In the next few days, Rainbow watched as Marjoram's body refused to improve. She found herself unable to do anything while he declined. His other lung, the one that had been fine after the initial crash, had been unable to support the amount of oxygen Marjoram's body needed by itself. Because of this, Marjoram's lung had opened several lesions because of the tension and stress it had been under.
Everypony had been thankful when none of them severely hemorrhaged, but it was still a serious setback. Marjoram was left attached to a mixture of machine and magic that filtered his blood out of his body and oxygenated it, before pumping it back in. Marjoram was restless, exhausted, and had quickly grown feverish as the illness he suffered from reared its ugly head, taking advantage of his weakness.
While Rainbow Dash was beginning to recover, and tried to be more active around the hospital room, she had to watch as Marjoram declined. All because she hadn't been careful, like she'd promised Twilight she would be. It was easy to see that Twilight had told Rainbow the truth: that she forgave Rainbow.
However, it was clear Shores still wasn't sure, and from the death glares that Marjoram sent Rainbow's way, it was clear he hadn't forgiven her either.
Almost a week after the initial crash, Shores had to return to Canterlot. She'd extracted promises from both Twilight and Spike that they would care for Marjoram, and that they would let her know if things changed.
While the nurses had moved Marjoram to another room for a sponge bath, Shores had leveled Rainbow with a glare, “If I hear you crash into anypony else, I will report you for dangerous flying. I know it was an accident, but you shouldn't be crashing in populated areas anyway.”
“I know,” Rainbow refused to meet Shores' steely gaze, suddenly finding her blanket to be interesting, “I won't, I promise.”
Shores nodded, “Good. You're young, and you were very clearly out of control. Those are the only things that saved you this time. Be thankful Marjoram refused to set charges.”
“H-he did?” Rainbow asked, finally looking up, “but he hates me!”
A soft smile played on the edges of Shores' lips, “He finds hating ponies to be a waste of time and effort, he's simply very indifferent,” the smile soured, “though I wouldn't be surprised if he's more...aggravated with you around. He finds it despicable when ponies endanger others.”
Rainbow nodded, unsure of what to say. With that, Shores turned and left the room.
Later that afternoon, once everything had calmed down and Marjoram was returned, Twilight came for a visit. Marjoram was fast asleep, and Rainbow was doodling with a pen and some scrap paper a nurse had lent her. Twilight carried a small basket, and produced a jar filled with a rainbow coloured substance. Twilight gave the jar to Rainbow, who was happy to see the familiar sight.
“Is it Zap Apple season already? Rainbow asked, examining the jar closely, “I thought that wasn't for another week or two.”
Twilight shrugged, giving Rainbow a few slices of bread to go with her jam, “I've no idea, but I thought Marjoram might want to try some,” Twilight's purple eyes shone with concern, as it was clear that Marjoram wasn't getting better.
Shaking herself, Twilight left Rainbow with a plastic knife, and tried to ignore the excited sounds of Rainbow eating something more than hospital food. Sitting down in the chair, Twilight gently shook Marjoram awake, being careful not to disturb any of the medical equipment.
Marjoram reluctantly stirred, then cracked one eye open. Seeing Twilight, Marjoram made an effort to sit up a little, aided by Twilight's magic, the mechanical bed, and a lot of pillows.
“Wha’s up?” Marjoram asked blearily, his golden eyes dull and squinting. Though he had told no one, he had become aware of the fact his senses seemed to be dulling. It was harder to see, his ears felt like they were stuffed with cotton, and any food he was given was bland and unappetizing. Marjoram didn't like to think about what that meant.
“The Apples just got the last of their harvest in,” Twilight said brightly, “It's a special type of magical apple they call 'Zap' Apples. I thought you might like some.”
Marjoram smiled softly, “Twilight-”
“You're going to try some,” Twilight rephrased, “Please? You might like it.”
Marjoram had to fight the urge to roll his eyes, “Fine.”
Twilight smiled, taking the jar and another slice of bread from the basket. Slathering on some jam, She levitated it in front of Marjoram's mouth, knowing that he couldn't do it himself.
Marjoram had to push down the sudden spike of bitter anger, and humiliation, that rose in the back of his throat. She means well. Taking a small bite, Marjoram almost choked on it. For the first time in a week, there was flavour.
Twilight smiled, “You like it, don't you? I knew you would!”
Marjoram stared for a moment, before slowly eating the rest, unsure of whether it was all just some type of cruel trick. It didn't seem to be.
Twilight watched in awe as Marjoram ate another slice of bread, then drifted into a peaceful sleep. She screwed the lid of the jar back on, then put the bread away, placing the basket on the little table on wheels, “He hasn't eaten that much since before he was admitted.”
Rainbow nodded, pausing mid-bite, “You're leaving the bread here, right?”
Twilight giggled, “Of course. I'll buy you a couple of jars, Rainbow, so you don't miss out,” Twilight cast a glance to Marjoram, “I'm going to go buy a lot more. If he can eat it when he's this sick, he'll eat it almost anytime.”
Rainbow looked at Marjoram, “That's good then, right?”
Twilight smiled, “Yes. It is. Maybe he'll start to get better if I can get some more calories into him. Celestia knows he's barely eaten anything since being admitted. Anyway, I have to get back to the library. I'll be back tomorrow. Have a good night, Rainbow!”
