The sun steadily rose in the sky, rays of golden light shining down on the many bountiful fields and hills across the land. The warm sunlight shone throughout Ponyville, ponies gradually rising out of bed to greet the morning. As the minutes ticked by, the streets became busier and busier, a whole spectrum of colour in the markets as ponies of all shapes and sizes began to busy themselves with their daily tasks and chores. However, there was no rainbow contrail to greet them this time. Instead all they saw was a cyan pegasus slowly walking down the street, one wing completely covered in white bandages. While some offered a 'good morning', the cyan pegasus ignored them all, staying true to her path up to the hospital.
Rainbow felt happier than she had ever been before, the smile on her face impossible to get rid of. Yet somewhere deep inside her, that heavy feeling of guilt still resonated. I'm sure if I can just see that Cloudjumper is okay...it'll be fine. She thought, trying to stay optimistic. He's a Wonderbolt. He's strong. There's no way he couldn't pull through... The more Rainbow thought about it, the more hurried her walk became. As the hospital loomed ahead, Rainbow spotted her marefriend on a nearby bench, staring down at the ground. She quickly rushed over.
"I'm here, Applejack!" She said loudly to get the mare's attention. Applejack smiled as Rainbow came nearer.
"Mornin', sugarcube." Rainbow jumped on to the bench with her, sneaking in a small peck on the lips.
"So, you want to go in?" Rainbow asked, surprised to see Applejack outside in the first place.
Applejack sighed. "I don't rightly know. What if he isn't in a good state?" There was fear in her voice. "If he doesn't...I just..." Applejack struggled to continue between the quiet sobs. Rainbow merely tried to comfort her.
"Of course he'll be fine, AJ. There's no way he won't make a full recovery." Rainbow assured her, softly stroking the mare's mane. Wish I did believe that... "Come on. Let's go in; I'm sure he's up already. Might even be waiting for us!"
Applejack offered a small smile and took a deep breath. "Okay." She said quietly, shutting her eyes.
The hospital itself was very quiet compared to the outside world. Almost immediately upon entering the pristine lobby, the chatter of dozens of ponies in the town died down and the early morning birds became silent. Their hooves echoed in the room and only the sound of their shaky breath accompanied the sound. The receptionist, a pleasant-looking young unicorn, greeted them as they walked in.
"Good morning! Welcome to Ponyville Hospital!" She chirped, smiling. "Are you here to see a doctor or a patient?"
"A patient." Applejack stated, glancing down the corridor towards the wards. "We're looking for a pegasus who was brought in a few days ago."
The unicorn levitated out a small pad of paper, examining the list of names scribbled down on it. "Would that happen to be a Cloudjumper, per chance?" She looked back up at them.
Rainbow nodded. "Yep, that's our guy. Can we go see him?" She asked eagerly.
The unicorn frowned slightly as she thought. "I suppose so. Can't see why not. Just be careful though; he's still very weak." Thanking her for the warning, the two mare's galloped down the corridor to the wards. The unicorn simply sat there smiling, laying back in her chair. Soon, Applejack and Rainbow Dash returned looking rather sheepish. The receptionist chuckled softly. "Second door on the right."
The wooden door creaked loudly, opening up into a decorated private ward. The walls were covered with intricately designed statues and figures as well as silky red curtains matching the soft, red carpet underfoot. A single bed lay in the middle of the room, Cloudjumper's form resting in it. Applejack anxiously trotted over, quickly followed by Rainbow. Cloudjumper's chest rose and fell as he breathed steadily, a loud beep...beep...beep droning in the background from the monitor beside the bed.
With a tear in her eye, Applejack grabbed one of the small chairs scattered around and dragged it closer to him. Taking a seat next to the monitor, she spoke softly, in the same way a mother may speak to her child when she was comforting him. "Hey, 'Jumper. I'm here. What you did wasn't in vain...we got Rainbow out safely with only a messed up wing to worry about." She almost hoped for a response, even a small grunt. "I just hope you can hear me because...I want you to know we're safe." She could feel the lump in her throat. "I was so angry at you when you stayed behind like you did. It reminded me so much of when my Pa died...I couldn't handle it. But I know I wouldn't have made if it weren't for you." Cloudjumper remained still as she continued. "You were even right about me and Rainbow. We're on a trial run so to speak, seein' if things'll work out. I just pray...you'll be here to see it."
Rainbow who was watching, was already in tears, embracing Applejack as they both silently prayed for Cloudjumper to come back to them. It was a good ten minutes before they re-emerged from the hospital, now more calm and collected than before. Both seemed content knowing Cloudjumper was stable and recovering.
"So Applejack...you ready for tonight?" Rainbow asked, trying to distract her mare from her current distress after seeing Cloudjumper.
"Of course, RD." She replied, grinning. "There's no way I'd miss it."
"Feeling confident are we?" Rainbow laughed and winked at Applejack. "You know I'll destroy you this time."
"Come on, Rainbow. We both know you suck at Bowlin'." The farmer stifled a laugh, as Rainbow turned on her with a flushed expression.
"I do not!" She protested. "I've just had a particularly bad streak recently. And, I mean, you know...it's not easy when you're waving your flank at me all the time!"
Applejack leaned in close to Rainbow. "What's the problem, sugarcube? Am I too distracting for you?"
Rainbow sighed. "You're obviously going to be distracting when you insist on shoving your damn sexy body in my way!" Quickly realising what she'd said, she blushed a deep red.
"Oh you do have a way with words." Applejack remarked leading them back into the markets. "You know, we should probably mention all of this to our friends sometime."
"Are you sure about that?" Rainbow stammered. "I mean, who knows what they might think of well..."
"Fillyfoolers?" Applejack completed the sentence, sighing. "I don't know but they are our friends. I'm sure they'll be happy for us no matter what."
Rainbow smiled, bringing in Applejack for another kiss. "Well it's me and you from here on out!"
"Darn tootin'!"
And with that, the mares set off on their next adventure.