Time seemed to be at a complete stand still at the Ponyville General Hospital for five ponies sat in the waiting room. The five sat in silence staring at the ground, careful not to say anything that may upset the other four. Applejack most of all did not want to be the one to break the silence, Rarity and Fluttershy weren't accounted for, but the orange farmer mare knew that Rainbow Dash And Twilight knew that it was her fault. In fact, she thought she had no right to be there, but leaving might have offended the other four even more.

Another four entrants made there way into the waiting room. Spike, followed by Sweetie Belle and Applebloom and Scootaloo. All of them were close to Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie was everypony's friend, but Sweetie Belle and Applebloom had also come to offer comfort to there older sisters as well as Scootaloo for the mare that took her under her wings, Rainbow Dash. Each of the three ex cutie mark crusaders had earned there cutie marks long ago. Finally Spike had arrived as one of Pinkie Pies closest friends, as well as to comfort and assist his surrogate sister, Twilight Sparkle. Even with the new arrivals, the waiting room held a solemn and silent atmosphere.

Twilight broke it "Spike, take a letter"

***

In her private chamber of Canterlot Castle, Princess Celestia eagerly awaited an update on the situation regarding Pinkie Pie. Surely her information to Twilight Sparkle was only sent a few hours ago, but with such a delicate operation, where one of her most faithful subjects, as well as an element of harmony, were at life threatening risk, every second is valuable. Her hopes turned to reality when a scroll manifested in front of her. She opened it to read.

***

Dear Princess Celestia

I write informing you of good and bad news. As a custom, I will start with the bad news. Unfortunately a suicide attempt was made by Pinkie Pie by means of hanging in the Everfree Forrest. I apologize if you wished for me to keep the details spared, I'm following your wish to keep you up to date

The good news is she was found just in time By Zecora and Applebloom, who were, as luck would have it, around. I do realize that, in a strange way, it was a case of right place, right time. A better time would be if they were there as she came, I don't know, maybe seeing old friends would have snapped her out. However, every minute she was hanging, in fact, every second could have ended up with it being too late. Heartbeats were heard, weak, and far apart but they were there

Princess, I'm scared. I realize as an alicorn, many will die in my infinite life time, but I don't want her to die yet. It's giving us all so much heart ache just waiting for the nurse to stabilize her. I realize that to properly appear strong, at least one pony should know your fears, your worries and anything else. I must remain strong for my friends present, so I must confess my worries to you.

Hopefully they can stabilize her soon though, the five of us will be waiting here until the middle of the night if we have to. We are also accompanied by Spike, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. It's so kind of them to think of us all as well as Pinkie Pie.

This is a very pressing issue, I realize that Applejack is still blaming herself. She looks genuinely uncomfortable around us all. It's not her fault and we have said countless times. Rainbow Dash, who loved her, just appears lot in her own world. Whilst no pony is saying much, we're all very diligent, where as Rainbow appears away from it.

I hope everythings ok Princess, I really do. As soon as I know more, I will update you as soon as possible

Your faithful student

Twilight Sparkle

***

The Princess wasted no time in writing a reply to her most faithful student

***

Back in Ponyville General Hospital, silence still held over the small crowd of ponies (and one dragon) that had gathered in the waiting room. This time, the silence was broken by the arrival of a letter. It was embarrassing enough for spike that her practically vomited letters in the first place, but at a time where it was used to break a silence, a very noticeable blush appeared across his face. Twilight dictated the letter to her friends. However, she missed some parts out due to things that were mentioned to Celestia that she wanted to keep secret.

***

My most faithful student

Princess Twilight Sparkle and gathered friends

As unfortunate as this turn of events has occurred, I am sure we all agree that she was found at the right time. Despite her condition I am most faithful that Pinkie Pie will survive this. However, I wish not to give false hope.

Everypony gathered must stop blaming there selves, right now you all need each other. However, pay attention to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. If needs be, take them aside and talk to them one at a time. I believe these two ponies may be worse impacted.

It was very noble of the three younger mares and Spike to show up during such a hard time. We all hope she's going to be okay, I have faith, as does Luna. Many ponies have missed Pinkie Pie, and I think getting her back is the only way to fill the void.

If Zecora is still present, thank her personally from me for saving a ponies life, same gratitude extends to Applebloom.

