A Voice Among the Strangers

by Tystarr


Chapter three: Respite

The scenery slid by the window, cherry landscape and warm morning sun illuminating the world with colours.

Jessica always had a soft spot for travelling by train, hence why she had been a little bit excited to see one in this world. Resting her chin upon one palm she gazed outside, the characteristic sound of the train moving, the scenery. How you could watch the world pass you by and enjoy the simple pleasure of travel, it was all in a way somewhat romantic. Her mother would say it was from a different time, of steam and rustic beauty.

Closing her eyes she could almost imagine her mother next to her, helping her up to see out the window like when she was younger. She could almost hear her words, speaking of how the picturesque landscape as it flew by would help Jessica breathe life into her songs. She could almost even hear her mother hum, wishing to join her in the serene sounding tune.

Almost.

The fact there were currently five equines in the cabin constantly fighting to be heard over each other slightly hampered her ability to go down memory lane. Even the filly upon her lap was starting to raise her voice, primarily directed at the other occupants within the cabin.

I really wish I could understand them.

Watching from the window seat Jessica gently supported Espa upon her lap. The small unicorn was attempting, she assumed, to try and stop the yelling from the others in the cabin. So far despite how much she was beginning to adore the little filly, all Espa had done was just add to the indecipherable racket. Without a watch it was hard to keep track of how long this had been going on, she was hardly going to use precious battery time on her phone just to time something so trivial.

She couldn't even say the journey had started well, she had managed to get on the wrong train somehow while following Ebony. Thankfully Apple, Espa and the two stallions had managed to make it onto the train before it departed, the rest were not so lucky. She had watched Apple storm off out the cabin only to return shortly after looking dejected, Jessica's best guess was the orange mare tried to get the conductor to reverse. If they ran anything like the trains she knew about that was not going to happen, the thought reassuring and also a source of more worry. It was in a way nice how familiar the trains ran, but at the same time she would have liked to go back and meet up with Sparkle and Bubbles.

Her thoughts turned towards the cross-eyed pegasus, looking down at Espa upon her lap she winced a little. From the first time she laid eyes upon Bubbles she had seemed a doting and very protective mother, how was she coping without Espa with her right now? Stuck with that depressing thought she watched the aptly nicknamed pegasus, Rainbow, continue to argue with one of the guards.

Jessica had to admit, she was actually surprised that Rainbow had gotten one of the guards to actually show some emotion, if only mild annoyance.

And how she caught up to the train...

She remembered back to how they had left the station. Eventually everyone had calmed down and there had been a bit of silence, soon broken by Apple talking gently towards Espa. Jessica had been proud of the filly, although looking a little unsettled by what occurred she had spent more time making sure Jessica herself was fine. When she became slightly nervous at the initial raised voices she had felt Espa nuzzle her hand gently, reassuringly. In turn her lap was all the little unicorns, hopefully something of a comfort for the train ride.

Then there had been the sound of yelling, oddly enough not from within the cabin.

Outside the window had been a sight that made Espa and Apple give a cheer of delight, a rainbow contrail had sped past the window before a dull thunk occured on the roof. A conspicuous amount of clopping later a disheveled looking pegasus had appeared in the cabin doorway, dark pink eyes glowering with promised pain at whoever they fell upon.

Without warning Rainbow had surged towards Jessica, stopped only by quick thinking and quicker reactions from Apple. The forward momentum was immediately robbed from the pegasus eliciting a surprised gutteral sound, the orange mare's hoof pushed firmly down onto the tail pinning her. Breathing in shallow gasps Jessica had become fearful, anything that could fly as fast as the pegasus would probably result in more injuries than she already had managed to accumulate. A follow-up action made her blink upon seeing that she wasn't the intended target, a forehoof was pointed at Ebony as Rainbow spat out anger filled words. Ebony for her part had looked the part of innocence, a forehoof pointing to her own chest while lying beside Jessica.

That had set Apple off again as well. Which led back to the current cacophony filling the cabin.

One of the guards had seemed to try and calm Rainbow down, who had then turned on him instead. Apple was once more arguing with Ebony, everything that the friend beside her replied with only seeming to make the situation worse. Finally Espa was valiantly attempting to appease everyone it seemed, starting to look quite distraught despite her efforts. Looking about the cabin Jessica realised only herself and one of the guards were actually holding their tongue at this point. However, as she felt Espa start to quiver upon her lap something snapped within.

"Okay enough!" Jessica raised her voice, swallowing the ball of nervousness that threatened to make her voice crack into a squeak. The effect was immediate, she hadn't spoken much in the hospital outside occasional attempts at conversation with Sparkle, this made her voice unknown enough to cut through the din. The fact her language probably sounded as weird to them as theirs did to her, would have helped in that regard immensely. Suddenly having five pairs of eyes settling upon her did not help with already low confidence issues in the slightest. She now had their attention and now needed to use it before it was lost into the arguing once more, which inevitiably would flare up once again.

She did what would have stopped her when arguing, with a gesture of her head she pointed out who was suffering the most from it. That itself was depressingly easy right now, Espa was looking almost in tears, a fact that Apple immediately looked crestfallen about. Even Rainbow looked chastised as she scuffed a forehoof upon the floor, soon adding a sullen voice towards the filly. Apple slowly approached Jessica and moved her head to affectionately nuzzle the small unicorn upon her lap, the action returned by Espa softly.

Ebony through it all just rested her head upon her front hooves, pretending to not have noticed anything. Her friend's behaviour was starting to concern Jessica, she trusted the disguised pony, there was no doubt about that. However ever since this morning she had been acting, strange. Nervous and confrontational being the main things so far, a departure from how she was the night before.

The gears started to turn in Jessica's head, the pegasus of her concern raised her head to look up at Jessica with a quizzical expression. Reaching with one hand she slowly stroked over Ebony's mane, feeling the warm sensation flow from within into the equine. That was something else she was becoming curious about.

Why only with Ebony?

Initially she had assumed the feeling was from when any equine creature touched her. But when in the hospital she had never felt the same with Red, Espa, Bubbles or even Sparkle. The sensation itself wasn't bad, it actually felt pleasant she mused. Ebony closed her eyes as she simply allowed her mane to be stroked. The problem Jessica mused, it was only with this one pony creature.

The logical part of her brain was starting to smoulder at the lack of answers, so in the interest of continued sanity she dropped the issue for now. Jessica in truth really didn't need to know, it wasn't an unpleasant feeling and she enjoyed Ebony's company. The issue was that not knowing things was beginning to become almost a way of life for her, she was becoming quite sick of it.

A female voice tugged at her attention, shaken out of her thoughts she could only utter a strangled scream and push herself back into the seat from what suddenly filled her vision. Hovering before her face were two large magenta eyes, one eyebrow lowered to regard her with a quizzical nature. A sharp rebuke from Apple made Rainbow exhale and offer a rather insincere look of apology. Jessica was just pleased when her pulse got back to normal, she wasn't used to Rainbow yet and the others had taken several days to make her comfortable around them.

She didn't think Rainbow was the type to allow her that luxury.

Ebony was regarding the cyan pegasus with a glare which was promptly shrugged off in return. Lowering to the ground Rainbow spoke with Apple before surprising Jessica with a loud sigh followed by a roll of her eyes. Despite her nervousness about the rather bold pegasus she was curious when Rainbow turned and trotted over to stand before her. The curiosity grew when the mare sat upon her haunches before rubbing a fore hoof through her mane, a universal gesture of awkwardness if ever there was one.

