16 Days Before Incident

The light breeze outside managed to nudge Jesse's curtains open just enough for a thin stream of sunlight to shine into her room, directly onto her face. Woken up by the unwelcome light, Jesse let out a soft groan, turning around in her bed and burying her face into her pillow.

She realised it had to already be pretty late, considering that definitely was not an early morning sunray. But then again, when did she actually get in bed? 2 AM that morning? 3 AM even? Probably closer to 4 AM...

Jesse let out a muffled groan through her pillow, trying to work up the courage to haul herself out of bed. A light headache had already settled in her forehead, making her desire to get up even less.

Finally mustering up the courage, Jesse pulled back her blankets and slipped her feet off the bed. She swore she could still hear the beat from the previous night's music, beating in her ears.

It wasn't as hot of a day, which Jesse didn't find odd at first. Getting dressed in a breathable long-sleeved shirt with her signature overalls on top, Jesse finally began trudging down the stairs. She could still hear snoring behind some of the doors, a sign that she wasn't the only one who slept in a bit.

"Well, look who's finally up!" Lukas greeted Jesse as she entered the kitchen. He was busy fixing up what looked like eggs on the stove.

"Morning to you too." Jesse mumbled, sinking down at the table beside Olivia, who she almost didn't notice.

"Yesterday's party was something, huh?" Olivia said, taking a sip of her orange juice.

"That it was." Jesse agreed, stifling a yawn. "I'm questioning how Lukas over there looks so full of energy."

"Might have something to do with the fact that I stayed on the calmer side of things yesterday night." Lukas replied casually as he sat down at the table with his breakfast.

"Hey, we did stay on the calmer side of things." Jesse argued, waving a hand at him. "At least in comparison to Petra and Axel, we did."

"Why don't we get breakfast?" Olivia asked, completely ignoring Jesse's statement as she stared at Lukas's plate of food.

"Lunch." Lukas corrected with a chuckle. "Not my fault I had already been making it by the time you two woke up."

"So..." Jesse vigorously rubbed her tired eyes to wake herself up all the way. "What are your plans for the day?"

"Productivity starts tomorrow." Olivia replied matter of factly, getting up from her chair to go refill her glass of juice. "Today, I just want to sink into the couch with a good book."

"With you on that one." Lukas responded as he took a bite of his food. "I can't think of better way to get the new year going."

"I'll join you two on that." Jesse said, grinning. "I'm not returning to the office for at least a while. The paperwork usually doesn't come flying in until the end of January, so Radar and I can take a bit of a break."

"Oh, speaking of." Lukas said, fishing something out of his jacket's pocket. "Radar dropped this off this morning. It's a copy of the photo he took at the party yesterday."

"Oh, it came out good." Olivia said, leaning over Jesse's shoulder to see the picture as well. "Definitely a keeper. Don't get your fingerprints on that before I can frame it!"

"Won't touch it." Jesse responded with a chuckle, getting up as well and walking over to the fridge to get herself a glass of juice as well.

"Kinda chilly today." She remarked, taking out the milk instead to make some hot cocoa.

"You're telling me." Olivia said, placing her empty glass in the sink. "It was such a nice, warm night! Temperature really does change in a heartbeat."

She carefully picked up the photograph, careful not to touch the picture itself in case it got smudged.

"I'm just going to tuck this somewhere safe until we get it framed." Olivia said, turning in the direction of the stairs. "Maybe even check and see if I can add 'waking up' to Petra and Axel's agendas." She hesitated, chuckling. "Unless they're hungover, which is a high possibility."

"Good luck with that one." Lukas agreed, shaking his head as popped another piece of food into his mouth.

"Clouds are packing together outside." Jesse spoke up from where she was making her cup of cocoa. "We might have to go out to the pasture, bring the horses in to the stables. Never know when a storm is approaching."

"Good call." Lukas said, peering over at the window as well.

Both their attention were suddenly seized by a knock at the front door.

"I'll get it." Jesse said, placing her mug down on the table and walking down the hallway.

Unlocking and pulling open the front door, Jesse was greeted by a familiar pair of bright brown eyes.

"Morning- eh, afternoon boss!" Radar greeted her.

"Radar, work doesn't start for a while." Jesse said, frowning. "What's up?"

"I received this earlier." Radar said, taking an envelope out of jacket pocket. "Sorry it's already opened! I thought it was more copies of new years images!"

"No problem, buddy." Jesse said with a chuckle, taking the envelope.

Her eyes scanned the name, a frown forming on her forehead within mere seconds.

"Do you know the sender?" Radar asked curiously. "Because I don't remember ever reading that name before."

"I believe this is from one of Olivia's co-workers, over in Redstonia." Jesse said with a frown. "They're looking after things for her, while she's here. I'm curious as to what this could be about..."

She sighed, shaking her head. "I'll give it to Olivia, it's probably for her. Thanks for bringing it to me Radar – you're quite the messenger around Beacontown this morning, aren't you?"

Radar chuckled awkwardly, shrugging. "Guess so."