Remember Twilight, all your friends are in the same boat, they are just as worried and upset as you, but if you choose to keep your true emotions hidden for their sake, in this case I suppose it's justified. Just remember, they are your friends for a reason. To offer help and support, though they are suffering too, it may help if you all support each other.

We all pray for Pinkie Pie and send our well wishes to all friends present. May she pull through

Keep me updated

Princess Celestia

P.s- In regard to your apology, please leave no detail spared. You put it best yourself, it's a pressing issue.

***

A stallions voice broke the third silence to have taken place between the eight ponies and one dragon present "Friends of patient number 249, Miss Pinkamena Diane Pie?"

"That's us" replied Twilight

"Ahh Princess Twilight Sparkle, a pleasure to see you as always" he said with a bow of his head "I am Doctor Stable, I will be in charge of Pinkamena's care, I am pleased to inform you that we were able to raise her vitals dramatically. She is however, still reliant on close vital monitoring. It is a good job she was found when she was, another matter of minutes and there would have been no hope. She has also sustained a neck injury, she had been put in a neck brace for that, it should help the muscle repair within a few weeks. We have her on increased nutritional flow due to her malnutrition. However, visiting hours are over, so seeing her will have to wait until tomorrow. She will be taken care of. We would love to make an exception, but it's hospital policy"

Twilight looked towards a clock that was hanging on the wall. She gasped, they had been waiting a lot longer than she thought. It was indeed 11:00 PM, only an hour till midnight "I understand Doctor, we will be here first thing in the morning. Goodbye"

"Goodbye" replied the doctor

Rainbow Dash just stared at the ground. She hadn't keyed into most of the conversation that occurred between her purple alicorn friend and the doctor. But there was one part she heard "another matter of minutes and there would have been no hope." Even as Ponyville's resident speedster, Rainbow Dash knew that very little could be done in just 'a matter of minutes' but here, a matter of minutes was all that lay between the mare she loved living and dying. She had never appreciated the importance of such a small and insignificant sounding time frame. This ideology brought on a fresh wave of tears. She no longer cared about her reputation. The mare she loved could have died.

She then felt a pair of wings wrap around her body. "Thanks Fluttershy" she said

"For what?" replied the timid yellow pegasus, this confused Rainbow Dash because the reply clearly came from a the other side of the room. She looked up to see that it was neither Twilight or Fluttershy, but rather the orange pegasus who idolized her at a young age

"Thanks Scoot" Rainbow Dash said correcting herself. The younger pegasus' reply was to wrap her wings slightly tighter

Twilight spoke now "Well, I think we all better get some shut eye. We will come back first thing in the morning"

Rarity spoke regarding two of the younger fillies "As long as Applejack says it's ok for Applebloom, you two may stay over with Sweetie Belle"

Usually, the idea of a sleepover would get the three young mares excited, but now wasn't a time for excitement. Scootaloo did however speak "No way, I mean, thanks for the offer, but I wanna stay with Dash"

Despite the situation, Rainbow Dash couldn't help but smile at this. Scootaloo had practically been Rainbow Dash's little sister since the camping incident. She had taught the young mare many things about flying, like control, and aerial maneuvers, but little did the older mare know that Scootaloo would adopt her loyalty. However, she didn't want Scootaloo to miss out "It's okay Scoot, I'll be okay on my own, you can stay with Rarity and Sweetie Belle if you want"

The younger pegasus gave it a bit of thought. "are you sure, because you look like you need the company" Rainbow Dash nodded, certifying she was sure

Applejack spoke next "Well Ah can't have one miss out can ah, besides ah need ta think. Bloom you can stay with Rare if you want"

"Ok sis, ah guess ill see ya here tomorrow" Applejack nodded. Shortly afterwards, Rarity left with Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo in tow, leaving Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Spike still in the waiting room.

"Fluttershy, a quick word" Said Twilight. Fluttershy and Twilight made there way to a part of the room where the could have a quiet chat where Applejack and Rainbow Dash couldn't hear them. Spike had also gone with them

"What's wrong Twilight?" asked Fluttershy

"Applejack and Rainbow Dash"

"Oh...my. Have the done something wrong?"

