Twilight woke up.
She knew at once that something was wrong. She was dizzy, disoriented, her throat felt raw, and when she tried to stretch her wings, she found them bound. She had no idea where she was or how she came to be there, but as her senses slowly cleared, she became aware of another pony. There were legs around her, holding her, somepony gently supporting her head and keeping her close. She flicked her eyes open, and saw a tan coat, three apples adorning the pony’s flank.
“Applejack?” she asked weakly, lifting her head. Applejack’s face was streaked with tears, her eyes red, and Twilight reflexively reached up to her friend. “Applejack, what’s—” Abruptly, her motion came to a stop, the chains around Twilight’s ankle going taut. She looked down sharply, quickly taking in her restraints. “Applejack? What’s happening?” she asked, the tension building in her voice.
“Don’t you worry none, sugarcube,” Applejack said, her voice rough and scratchy. “Ah called for the others and Princess Celestia. They’ll be down here in a jiffy ta get you out of those chains. But uh...” She sniffed loudly, reaching up to rub her eyes clear. “Would you mind answering a question for me real quick first?”
“Uh... okay,” Twilight agreed, but her voice remained stiff. “But what’s happening? Did I do something wrong? I didn’t lose control of my powers, did I? Is the Princess—”
“No, Twilight. Calm down,” Applejack said, “Jus’... tell me. What’s the last thing you remember?”
“Uh... I was in Canterlot, on my way to see an old teacher, Tick Tock. He taught me enchanting,” she said, peering closely at Applejack. “Then I was here. Applejack, have you been crying?”
“Nah,” Applejack said, sniffling and shaking her head. “Just glad to have ya back, sugarcube.”