Chapter One - Waking and Rememberance
June 22, 4 Years Since Nightmare Moon's Return. Ponyville Hospital.
"Rainbow Dash? A-are you awake?"
"How is she, doctor?"
"Not in very good condition, but she did better than that pink mare she was with."
Blink.
Rainbow Dash opened her eyes slowly. It was blindingly white, and very, very quiet. Her eyes adjusted, and she could make out machines and a few other ponies there with her.
"Twi...light? That you? Where... am I?" she groaned. She didn't feel very good, and her voice matched up with that. She felt like something was... missing.
"Rainbow! Thank Celestia, you're okay." Rainbow could make out Twilight's face. She's been crying and her mane was all tousled. "You're in the hospital. The emergency room, to be exact. How do you feel? Can you remember anything?"
Rainbow leaned her head back in thought, trying to think about what happened, but no dice. "I could feel better... Twi. But no, what h-happened to m-me?"
The doctor answered instead. "Fluttershy, I believe, found you and a pink mare out about a mile away from Ponyville. You both are in devastating condition."
Rainbow Dash hadn't even noticed the shy butter-colored mare standing in the corner. Fluttershy kept sniffing and wiping her face, as if to rid it of tears, although it wasn't working. She was looking down at the ground, up at the ceiling, at the walls... anywhere but Rainbow.
"F-fluttershy?"
Fluttershy brought her head up and her eyes met Dash's.
"Pinkie Pie is... dead."
Fluttershy's tears began to fall like rain to the ground beneath her. Every drop made a little puddle on the floor on which she stood upon. Rainbow just sat there, awestruck, staring at her two friends. Twilight just stopped looking any both of them, and stared at the floor.
"Pinkie... is... dead?" she said, barely able to get the words past her lips. She was too shocked to even cry. Rainbow sank back into her bed, her mouth agape. She was half expecting the pink mare to pop into the room, yelling Surprise! Just kidding! You should see the look on your face! But she knew it wouldn't happen. It would happen ever again.
Twilight sighed, then looked up at her friends. Her tears kept falling. They'd been waiting for Rainbow to wake up for an hour, at least, all the while being convinced that she was dead, just like their other friend... Pinkie Pie. She had remembered frantically dragging Spike out of bed, then just leaving him at home when he was complaining about how he said he had to feed Peewee. She also remembered dragging Pinkie's body along, then scooping her up on her back when the road started getting rocky. Twilight could also remember her final words... "Thank... you... Twilight. I'll miss you."
Fluttershy sniffed loudly, bringing attention to herself, although she didn't care. She was a main source of the problem in all of it. It had seemed like they had been trying to prank her, but it just ended up... like this. Her eye gave a little twitch, and she thought back to what happened.
She was the one who had to drag Rainbow Dash to the hospital. The weather team pegasus was very fit, making her somewhat heavy to carry, because of her muscles. It was better than carrying Pinkie though, because everypony knew what she ate all day. There was even one time when she promoted herself to a professional cake eater and spent a week eating nothing but cake, much to Mr. and Mrs. Cake's disappointment.
Twilight broke the silence. "Rainbow, I'm... we're so sorry..."
The cyan pegasus nodded, a few tears beginning to drop down her face. She stopped looking at her friends, and glanced at the doctor for a minute, who was standing at the doorway awkwardly. He was staring out into the hall. Dash frowned, then noticed Fluttershy starting to slowly walk towards the door.
"Dash... we're going to leave now, okay?" she muttered.
"Yeah, we'll see you later. I got you a Daring Do book in case you get bored later... You know, being in a hospital and all," Twilight said, trying to give a reassuring grin, although it wasn't working. "Just make sure you get some sleep."
Rainbow didn't say anything, but she watched as the two mares and doctor walked out of the room. She was about to fall asleep, but a head of a nurse popped into the room.
"Do you need anything, Rainbow Dash? Like a drink or something?"
"No, but thanks... I guess."
The nurse's head disappeared, but a hoof returned and shut off the light, then vanished too. Rainbow sat alone in her room, mostly under a blanket and her head hurting badly. She flopped over onto her stomach, trying once more to remember what happened earlier.
Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall, learn to face your fears...
"Huh? Who's there?" Rainbow Dash said, glancing around the room. She rubbed her head once more, as if she was just imagining it.
You'll see that they can't hurt you, just laugh and make them disappear...
"Where are you? Show yourself!" Dash shouted. Her eyes narrowed and she crossed her forelegs angrily. She threw the blanket off of her, as if ready to fight, although she was in no condition to do so.
Ha.
Rainbow grimaced.