An apologetic tone came from Rainbow's mouth, seemingly directed up towards Jessica, before Ebony gave a sarcastically toned remark causing the former's teeth to clench. Realising that Rainbow was attempting to apologize, Jessica gave Ebony a small frown to stop whatever she was doing to aggravate the other pegasus. A small snort was the reply Jessica got, the disguised pony turning her head almost petulantly. Despite herself Jessica couldn't help but give a small giggle at how Ebony was acting, the chocolate fur over the pegasus's muzzle starting to burn slightly crimson in response.

Rainbow's expression changed instantly, eyebrows lowering to lean forward while speaking with a mocking filled tone, a grin slowly splitting her muzzle. Ebony didn't rise to the obvious taunting as she slipped from the seat to trot off out of the cabin, Rainbow's voice continuing to follow her out. Apple seemed indecisive on how to act after what just happened, biting her lower lip as if torn by two mind sets. Jessica exhaled softly at her own inner conflict, on one hand Ebony seemed to be actively riling up the other equines. On the other...

She's scared about something.

The thought came so easily to her as if was there all along. The way Ebony was acting earlier in the hospital, how her friend had refused to leave her side on the trek to the train station. That thought led to another conclusion as the five equines looked up at her, her gasp of insight catching their attention.

Did she lead me on this train intentionally?

Frowning she barely noticed Espa's concerned tone of voice, Rainbow and Apple giving a slight tilt to their heads as they watched her. She had found a loose string and it was leading her down the path to a conclusion, an answer. Her mind was determined as she continued to dig through half formed ideas, things finally starting to make some semblance of reason.

Ebony had possibly led her on to this train intentionally, but the question was why? Jessica gently bit upon a thumbnail in thought. She was becoming frustrated at how close the answer seemed to be but remained just out of reach so tantalisingly close. So far the conclusion she had was that Ebony didn't wish to go to the castle, that however didn't alter the primary question.

Why?

Blinking out of her inner thoughts she realised she was being looked upon by the others, even Rainbow was looking somewhat concerned. The guards as always looked impassive, but that was quickly becoming a given fact for Jessica. Offering a smile she gave Espa a small hug before placing the filly on the seat as she got to her feet. Eyes seemed to follow her before she pointed a finger in the direction Ebony had gone, this action earning a small sigh and lopsided smile from Apple. Rainbow looked as if to say something, before she gave a sideways glance instead.

Her mind set she started to walk towards the cabin door, until a slight tug on her skirt made her pause with a confused utterance. Looking back she saw Rainbow scuffing a fore hoof, the mare exhaling and offering a small grin up towards followed by a firm nod of the head. A smile came to Jessica's face as she returned the small nod, the gesture from the pegasus was a welcome one.

Right now however she would be there for her friend, and try and find out just why Ebony was acting so strangely.

The cabins leading to the rear of the train were thankfully unoccupied, although the roof was a little low she still had ample space to move. Balancing herself with her right hand she slipped through one empty cabin, then another. Beginning to feel the gnawing of fear that Ebony might have flown away, the relief was a welcome feeling when in the next cabin she saw the pegasus looking wistfully out the window. The mare's ear flicked upon hearing her, offering a warm smile she approached her friend who made no effort to acknowledge her presence.

"Ebony..." The ear flicked once more, a blue eye turning to regard her before looking back out the window. A sigh escaped Jessica's lips, her friend was going to do this the hard way and without language it only made things more difficult. Stepping closer she watched Ebony turn to regard her, eyes seeming to look over as if trying to find something. Whatever it was she seemed to pass, holding her left arm just above the elbow while being scrutinised. The pegasus shook her head, speaking something with a mild frown.

Jessica watched as Ebony moved from the window to instead look up towards her. Blinking back down in reply she was becoming thoroughly perplexed at her friend's body language and behaviour. Finally a long exhale passed the muzzle of the mare before she turned and rubbed her nose gently to Jessica's left hand. A smile came to Jessica's face feeling the sensation pass once more into Ebony, moving her hand she stroked through the curls of mane enjoying the moment.

She was a little taken by surprise when Ebony moved her head to softly tug at her skirt, gently being guided over to one of the long seats against the window. The skirt tugging action itself was making her somewhat bemused, seeming to become quite common to get her attention. Becoming seated she watched the mare crawl up beside her and rest her head upon her lap, blue eyes closing.

Don't tell me all this was because she wanted me to herself?

A good natured sigh escaped from her lips, looking down she couldn't help but continue to gently stroke over her friend's mane while quietly contemplating. She dismissed her earlier thought upon seeing a slight shiver run down Ebony's spine, it was faint and it seemed the mare was doing her best to hide it, but there it was. Jessica closed her eyes and moved her head back to the cool surface of the window, the thought filtering into her mind as she felt the warm feeling pass from her into the equine. Ebony seemed to want to be close with her right now, comforted but not where the others could see she assumed.

It was a peaceful experience, just her and Ebony again like in the forest. The sound of the train rolling along the tracks banishing concerns and worries away, the warmth of a friend. It was perfect. She knew they would have to go into the other cabin soon, the guards she assumed were already trying to follow if they hadn't already. Why they weren't in the cabin now she could only speculate the reason, probably something to do with Apple.

Memories turned back to her earlier thoughts with her mother, hearing the hummed tune filter once again through her mind. She did something she never felt at ease enough to do, even at the hospital she had felt too self conscious.

She sung.

Under her hand she felt Ebony's ears flick, continuing to stroke over the curls while indulging her passion. The tone of her voice shifting with the words, it wasn't a complex song, in fact it was simply a little lullaby her mother used to sing to her before sleep. Of course, it had been altered some from the original when her mother had sung it, but it held a special place within her heart none the less. She didn't even take much notice of the faint clopping that seemed to echo around the tune.

"...Dream a little dream of me."

As the final notes escaped her she opened her eyes and found herself suddenly immensely bashful. The cabin which had previously played host to only herself and Ebony, now become filled with the rest, Apple looking upon her with a lopsided smile and slight tilt of her head. Rainbow was looking, somewhat bemused - whether at her singing or how Ebony was resting to her side she was unsure. The guards, well, the guards were doing what they always did and were either side of the entrance they had previously came from. A small voice caused her to look down and spy Espa gazing up with wide golden eyes.

Well this is completely and utterly mortifying.

She felt her cheeks starting to burn, singing with only Ebony as her audience was fine. Turning her head aside she gave a small cough into a loose fist, trying to get her flustered expression under control. The familiar voice of Apple brought her attention back around, the mare talking towards Espa, who at this point was excitedly bouncing upon her hooves. Rainbow gestured with a fore hoof, almost a so-so gesture but the mare did have a small grin upon her muzzle while doing it.

At that point Jessica realised that the feeling within her had blossomed once more, the growing warmth causing a slight stirring under her hand. Ebony's eyes were once more wide, looking distant before shaking herself out of it as Espa seemed to be asking the disguised mare a question. The pegasus moved her head a little to regard the filly, replying something that made Espa pause. Further words were exchanged, Jessica as always unable to ascertain the context but becoming content that they were speaking in a civil manner.

Apple unexpectedly trotted forward and gave a small tilt of her head to indicate towards Jessica, her head turning to speak at Ebony with a stern tone to her voice. The room became silent, Jessica noticing even the guards were looking over, one even with a raised eyebrow which in itself was shocking. She felt Ebony stir under her hand before the pegasus's head rested once again upon her lap, eyes closing even as the mare spoke. The words were somewhat somber, but she could sense a strong passion within.

