Spike glanced up as a very disgruntled looking Twilight came zooming into the library, toppling a few stacks of books and scrolls. “Uh... Hi Twilight?” he stuttered.
“Spike! Take a letter!”
Spike slid down the ladder and toddled over to the writing desk, removing the supplies needed.
“Dear Princess Celestia,” Twilight began. “I seem to have run into a situation that I am unsure how to deal with. It has to do with Rainbow Dash and Applejack....”
Twilight, starting from the beginning, told about everything that had happened. “So, this is the situation we have managed to get ourselves into. If you would please advise me in this matter, I would be most appreciative. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”
The letter was soon sent in a puff of green fire. “Poor Rainbow Dash! Is she alright?” Spike asked worriedly.
Twilight curled up on her favourite reading cushion. “I don’t know Spike. She won’t talk, and she keeps saying that the focus needs to be on Applejack. That she deserves to suffer.”
Spike’s eyes grew wide. “Really! That doesn’t sound like Dash to me!”
“That sounds like a very depressed Dash. Rarity told me Dash had said that she had failed her element!”
Flash raised an eyebrow. “I know for a fact that I had to help her back to bed twice last night because she had wandered out to check on Applejack, worried that something had happened.”
Twilight nodded. “I know. That’s just it. Applejack has told her to stop. The rest of us are here to support her but... Rainbow Dash just isn’t having it!”
Spike toddled over and gave Twilight a hug. “Where’s Rarity?”
“She’s upstairs. She said she was going to tidy the rooms a bit. I think she just wants to stay close just in case something were to happen.”
Spike glanced across the library to the mirror that led to the other universe. “I wonder how they would handle something like this?”
Twilight shrugged. “Not the way we are.”
“Or maybe exactly the same?” Spike asked.
Twilight shrugged. “Who knows? They may be our friends deep down but the differences in the lives we have led has changed who we are now.” Twilight’s attention had shifted to Flash Sentry, who had returned to shelving books on the far side of the library. A rosy glow hinted at her cheeks.
Spike chuckled. “Come on Twi, we have more important things.”
“Says the dragon who’s just after Rarity.”
“Eh... Yeah. But really Twilight, this is different!”
Twilight raised an eyebrow at her number one assistant. “How so?”
Spike couldn’t answer. Twilight chuckled, “I’ve got to get going Spike. There is still much to be done.” With that she departed, leaving Spike alone again. He sighed.
“I feel sorry for them,” Flash told Spike, returning to the floor as soon as Twilight was good and gone.
Spike nodded. “Yeah, I wish I could help, but I am not sure I can any more than I already have.”
“I am sure we are helping just by cleaning up the research Princess Twilight’s been doing.”
Spike glanced around at the progress they had made over the last few hours. “Yeah.”
“Come on dude, we have a lot more to do. We might as well get finished,” Flash stated, giving Spike a good thump on the back.
----------------------
“Easy darling... shhhhh.” Rarity rubbed Rainbow Dash’s back as the cyan pegasus tossed and turned in her sleep. Tears were once more streaming down her cheeks.
“No. No! I’m sorry!” Dash whimpered.
“Shhh, darling. Come on, wake up, it’s just a dream.” Rarity shook Rainbow Dash just slightly.
Dash’s body jerked as if struck very hard. Rarity bit her lip. “What in the-”
“NO!” Dash erupted from the bed, leaping a full foot in the air before landing hard once more. Her eyes snapped open. Breathing heavily, she glanced around, bewildered.
Rarity laid a hoof on Dash’s shoulder. “Easy darling, you were just having a bad dream.
Rainbow Dash did not respond. The look in her eye was a mix of terror and confusion.
“Rainbow Dash? Are you alright, darling?”
“What.... happened?”
“You were having a bad dream,” Rarity responded, retrieving a glass of water with her magic. Placing it in Rainbow Dash’s hooves, she helped her friend take a few sips.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Rainbow Dash shook her head slowly. “Applejack,” she croaked. “I need to see Applejack.” Dash’s eyes were wild, unseeing.
