I was starting to pass out when I feel a soft nudge on my hand. I pull my hand back and stare at my assailant and thrash about. It was Fluttershy even in the dark I could clearly make out her figure.

She whispers an apology and jumps up on the bed with me in a careful manner. I didn't blame her for acting weird today. I felt awkward myself. She looks up at me and said in an almost inaudible sweet voice.

"Dax is it really true did you kill your own? Are those ponies really dead?" Her eyes were starting to form tears and dripping on my arm. She must have wanted me to say it wasn't true so bad only to be met with silence. I did kill them. They would have hurt more if didn't. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time.

I think it was starting to set in my mind that leaving would be better for everyone involved. I tell her she won't have to worry about it and that everything will be fine a week from now. I would meet my people halfway in the desert and I would be leaving with them.

Her voice gained a light squeal as she said. "Your your your leaving?" I nod my head to confirm. Her body shudders and cringed. " Your not happy here are you?" I didn't know how to argue with that. So I said back with assurance " Its for the best I'm so sorry Fluttershy."

She starts bawling at the threshold of a whimper and storms off the bed and on to her own. I can hear her pouting under her blankets and figured she just wanted to be alone.

I was beat after today so falling asleep wasn't difficult at all. As I slept I had awful nightmares of sickening scenes played out in front of me like a movie. voices screeching obscenity and vile commands.

The next morning I awoke late in the afternoon with the train stopped at another town. I look around for everyone else only to find the cabin empty. I grab one of the pistols I stole yesterday any hid it in my suit. I get up and storm out the door to a somewhat stunning scene.

It was much larger than a town it was a small city. A city in the desert known to the locals as "Saddle Arabia" What names I thought. I take a look around the station and find Rainbow Dash. She spots me walking towards her and approached at the same rate. I ask " This place is amazing! How did they build a city in the desert?" She giggles and cracked out " Very carefully!!"

It wad nice that some of the pressure from yesterday let off. Or maybe Dash's unblemished confidence really was behind her joyous appearance. I smile and after she almost wets herself laughing over the simple little pun.

When she finishes I ask about the others and she pops out. "They just went to stretch their legs. The train will be leaving soon so we have to boogie back on in a few."

I ask if she could show me around the city. She nods in agreement and shoots back. " Sure I need to find the others anyway." I follow her through the station and past the gates.

There was a maze of markets and shops all in the open air. The strange smells and sights had my head on a swivel. The  ponies here weren't to bothered by my presence as much. Being in such a big city they were used to seeing weird. creatures.

We talk for awhile about the sights and we went off subject when she asked me. "Did you hear Fluttershy crying last night?" I shake my head no and she continues on. "She has been acting weird lately I should ask her whats on her mind. What do you think Dax?"

I didn't want Dash to pressure her into talking about us. And thats when I heard a shout ring out. It was Pinkie Pie and the other 4. We walk over and join the for a traveling act known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They kinda sucked but for being ponies it was a pretty bomb ass metal song.

After the show Twilight was frantic to get back to the train before it left without us. There was no time for sightseeing as we raced back to the station. We reach the canopy of the platform and breath a sigh of relief.

The train was still at dock with the steam rolling on the platform from the engine. We reboard and head to our cabins. There was silence until we started moving again. Applejack started to make her way towards me and to my surprise she joins me in my tiny accommodations. She smiles at me and ask politely if I was ready for lunch.

It had been quiet awhile since I had something to eat and was going mad with hunger. I thank her kindly and she walks out into another cabin. A few moments later she comes back with a covered tray and napkins.

She sets the dish down and I stare in anticipation at what I thought would be more bland pony cuisine. I was in awe at a beautiful apple pie with a fresh baked smell. She hands me the napkins and tell me to dig in.

I wasted no time pulling out my multitool and tearing into the delicious and sugary crust she watches me as I devour the delicacy. I finish the whole pan and made a mess all over the floor. She laughs merrily and asks if I liked her cooking. I grim and replied." It tasted great thank you Applejack." She puts her head up to my ear and whispers so know one else could hear her speak gently in close proximity to me. " That ain't the only thing tasty on this train." My eyes almost shot through my head as I processed what she just said.

She pulls her head back and gives me a glare before she trots back to her bunk. I just shake off her comment and grabbed the wrist pad to turn it back on.