I really wish I could understand them...

Apple blinked, one hoof gently raised slightly at the conviction spoken from Ebony before setting the leg back down. The expression had shifted upon the orange mare's face, settling the furrow on her brow much to Jessica's relief. She could figure out why they might have been angry with Ebony, she had seemingly brought Jessica upon the wrong train. The fact Espa, Apple and the two stallions were here at all was due to... well to be honest she didn't really know.

The current theory within her mind was simply that the guards had followed, but not impeded them. They had been hanging around her for a week so far, it made little sense they would suddenly have a momentary lapse of judgement. Espa had most likely followed seeing them walk off, Apple possibly in tow. Rainbow she knew about, the fact the pegasus had managed to catch up to the locomotive was still something that impressed Jessica immensely.

Something about the guards bothered her however. Her green eyes took them in, analysing both white furred stallions. Their actions didn't make any sense, if they were aware she was getting on the wrong train they could easily have alerted the others. The other option was they could have impeded them, but they had not done either instead letting it occur. Once more she bit gently on her thumbnail, her right hand still stroking over Ebony's mane softly as she thought.

They could have alerted Apple and that's how she got on the train in time... they did appear after her. But why not the others?

It was becoming frustrating trying to figure it out, the fact they were both so inanimate made it even more difficult. There was no body language to read and despite the occasional raised eyebrow or monotonous verbal communication, she would think them statues. Rainbow having gotten one to act in the slightest bit of annoyance was, quite frankly an amazing achievement all things considered. Jessica frowned ever so slightly, it unnerved her. Once more the logical part of her brain spoke up, easing her fears.

Their motivations aside, they could have done anything to you at any point while you were in the hospital. Perhaps they were distracted by something or maybe they take their orders way too literally?

A soft sigh passed her lips, she wouldn't be finding any answers by second guessing everything. A soft nuzzle to her leg made her smile and look down, Espa trying to reassure her after the filly must have seen the brief frown pass over her brow. With a soft pat of the empty spot to the left she watched the young unicorn clamber up and lie beside her, her free hand gently resting upon Espa's mane.

Rainbow looked towards Jessica and the two equines on the long window seat, a large yawn erupting from her muzzle. Gesturing with her hoof she made a comment before moving to the other side of the cabin, crawling upon one of the other benches to flop upon with a hoof dangling over the edge. Apple seemed to nod to whatever was said, removing her hat with one hoof and moving to lie further down the bench from Rainbow.

Again Jessica was not going to dwell upon how they seemed to grip things with hooves, the act alone was already stressing her mind.

Instead she looked about her, the two guards standing stoic as ever with everyone else laying comfortably. A brief look of amusement came to her lips, the sound of snoring was already coming from the cyan pegasus's mouth as she drifted off to sleep. Apple tugged the hat back onto her head as if to drown out the noise before she too seemed to slumber. Jessica looked to her left, Espa had moved closer to her side, the rising and falling of her upper body showing she too had fallen asleep at some point.

Ebony stirred and raised her head, a strange grin crossing her muzzle as Jessica replied with a slightly puzzled expression. She hoped soon her friend would act a little less... strange before giving a small yawn herself, trying to cover out of politeness with her right hand. Ebony just gave a small sniggering like sound before resting her head once more. Jessica wriggled to get comfortable before following the example of the others, feeling herself drift off to sleep.

~~~~~~

Jessica found herself not in the library this time, instead she was in a train cabin, a very dark and empty one at that. Feeling slightly unnerved she suddenly realised that she knew she was dreaming, recalling the term as she looked about to get her bearings. Lucid dreaming, the term sounded familiar for a name of what was happening right now. She mulled over this fact while slowly exploring the desolate train. Not a single soul could be found, her sense of uneasiness building within.

"Okay... getting slightly creepy now." Unsure if this was a nightmare to be, the fact she knew she was asleep did little to ease her fears. Resting hands on the cold glass she looked outside, landscape flashing by in surreal images she didn't even dare try to comprehend. Looking up she spied the night sky, trying to find the rabbit in the moon she was familiar with she instead saw the profile of a unicorn's head represented within the craters of the lunar object.

"Okay... make that very creepy." When a teal eye peeled open upon the cratered surface she backed away quickly from the glass. The eye seemed to be looking around before it spotted her, cognizance of the sight tugging at her mind. The clearing of a throat from behind made her scream and jump forward before turning to spy a very strange equine.

The most striking feature was the mane and tail, flowing like ethereal matter almost as if made from the night sky itself. There was also the disconcerting fact that unlike most equines, this one stood almost eye level with Jessica. That fact alone made her slightly nervous, another backwards step taken received a quizzical expression from the equine. It was soon apparent that this was far different from the other ponies she knew, the horn and wings combined almost making this equine seem... regal?

An awkward silence passed as Jessica's eyes darted over the tall strange pony, that is until a blaring voice poured from the dark equine's mouth. Clapping hands over her ears she let loose a small wail of distress, eyes closing before the... pega-corn, uni-sus? She wasn't sure what to call this creature but Jessica soon found a far softer voice in her direction.

Peeking open one eye she saw the equine looking quite, apologetic. A thoughtful look came across the mare's face, the softer curves and feminine like facial features helping her decide on the gender. The soft feminine voice also helped immensely in this regard.

"I... don't understand you?" Now Jessica felt strange, even her dreams were talking in the strange language that surrounded her in the waking moments. Even if this was just a dream her new hobby of making up nicknames took hold, eyeing the mare's flank.

"Night, that seems to work." Jessica's face soon met her palm as she realised she was now trying to name the ponies in her dreams. The soft chuckling made her blink however as the equine, Night seemed genuinely amused by her actions. As the sound died down a serious look came across Night's face, her shadowed eyes closing while a glow emitted along her impressively long horn. Jessica felt slightly uneasy around the show of magic, but given this was obviously a dream she felt admittedly more relaxed than normal.

"Ja-ess-see-ka." To say Jessica was surprised to hear the words passing the mare's lips would have been an understatement. It sounded strained, forced, but it was her name.

"Yes, that's me." Jessica was curious now, the dream - or nightmare, was taking a strange turn. Night seemed to be considering something, her mouth moving as she played the words over again.

"Jess-see-ka?" Night was rolling the sounds around, her mouth appearing to have difficulty in the pronunciation. She seemed to be genuinely enthralled by how the word emitted from her muzzle, one fore hoof raising to point towards Jessica.

Jessica for her part was quite lost on how to react to this.

"Yes, that's still me." Repeating herself she gave a nod to the question, Night seemed satisfied before once more trying to speak in the equine's native tongue. Jessica gave a slow blink, unsure what was going on. Was her dreaming state trying to decipher the language? If that was the case it wasn't working to any noticeable degree. A sigh passed Night's mouth before the mare stepped closer, Jessica feeling strangely at ease now as the hybrid equine approached the nearby window to gaze out.

"Um... what's going on?" Stepping to the window herself she watched as the landscape slowly returned to some semblance of normality. Landmarks she remembered spying before sleeping slowly came into focus. Night had seemed particularly focused upon those, especially the sign posts that Jessica couldn't comprehend the language of. Several seconds passed before Night's eyes went wide, whatever she had been pondering the answer had been discovered.

The air started to darken as she looked at the dream equine, the train slowly becoming basked in Night's ethereal mane. Jessica was surprised to feel no panic at this, the cabin being consumed until pictures started to form within the collection of stars. Images of Sparkle and the others left behind, worried expressions on their faces as they headed towards another train.

"Am I worried about them? Is that why I am imagining this?" Her dream was starting to make no sense, another image formed of two dark pegasi flying. Their wings appeared to have more in common with those of a bat than the standard pegasi. Oddly she felt... a sense of protectiveness from the dark armoured equines despite their appearance as they flew to an unrevealed location.

Night was looking elsewhere now, an image of Ebony opening up before her. Seeing the insectile-equine made her feel more at ease, a fact that Night raised an eyebrow quizzically at. A smile came to Jessica's face as the image distorted, her sleeping mind altering the image to that of a dark chocolate furred pegasus. She preferred Ebony in her 'natural' form, unsure if that was truly the case but that was how she had initially met her. However the pegasus form currently within the image also seemed to suit her friend. Regardless of what she thought, Jessica was not expecting Night's reaction to the new appearance.

Looking at the hybrid equine she blinked as Night looked at the image, jaw set. The tall equine appeared almost thoughtful, almost like she was trying to determine some fact. With a soft sigh and lowering of the head Night giving a small bemused laugh, that action catching Jessica off guard. A slow shake of the mare's head followed by a smile towards Jessica, only adding to her pile of confusion.

The mare spoke once more in the equine tongue before gesturing with a hoof towards the image of Ebony. Jessica followed the gaze while Night looked thoughtful, then with a slight nod another image formed. This one raised her interests, like a window she could see the dream she was used to having. The library and forms of the ponies she trusted within, herself sitting at the table. Looking at Night she was surprised when the mare gestured with her hoof towards a book that had formed before her.

The equation once more taking precedence within her mind.

"You... want me to solve this? Is that it?" Whether or not her words were understood, an answering nod was the given reply. Night giving a small bow of her head before a piercing whistle cleaved through the dreamscape.

The last thing Jessica remembered was Night giving one last glance at Ebony's disguise before consciousness returned.

