Dear Twilight Sparkle,

I can say that that was officially the third longest document I ever read, but unlike the top two, I read every word, and was engrossed by it.

Honestly, what I have to say about your confusion...Twilight, have you really stopped, and taken thought and consideration into your emotions? Take a little time to reflect in your thoughts, think outside the box. What you're believing now could be a lie to yourself.

I'm sorry to hear about Rainbow Dash's injury, and I certainly wish her the best luck in recovery. With you watching over her, she should be just fine, though.

I believe what Applejack could possibly have is something that dates all the way back to olden times, even before me and my sister reigned. The accounts are vague, but it seemed to be a magical mutation with the destruction of polio and the contagiousness of the common cold. It was believed to be eradicated, but apparently not. I'm afraid that means she likely doesn't have much time, if it is what I believe it to be.

The disease began similar to a fever, but that's only one of its first stages. For this reason, it got its charming nickname of 'Two Turn Fever'. Sadly, the name suits it in more ways than one. The pony who catches it has only about two weeks to live...

Before I come back to what actually happens next, I ask you if she's been near any area of the Everfree lately. Dormant spores of the virus still lurk in certain areas. Only civilized areas have eradicated it, and once it takes root, it can't be taken out. At least, not without dangerous procedures.

Regardless, the first stage begins with weakness, slight deliriousness, and exhaustion. Much like a fever. But stage 2 begins by slowly crippling the joints, beginning near the hind legs, and spreading forward until the victim is rendered effectively immobile. It then continues, slowly damaging nerves, and in doing so, travels up crucial pathways, in which it sometimes reaches the spine. Often, this leaves complete and certain immobilization, along with intense pain before entire loss of feeling. And that's 'turn two'.

Unfortunately, there's a third stage, despite that violating the name; it often stops at two. But it can travel up along the spinal column, and slowly make its way into the afflicted pony's brain.

I'm sorry to say this Twilight, but Applejack might possibly have Two Turn Fever. And if she does, and it reaches her brain...well, take comfort in the fact that the final stage is rather painless, compared to Stage 2.

Of course, it could just be a fever, but it's best to err on the safe side. If she's still only in stage 1, you can stop it. All that's needed is a simple mixture of Blue Porfisci, and a few tree bark scrubbings from Zebzonia. Quite simple, really.

In any case, I'm glad to see that you will be open soon. As you have learned yourself, taking care of somepony is a big deal, no matter how strong your bond is. It's a lot of work, like being a mother.

You know, each day, the similarities between you and Sapphire seem to become even more evident. Just like you were, she's a naturally, magically talented pony, though she doesn't quite know how to contain her abilities. She's eager, she enjoys books a lot...if I didn't know better, I'd say she were your sister!

I'm also a little intrigued at Spike's behavior-lovably quirky as he is, such staggered speech as that is certainly deviant from his typical 'normality'. I'd almost say he knows something that you don't...
Princess Celestia
11-15-1001

Dear Princess Celestia,

Is...are you serious about Applejack? Is that a possible occurrence? I really don't want to watch that happen to one of my friends, is there any way to be completely sure?

You know, in a way, from what I hear, Sapphire sounds just like a faint, amiable memory. One that I can't remember, but still absently coming to it every now and then for a brief second, before drifting away. And she does sound like a nice little filly. It's nice to have somepony looking up to me, but I've already experienced that, and I still am. Spike is the best companion I could ask for, and he has so much to learn. But the best part is, he's willing to do it all with me.

You know, even after reading all these books, I still don't understand my empathetic attitude towards Dash, the willingness to cope with everything that she goes through. I mean, sure, I'd do the same for the other girls, Spike, heck, even any random pony who stumbled onto my doorstep who needed help. But I'd probably get fed up so quickly.

And that leads me to a reflection, which I can't fully understand myself, and I hope possibly you can shed some light on it.

I've been replaying each and every second from the incident up until now in my head over, and over, and over. The guilt still remains prominent, but now I can sort of recognize another feeling upon putting myself back into the moment. My impulse to embrace Rainbow so quickly was a key example of it, much more so than simple friendship. I'm sure it was a little mixture between 'emotionally overwhelmed', 'extremely happy', 'relieved', and a tiny bit of 'contentment', to name a few basic feelings.