"Would you like to come in for maybe a hot drink?" Jesse offered as a sudden cold breeze blew over to the two of them, making her wish she was as well rugged-up as Radar.

"Oh, no need boss! I can't wait to get home and dig into New Years Eve leftovers!" Radar said excitedly, doing a little hop on the spot.

"You enjoy that, then. Get home before you catch a cold in this weather, okay?" Jesse jokingly warned, both of them chuckling.

Saying goodbye once more, she pulled shut the door again and began to walk back in the direction of the kitchen. Lukas was washing up his dishes, whilst talking to Olivia. Two new figures sat at the table, both Axel and Petra still dressed in their sleepwear.

Both looked half asleep, Petra clutching a mug of fresh coffee, while Axel was drinking Jesse's hot chocolate she had made for herself.

"Olivia." Jesse spoke up, causing the engineer to lift her head. She extended the hand with the envelope. "Radar just gave me this."

"What is it?" Olivia asked, taking the envelope from Jesse. She frowned, seeing the name of the sender. "Odd."

"Thought it might be for you, since I can't think of any reason I'd be receiving a letter from Redstonia." Jesse explained.

Olivia simply gave a thoughtful nod, starting to walk away as she took out the letter and unfolded it. Always one to expect the worse, the engineer was anxious to see what it said.

"Hello you two, good to see you up." Jesse said, finally greeting her other two friends. She gratefully accepted a fresh mug of hot cocoa from Lukas, who had also made one for himself.

Both of them tiredly glanced over at Jesse and Lukas, giving them almost annoyed glances.

"You two can enjoy your peace and quiet." Lukas said, taking a sip of is hot chocolate. "Jesse and I are going to head out to the pasture to bring in the horses, in case a storm hits. Maybe Olivia will tag along."

"Then you don't have to listen to our chattering for at least a while." Jesse added with a chuckle.

Axel just turned his attention back to the mug of hot cocoa, while Petra rolled her eyes.

"Jesse?"

Jesse turned around, hearing Olivia's voice. The engineer came walking back over, still holding the letter.

"I think I can shed some light on today's odd weather." Olivia said with a frown, holding up the letter. "The wind must have brought it over from Redstonia."

"Redstonia?" Lukas asked, frowning.

"According to this, two days ago, there were terrible wind gusts coming in from the ocean's side." Olivia explained, sounding worried. "Temperatures managed to drop all the way below freezing point."

"Man, neither Redstonia or Beacontown's used to temperatures like that." Jesse said, shuddering slightly.

"I'm worried." Olivia admitted, looking down at the letter in her hands. "It seems the entire Redstonia is a little on edge, understandably."

"I know you weren't planning to go home for another month, but maybe you have to consider it." Jesse said softly, trying to hide the sad taint in her voice.

"No, it's okay." Olivia said, taking a deep breath. "It's just the weather for now. My assistant is going to write another letter in a few days with an update." She shrugged lightly, trying to give a confident smile. "Maybe it just snowed in some other country, and the wind decided to give us a taste?"

"That could very well be a possibility." Lukas agreed. "I don't think you have to panic just yet, Liv. These things happen. Nobody will get hurt by it."

"Yeah." Jesse added, giving her friend a side hug. "I'm sure everything will be fine!"

"Thanks guys." Olivia said, smiling at them, as she folded up the letter and slipped it into her jeans pocket.

"Listen, Jesse and I are going to bring the horses in from the paddock." Lukas said. "Want to stay with these two sour faces, or come with us? It might help bring your mind off things."

"I think I'd rather hang back, if that's okay." Olivia said softly. "Not really eager to go trekking through the field in cold weather like this."

"If you're certain." Lukas responded, giving the engineer a pat on the shoulder, before looking over at Jesse. "You ready to go soon?"

"Yep, just let me grab a jacket and some gloves, and we can be on our way." She responded, before heading in the direction of the stairs.

---------------------

"Man, it's chilly out here." Lukas remarked, tugging his jacket more tightly around himself as he and Jesse walked along the field.

"You're telling me." Jesse responded, brushing some seeds off her overalls. "I wish we didn't have to walk all this way back again."

"We don't." Lukas pointed out, giving Jesse a nudge with his shoulder. "The horses can do the walking for us. We're just in the pasture after all, we each get on one bareback and lead the others behind us."

"Smart idea." Jesse said, grinning. "Can't remember the last time I got on a horse bareback."

"I love it." Lukas said, closing his eyes for a moment. "Feeling your mount's muscles moving beneath your legs, feeling properly connected with your horse. It's amazing!"

Jesse was about to agree on that, when another rather forceful gust of wind tugged at their clothes, catching her off guard and nearly pushing her off her feet.

"I gotcha." Lukas said, taking Jesse's arm to steady her.

"This morning, I was happy that things were cooling down a bit." Jesse said glumly, burying her hands deep into her jacket's pockets. "But this is just unpleasant."

"Yeah, Beacontown has really sunny winters." Lukas agreed as they began walking again. "Nice and warm, unlike most places in the world. But for once, I guess we're going to have a chilly month or two."

