless crumbs they serve on Restaurant Row, but I need to eat.”

She looked back down at the bowl of oats, feeling her own stomach growl. Despite how gross they were, she too felt hungry. “Actually, I think I better eat these,” she answered. “Sorry.”

Suddenly, Scootaloo felt her body grow hot. As sweat began to surface, her face reddened. Huffing, she asked, “Uh, did it just get hotter in here?”

Silver Spoon put a hoof to her chin. “I don’t think so,” she returned. “Why? Are you hot?”

“I-” Just as quick as it started, the sudden hot flash subsided, leaving her feeling chilled. She shivered, the low wind in the tent scraping against her. “N-N-Not anymore,” she muttered.

A few more seconds passed as her body’s temperature evened. She exhaled in relief, her face relaxing. “What in Equestria was that?” she wondered aloud, scooping up a spoonful of oats.

The third taste proved to be no different from the prior, but it filled her up just a bit more. “It sounded like you were having a hot flash,” Silver chimed.

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. “Is that bad?”

There was a small pause as Silver chewed oats. “Not sure. It’s probably not good, though.” Looking around the tent, she suggested, “Maybe you should ask one of the nurses.”

“Huh.” A seed of worry grew in her mind. It’s gotten worse, hasn’t it, she thought. The bitter flavor and the idle chatter couldn’t distract her any longer. The futility had crept back into her. “Hey, Silver,” she asked, hesitantly. “Do you know what happens when you…”

She couldn’t find the guts to finish. In the back of her mind, she figured there wasn’t anything behind that big red curtain called life. Just dust and shattered dreams. But acknowledging that empty void? That’s something she just couldn’t do. Not now, anyway.

Biting her tongue, she disguised her fear with a different, equally troubling question. “Do you remember what happened with Diamond?” she asked frowning.

Silver’s attention peaked. “Diamond,” she mumbled. Soon after, she half-laughed. “You know, that’s the first time in ages since I’ve actually thought of her.”

Another pause came as she took a moment to munch on her oats. Silver stared into them, swirling the bowl’s contents with her spoon. “Guess I’m a pretty bad friend, seeing I hear that name so often,” she concluded.

Scootaloo shook her head. “It’s not your fault,” she consoled. “Everything’s been so hectic these past few months.”

“Why did they have to call it that, though?” Silver asked. “I mean, every time somepony says her name, all I think about is-”

“The virus?” Scootaloo concluded. “I think they called it that since she was the first to have it.”

Breaking her gaze with the bowl, Silver Spoon looked up at her bed neighbor. “Can we not talk about this?” she asked, regret in her eyes.

Eyes locked to one another, both realized their conversation had aged like milk. “Y-Yeah,” Scootaloo mumbled, diverting her focus back to her bowl.

Soon, the two grew silent, eating without interruption. Just like that, she was back to square 1 again. Alone with no one to talk to. Please come back soon.

Author's Note

Stage 2 has been completed! Hope everypony enjoyed. :pinkiehappy: For those who may have noticed, I changed the description of this story. I accidentally said it was only one month instead of eight months since Twilight's coronation. My bad.

Anyway, stay tuned for Stage 3, and have a lovely day! :heart: