The same group consisting of eight ponies and one dragon found themselves in the same waiting room waiting for Doctor Stable's permission to their Pink friend. Visiting hours were fast approaching, but as per hospital procedure, it would be down to Pinkie Pie if and when she has visitors, and who she had visit her.

The brown stallion appeared from a door "good morning all. I assume you're here to see Miss Pie?"

Twilight took lead roll "yes we are Doctor"

The brown stallion summoned a clipboard from inside his white doctor's jacket. "She has given order that the first ponies she wants to see are the ones that brought her here. I believe that that was you..." he said pointing a hoof towards Applebloom "...and I'm sure there was another one, a zebra. Doesn't seem to be here at the minute though."

"Zecora?" asked Twilight "She's probably at her home, I can go and fetch her for Pinkie Pie"

"Well I suppose that is the most suitable course of action."

Applejack was feeling a bit nervous at the moment with the whole affair. She knew Rainbow Dash and Twilight were focusing extra hard on helping her rebuild things with Pinkie Pie, as well as her other friends who she had assumed would do the same, but she saw this as a chance to get some fresh air for at least ten minutes "ah'll come with yah if'n yah want"

"Well, I could just tel..." Twilight started, but then she noticed something in Applejack's eyes, something pleading, like she wanted, no, needed this. Like she needed to be away for a bit, like she needed to get something off her chest but what does she need to get off her chest that she hasn't already? "No actually, I couldn't teleport properly and safely into the Everfree Forrest, Applejack, come with me, every pony else stay here." With that, Applejack and Twilight left to venture to Zecora's hut.

Rarity, ever the pony to enjoy a nice bit of gossip was starting to get ideas about how much time Applejack and Twilight seemed to be spending alone just lately. She whispered to her shy best friend "Fluttershy, does it not seem a bit odd to you how much time Applejack and Twilight seem to spending together."

Fluttershy did not look impressed to hear this, but she spoke in a voice that was more quiet than her usual voice "Oh goodness Rarity, I'm not sure now is such a good time to be starting rumors about ponies, Applejack must be very stressed, and Twilight's helping her out. Oh...I've just made that sound completely wrong"

"Oh come now darling" rebutted the white unicorn "It's hardly rumors, it's a matter of perspective, and they have been spending a lot of time together on there own. Granted, this is a hard time, but it isn't impossible for these feelings for happen. I hardly meant it in a bad way..." she looked around to make extra sure no one could possibly hear them "Personally with Rainbow Dash loving Pinkie Pie, as well, I think it would be most adorable if Applejack loved Twilight as well, especially if it works out for both couples"

"yes Rarity I suppose I can see your view, but with the same reasoning, ponies could think the same about us, with our spa dates" Fluttershy blushed they wouldn't be wrong, I just wish I could tell you, Rarity.

"Yes, well it's nonsense, neither you or I like mares in that way...." yes I do, Fluttershy, I love you "...whereas we know Applejack does, actually though, I'm not sure about Twilight. Anyway, let us gossip no more for now."

***

"So, Applejack, you seemed to want to be away quite badly" stated Twilight "May I ask what's bothering you? Is it still Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash?"

"Well, ah'm still a bit nervous for seein' Pinkie, and ah'm sure ah can fully trust RD, but ah can't lie, ah'm a bit worried about if an how ah might influence how Pinkie is with Bloom, that's why ah needed to be away, ah'm sure you can reassure me, yah have done the past few days"

"Look Applejack, your sister saved Pinkie's life, I'm sure even if Pinkie hated you, which I'm sure she don't, she would believe she owed a life debt to Applebloom." Twilight went into deep though "and maybe we can use that to your advantage

"come again?"

"Look Applejack, I wouldnt say this unless I thought it gave you a really good shot at starting to fix things with Pinkie, but Pinkie would be likely to listen to Applebloom, maybe even more so than me. Maybe I could ask Applebloom to, I don't know, maybe help convince Pinkie that you are truly sorry?"

Applejack looked deep in thought "Ah don't know Twi, firstly, ah don't think ah feel comfortable using mah sister like that, an' secondly, if Pinkie Pie is to forgive me, ah want it to be of her choosin', not cus' mah sister and Zecora rescued her, and she feels she has to, wouldn't be fair, an' she would only grow to resent me, but that's just how it looks at the moment. Ah'll give it proper thought."

"Well, it's like I said, I would never suggest something like that if I didn't truly believe it for the best." On saying that, Twilight head the pitter patter of small hoof no, claw prints behind her. Turning around to see her dragon assistant. He looked Rather exhausted to say the least

"Twilight *huff* Princess *huff* letter" he said before dropping to the floor, completely spent on energy, with the letter still in his grasp. Twilight telekentically lifted him onto her back, before removing the letter from his grasp.

"I wonder what took her so long to reply" Twilight said to no pony in particular.

"Ah'm guessing she was just so busy, so, what's it say" replied Applejack

Twilight began to read it out. This time she decided, if needed, she would explain how she told Princess Celestia about how much Applejack and Rainbow Dash were struggling. She, however, vowed that she would remain the tough demeanor she worked so hard to put on.

***

My most faithful student

Princess Twilight Sparkle

It's good to hear of Pinkie Pie's speedy recovery. I assume she will have a load of ponies waiting in a line reaching Canterlot wanting to see her as soon as she is able to take visitors. It is a relief that she is progressing.

I'm glad to see you continue to take my advise seriously, and I have to agree on believing that Fluttershy would do the same.

It is perfectly ok that you might need to send letters to me at all times regarding this issue, and i saved a reply for this morning as you asked. I have faith that Pinkie Pie should be conscious pretty soon. Continue doing all you deem necessary to help every pony where they need it

Princess Celestia

***

"I don't understand" said Twilight, genuinely confused "I didn't tell the Princess to wait till morning...Oh you crafty dragon" Twilight felt Spike shift a little upon saying this.

"Sugarcube, what did the 'Fluttershy doing the same' part mean, if'n ya don't mind me askin'"

"AJ, I had to tell the Princess exactly what's going on. I had to say about how badly you and Rainbow are taking it, and I mentioned I had you stay at the library with me and Spike, and Fluttershy stayed with Rainbow Dash, and I said I'd do all I can to help you, and i said I knew Fluttershy would do the same..." despite her inner vow, Twilight felt her tough shell crack, she was just hoping the cracks wouldn't show "...I didn't know what else to do, so I spoke to the Princess about it, so she could help." she felt a tear roll down her cheek.

"Look Twi, we appreciate that you've tried to stay strong for us, but there ain't no need. We all need eachother. We all know exactly how it feels. Ah think it just hit yah that she was gone and everythin' else that happened without you realizin' it. Ah'm here ta comfort ya, as you've done for me. If yah still want to be strong for th' girls, ah won't spoil it for you. But ya don't have taken hide from me"

"Thanks AJ" she quickly wiped the tear away with a hoof "let's go get Zecora then"

"right behind ya Twi"

Author's Notes:

So as my blog post said, this is more recently written content as oppose to content I written late September's, everything uploaded from this chapter forward is written close to upload, I hope there is a noticeable improvement, or even just a little one. If I can get another chapter before, I will, but if not, a new part will be added next Wednesday. Also, I'm not incorporating TwiJack, but I'm incorporating Flarity. Don't be too mad, it's only going to be on the sidelines with the odd mention of it (and maybe one or two bonus chapters) it will not be a key element of the main story. Enjoy :)