~~~~~~~

Jessica furrowed her brow as the locomotive's whistle continued to mercilessly harass her ears. She stirred on the seat, wondering just what the dream had been about. Not one to lucid dream it was rather bizarre, the exact details becoming fuzzy as her waking mind took over.

It was certainly unusual as far as my dreams go, that's for sure.

Pushing the thoughts out of her mind she realised that she was the last one awake. The guards waiting by the cabin with Espa and Apple ready to go. Ebony was nearby as always, stretching herself out with small clicks emitting from her spine. Rainbow... well it seemed Jessica wasn't the last awake with the pegasus still snoring upon the bench, none the wiser of her surroundings.

The complaints of Jessica's feet notwithstanding, she slowly stood and noticed that the day had slipped by them over the journey. Apple was conversing with the guards prior to giving Jessica a smile and gesture of her head towards the exit. Understanding to follow the orange mare, she watched as Apple trotted over to Rainbow and nudged the pegasus awake. With a mighty yawn Rainbow stretched and joined the rest, ready to head off the train.

I guess the train doesn't leave again until tomorrow.

Jessica found herself suddenly flanked by Ebony and one of the guards, mildly curious as to the stallion's presence at her side. Ebony gave a look of mild irritation while they made their way to the exit, disembarking the train to look around within the twilight waning light. The two mares continued conversing until the deeper monotonous voice of a guard cut in, bringing them all to a stop. With a look to his partner he then gestured towards the train with a tilt of his head, Apple seeming thoughtful at his words.

Slowly some form of consensus was reached, now moving into the town while Jessica noticed a sense of unease about her. She wasn't the only one she noticed, Ebony was also looking rather apprehensive the further in they got. Looking around Jessica couldn't shake the sensation of familiarity, but it didn't breed any feelings of nostalgia within her. Quite the opposite in fact, she was feeling steadily more nervous.

Her mind took in the more urban environment she found herself in, the buildings more closely resembling those she knew from home. Sharper edges, more modern in construction while seeming to retain the style she saw at the village, overall it was a very strange mingling. The shape of the buildings, the lamp posts now beginning to light the pavement, it all felt like she had been here before. Her mind was turning over the information, digging through memories until she noticed the equines looking in their direction.

No, at me.

Where at the hospital, along with the small town it was situated in, the ponies had been more nervous or at the very least, curious of her presence; here there was a whole new spectrum of emotions being displayed. Anger, terror, pity, every pony she could see displayed one of these expressions upon seeing her. Rainbow seemed to pick up on this as well, a sarcastic remark being passed as she flapped her wings, hovering above the ground as opposed to trotting.

Another thing became abundantly clear, the ponies were straight up avoiding their group. Parting at their approach they would move to the buildings either side of the road, comments being passed between in a murmuring sea of noise. Ebony did not look at all impressed by this, a small sneer coming across her friend's muzzle. With Apple, Espa and Rainbow leading the way and one guard behind her, Jessica felt more like she was being escorted than accompanied.

Espa seemed to notice her discomfort and turned, looking up as she stopped along with the equines accompanying her. Feeling the warm muzzle rub to her bare lower leg Jessica smiled and bent down, scooping the filly up while a small surprised sound was emitted. Espa seemed surprised by this but soon relaxed with fore hooves dangling over her folded arms, it was then Jessica realised the accumulating gasps from the crowd.

They were looking aghast, several reacting with shouts towards, presumably the guards or adult mares with her. Apple seemed confused, Rainbow looking about as if trying to see what the crowd was becoming agitated with. No-one expected what happened next, least of all Jessica. Looking around nervously she could almost feel the attitude of the crowd begin to shift, anger bubbling beneath the surface. A quick glance to the side saw Ebony's jaw clench and her muscles start to tense under the dark fur.

Then the first stone was thrown.

Jessica never saw where it came from, she just felt the impact as it struck against her side. A wince crossing her features before looking about, the unicorns in the crowd suddenly gaining auras along their horns. The tell-tale sign of magic being used making her more nervous than earlier, especially with so many currently exhibiting the horn aura. Apple seemed incensed, looking around the crowd while the guards furrowed their brows, closing tighter towards Jessica. Espa's alarmed voice reached her ears as she looked down, seeing the small unicorn in her arms yelling towards the crowd in an almost pleading voice.

What's going on, why do they sound so...

It suddenly struck Jessica why this place felt so familiar. The reason her mind was slow to catch up was possibly due to it being with a week since her visit. The other fact was that last time she was looking through bars of metal at the buildings and inhabitants.

"No... not here!" Ebony seemed to sense her distress, she herself could feel it within like a tangled ball struggling to get out. The sensation of fear.

As Rainbow started to raise her voice another stone was launched in Jessica's direction, impacting to her back. Closely followed by two more, then two more after that until soon a small rain of granite was thrown in her direction. The jeering was growing, anger swelling as the crowd started to cross over into its much more dangerous variant; a mob.

The stones, given they were not much larger than pebbles had yet to cause any harm, her mind still begun to sink into growing terror. This was one of the last places she wished to be. Remembering the faces of the ponies jeering at her, laughing, taunting or simply pitying her as they watched her in the filthy cage. Her mind started to blank out, breathing growing shallow as she felt the fear start to claim her.