Rarity locked her magic on Rainbow Dash, holding her in place. “No, not right now. Applejack is sleeping. And she needs to stay asleep.”
“But-”
Rarity shook her head. “No, darling, you need to rest too.”
Rainbow Dash looked at Rarity in bewilderment. Rarity bit her lip. This wasn’t the Rainbow Dash she knew. Slowly, she released her magic.
Rainbow Dash glanced up at Rarity, then rolled out of bed, allowing all four hooves to hit the floor as one. For a moment she just teetered there. Rarity raced around the bed, getting to Rainbow Dash just in time for her to topple completely over.
“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity lifted Dash in her magic back onto the bed. “Darling are you alright? You should-”
Dash gazed at Rarity confused. “What? I don’t get it. What am I doing back here?”
Rarity tucked the covers neatly around Rainbow Dash once more. “Easy darling, if that was any indication, I don’t think you should be trying to do anything right now. You almost hurt yourself again!”
Dash looked bewilderedly up at Rarity. Rarity bit her lip again, pain filling her eyes. “How do you feel darling?”
Rainbow Dash blinked. “I... I don’t know!” Fear replaced the lost expression. “What happened? Why am I here again?”
Rarity bit her lip once more. “Don’t you remember Rainbow Dash? Who am I?”
Rainbow Dash blinked, taken aback by the question. “Uhh... Rarity? Element of Generosity?”
Rarity sighed. “Do you remember what happened earlier today, when you called us to come help with Applejack?”
Dash froze. “Bell?”
Rarity nodded.
“Don’t know... We talk... About clouds ... Suddenly I look over ... She’s on the floor!” Dash explained, still very much confused by the question.
Rarity sighed. “At least you remember that much.” Inwardly she groaned, trying to figure out what Dash meant.
Rainbow Dash blinked, the lost expression completely returning to her eyes.
Rarity sighed again. “Darling, I want you to stay here. Alright? I’ll go check on Applejack, then I’ll come back and tell you how she is doing. Are you alright with that?”
Rainbow Dash glanced at her hooves, then back up at Rarity. “Why can’t I go-”
“Because I don’t like the way you are acting Rainbow. Even Twilight agrees with me. I want you to stay here and rest, understand?”
Rainbow Dash nodded slowly and lay back against the pillows. Rarity smiled, slipping out. The moment she was out however, the smile immediately vanished. She quickly rounded the corner and stepped into Applejack’s room.
Applejack was as much asleep as Dash was, but she was far more aware of her surroundings. “Hey Rarity, how’s RD?”
Rarity sighed. “Not good, and I think she is getting worse.”
Applejack sighed. “Maybe ah should go-”
Rarity shook her head. “No Applejack. Though it might be good for her to see you, I really think you need to continue to rest for a bit more. When I think Rainbow Dash is ready, I’ll bring her in here.”
Applejack sighed again. “So, what happened? Ah heard a lot of shouting.”
Rarity sighed as well. “Nightmare.”
Applejack bit her lip. “That bad?”
Rarity nodded. “I didn’t push it. She’s not all there.”
Applejack sighed. “Ah noticed. Ah don’t think she is even halfway there.”
“I’m hoping leaving her alone for a bit will help her go back to sleep.” Rarity sighed. “She needs to. She climbed out of bed and just about fainted on me.”
Applejack’s eyes grew as round as dinner plates. “Fainted? Our Rainbow Dash?”
Rarity nodded.
“Gee, poor RD.” Applejack tried to sit up, but didn’t get far before the pain won out. “Rarity, uh... help?”
Rarity smiled and, on the count of three, helped Applejack into a sitting position, placing some pillows behind her to help support.
“This just sucks!” Applejack pouted.
Rarity giggled behind a hoof. “I concur darling, but how are you doing?”