Rainbow waved Twilight out of the room, then shut the jar of jam, setting it aside for later. She sighed, and began to doodle again, wondering how long it would be before she got to fly again.
(LINE BREAK)
Marjoram woke several hours later, and was assaulted with how clear and crisp everything seemed. Rainbow seemed asleep, or she was at least feigning it. Marjoram shut his eyes, relaxing into his pillows. His mind felt clear, and while his chest still burned, he felt better than he'd had in a while.
Marjoram sighed, looking down at his body, and the array of tubes and machines he was attached to. If I still feel this good later, I'll get them to check my lungs. This might be a fluke...might be feeling good just before the end. I don't want to give anypony hope…
Marjoram felt a stab of hunger, his stomach rumbling. He blinked, staring down at his blanket covered body, wondering what in the hay-
Marjoram caught sight of the jar on the table. He could vaguely remember Twilight's visit, but remembered the taste of the jam with sharp clarity. His stomach growled again, and he reached for it with his magic. His horn sputtered, but obediently picked up the jar, and brought it over. Marjoram stared at the jar in his hooves, then craned his eyes to where he could see the tip of his horn. I didn't think I'd ever use my magic again… Marjoram shook his head, and opened the jar. Sniffing it revealed it to be what it looked like: jam. Highly flavourful, but still just jam.
Using his magic, Marjoram summoned the basket, and found a plastic spoon. Using the spoon, Marjoram took a bite, and was once again overwhelmed with the taste. Seemingly on autopilot, he soon devoured nearly half the jar.
Marjoram stared at the jar, then put the lid on and levitated it, and the basket, back onto the table. Marjoram sighed, then looked at the clock. Four AM, huh? Must be feeling better if I'm not going back to sleep anytime soon. Marjoram sat back, feeling content to just relax.
(LINE BREAK)
When Twilight entered the hospital room that afternoon, she expected Marjoram to be as he'd been the day before: barely mobile, fighting for every shallow breath. What she saw, however, was almost the opposite.
Marjoram was sitting up under his own power, using his magic to draw on a piece of paper. He was unhooked from the machine that had been oxygenating his blood, and even though he still looked sick, he was looking better then he'd had.
Marjoram's eyes were brighter, and he seemed to notice Twilight enter before Rainbow did.
“You're awake!” Twilight exclaimed, “How?” She asked, gesturing at Marjoram as a whole.
Marjoram shrugged, “Minor miracle? Doctors can't figure it out. They checked, the hemorrhaged lesion is healed, well about as healed as it will get. They re-inflated the lung just before lunch.”
Twilight sat down on the chair, taking in the sight before her in amazement, “I-I thought for a while there, that-that you weren't-”
Marjoram shook his head, “No point in thinking about that now. I'm alright for now, Twilight. As long as I don't get rammed into again, I will most likely be as alright as I get.”
Twilight nodded, “Are they discharging you soon? Have the doctors talked to you about that yet?”
Marjoram shook his head, “Nurse...Redheart? I think that's her name, mentioned that the doctor's going to come by tonight, and examine me. Then, go from there. I don't think I'll be here for another week. A few days at maximum.”
Twilight smiled, “That's good. You can come back home, and rest. Nopony has called for your services, so you don't have to work.”
Marjoram shrugged, “Most ponies know I can't work in the winter. I probably won't get any calls until after winter.”
Twilight nodded, “That's true.” The room soon lapsed into silence.
(LINE BREAK)
A few days later, after Marjoram was discharged and sent home, Twilight was unsure of what to say to Marjoram. While he was seemingly getting better physically, he was acting oddly. The most odd thing that Twilight could see was the fact Marjoram was eating more jam than what was likely healthy.
On one hoof, Twilight was happy Marjoram was eating at all, but on the other hoof, Twilight wasn't sure if eating more jam than anything else was healthy; even if it was magical jam.
The second thing Twilight thought was worrying, was the fact that Marjoram was taking more of the potion that strengthened his 'white' magic. Just over double the dose Twilight had initially calculated. Twilight couldn't tell Marjoram what was going on; she'd missed her opportunity weeks ago.
Twilight was too terrified to tell Marjoram something evil was basically eating away at his magic, but at the same time, Twilight didn't know what would happen to him in the long term. Would his magic rebound? Would he die? Twilight had no idea, and even though she'd done some research, that act was unlikely to change.
Marjoram was in the kitchen with Spike, and Twilight had been reshelving the books, when somepony knocked on the door. Since the boys were busy, and Twilight was closest, Twilight opened the door.
There was Rainbow, her wing still tightly bandaged, looking sheepish, “I-I can't get back home, not with my wing like this.”
Twilight sighed, then moved aside, “Come in.”
“I'm so sorry, Twilight,” Rainbow began, “I tried to leave you and Marjoram alone, but Fluttershy had Harry the bear over, Applejack had some of her family members over, Rarity has Sweetie Belle, and Pinkie is out of town until next week!” Rainbow began to pace restlessly, “And I don't trust anypony else to be able to keep up with my awesomeness until I can find a way to get back to my house!”
“It's okay, Rainbow,” Twilight soothed, “I understand, and I'm sure Marjoram will too. Do you need a drink?”
Rainbow relaxed, “Will he really be, though? I don't think you saw some of the death glares he was shooting my way.”
Twilight leveled Rainbow with a deep stare, “He'll be alright. He's a grown stallion. He'll understand.”
Rainbow nodded cautiously, and followed Twilight inside, “I hope so.”