The tugging from her skirt made her snap back to the present as she watched Ebony gesture with her head and gallop off towards a small alleyway nearby. Jessica didn't need any coaxing, still carrying Espa she ran. The crowd was thin here, easily parting as a look of fear quickly came to their faces when she approached. Barely recognising the voice of Apple calling after her as she sunk into the alley way and perceived safety.

She followed the curl filled tail of her friend as they ducked between narrow passages, the sound of hoof falls behind driving her on. Unsure whether they were friendly equines or those of the crowd, she wasn't willing to take the chance. Her feet began to ache as she pushed her body, Espa attempting to yell at Ebony only received an anger filled reply. Not sure what was said she did notice Espa go quiet after the remark, her forelegs pushing harder to Jessica's forearms as if for comfort.

Why here of all places?!

Her breathing was becoming more difficult, she wasn't out of shape but nor was she used to such physical exercise. Her body already rebelling as they pushed through another opening, slipping into the alley on the other side of the small street. She could hear the sound of Rainbow shouting over the din, Espa's response given in a raised voice while Jessica continued the pace. Approaching another opening, Ebony had just ran through when three angry equines blocked Jessica's path.

They seemed to be making loud noises as if trying to scare her, if that was the goal then it had certainly worked. She gave a small strangled scream and ducked back into the alley, blindly running down another path vaguely aware of Ebony calling out to her. Tears started to build in her eyes, tears caused by fear but also at how she was being treated. Thanks to the brothers she was being treated like a monster, a monster to be scared out of the town. Her vision blurred while she realised how it must have looked when they had entered, guards and the others flanking her. Jessica realised this, but it didn't make the information easier to accept.

The logical part of her brain once more spoke up, if they had intended to harm her they could have thrown larger projectiles. It seemed they were more focused on trying to scare her out of the town, away from them.

No...

They weren't attempting to scare her she realised, they were herding her.

As she ran down another alley she finally understood where she was being directed. The sight chilled her to the bone as two familiar male unicorns stood beside a wagon, looking just as surprised as she must have.

No, no no no no! Not them!

Tears flowed freely at the pure unfairness of it all. She tried to step back but Stache was quicker, a luminous green aura quickly gripped her wrist, tugging her forward out of the alleyway. They both spoke excitedly as Espa was shouting something, the striped shirt wearing brothers speaking reassuringly to the small filly. Seeing his brother struggle, Non-Stache added his own magical pull to the other wrist, Jessica losing her balance and forced to stagger forward.

She tried to resist but now both her wrists were encased within the sickly green magic, the unpleasant prickling sensation occurring on her skin from its touch. She struggled until another hard tug made her lose the grip on Espa, the small filly falling down onto her hooves with a startled cry. Jessica tried to defy them but found herself being pulled with more force, the big smiles upon the stallions making her scream.

"Let me go!"

The sight of the lion creature and bizarre chicken beast in the cages made her realise her own fate soon enough, hoping that the others would save her. A small part, a dark part began to wonder if this was the plan all along to hand her back over to the pair.

The thought terrified her as she was dragged closer to Stache, pulled roughly forward so she fell onto her right side. Wincing at the painful landing she looked up through moisture filled eyes as Non-Stache opened an empty cage upon the wagon. Their magic pinning her to the ground as an all too hated whip was slowly unfurled within a green glow, raised up and cracked in the air as if testing. She heard Espa's voice cry out before Stache spoke to his brother, an affirmative tone given in reply.

Distantly Jessica barely acknowledged the sound of beating wings and rushing wind before clenching her teeth, awaiting the horrible treatment she was about to receive. The whip was raised high as Jessica closed her eyes, the whip's crack accompanied with the sound of flesh being struck by the horrible cord.

Only... Jessica had not felt the impact. She blinked as she felt a presence over her body, accompanied with the subtle weight of something standing over her. Both brothers seemed to give loud gasps, stumbling out words in a jumble of mortified apology. Wincing Jessica slowly raised her head to see what was going on, spying white fur above her head and two strong forelegs spread. A droplet of blood fell upon the concrete before her, looking up to see two white wings spread over her form.

W-What?

A deep monotonous voice rumbled, holding within the barest trace of anger. Jessica's eyes went wide as she finally understood what, or who was standing over her. Who had just taken the strike meant for herself.

The guard spoke coldly towards both unicorns, each taking a step back as the whip dropped unceremoniously upon the ground. Jessica sniffed softly, rubbing her eyes as the glow about her wrists faded allowing her movement once more. Looking up once again she found herself looking into strangely concerned green eyes, the guard having lowered his head to look at her upside down. She also now saw the crimson line across the top of his muzzle, marring the white fur in a deplorable fashion.

"W-What? Why?" Her mind was struggling to process what happened, a warmth pressing to her side as Espa rushed against her. The small filly seemed terrified as she sniffled up towards Jessica, the presence of Espa helping calm her somewhat. A strong voice took her attention upwards, the guard was speaking towards her in a concerned and then reassuring manner. The gesture attempt to calm her was touching, the most emotion she had seen so far from one of the guards.

"I-I'm fine." She offered a small smile despite the lie, she was quivering and the tears refused to stop. The guard stepped from over her, his wings folding to his side as he spoke in a commanding tone towards Stache and Non-Stache. Gesturing his head towards the cages both brothers seemed to stammer, looking at each other quickly between each burst of quickly spoken language.

Impacting hooves from behind made Jessica tense up before she felt a tugging sensation within, looking to her side to see Ebony trot close with a mixture of worry and shame upon her face. The pegasus moved to push her head under Jessica's chest, helping her to kneel up before turning and glaring towards the stammering unicorns. Two angry female voices also joined in on the condemnation, looking behind she saw Apple and Rainbow approach. Both looked appalled at what they were either hearing or seeing, Jessica couldn't tell.

She could however tell that Apple's scowl was born of true anger for the two. Rainbow landed before Jessica, looking back at Ebony now with reduced animosity before spreading her wings. The display was clear, to get to Jessica they would have to go through her and Ebony both. The gesture was unexpected and she felt regret for how she had thought of the pegasus earlier in the day. However, even she could realise the brothers were already reduced to quivering wrecks at the sight of the guard before them.

A commotion behind her made her spy the crowd approaching, angry looks starting to melt into something else as they took in the sight. Jessica felt the tears roll down her cheeks before Apple approached, holding a tissue within her mouth. Both the question of where did she acquire it, or the fact of it came from her mouth didn't dissuade Jessica. She took it with a small smile and blew her nose, rubbing her eyes with the back of her forearm as the fear dissipated slowly.

The second guard was standing before the crowd, giving a look to challenge them to try and get past. The two stoic guards were protecting her, shame at how she had thought of them previously starting to bubble up. Both were trying to retain their composure while obviously bristling with what had occurred, how they were protecting her really was touching. Looking at Ebony who was staying close to her side, almost as if ashamed she had been separated, she saw how she felt about the guards almost mirrored on the pegasus. The emotion quickly left Ebony's face as the mare gave a small derisive snort, acting unimpressed.

Or unconvinced?

Jessica was still confused at how her friend was acting. Ebony was clearly worked up about something, what that something was still continued to be a mystery. The concerned voice of Espa made her slide one arm about the filly reassuringly, her fear starting to give way to anger at how the brothers had frightened the small unicorn. Now backed against their wagon they were looking more fearful, a voice full of authority booming from the guard's mouth as he gestured with his head.