Applejack sighed and glanced to the ceiling. “A little restless, but ah’m still gettin’ pretty tired rather fast. A quick walk between mah bed and say... the jon, and I’m ready for a nice long nap.”
Rarity nodded. “Well, I’d better get back to dear Rainbow Dash before she gets worried and wanders in here.”
Applejack nodded. “Yeah, ya better do that.”
Rarity glanced only once over her shoulder at the pale Applejack before departing completely.
---------------
Applejack watched wearily as Rarity exited the room. Sighing, she relaxed into the mound of pillows behind her. She was exhausted, more than exhausted! Her mind wanted to go go go, but her body was done—done with going, done with working, done with doing anything. She wasn’t even sure she had the strength to roll over.
She closed her eyes, just listening. From Dash’s room, something thumped. She heard Rarity raise her voice then screech in fear. Then everything went quiet for a moment. Something else went thump then a zap... Applejack sighed, glancing at the bell beside her bed to summon anyone if she needed assistance.
Dash’s bell rang and she felt a multitude of hooves come from both the hall beyond and the stairs beside her room. She heard shouting, and even a few curses.
After what seemed like hours, but was probably only a few minutes the noise died down. Applejack’s ears stayed perked and alert listening for any and all sounds.
Thump, thump, thump.
Somepony approached her door. There was a slight pause and a few hushed voices before they knocked.
“Come in!” Applejack called weakly.
The knob slowly turned and the door opened. “Um... I hope... we’re not... um... disturbing you.”
Applejack smiled. “Come in Fluttershy.”
The yellow pegasus slowly moved into the room followed by Twilight and... Zecora?
Applejack blinked, studying the three faces. “Howdy!” she exclaimed, adding strength to her voice and trying to sit up a bit better.
“Applejack!” Twilight said firmly.
Applejack glanced at Twilight then sighed relaxing once more into the pillows. “Come in...” she said wearily.
“Ah dear Applejack, quite a state from that little task!” Zecora stated.
Applejack swallowed then nodded. “Eeyup! How’d you find out?”
“I heard of the little disaster from none other than your little sister!”
“Apple Bloom? How’d-”
Twilight smiled. “It seems the three Crusaders decided to brave the dangers of the Everfree forest to fetch Zecora for her help.”
Applejack bit her lip growling under her breath. “Where is Apple Bloom now?”
“They are with Pinkie at Sugarcube corner,” Twilight explained.
Applejack ground her teeth together. “Alright, anypony willin’ to tell me what happened ta Rainbow over there?”
Twilight and Fluttershy exchanged looks. “Um... we aren’t sure,” Twilight said.
Applejack sighed. “And ah’m guessin’ ya don’t want ta worry me right now either.”
Twilight nodded. “Applejack, I know you are not half as strong as you’re pretending to be right now. You let me carry you after we left Rainbow Dash’s room all the way in here without fighting me in the least.”
Applejack bit her lip and sighed. “Yeah, yer right.” She melted into the pillows behind her.
“Twilight is right. You need to sleep to regain your fight. Don’t push too much, or you might never regain your touch,” Zecora explained.
Applejack nodded. “So, I’m guessing you have a brew that will cure me.”
“That is only half true. Indeed I have thought of many a brew, but none that will cure you. I have one to help you mend, but time will still be the one who is your friend.”
Applejack sighed. “Alright... I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean.”
Zecora smiled as she slipped off her saddlebag and started pulling out bottles and herbs and setting them on the table.
Twilight Sparkle sighed as she sat down beside the head of the bed. “So how are you doing?”
Applejack shrugged. “Ah ain’t sure.” She glanced over at Zecora. “Did mah sister really-”
Twilight nodded. “Undoubtedly so.”
“They stormed into my hut in quite a flurry. It seems that they are quite worried!” Zecora supplied.