You know, every second spent around her feels right, just...right. This is the thing that I can't explain, what I can't tell you full-on what I'm thinking. Because I don't know. It's, I suppose, not too unusual. I mean, one's got to cherish time with their friends after such an accident, right? That's what I'm asking here.

...something about those words above these seems so scripted, I honestly want to know why.

And Princess, I ignored it twice, but thrice is too much-why are you randomly emphasizing words? I don't see how any relation to the conversation is invoked by outlining the words that you did. Would you care to explain?

Your puzzled student,
Twilight Sparkle
11-15-1001

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

Twilight, I've seen the signs, and I'm trying to show you what you yourself refuse to believe. From how Spike is acting, I believe he knows, too, Twilight. Try re-reading those words. As many ponies say, "hint, hint".

There is one way to be completely sure. The only difference between a normal fever and Stage 1 is that Stage 1 elicits no temperature change, and the victim, as such, is seen as just 'not up to it' that day. So most certainly, Applejack has somehow caught it. I'd say you have about...1 day before Turn 2 comes around. Hurry yourself to Zecora's, she should have the ingredients that you need.

Unfortunately, things aren't going very well in Canterlot, either. I'm afraid that multiple cases of the fever have popped up in the area, too. Even my best investigators haven't a clue where it came from, though we did manage to contain it, and nopony was harmed. But any second, it could possibly revive itself. It's a tough strain, and one spore turns to two, two to four, until its replicated from near destruction all the way to thriving.

In any case, it should be safe for you to make the journey up here tomorrow. Any traces of it have disappeared, at least for now. But I'll keep a diligent eye out nonetheless, both for the virus, and your arrival.

Princess Celestia
11-16-1001

Dear Princess Celestia,

Looking back on my visit, you were right! Looking at Sapphire pretty largely reminds me of myself, and the way she slightly trills her double r's is so exotic! I've only heard of ponies from Colta Rica or similar areas speaking like that, but not a little filly from Canterlot! It's also pretty amazing how much she knows already. But then I remember that she has the best teacher that anypony could have-you.

I have to admit, though, I was a little confused when you handed me that book before I left. Of course, I'd never seen anything like it, and that blank cover left me a little skeptical. What sort of pony would write a book with no title, nor an author listed? That's just a little odd. But when I opened it, I noticed it was some sort of journal! So, when I got home that night, I brought up a candle, and began to read. It began simple enough, with the pony merely sharing little events, and a few feelings.

When they began mentioning a secret admirer, I got a sense of deja vu. But nevertheless, I continued. Over time, the pony actually had to take care of their own best friend, and they frustrated them so much, but they put up with them, and-

Celestia, are you trying to get at something with that book? Because not only is it nearly parallel to the past few days I've had, but it ends right after the 20th page, right as the pony apparently sat down to speak with their friend. It was just blank pages from then on. Are you trying to make me fill in the blanks, learn something, or...? I just don't get it yet.

I did, in fact, read back over the words. It seems you're referencing some quite unrelated words. 'Soar', 'can't wait', and now 'how strong your bond is'? What does that have anything to do with? Soaring can refer to flying, inability to wait being a representation of impatience, and I assume the bond references friendship. So you're talking about somepony or something who's impatient, can fly, and...well, something about being friends, I guess?

I suppose this should be worth a mention. Ever since Dash lost her vision, the letters and everything stopped, as if they knew what I was going through.

And Rainbow is becoming incredibly introverted around me, and I'm sure it's just around me, and me only. I've overheard her talking, and even laughing with Spike, but when I walk in, she always becomes incredibly secretive as soon as she realizes that I'm there. I thought at first it could have been something I said, but I realize she wouldn't hold a grudge for too long. I've also taken it upon myself to ask Spike if he's noticed anything else, and he mentioned that he's seen her mumbling a few times to herself. All she apparently says is like responses to a question, like 'No, no, too much...' or 'Yeah, perfect!'. It's really odd, even considering that she does occasionally talk to herself, though that's normally in the form of a pep talk.