Ha!
She flinched, then threw the blanket back over her head.
HA!
"STOP IT!" she cried, huddling underneath the mass of blankets and bed sheets.
"Rainbow Dash! What in Equestria is wrong?"
"Huh?" she moaned.
Rainbow peeled the blankets off of her head, revealing herself to a pair of frantic nurses.
"Rainbow. I said, what is WRONG?"
"Y-y-you... singing... laughing... y-"
The first nurse cut her off. "I don't know what you're talking about, but there wasn't any singing. Or laughing, for that matter." The second nodded in agreement.
"B-but..." Rainbow said, stuttering. "Y-you didn't hear that?"
"Rainbow Dash," said the nurse, putting on a serious face, but still eying her with concern, "You need to get some rest. It was just your imagination. Please just relax."
Rainbow sighed, then finally nodded. "Yeah, sure. Just my imagination..." She groaned, then set he blankets back the way there were. Rainbow flopped down in her bed, mustering a half-hearted "Thanks." then watching as the ponies looked her over one last time.
The nurses finally left, turning off the light but leaving the door open a little so Dash could see. Rainbow turned over in her bed, shutting her eyes and slowly nodding off to sleep.
June 27, 4 Years N.M.R. Ponyville Hospital.
Rainbow awoke to the touch of somepony shaking her awake. She blinked a few times, groaned, then slowly sat up, letting her eyes adjust to the bright lights of the hospital bed room. It'd be hard to adapt to.
"Rainbow, darling, are you awake yet? We came to see you, dear! Come on, wake up!" The voice sounded musical, and kind of depressed at the same time. Rainbow could make out Rarity, who was standing there looking up at her with concern.
"R-rarity? You came to visit?"
"Yeah, sugarcube. So did I." You could hear a faint sniff in between some of the words.
Rainbow turned her head to the back of the room, making out the farmer, who was trying to wear a smile. Applejack looked the same as always, wearing her trusty hat and her mane and tail tied up. Rarity, however, seemed to get ready in a rush or in distress, because her mane was simply unfashionable or even dreadful. Rainbow brightened up a little inside, however, noticing how Rarity wanted to spend more time with her friend rather than on her appearance.
"Glad to see that y'all are awake. How ya' feelin', partner?"
Rainbow rubbed her head a few times, grimacing. She didn't really feel that spectacular, but she couldn't exactly say that. "I'm okay, thanks. How are you two?"
"I'm fine, dearie. Thanks for asking," Rarity replied.
"Same here."
"Ooh, me too, me too!"
Rainbow jumped at the sound of a familiar voice. "P-pinkie...?" she muttered, then shook her head.
"What was that, darling?" Rarity asked, looking at her thoughtfully.
"Oh, nothing. I was just gonna say..." Rainbow tried to come up with something. "I was gonna say how nice of you guys to come and visit!"
"Ah, it was nothin', sugarcube. We actually had tah get permission from the doctor to come and visit ya', but here we are." Applejack grinned. Rarity nodded, wearing the same smile.
"Yeah! Yeah! But we were super-duper worried about y-"
Rainbow wondered if they had helped take her and Pinkie to the hospital. They probably hadn't, considering how far away from Fluttershy they lived. Pinkie actually lived the closest, but she couldn't exactly help carry herself. Rainbow Dash noticed how Rarity and Applejack were standing there awkwardly. They hadn't seemed to be crying. Rainbow frowned a little, because Pinkie was their friend too. They weren't directly involved, but still...
"How're Twi and Shy doing?" Rainbow asked, breaking the silence. She didn't really feel in a talking mood, but it was better than sitting in complete silence.
"They're well. They both were busy today though. Twilight had a friendship report to do, though, and Fluttershy had to take care of... Gummy... today. She was going to read up about how to take care of baby alligators, so she didn't have time to come and visit. However, she did say that she'd like to see you next week, if that was okay with you," Rarity said. She started sounding a bit choked up, like she had been sobbing earlier.
At the mention of Gummy, Rainbow sat up a little, stifling her tears. It was too much. "Oh yeah, it's okay. I'd love to see her again. Maybe all five... four... of you could come down together?"
Even if some of them didn't care, then they could at least act like it.
"Sounds like a plan. Ah'm sure ah'd have some free time to come and visit ya'." Applejack put on a moderately happy face.
At least these two had somewhat of an excuse. They both had little sisters to take care of. Speaking of which... Who's gonna take care of Scoots? Rainbow thought. She isn't legally mine, but she does live at my house... I hope somepony can take care of her. Probably Applejack, with the Cutie Mark Crusaders club house at their farm and all. Rarity couldn't stand Scootaloo, and I'm sure Fluttershy and Twilight would have a breakdown after spending a night with the kid.