"No, but I don't think being alone will do them any good. I mean, Applejack's blaming herself for all of this and Rainbow Dash appears lost in her own world"

"you're right Twilight"

She nodded "So we need to come to an agreement of sorts"

***

Rainbow Dash and Applejack sat in silence. They were both devastated by the events that were unfolding. They knew Twilight, Fluttershy and Spike were talking about them, but neither cared. They then noticed the three approaching them, with Spike now perched atop Twilight.

"Right" started Twilight "We have come to an agreement"

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash waited expectantly

Fluttershy took the reigns "We think it's best that neither of you be alone tonight...urrrm...If that's okay with you"

Twilight finished the proposal "So, Applejack, you're staying at the library with me and Spike, and Rainbow Dash, you will be accompanied by Fluttershy."

Applejack nodded agreement. Rainbow Dash tried, but failed to find a protest, before agreeing. The four ponies and a dragon left the hospital and split into there respective teams. Twilight, Applejack and Spike making there way towards the Library, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash towards the latter's cloud home.

***

By the time Twilight, Applejack and Spike had entered the library, it was a half hour till midnight. Twilight sat and wrote a quick letter to Princess Celestia before having Spike send it off. Now it was time for Spike to hit the hay, and for Twilight to try and get a conversation out of Applejack this would be hard

"Applejack, what's wrong? aside from Pinkie Pie, you and Rainbow Dash are the worst off about it, and I want you to know you can talk to me about it"

Silence for a while. Twilight was about to start speaking again, but she got her reply "Ah did it to Pinkie, Ah made her run away. Ah made her do that to herself. Ah have no right to even be there tomorrow, because Ah'm the one who did this" Applejack Said. Twilight knew that wasn't all that was on her mind. She glanced over. A glance which successfully pried Applejack for more information "And ah feel like Dash was hidin' somethin' when she forgave me, why would she forgive me, what ah did made the mare she loved try an' end her own life". Still Twilight's glance, a bit more information came out. "ah'm scared ok. Ah wanna see Pinkie, tell her how sorry ah am, but ah'm scared how she might react. She might not want me there, or seein' me might put her in shock or somethin'" One more glance, then the final bit of information came through with sobs "Ah'm scared in case when she wakes up, everypony's goin' ta hate me fer what ah did. Ah know ah deserve it, but ah just don't like it".

Satisfied everything was out now, Twilight could comfort her farm pony friend "No pony's going to hate you Applejack. I will do all I can to make sure Pinkie doesn't react badly to you. You can't go on blaming yourself forever, it's not fair on yourself. You and Dash are taking this harder than anypony else, I don't think Rainbow Dash would find this the best time to play games with you. I think she genuinely has forgiven you. Yes it may seem out of character, but I don't sense any hard feelings towards you. And Pinkie Pie will also forgive you sooner or later. She kind of has to. Firstly, any dispute between elements could create chaos similar to Discord. It's fascinating really, but nows not the time to explain that, but also, I'm sure she will do it for me, for Dash, For Fluttershy and Rarity. But it's the type of Pony Pinkie is. I'm sure she will forgive you"

Applejack's weeping had calmed down slightly by now as she felt two hooves and two wings wrap around her barrel. Soon her crying would come to a standstill. Hmmm not as hard as expected then.

***

Princess Celestia knew the parchment that materialized in front of her just now would hold important news. Purely because She knew it was off Twilight. Twilight was usually fast asleep for several hours by this time. She read through

***

Dear Princess Celestia

After several hours in the hospital waiting room (honestly I think we all lost track of time) we were informed of good news by the doctor in charge of her care. Since arriving, her condition and vital signs have dramatically increased. However, by the time this feat had taken place, it was 11:00 PM, way past visiting hours. We will be returning tomorrow.

We are informed she's still dependent on close vital monitoring though, and that she is being put on a high nutrition feed due to her malnutrition. Finally she has sustained a neck injury from the hanging. Nothing a brace can't fix though as we were informed. All in all I believe good progress is being made in the right direction.

The doctor said that it was a matter of minutes that made the difference between life and death. I think this really hit Rainbow Dash pretty hard, and Applejack still seems to be blaming herself. Everypony else's spirits seem to have been lifted by the news that she was improving.

Fluttershy and I have decided we are going to be keeping Applejack and Rainbow Dash company for the night, The younger mares are staying with Rarity. Spike and I will be accommodating Applejack and Fluttershy will be staying with Rainbow Dash. I think this may be chance to have a one to one conversation with Applejack as you suggested. I have all faith that Fluttershy will do the same for Rainbow Dash. I will update you in the morning as soon as we know her condition.