The crowd behind her started to mumble amongst themselves, some Jessica noted, looked almost appalled. Stache was starting to shake while Non-Stache continued to speak in a quivering voice, the guard looking unimpressed at whatever was being said. Apple turned to the crowd and gestured with a hoof towards her, the mare's voice dripping with disgust. Blinking in confusion she noted Rainbow hover, some of the crowd looking upwards as she folded hooves over her chest, looking suitably unimpressed by their actions.

A few mumbled apologies seemed to come in her direction, Jessica was beginning to pick up the implied meaning to some words over the last week, listening carefully she thought she caught the word that she assumed was 'sorry' spoken several times. She couldn't be sure, but she had heard the word from Red whenever the Doctor would use his magic on her, or when her shoulder was being tended too.

Apple's expression seemed to lighten at this, her tone becoming stern as she gestured with a hoof. Most of the crowd looked remorseful as they slowly trotted or flew away, tails hanging low. A few however remained, their tones leading Jessica to realise they still thought of her as a monster. Before that fact could eat into her she heard the guard behind stomp a gold armoured hoof, the impact shocking everyone into silence. His voice was stern, brooking no further argument causing the remaining few equines to swallow loudly.

Once they too had dispersed she felt her attention drawn to the two unicorns that caused all this, shakily getting to her feet as Ebony moved to help her up. Grateful for her friend's presence she rested a hand in the curly mane, the warm sensation once more continuing much to Ebony's evident relief.

"I'm okay, really." Her tone was soft as Apple seemed to relax as well, trotting to look up at her before her gaze turned steely at the brothers. Rainbow hovered above, forelegs crossed over her chest while the unimpressed expression now turned towards Stache and Non-Stache. Seemingly aware all attention was now on them they adopted a more submissive posture, their tone of voice becoming apologetic.

The other guard approached, his eyes seeming to scan over Jessica for any sign of harm. Finding none he gave a brisk nod and stood nearby, his proximity to her welcome.

Suddenly the guard sporting the red cut along his muzzle stepped back, the brothers appearing nervous as they cautiously approached. Jessica flinched as they took a step closer, her body beginning to shiver while Ebony gave a warning growl towards them. Both unicorns looking even more skittish before each lowered their heads, an apologetic toned voice issuing from the equines. Jessica could only blink, they were... sorry for what they did?

She stood, unsure what to do, how to feel as she noticed Stache raise his head. He looked, terrified of whatever the guard had said, his eyes were quivering as his legs continued to shake. Aware now all eyes were upon her she realised a sensation rising inside, Ebony reacting instantly as if stung, warily looking up towards Jessica.

Anger.

Jessica's mother had always taught her to forgive, to hold onto anger would be akin to letting it consume her. She had always valued her mother's wisdom, the kind hearted woman shaping Jessica into the young lady she was today.

Her mother however, was not currently present.

Jessica felt anger at these two, without thinking she had already pulled her hand back in preparation. Stache's eyes went wide not knowing what to expect until her hand impacted against the side of his muzzle. Wincing slightly Jessica repeated the action on Non-Stache, the hard slap against their faces the only action she could think of. Taking a deep breath while the two brothers looked stunned, Jessica remembered herself looking around at the others.

One of the guards seemed bemused by what occurred, Apple meanwhile was pulling her stetson down, ineffectively hiding a grin. Ebony had a satisfied smirk upon her face while Rainbow, not so subtle was holding her sides as she laughed it up in the air. Momentarily shaken from her own thoughts, Jessica wondered how the pegasus was staying airborne with all the laughter.

The bemused guard gave a small shrug before speaking to the brothers, Stache snapping out of the daze as two more equines approached from down the road. A female unicorn and male normal pony, both in a variant of a police officer's uniform, bowed to the guards and looked towards the brothers. The female unicorn levitated two metal cone shapes from a saddlebag, a frown upon her face as she stepped towards the male unicorns. Each cone slipped about each of Stache and Non-Stache's horns, followed with an audible lock clicking. With a nod of his head the stallion officer led the two brothers shame faced back down the road, the female falling in behind the two.

Throughout the quick interaction at no point did either of the two look in her direction. The tension left her body as she collapsed softly to her knees, feeling the comforting fur of both Espa and Ebony near her.

W-Wait, they're... arrested? It's over?

Jessica wasn't sure what to think. Her hand was beginning to sting, not surprising given she had just slapped two horses as hard as she could. That action seemed folly to her now, but as the anger within dimmed away she at least knew she had vented. Waving her hand slightly she winced knowing she would be regretting it further later, but for now she felt... good. The tension had left her, a small smile coming to her face. Ebony followed the brother's departure with narrowed eyes, it seemed that she too still harboured ill will towards the pair.

A gesture to the two trapped beasts from Apple got a reply from one of the guards, which Jessica decided to dub Scar due to the cut on his muzzle. It would at least help her differentiate between the two. Giving them a name also helped personalise them, as opposed to thinking of them as just fixtures like she regrettably had done previously.

The other she deemed to nickname Stoic, it just seemed... fitting.

Another pang of guilt struck deep within Jessica, realising she had suspected those around her. Exhaling she noticed Apple looking with a concerned look, Jessica unable to meet the mare's gaze. A hard object gently bumping into her right shoulder promptly got her attention, turning to see Rainbow's grinning face. The pegasus speaking in a reassuring tone before thrusting her hoof forward into the air, the grin spreading wider.

Apple seemed to take Rainbow's excitement with good grace, talking down the cyan pegasus as she gave a shrug in response. Thoroughly confused now Jessica simply exhaled and forced a smile to her face. Feet feeling remarkably tender after the impromptu run, she winced with each slow step while trying to walk. Scar seemed to notice this, moving with his larger body to give her something to lean on. Ebony, not to be outdone, moved almost immediately to the other side.

"I'm okay, really." Her voice quivered, betraying her exhaustion. Mentally and physically she was worn out, the scare upon almost being captured again and the mob chasing her... she was tired.

"Okay, maybe not so much." Allowing the tiredness to creep into her voice, Jessica allowed the pegasi to support her as they slowly made their way down the street. Espa staying close to her feet, careful not to be tripped over. The little unicorn moved to walk slowly in front, almost as if trying to protect her which brought an easy smile to Jessica's lips.

Espa... that silly, kind, lovely filly.

Apple seemed to notice how Espa was acting, a raised eyebrow with a playful tone entering the orange mare's voice as she addressed the filly. Espa just gave a determined nod and looked back up at Jessica, giving a smile up towards her.

My little bodyguard huh?

Rainbow looked bemused as well, talking encouragingly to Espa who seemed to puff up her chest a little in response. Even Scar broke his normally stone faced expression to give a small grin, Stoic however disappointingly did not. The warm sensation grew within and spilled into Ebony, the feeling of protection and concern for her well being fueling her happiness. The disguised-pegasus offered an ever so slight smile up towards Jessica, back to her normal self it seemed.

Eventually they made it down the main street, most of the equines they passed refusing to make eye contact towards her. Be it through shame or displeasure, at the moment she didn't care. Her mind was too exhausted to dwell upon it, the anger slowly spiking within before she quelled it. There was one thing she had learned about herself since arriving in this world, she had a nasty anger when tired.

It was something she wasn't proud of, even given the situations she had been in didn't make it right. Her right hand stinging was some form of penance for her actions, although she still found it hard to regret what she had done. Exhaling at the now depressingly familiar feeling of anger she noticed Ebony looking up concerned. The faint sensation of something, sharp lashing out from her was not at all pleasant. Calming herself the feeling returned to soft warmth, Ebony relaxing some before resting a wing to her side.