"And I as well, certainly." Rarity's voice pulled her out of her trance.
"Great!" Rainbow said, smiling insincerely. Something to look forward to. Something to keep her mind off of...her. Pinkie's death still seemed made up. It seemed like something that wouldn't - couldn't - happen. Like somepony made it up so that they had an excuse for why... say... she had to work overtime at her job or something.
So, end of chapter one. Like it? Hate it? Want to marry it? Well, tell me in the comments. Chapter 2 is coming soon (if I can get around to it.)
July 4, 4 Years N.M.R. Ponyville Hospital.
It was 3 a.m. of the next week, the morning of which Rainbow Dash was to meet her friends. She recounted their names in her head, her drowsiness making her forget minor things. She blinked a few times, then groggily looked up at the window. The bright light of the moon cut through her room, making a slash of color through the middle of the room as if a scythe had been slashed through it. She yawned.
Why am I... up this late? she thought, rubbing her eyes with her hooves. I gotta get some sleep so I can see my friends later... She blinked a few more times, her eyes slowly easing shut. Don't wanna... be half asleep... when they... get... here... Rainbow Dash grunted, then rolled over in her bed.
She was now facing a blue picture frame and a letter. The picture was of her and her five... four... four friends, all standing together. They had been in a movie theater, all dressed up. Rainbow smiled at the memory. It had seemed like it had been ages ago.
She slowly reached her hoof out and picked up the parchment. It had been from Twilight, and she received it earlier today from a passing nurse. She hadn't taken the time to read it yet, but she knew that Twilight would be mad at her if she didn't. Rainbow reached over once more and flicked on the lamp, which cast a warm, gentle glow across the room. Dash held the parchment up, scanning the pages, her eyelids half closed.
Accident... Pinkie... Fluttershy owning Gummy... Same old, same old. she thought, then flinched. How could I think that?! Even after all that happened...! Rainbow heaved a sigh, then picked up the paper and angrily set it on the table. She then put out the light, although it was more of a punch out, and tossed over in the bed, noticing all the crinkles in the bed sheet as they folded to and fro over her hooves.
Tears silently fell down her face, dropping onto the sheets beside her. It was still too much. She still couldn't bear the loss of her friend. Sniffing a few times, she threw the blanket over her head. It smelled of fresh linen, and was slightly warm, as if it had just come out of the drier. Just like her little stuffed animals, back a home.
Rainbow grinned, thinking of that embarrassing situation. She especially thought of her little Wonderbolts doll, which she had won in a flight tricks contest when she was just a little-bitty filly. It was modeled after Spitfire. She also had a Soarin' and Fleetfoot at home, too. They all sat in a shelf above her bed, and she would hug them every night before she fell off to sleep. She gave a quiet sigh, wishing she had one here now to hug and fall asleep next to. She certainly needed some comfort lately.
She had gone a week without any visits, because the doctors said she was actually getting a bit worse. Her vital signs were slowly dropping, and she became more and more drowsy as the days went on. Because of this, the whole meeting was canceled, but they were allowing two to come in. It only made sense that Twilight and Fluttershy came, because they didn't have any pressing matters and they were actually somewhat involved.
Rainbow Dash sunk deep down into her bed, but as she did, she heard a little thunk! at her door. She leaned over so that she could get a better look. A envelope lay on the floor in front of the entry. She laid there for a minute, glaring at it, but she unfortunately didn't have any ways to levitate things, and finally sighed, got up, grabbed it, turned on the light, and studied it. It was written in a somewhat fancy styled handwriting, but not Princess Celestia fancy. Spike. That meant Twilight. Rainbow sighed, then cautiously opened the envelope. She'd been getting nonstop letters from Twi as of late.
Dear Rainbow D.~
How're things at the hospital? It's okay over here. None of us are very happy, though. You should know why, right? The Cakes haven't been fending too well. Applejack has the hardest job right now, being a full time job bucking apples, watching Applebloom, Scootaloo (because you asked her), Sweetie Belle (Rarity was busy with an order), Pumpkin Cake, and Pound Cake (since she was the only one available to watch them). It must be hard and all, watching five baby ponies. I have to take care of one dragon and one baby phoenix, and that's pretty hard by itself.
Anyways, Pinkie's loss departure accident has taken quite a toll on us. Have you been able to remember anything yet?