I mean, Dash is a great pony. She's confident, fearless, and physically capable. But it's as if all 3 of those traits have disappeared, even along with some of her typical characteristics, such as her general informality, and her complacent ego. Not that it's a bad thing, of course. It's actually kind of nice. She's more well-mannered, she's decently kind, and she even smiles without any arrogance about it. But couple that with the shyness, and you have a recipe for utterly conflicting traits. Another thing puzzling me is that she's complaining of wing pains a lot, despite not flying, and plenty of stretching. I suppose it's just like those days when your head hurts for no evident reason. But she uses it as an excuse, supposedly, to change the topic. I'll keep an eye on that one...

I also managed to get the ingredients from Zecora, and after a few questions, found out how to make the brew work. I swear, I've never worked faster in my life to hustle over to Sweet Apple Acres, and to get it there in time. I still have no idea if she's fine, because she was a sickly pale color when I saw her. I don't know if I was too late, but nevertheless, at least I tried.

Anyways, I got a letter from the hospital when I got back. They said that tomorrow, if all has gone well (which it more or less has. My books say that the wing pain is relatively unrelated.),the bandages can come off. That was considerably shorter than I thought it would be, but I'm also glad that she has recovered so quickly. I bet she's just itching to be able to race or fly, or anything. I wouldn't blame her.

Oh dear, another complicated, and convolutedly extended letter. I've really got to quit writing these...

Your slightly excited nonetheless student,
Twilight Sparkle
11-18-1001

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

You know, I'd be looking out for tomorrow. It sounds to be an important one, but just call it a teacher's hunch.

I'm afraid I am completely unable to shed any light on personal matters, however. Different ponies have different minds, which have different attitudes, which cause certain emotions at different times, which can be interpreted very different from another's. What I interpret as, say, benevolence, you could interpret as dejectedness. It's an uncertain study, so I'm afraid I can't help there.

Considering that you got to Applejack before she began complaining of any pain, I'm sure she should be fine in just a little while. I must admit, it was quick traveling for you to be able to rush between Zecora's and Sweet Apple Acres. At least, taking into account that you didn't teleport, it really takes a lot of staying power to move between the two quickly.

I must cut this letter a little short today, because I have important business that requires me and my sister to attend. It's more or less confidential, so I'm afraid that I can't say anything at the moment. I'd be violating my own guidelines.

But I will tell you-you're very close to the mark on your guessing. And to help you-somepony, not something.

Princess Celestia
11-18-1001

Dear Princess Celestia,

I figured it out. I finally figured it out.

...but not before I had a little help.

Now, I'm pretty taken aback for many reasons-one being that my heart knew I did, but my brain didn't. I suppose intelligence doesn't account for everything.

Right, let me tell you how I found out, before I sum up why. I apologize for my brevity, but I'm still a little surprised, and I'm trying to find the words to describe it.

Not to mention paper doesn't really capture emotions.

I woke up this morning, thinking it'd be like any other. The sun streamed through the windows beautifully, and I felt ready to tackle anything. It was late morning, and I looked to the side to check for Rainbow, since she probably would want to get moving by now.

She wasn't there.

Now was when I got worried. She definitely shouldn't be traversing the library without being able to watch her step, especially when we were on the second floor! I was rushing around trying to find her, worrying this way and that, when a voice drifted up from downstairs.

"Hey Twilight, you're up a little late, huh?"

I remember sighing in relief. She was fine, and that was her, all right. I'd headed downstairs, and sure enough, she was waiting in the den. Spike was there too, putting a few books back on the shelves. I supposed he might've read to her while I was asleep-she loves the Daring Doo series so much, and she was on book 3 in a matter of days after beginning.

"What I want to know, is why you were up so early," I stated.

"Oh, no reason," Dash said. But I could tell that there was a reason. As she said it, her tail swished nervously, and her cheeks colored.

Confrontation would solve nothing, however, so I moved on. "I see. Spike, out of curiosity, which books are those? I want to be sure you're putting them into the right places."

I thought he was hiding something, too, by the way that he responded. "Oh, get off my tail, will ya'? I can handle it!"

I tried to get a glance at the books, but all I saw was the word 'You' before Spike managed to push the last one in. It wasn't much of an indication of what lay within.

One way or the other, the rest of the morning turned out the same. I went to run a few errands, the usual, and it was some time in the early afternoon when Dash called me in, saying she wanted to talk. Something about the way she said it made my stomach flutter nervously, but I went anyways.