Whatever I'm feeling seems to affect Ebony, why?

Her mind threw its arms up in disgust at her continued attempts to dwell on things, a headache starting to form as if in punishment. The causes were more likely due to exertion, hunger, the fact she had not had a drink since leaving the hospital. All were good options, but she found the idea her brain was rebelling more fitting.

Stupid brain, don't make me add you to the list.

A small smile came to her lips at the outrageous idea, once more arguing with herself she started to question if she had in fact snapped and gone completely crazy. What if all this was just part of her imagination and she was currently gnawing on padded walls, wearing the latest fashion of straitjacket?

The idea was quickly dismissed, her imagination couldn't be nearly this creative. Realising she had been lost daydreaming she noticed they had stopped, a sheepish looking dark blue stallion had approached the group. Scar raised an eyebrow, prompting the other equine to speak. Jessica was impressed how much the guard had opened up since saving her, almost like he had been holding back all this time.

"Unlike boring Stoic." She was tired, the words slipping from her mouth before she blinked and blushed. Everyone's attention looked towards her, several ears flicking before Rainbow blinked and looked back at the stallion. The male normal pony looked a little caught off guard at Jessica's sudden comment before Apple prompted him on with a wave of a fore hoof.

Clearing his throat he bowed his head and gestured to the building behind him, the street lights turning on to illuminate the sign. Jessica frowned, she could make out the drawing of a horse apparently sleeping. Did that make the place an inn?

Apple looked to consider something before looking up towards Jessica, a hesitant tone in her voice before she gave a slight tip of her hat. Ebony mentioned something, her tone slightly more acidic which caused the stallion to lower his head further. Apple gave a slight gaze at the dark pegasus before exhaling. Rainbow however was rubbing the back of her head with a foreleg as if unable to disagree with Ebony's comment.

Finally Apple looked at both Scar and Stoic, both giving small nods before the mare gave a small smile to the stallion. Instantly he cheered up, looking relieved as he turned and led the way into the building. His posture became more animated along with his speech as they entered inside. Much to Jessica's amusement both Ebony and Rainbow rolled their eyes at the same time, although neither noticed the other doing so.

The inside of the inn looked well maintained, a certain level of upper class almost permeating through the lobby. Trotting to the counter the stallion leaned over, retrieving a key in his mouth before leading them up the stairs. Stairs, Jessica decided, were also hated when she was sans shoes. Her feet kept clipping the edge making her almost slip were it not for Ebony and Scar keeping her upright.

Finally much to her eternal relief they reached the upper floor, she had only slipped four times which wasn't bad considering the circumstances. The stallion, who she now decided must be the owner of this hotel, led them to the end of the hallway before gesturing to the door with a flourish.

From ashamed to flamboyant in the space of a few minutes, he must be the owner.

Pushing the key into the lock and a slight twist of his head, the stallion opened up the door and gestured for them to enter. Jessica was helped inside by Ebony and Scar while the owner conversed with Stoic and Apple. Rainbow was looking impressed as she flew around the large suite, finally dropping onto her back on a large bed in one of the adjoining rooms. Slightly amused at her antics, Jessica looked back as Espa trotted in, her golden eyes wide in wonder.

The chandelier is a bit much...

Slipping away from the pair supporting her, Jessica hobbled gently to a couch and sat down, mindful of the expensive looking decoration hanging from the ceiling. Espa wasted no time in following, scrabbling up onto the couch to rest beside Jessica, her new little bodyguard giving a confident nod of the head. Rainbow flew back in to give a mock salute to the small filly, Espa trying to give an authoritative voice as she gave another firm nod.

All in all, it was far too cute.

Apple made her way over, giving a look around the large room before speaking in a jovial tone then looked towards the guards. Scar gave a brief nod to whatever was said prior before making his way out the door, Stoic taking up position beside the exit at the other guard's departure. Jessica couldn't help but assume Stoic was the straightlaced one, as much as that could be so when compared to the stolidness of Scar. She assumed both would be a riot at parties, an amusing mental image creeping into her mind of that scenario.

I'm not really sure a pony can breakdance though...

It was then she realised she was being spoken to, looking down to see Apple giving a curious glance up at. She had missed the question asked, but given her grasp of their language it didn't make much of a difference. Apple sighed good-naturedly as Ebony moved onto the couch beside Jessica, resting to her side and speaking towards the orange mare.

Apple blinked and tapped the end of her muzzle thoughtfully before giving a small smile, trotting off she rummaged around before calling out to Rainbow. Whatever they were trying to do they had Jessica's attention, her puzzlement growing as a rainbow streak zipped between rooms. Within a few seconds the cyan pegasus returned, her mouth full of paper. Spitting it out onto the floor she zoomed back off, returning while balancing upon her nose an ink pot and quill.

Placing the second item down far more carefully, Rainbow stepped back and sat as Apple picked up the quill delicately within her mouth. Jessica was amazed, despite how difficult it looked Apple was rather adept at drawing upon the paper, one hoof holding it flat while Rainbow pushed down another corner. Soon the simplistic drawing was done, Apple gazing up with a hopeful look upon her face.

Jessica surveyed the image, confused until she realised she was attempting to look at it upside down. Reaching down with a questioning look upon her face she was rewarded with a nod from Apple, both mares removing their hooves allowing her to lift up the paper - being careful to keep it level due to the wet ink. A simple picture of what appeared to be Jessica looking upset was in one corner, to which she pointed to this and smiled giving a shake of her head. She wasn't that upset anymore.

The second picture was a plate of what appeared to be apples before Jessica who was cartoonishly licking her lips. Overall Jessica decided she was quite impressed with Apple's drawing ability. Before she could answer Rainbow flew over, tapping the picture with a hoof and stressing a word slowly. Jessica blinked at this, watching Rainbow stress a word slower before comprehension struck. Before she could answer Apple moved to the dining table and returned, an apple balanced upon the top of her muzzle.

Ebony watched the proceedings with clear interest, Apple placing the apple down gently and pointing with a hoof at the fruit following Rainbow's lead. Once more the word was stressed in the strange accent the orange mare was becoming known for.

Hang on... are they trying to get me to understand the word?

She exhaled and the mares drew back slightly, their body language seeming to suggest they thought they had either insulted or upset her with their actions.

I feel like I'm back in pre-school... well, I guess I am in a way.

Surprising both mares she leaned forward and picked up the apple, pointing to the bowl of similar fruit within the picture then at the one in her hand.

"Ap-pull." She enunciated the word, pointing once more at the fruit. Surprising not only the mares but even Stoic had raised one eyebrow at what was occurring. Apple seemed to become emboldened by this and raised a hoof, pointing to the fruit.

"App-all?" The word seemed strained and forced from the orange mare's throat, her mouth working around the word. Jessica smiled and gave a firm nod of her head, why she had never thought to try something so simple she didn't know. It occurred to her that perhaps they were afraid of treating her like an infant, or presumed it would be degrading to her. For all Jessica knew, Sparkle had even been trying to do so with her, and she had missed the attempts entirely. She decided to try something different and pointed directly at herself next.

"Jess-e-ka." Rainbow raised an eyebrow at Jessica as she once more pronounced a word, this time her name. The two mares shared a look before Rainbow's face scrunched up, trying to move her lips to make the same noises.

"Gess-a-kaa?" Jessica giggled at Rainbow's attempt, tilting her head and once more repeating the correct way to say it. What surprised her most was the small voice beside her piping up.