Your Faithful student
Twilight Sparkle

P.s-almost forgot, sorry for writing so late at night
P.s.s-Spike said can you leave replying till the morning because he needs his sleep

***

Celestia was chuffed about the improvement in condition of one of her most faithful subjects. She was also glad Twilight had took her advice. She had a feeling Spike was responsible for the writing of the 'Spike said' part. She also guessed Twilight didn't know that Spike had put that, but none the less, she had decided a reply could wait till morning.

***

Being a friend of Fluttershy's for as long as Rainbow Dash had a few valuable lessons in itself. The main one being that she was kind and caring to all ponies and creatures alike with no boundaries. Even Discord, who tricked all her friends, including the yellow pegasus herself into being the opposite of who they are, fell victim to her undeniable kindness. So Rainbow Dash would be a lot easier, shown the kindness Fluttershy had to offer would be bound to make her open up a bit, and focus on the positives, after all, the Doctor said that Pinkie Pie had massively improved since arrival.

The blue pegasus was busy setting up a guest bed to accommodate the second guest in a matter of days. She would never admit it, but she loved her friends company, especially due to the circumstances. Still didn't feel much like talking though. She tried to hide the fact that she was on the verge of tears from Fluttershy who was approaching her.

The next thing Rainbow Dash knew, she had her friends wing wrapped wrong her and she was crying. Again. Fluttershy was trying, only to a small amount of avail, to calm her with a hug and a wave of 'shhhhhh's.

"I love her Fluttershy. I can't believe she would do that"

"It's okay Dash, she will be fine. We'll be able to see her in the morning"

"but what if it's too late"

"The doctors are taking care of her Dash, they won't let her go, trust me Dash"

Dash's silence spoke volumes, she trusted Fluttershy. The silence lasted only a short while

"Did you hear about what Applejack did before she left"

This worried Fluttershy. Applejack decided to come clean to her, as well as Rarity, And Twilight, but she didn't know that Rainbow Dash knew about it aswell, and the last thing she needed right now was to get involved in a rift. However, honesty seemed the best policy. "yes...urm she told me"

Rainbow Dash's next words shocked Fluttershy "I just want her to stop blaming herself. Right now, what we all need is eachother. I can tell that A.J felt like she had no right to be there today. She does. Though Fluttershy. At first I forgave her because I thought living with the guilt was punishment enough, but I now realize" she froze

"Realize what" Fluttershy prompted

"It was wrong of me. That wasn't what Pinkie would want. And I know Pinkie will forgive her as well, but I can't forgive myself for thinking like that"

Fluttershy didn't know what to say to this. She wasn't upset, she just didn't know how to make Rainbow Dash feel better. She had an idea and went with it "You were very upset at the time, we all say and think out of character" she hoped for the best as Rainbow Dash sat pondering on the issue

"you're right Fluttershy." Thank Celestia for that

"Don't forget, we will get to see Pinkie first tomorrow, maybe we should get some sleep"

"Ok Fluttershy. Goodnight"

"Goodnight Dash"

"Oh and Fluttershy?"

"yes"

"Thankyou for everything"

Fluttershy nodded acknowledging her friends appraisal before they both made there way to there beds.

Author's Notes:

Soooo Pinkie Pie is improving in condition. OR IS SHE??? Dun dun duuuuun. Anyway, I have written a chapter that fits between this and the *next* chapter. Call it a bonus chapter of you will.

This chapter is speak of is not necessary for the story, however, it is an interesting input for it. However, this is where I am going to be evil. I'm only going to upload this chapter *IF* this story can get 300 views before Thursday, which will be when the next key part of the story will be added. As it stands, it has 269 views. So I kindly ask you all to share it among friends. It is only 31 views, which is easily possible in a 3 day time frame.

The reason it will be Thursday the next part is uploaded is because I'm at my brothers all day tomorrow, I'm seeing a band on Tuesday and I'm at my nans house on Christmas. So essentially, it will be a double upload on Thursday (1 bonus and 1 core chapter) if I get the support I'm looking for. If I don't manage 300 views, I will only be uploading the core part, and the bonus part will be scrapped.

Thanks in advance. Enjoy this chapter and have a very merry Christmas all