When it was only her asking when it was time to get the bandages off, I felt relieved. I explained the letter, and said that any time today would be fine, including now. I wasn't surprised when she opted for right then, and right there.

I remember that it was a little bit of a task, having to carefully do it strand by strand, in one direction to let it slowly unravel. But eventually, the last strand came undone, and I set the bandage aside.

I remember watching her blink and squint, trying to adjust to the light after about 10 full days of darkness. Eventually, she stopped, and it was pretty amusing. She turned side to side and all around, a smile on her face breaking out after a bit.

"Well, you're free to go," I said. "My job here is done."

And then I remember her turning back to me, the grin dropping from her face. "Twilight," she said. "Now is when I tell you the real reason that I called you in here for."

I became nervous again, but she continued as if oblivious. "Twilight, I'd like to say thanks for taking care of me for so long, and putting up with me. But I'd like to say something else."

She cleared her throat here, and seemed to avoid eye contact for a bit. "We've known each for a while, right?"

I nodded in response to this.

"Well, I can still remember that first day, and ever since, things have really taken off. Adventures, stuff like that everywhere. That's what I'm trying to say. I mean...urgh! It's just that, after all this time, I think that I..."

Rainbow trailed off there. I could tell she wanted to bolt and run, but was making a conscious effort not to. Her face was almost redder than an apple by now. What was making her so nervous?

"I mean, I just..." She looked around, as if checking for eavesdroppers. It was unlikely, as even Spike was already asleep, and unable to hear anything. That was when she beckoned me closer, as if wanting to tell me a secret. I obliged.

If slow motion could exist at any point in time, it would have been right about then. As I leaned closer, she did too, and she kissed me.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Those little foreign 'hello, goodbye' ones, on one cheek and then the other. No, this was a full blown, romantic, on the lips one. I even felt my own face reddening, yet I felt no need to pull away. Maybe I was just too shocked.

I hardly recall her pulling back when she did, because I was still standing, mouth agape. She did continue, though. "I love you, Twilight Sparkle.

...now that I got that off my chest, feel free to hate me now."

It was as if that one moment changed everything. Connections were made in my brain, connecting emotions to events, and those to conclusions.

I now knew that Rainbow had hugged me when she thought I was leaving, because she loved me. It was a final act of goodbye.

I now knew why she saved me, and took it upon herself to go through the crows. Because she loved me. She risked her own life for me.

I now knew why Rainbow had been acting so introverted. It was because she was trying to find a way to confess to me. Those books, Spike, they were all apparently part of a plan that largely failed.

And I now knew my own self. Why I'd ran to her, why I'd embraced her, why I'd put up with her. Why each moment felt 'right'.

And so, I said it. After a few interminable seconds' waiting.

"I love you too, Rainbow."

If there was ever a contest for 'biggest smile', I have a feeling that Pinkie would have a little competition at it. Especially with the smile that Dash pulled there. She opened her mouth to say something, but it was right then that Spike walked out.

"Mornin'," he yawned. "What'd I miss?"

I looked towards Dash. "Should we tell him?"

She shook her head, still smiling. "Nah, let the kid figure it out. He will soon enough. "

I have to tell you, when we both collapsed into laughter, Spike could have won 1st place for 'Most Quizzical Look'.

But Princess, that isn’t it. I feel that I’ve learned something today.

​What I’ve learned, is that sometimes, your friends are more than friends, and it’s important to know when, and why. If you mix your friend up for something, or vice versa, the end results can be catastrophic. But it’s also OK to grow to a friend, and want to be more than that. After all, as friends, you two agreed to share things together, so how much more different can a relationship be?

Oh, and Rainbow has something to say, too.

Hey, Princess. The Rainbow Dash here, your one stop shop for awesome and cool! I actually have more of a question-are you freakin’ psychic or something? Twilight showed me your letters, and you seem like some sort of ultra overlord pony who knows everything. How do you do that?

How amusing, Dash. I suppose we’d better wrap this up, Spike’s starting to get a little impatient. I was supposed to take him to Rarity’s today, and we might be a little late.

Your faithful students,
Twilight Sparkle & Rainbow Dash.
11-19-1001