"Jess-e-ka?" Espa looked up hopefully, her face also scrunched in an adorable fashion as her attempt was met with a warm smile and quick nod of the head. Rainbow just chuckled at Espa's bashful smile, this time Apple pointing to the fruit once more and pronouncing it in her language.

It was Jessica's turn to try and work her tongue around the strange word, failing twice before she eventually got somewhere close the third time. It was at that point she remembered just why they were attempting to teach each other their language. Looking back at the picture she winced as her belly grumbled loudly, a bemused Apple giving a soft laugh before a grin came to the mare's face.

"I guess my belly decides I really am hungry." Deciding to concur with her digestive system she looked up as the door opened, Scar returning with two trays. One upon his armoured back, held in place with wings while the other was held tightly in teeth. The question on how he managed to open the door was one she wanted to ask but knew she wouldn't get an answer for.

The trays were placed gently upon a large table, lower to the ground for pony height much like everything else Jessica noted. She was just happy to be in a safe place, watching Rainbow flip an apple up into the air and devour it within one bite. The action both disgusting and equally impressive she had to admit. Apple wasn't quite as appreciative of the gesture but soon she too was indulging in something to eat, almost repeating the same action with some form of fritter. Espa moved off the couch to trot over, Jessica soon joining the filly as her stomach led her to the food.

Eventually all were enjoying something to eat and drink, Jessica passing on the fish once more. Another reason she detested the brothers, her favourite meal was now something she felt nauseous simply thinking of. Still, the nuts and apple fritters were delicious as she filled her belly.

Ebony remained on the couch, watching the others eat with one half lidded eye. Apple turned to address the pegasus inviting her to join them, Jessica glad some of the animosity had lessened between them after what had occured. It did surprise her however that Ebony didn't eat, in fact she had never seen the insectile-equine consume anything as long as she had known her. Her health never seemed to suffer, although...

She seems to look as if savouring something around me occasionally. Is it due to contentment or...

The idea that Ebony was some kind of life force stealing vampire was a little hard to swallow, although the strange sensation she felt would support this theory. Looking over towards the pegasus she watched as Ebony declined Apple's offer with a small shake of her head before watching Jessica carefully. Their gazes met as Ebony raised an eyebrow as in quiet question. Jessica replied simply with a small smile and continued to eat, the gesture causing an eye roll from the lounging pegasus.

She's there for me, that's all that matters.

Having finished eating she found exhaustion had crept up upon her. Before she knew it her eyelids were drooping, a stern sounding voice from Apple shaking her out of her drowsiness. Apple was looking amused before her head gently pushed to Jessica's side, forcing her to stand as the unceasing pressure continued. Just like Red the orange pony wasn't taking no for an answer

"Okay, okay!" Jessica laughed softly, raising her hands in defeat before letting herself be guided gently towards one of the bedrooms. Taking the not so subtle hint she sighed and smiled, reaching down to grab the quill and paper once more. Quickly scribbling a doodle of herself in bed, a line of 'Z's above her for effect before she showed the image to Apple.

Not surprisingly the mare looked confused at the letters, obviously not something that translated over, but the gist of the image was understood. A nod was given and Jessica conceded with a smile, waving to the other equines before closing the door gently. She thought she caught Ebony and Espa raising their heads as the door was closed, thinking nothing of it she started to get undressed for bed. Heavy sounding hooves approached the door as she peeled off her sweater, rubbing her left shoulder before the bra was unfastened.

Just when she thought the door would open it seemed Ebony remembered what happened when she got changed in the hospital room. The pegasus's voice called out a warning which stopped the hoof approach, a sigh of relief coming from Jessica's mouth. She knew they went without clothing mostly, but at the same time she still didn't wish to be seen naked by one. Removing her skirt and underwear which were carefully folded with the other items, she walked into the side bathroom and splashed her face a few times, dabbing her face dry with a towel.

Catching sight of her reflection she noted how different she looked now, her immaculately styled hair was now left loose with the highlights starting to fade. She had lost weight, that was clear with fingers trailing down the slight definition of ribs along her sides. Her eyes were no longer sunken like they had been at the hospital, that was a bonus and showed the progress of her recovery. Overall her examination concurred that in the reflection was a tired and stressed out girl, complete with bandaged shoulder.

Yay me.

Moving back into the bedroom she found herself curious how the light turned off when she left, then turned on when she entered. Putting it down to magic, the answer that seemed to solve most questions here, Jessica tugged the blankets back to slide into the warm bed. The soft sheets and the mattress that practically sucked her in was heavenly, she was never a fan of firm beds.

A knock on the door made her sit up just as she got comfortable, tugging a sheet up to provide modesty.

"Um... yes?" Curious as to what might be the problem, she was a little surprised to see Ebony trot into the room, bumping the door mostly closed behind her. Without any invitation she pulled herself up onto the bed, laying herself down near the end to watch the door closely. A smile played across Jessica's lips, moving her legs so as to give Ebony room, she was still surprised that the bed was the right size for her. The fact this was probably the equivalent of a large bed had not escaped her.

Ebony looked towards her and gave a small smile, the small show of emotion returned by Jessica while she reached over and wrapped arms around the pegasus's neck. Ebony looked surprised before relaxing, moving one foreleg to slide over Jessica's forearm in a affectionate gesture. Releasing the hug she lay back in bed only for the sound of Rainbow calling out making her eyes snap open immediately after closing. A young voice called back with a resigned voice replying, the sound of Rainbow giving up it seemed over whatever was said.

The appealing sound of Apple laughing brought a smile to her face over whatever had just taken place. The reason became clear as Espa nosed the door open gently, looking up at Jessica with a nervous expression. Sitting up once more Jessica looked down at the filly, unable to understand what was being said but with the soft scuffing of the front hoof, she could guess. Espa looked even more nervous as Jessica moved, biting on her lower lip with tail hanging low.

She misses her mother...

The thought was obvious, the little filly had seemed to latch onto Jessica over the last week. It was thus clear to her why she had come into the room, without Bubbles present she wanted to be near the other she had grown accustomed to. The eyes looked back up at her once more, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Jessica didn't even hesitate as she smiled and gave the mattress beside her a firm pat.

Espa's eyes lit up as Ebony gave a little derisive snort, although Jessica could have sworn for the briefest second she saw a small grin on her friend's face. The young unicorn trotted over to the bed, Jessica leaning over to help Espa up carefully. With a smile on her face she watched as the unicorn nuzzled under the covers before wriggling back up to lie with forelegs holding the blankets close. The sight made Jessica giggle softly, lying back down herself she gave Espa a soft stroke over her mane before the light turned off.

Apple and Rainbow were peeking in the doorway, a warm smile crossing over the orange mare's muzzle while Rainbow instead rolled her eyes. Before the door shut Jessica caught sight of the smile upon the cyan pegasus's mouth, although she had tried her best to hide it.

With both Ebony and Espa sharing the bed with her she felt, safe. Despite what happened during the day, meeting back up with the brothers, right now this all seemed worth it. Feeling Espa wriggle closer, the warm touch of her fur to a bare arm made her smile grow.

Tomorrow they would most likely head on the train back to the others, but for tonight Jessica hummed gently for the two others in the room. Espa cuddled closer before slumbering peacefully, Ebony meanwhile flicking an ear while listening to the melody.

Eventually Jessica felt sleep close in on her, letting herself drift off in the company of those she cared about.