Fluttershy has been all cooped up in her cottage lately. She doesn't even answer the door any more, and Angel does it for her. She seems really really torn apart. I wish she could give us some more info, but no luck. She only permits entrance to Rarity and I. I guess she doesn't really want to spend time with Applejack or any pony else because she isn't really that acquainted with them, you know?.
It's a bit funny, isn't it? Like how we're the Elements of Harmony, but some of us don't really know the others very well. Fluttershy and Applejack, for instance. Or Applejack and I. Actually, really only you and Pinkie know knew Applejack well. But, say, Rarity and Applejack? No way. Friend circles can be a bit odd.
Rainbow Dash flipped to the next paper. There were three in all. This one was written a bit different, as if Spike might've stopped and Twilight continued.
By the way, how are those Daring Do books? Spike said the other day that he might take up reading as a hobby, but I don't know. He doesn't seem like he has the fitting personality. Then again, he doesn't seem like he'd be into sports. What does he like? I'll have to ask.
Oh, by the way... when the Cakes were clearing out Pinkie Pie's room, they found an old letter written by her, it seems. I've already read it, but I've enclosed it so you may do the same. It seems that she was hoping to give some stuff to us, like presents? I can remember one time when I visited myself from the future (remember that? It's a bit comical now, when you think about it) and everypony was freaking out. I remember visiting Madame Pinkie Pie so she could tell me my fortune. She said that I was going to get a 'really awesome birthday present' from her, or something like that. Maybe that's what she meant. Then again, maybe not. You could never really know with a crazy pony like her. Maybe that's why we loved her.
Well, it's getting late, and Spike has drifted off to sleep. I'll see you tomorrow, hopefully. Goodbye,
Twilight Sparkle.
Rainbow smiled, happy she was getting contact from her friends. Well, make that one one friend sending stuff. She put her hoof in the envelope once more, and an old dusty piece of paper fell out and landed on her blanket. If Twilight wasn't such a cleaning fiend, there would've been twenty layers of dust on the thing. Rainbow carefully opened it, trying not to let it rip.
Pinkie Pie~
Hey there, self! It's fun writing letters.
Present list for my friends:
Vinyl: Glasses.
AJ: Boots!
TS: A book? A gift card? Ooh, a gift card to the bookstore!
RD: My special present. I'm still keeping it in the closet. It's gotta be a super-duper surprise!
FS: A novel.
PP: A cake! I LOVE CAKE!
R: This really fancy silk cloth I found the other day! It's really pretty!
MM: Some fancy quills
Cheer. A bunch of cupcakes
Spi. An old emerald and gold necklace I found. I think he'll like it.
I should give them all to my friends not just on their birthdays, but on one day at random, like a self made holiday! Pinkie Pie Present Day! PPPD! Great!
~Pinkie Pie!~
Rainbow Dash frowned. Why'd Twilight send me this? Also, what was that special present? I kinda want to know. Rainbow flipped the paper over, looking for more, and found nothing.
Rainbow sighed, then rolled over in her bed and flicked the lamp off and set the papers on the table. It was something to think about. She could answer Twilight's question later that... day...
July 4, 4 Years N.M.R. Ponyville Hospital.
Rainbow Dash awoke to the gentle rapping of a hoof at her room's door.
"C'mon in," she called faintly, rubbing her eyes. She yawned largely, and straitened her mane with her other hoof.
Twilight trotted into the room, a faint smile on her face. Fluttershy quietly followed, her head down, looking as if she'd been beaten. Rainbow never really understood why the mare had always seemed so... uncomfortable. Out of touch.
"Hey there, Rainbow. I hope you're well?" Twilight asked, setting a bag down on the ground. She levitated a notepad and quill out of it.
"I'm okay. Same old," Rainbow said, but she thought differently. She wanted to say How could you, Twilight? How could you ask that, knowing what had happened? It was MY FAULT, too. How can you ask if I'm 'well?' Of course not! She sighed.
"Great."
Fluttershy stood nervously in the corner, rubbing her foreleg on the other awkwardly. She still seemed a bit ill at ease, and wasn't even looking at any pony. She started muttering stuff, but it was at the ground.
"What was that, Fluttershy?" Dash asked.
"I said, I think I might want to talk about what happened now..."
"What was that?"
"I think I want to talk about what happened now."
Twilight rolled her eyes and didn't say anything, but she was glaring a hole in Fluttershy, which made the yellow pegasus even more nervous. A burst of confidence hit her, however, and she straightened up a little.
"Twilight. Rainbow," she said, making them both turn to look at her. "I want to talk about what happened. Okay?"
Twilight turned to look at Rainbow, who nodded. "Okay."
