Rainbow Dash shifted uneasily on the bench, her gaze flicking between the park’s pathways and the sleeping mare beside her. Applejack’s head was still nestled against her shoulder, her steady breathing soft and rhythmic. On the surface, it seemed peaceful, but Rainbow couldn’t shake the nagging feeling in her chest. AJ had been out for way too long.

Her mind raced. Should she wake her? Let her rest? She’d seen Applejack push herself too hard before, but this was different. She looked utterly drained, and even though Rainbow didn’t want to disturb her, she also didn’t want to risk something being seriously wrong.

As she wrestled with her decision, a familiar purple and green figure appeared in the distance. Spike was heading toward her, and Rainbow’s heart sank. Great timing, she thought sarcastically. Quickly, she shifted Applejack so she was leaning against the bench instead of her shoulder. Slipping her sunglasses back on, Rainbow straightened up, trying to look casual.

Spike approached with a concerned expression. “Hey, Rainbow Dash. Is AJ alright? Apple Bloom’s worried about her, and I promised I’d come back with an update.”

Rainbow forced a grin, though her stomach churned. “Oh, yeah! Totally fine. She’s just, uh... takin’ a power nap. Y’know how hard she works. Right, AJ?”

As if on cue, Applejack let out a loud snore.

Spike crossed his arms, unimpressed. “That doesn’t exactly scream ‘totally fine,’ Dash. If I go back and tell Apple Bloom that Applejack’s okay and it turns out she’s not, you’re gonna have a very upset little filly to answer to.”

Rainbow’s grin faltered, and she tugged at her collar. “Look, she’s just tired, alright? She’s been workin’ nonstop—classic AJ stuff. I’ll keep an eye on her, promise.”

Spike sighed, shaking his head. “Alright, but if you’re wrong...”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Rainbow muttered, gently pushing him in the direction he came from. “Go tell Apple Bloom everything’s fine. I’ll handle this.”

As Spike disappeared down the path, Rainbow let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She glanced back at Applejack, who was still fast asleep, her hat tipped forward over her eyes.

“Don’t worry, farmer girl,” Rainbow said softly, brushing a strand of hay-colored mane out of AJ’s face. “I’ve got you.”

Despite her words, Rainbow’s mind continued to swirl with doubt. She leaned back against the bench, letting Applejack’s head rest against her shoulder again. If AJ needed rest, then Rainbow was going to make sure she got it, even if it meant staying here all day.

Meanwhile, back at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom paced restlessly around her room. Every step sent a dull ache through her legs, but she couldn’t sit still. Her worry for Applejack was gnawing at her, and the wait for Spike’s return felt unbearable.

What if something’s really wrong? The thought made her stomach churn. Applejack was always so strong, but even the strongest ponies had their limits. Apple Bloom couldn’t shake the image of her sister working herself to exhaustion, too stubborn to ask for help.

When Spike finally walked through the door, Apple Bloom nearly tripped over herself rushing to greet him.

“Spike! Thank goodness. Is she okay?”

Spike hesitated, his smile a little too forced to be comforting. “Uh, yeah, I think so? Rainbow Dash didn’t seem entirely sure, but she said she’s keeping an eye on AJ.”

Apple Bloom blinked, her brow furrowing. “Rainbow Dash didn’t seem sure?”

Spike rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, she said Applejack was just tired, but you know how Rainbow gets when she’s trying to play it cool.”

Apple Bloom considered this for a moment before nodding. “I trust Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo says she’s got a good head on her shoulders, and I’ve seen it myself. If Rainbow says Applejack’s fine, then I’m sure she is.”

Spike let out a relieved sigh and plopped back into the chair by Apple Bloom’s bed. “That’s good to hear. Now, you should probably get back in bed. You’re still recovering, and the last thing anypony needs is you getting sicker.”

Apple Bloom frowned but reluctantly climbed back into bed. “I still don’t know what was in that pie I ate. Whatever it was, it sure knocked me for a loop. Feels like it’s been eatin’ away at my sanity!”

Spike chuckled. “Well, whatever it was, you’re on the mend now. Just rest up, and leave the worrying to me, okay?”

Apple Bloom nodded, but as she lay back against her pillows, her thoughts drifted to her sister. She trusted Rainbow Dash, sure, but she also knew how stubborn Applejack could be.

Please be okay, AJ, she thought as her eyes fluttered closed.

Author's Note

First five chapters. Thought I might as well publish them and see where it goes. Planning on working on future chapters today. I now they are a little short, but I am able to do lots of them in a short amount of time.