Rainbow's journey to and from Ponyville Central Hospital was a blindingly fast one. The same could be said of the next three errands to follow. Hour after hour, the ponies working to save Apple Bloom's life sent Rainbow out on important delivery tasks. She tackled each of them dutifully... and speedily. While it bothered her that she couldn't be present the entire time that the situation unfolded, she knew that she was doing exactly what was necessary at the time—and she was the one pony who could be called upon to perform such tasks with expediency.
Each time she returned to the farmstead, she could have sworn that the group of ponies gathered there had grown bigger and bigger. By the last moment she returned—this time with a bunch of science supplies from Twilight's laboratory—she could see a makeshift stage erected. It would appear as though the Mayor had thrown together a last minute fundraiser, and already several villagers from all walks of town were trotting up to cast their bits into the pile. It was a very optimistic gesture, but somehow it wasn't enough to warm Rainbow's heart. She had the inside of the Apple Family farm house at least a half-dozen times that afternoon. The pegasus knew just how grave things had become.
Another hour rolled by. Somewhere amidst the nervous haze, Rainbow became aware of torchlight. Evening had fallen, but the town refused to sleep. Local ponies huddled in the space between the barn and the apple orchards, murmuring and conversing nervously about the situation at hoof. Pinkie Pie was there, doing her best to keep the mood a festive degree above sullen, offering free treats and baked goods. Rainbow strolled limply through this gathering, trying to allow the sights and voices to hold sway in her exhausted mind. It was getting difficult to feel her hooves at this point, but she didn't dare go home for another dose of medication—for fear of missing something... anything.
"Rainbow Dash..."
Rainbow froze in place. She twirled about, blinking. "Caramel...?" She leaned forward, catching her breath. "Wowsers... so not used to seeing you outside the pub." She gulped, smiling nervously. "How are you, girl?"
The stallion shuffled closer, hiding his puffy face behind a lock of silken mane hair. "I... I want you to know that I donated a bunch to this little fund thingy the Mayor's started."
Rainbow smiled gently. "Well, that's awfully nice of you, Caramel."
"It... it's most of my earnings this week. I know it may not seem like much." He gulped. "I... I'm gonna have to put my tab on hold for about a month..."
Rainbow chuckled. "You barely even touch the cider when we get together."
He pouted. "You don't have to rub it in."
She waved a hoof. "Ignore me. It's a really nice gesture, Caramel. For realsies." She gulped. "For what it's worth, the drink's on me next time we hang."
"Actually..." Caramel turned and pointed at the torchlit mini-stage. "Lyra was here earlier."
"Was she?"
"Yeah. Bon Bon too. Funny... heheh..." He giggled lightly. "Wherever Lyra goes, Bon Bon's bound to show up."
"Yeah, and sometimes rain is wet," Rainbow said with a wink.
"Indeed." Caramel brushed a dainty through his mane. He avoided Rainbow's gaze, for just then the torchlight caught a misty glaze to the edges of his eyes. "That poor little thing." He sniffled. "She means so much to Applejack, doesn't she?"
"Yeah..." Rainbow gulped hard. "Sometimes... I think the mare dotes on her a little too much. But, all things considered, I don't freakin' blame her." Rainbow glanced at the farmhouse. A dim light lingered in the front room. "I used to think that having a family would bog me down. But now...?"
"Just how are you doing, Rainbow Dash?"
"Hmmm?" Rainbow turned to blink at Caramel. "What are you talking about? I'm fine. It's AJ who's going through Tartarus right now."
"I know," Caramel said in a gentle voice. Nevertheless, he leaned forward, eyes soft. "But how are you doing?"
Rainbow bit her lip. She glanced down at her hooves. "Uhm... I'm... uh... h-hanging in there, girl."
Caramel looked at her. Slowly, he closed the distance between them, then leaned in to nuzzle her with his petite frame.
Rainbow shuddered. Without looking up, she raised a hoof and patted his shoulder.
"All my life, I've admired beauty," Caramel said. "I hold it above all other things. And though it may look and feel bleak right now... what you have and who you have it for... ?" He leaned back, gracing her with a tearful smile. "Well... I'm proud to be your friend, Rainbow Dash, and I hope to have something even half as beautiful someday."
"Yeah, well..." Rainbow shuddered. "Be careful what you wish for." She threw another misty-eyed gaze at the homestead. "Beauty hurts."
Caramel bit his lip. After an inward squeak, he ventured to say something—
A pair of fangs emerged in the night. "Rainbow Dash," Noir spoke.
"Aaaaaiee!" Caramel jumped, hiding behind Rainbow.
The mare sighed, patted Caramel's head, then looked Noir's way. "What is it, cool guy?"
"We have much to discuss..."
"Apple Bloom!" Rainbow leaned forward, her wings raised. "Tell me! Is she okay?"
"Summon your friend Pinkie Pie and come into the house," Noir remarked, his tone even more grave than before. "As I said..." He drifted off into the night. "...there is much to discuss."