Applejack shook her head. “Ah can’t- Alright, maybe I can. Mah sis is as strong willed as ah em.”
“Um... I don’t think so,” Fluttershy stated. “I think she is more stubborn.”
Zecora chuckled. “Little Apple Bloom is quite stubborn, It has grown up like a little acorn. You must indeed be quite wary, for in her heart it will tarry. A stubborn heart could be her fall, as it could be one and all.”
Zecora glanced around. “Now dear Applejack, I have for you a little task. Squeeze my hoof with all your might so I might check if all is right.”
Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Uh... Zecora, is it just me or are your rhyming skills... not what they usually are?”
Out of nowhere Pinkie stuck her head in. “It isn’t Zecora, it’s the author if this story, Cowgirl VK... I don’t think she is very good at this.”
I glared at Pinkie Pie. “Get back in the story! I’m trying to write!”
“But I want to see that book you are holding! How can you be writing and reading at the same time?”
“PINKIE! It’s just my webster's rhyming guide! Now back in the story!”
“OH! Sorry VK!” Pinkie exclaimed, disappearing once more from the room.
Twilight, Zecora, Applejack, and Fluttershy all exchanged looks. “Da we even want ta know?” Applejack asked.
“I’m confused!” Fluttershy whispered, sitting down.
Twilight rolled her eyes. “It’s just Pinkie being Pinkie.”
Zecora chuckled, “Miss Applejack? Did you lose track?”
Applejack jumped. “Uh... Yeah.. I guess.” Zecora held up a hoof and Applejack took hold, squeezing it as hard as she could. It didn’t last a second before Applejack let go, falling limply to the bed.
------------------
“OH COWGIRL! Don’t be such a party pooper! You have my friends down in the dumpy wumpies! I don’t like that!” Pinkie chastised me, popping out of my computer screen and sitting down in the chair beside my desk.
I raise both eyebrows. “Uh... Pinkie? Aren't you supposed to be in the book? Namely, with the Cutie Mark Crusaders?”
Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes at me. “Eh, I’ve paused time over there. I’m not going to be missing anything.”
My eyes grew wide. “Uh... Pinkie, how did you pause time?”
“Ever met Discord?”
My face went white as a sheet. “Alright, what do you want?”
Pinkie rolled her eyes at me again. “Come on silly! I am here to help you get through this part. You have been sitting here staring at your screen for the past hour! Then you dive for that green-”
“It’s a rhyming words book! Like a dictionary...”
Pinkie giggled. “Why are you being so dramatic with it! Really Silly! You know what’s going to happen! Not to mention this all was supposed to happen in... Let me look.. Oh chapter five!”
“How do you know that?”
She pulled my outline out from under her. My eyes grew wide. “PINKIE! Give me that!”
“No silly! I’m going to help you.”
I sighed. “Really?” I asked skeptically.
“Yesideally!” Pinkie said. “Alright, I know you have chores to do... Sheesh! Your room looks worse than the kitchen after I let Apple Bloom cook!”
“Thanks,” I said darkly.
“Okie dokie lokie, I’m going to take over, and you are going to go do what you love, CLEAN HOUSE!”
“Pinkie?”
“Shoo!”
Reluctantly I turn the keyboard over to Pinkie Pie.
-----------
“Okie dokie lokie every pony. Let me tell you this part.” Pinkie Pie, who is me, looks down at the story outline. Um... Really Cowgirl! This looks like a recipe, not a story format. Well, at least this part does. Looks like Applejack needs... um... Wintergreen... Camphor, Peppermint, Blue tansy, Maremane Chamomile, Helichrysum, Osmanthus... Frankincense.... What are these? Really, I think this is all silly, who needs a list like this?
Hum, let’s just do this different... Humsy what’s this? Muscle testing! This doesn’t sound like-
---------------------------------------
I return from my duties to see Pinkie looking over my notes with extreme interest.
“How’s it going?”
“What’s Muscle testing?” Pinkie asked.
I sigh, “Are you sure you don’t want me to finish?”
Pinkie shook her head. “No, what is it?”
I sit down in a chair. “Well Pinkie, it’s a... traditional form of finding the right herb from where Zecora is from. The best way is to use an alicorn.”
Pinkie erupted from the chair. “TWILIGHT!”
“PINKAMENA DIANE PIE! SIT!”
Pink’s flank hit the seat of the chair. She looked up at me somewhat shocked.
“Listen up, and listen close. I don’t mind your shenanigans most of the time. But they are beginning to get in the way of my work. So, listen up and listen close so I can explain this to you quickly and efficiently. The muscle testing I am talking about is not the normal one that most doctors talk about. Put your hooves together. Don’t let me pull them apart got it?”
Pinkie nodded. I grabbed a bottle of lavender and placed it in Pinkie’s lap. Does she really need this?, I thought to myself. The hooves were firmly together. Yes. “One drop.” Yes. “Two drops.” Yes. “Three drops.” The hooves just fell apart when I pulled.
Pinkie looked up at me. “I was fighting! Really, they just...”
I nodded. “Most ponies consider this strange indeed. Even I was skeptical of it many years ago. But it works. I’m unsure how, but it works. Now Pinkie, let’s get back to the story, alright? We are really wasting story time.
“They just came apart! How did it happen? That was really superdy duperdy cool!”
I lifted Pinkie Pie and returned her to her room in Sugar Cube Corner. “Alright everyone. Hopefully we will not have another 4th wall breakage, back to the story.”
------------------------------------------------
Applejack leaned against the pillows completely exhausted. The room spun around her and voices entered in and out of her consciousness.
“Oh, dear, it’s worse than I feared-”
“What Zecora?” Twilight asked.
Zecora said something that Applejack just didn’t catch. With heavy eyelids, she started to nod off, then she felt a wing laid across her. Applejack’s eyes snapped open. Struggling, she tried to sit up.
“Applejack, lie still, please.”
A wave of dizziness suddenly settled on her. Falling once more against the pillows, Applejack zoned out for a second, mostly unaware of everything around her. Something cold was laid beside her... then a few seconds later it was removed. Something else replaced it. Then it was removed.
“No den, no noise, no motion can disturb your concentration.”
The item beside her was changed out. Then a few minutes later, it was changed out again. Applejack felt her eyelids close. She felt her body relaxing on its own without the need of medication or anything.
----------------------------------
Twilight closed the door softly behind her after the three of them left. “It’s good to see her sleeping without medicine or magic,” she said.
“What is natural is most special. As an earth pony, her body knows what it needs. We just needed to help it succeed.”
Twilight nodded. “Thank you for coming by, Zecora.”
Zecora nodded. “I just wish I could help dear Rainbow, for her ailment I do not know. Have you messaged Luna herself? She might be able to help.”
“Already sent a letter,” Twilight responded.
They watched as Fluttershy entered Rainbow Dash’s room. Twilight sighed. “I’m quite worried still about both of them.”
Zecora nodded. “Worried indeed, so am I, there is one place I will not lie. They both have suffered quite a loss, and if not helped, they could be quite lost. For Applejack, I have a brew. Here and now I give to you. I must depart for my home. Please I pray, leave not Dash alone.”
Twilight nodded. “I’m glad you came by. I... didn’t even know about that method. It’s quite strange. Weird... But it worked!”
Zecora nodded. The two made their way down the stairs and out the door. “To my words take great heed: Find not what you want, but what you need. This time is a trial for you all to build you up or make you fall.”
Twilight nodded. “Thanks.”
Zecora nodded. “Remember Trixie? When you came to me? To win against all of her tricks, you came together and used the six.”
Twilight nodded. “Thank you. Until we meet again.”
Zecora nodded. “It’s really time for me to go on back to my home. Keep your chin up Twilight Sparkle, for things will get better.”