"Great." Jesse mumbled.

"Look!" Lukas all of a sudden said, pointing into the distance. "The horses!"

Jesse lifted her head, seeing their horses in the distance, grazing on the tall grass. Her sullen expression melting away, face lighting up.

"Here." Lukas said, handing two of the leads he's been carrying over his shoulder to Jesse.

Both them headed in separate directions, the horses all being quite spread out. Lukas's own bay mare was quickly striding up to him once she saw him, her ears pricking excitedly.

"Here boy." Jesse said gently, approaching a black gelding.

The horse gently blew through its nostrils, affectionately rubbing its head against Jesse. She gave him a kiss on his velvety muzzle, before carefully pulling the halter over his head and clipping the lead rope on.

Jesse glanced over, seeing Lukas had already rounded up both his horse and another grey mare. He was busy leading them over to a gelding who was grazing at the back of the pasture, holding another lead ready.

Jesse glanced around for the final horse, her eyes searching the landscape for the animal. When her eyes caught sight of the mare, she felt her heart sink, panic bubbling in the pit of her stomach at the sight.

The chestnut mare was lying down in the tall grass, almost hidden from few. The way she was lying didn't appear to be a relaxed position, tensed up and uncomfortable.

Leading the black horse behind her, Jesse quickly walked over to the mare. She tried the gelding up to the fence, kneeling down by the chestnut mare. The horse lifted her head as Jesse knelt in front of her, looking up with dull eyes.

"Hey girl... what's wrong?" Jesse breathed, gently rubbing the horse's neck. The horse let out a raspy snort, her ears pulling back slightly.

"Is everything okay over there?" Jesse heard Lukas call out.

"No!" She called back, her voice nearly getting blown away by the wind. "I think we have a sick horse!"

Lukas came walking over, the three horses he were leading enthusiastically following behind. He didn't hesitate to tie them up beside the black gelding, kneeling down as well.

"She was just lying here." Jesse explained softly, looking up at her friend anxiously.

"Easy." Lukas said to the mare in soothing tone, gently stroking her as well.

He pulled off his gloves, carefully feeling along the horse's legs for any injuries. Jesse gently continued stroking the horse's face, whispering out soothing words as she did.

"No visible injuries anywhere." Lukas said, a frown edged on his face. "But her breathing is very off. You might be right about her being sick."

"Poor thing, what could be wrong with her?" Jesse whispered, continuing to stroke the mare.

"I'm not sure." Lukas said softly.

He carefully slipped his fingers into the horse's mouth, pulling back her lips. The mare didn't seem to mind, or she was too tired to even care.

"Definitely something wrong, look how pale her gums are." Lukas said, wiping his hands on his jeans and giving the mare a gently pat. "Let's get her back home, and I'll see about calling a vet."

"Come on, you have to get up." Jesse coaxed gently as she slipped the halter over the mare's head, clipping on the lead rope.

At first, the horse didn't pay any attention to their actions, keeping her head low. Even when Lukas held out a carrot for her, did she not budge from her position. But after a lot of gently prodding and coaxing, the mare finally made and effort to stand up.

She was unsteady on her feet, swaying slightly once she stood. After steadying herself, the mare lowered her head lightly, letting out a raspy huff of breath.

"Poor thing." Jesse whispered, shaking her head. "I hope this isn't anything serious, and that we caught it in time."

"Me too." Lukas agreed as he went to get the other four horses. "Want me to give you a leg-up onto one, Jesse?"

Jesse nodded, placing her knee in Lukas's cupped hands and allowing him to boost her onto the back of the black gelding. Holding onto the gelding's lead rope with one hand, she took the sick mare's lead with the other from Lukas.

Lukas used the fence to mount another horse, leading the remaining two behind him. Giving the horses gently prods with their heels, Jesse and Lukas began riding through the tall grass in silence. Keeping to a relatively slow walk for the mare's sake.

Jesse couldn't help but glance back at the horse every few seconds, a worried look resting in her brown eyes. The horse kept her head low, her hooves slightly dragging on the ground.

"Finally." Lukas breathed as they rode up to the stables, blanketed in a shadow that the Order Hall cast.

Both him and Jesse slipped down from their horses. He held his hand out for her black gelding's lead rope.

"I'll stable all these guys. Could you put the sick one in the far stall? It's safer we isolate her, in case it's anything serious or contagious."

"On it." Jesse responded, leading the horse over to the stall at the back. Luckily, since it didn't currently house a horse, it was filled with fresh, unused straw.

The mare trudged to the back of the stall, the moment Jesse put her in. She watch glumly as Jesse took down her hay net, filling it up before putting it back up.

Grabbing a bucket, Jesse quickly filled it up from a tap outside the stall, so she could get the horse something to drink. A rock of dread settled in her stomach when she returned to the stall, seeing the mare lying down in the straw bedding once more.

After carefully tipping the water from the bucket into the mare's water trough, Jesse knelt down beside her on the straw again. The wind outside was picking up slightly, the temperature dropping.

"How's she looking?"

Jesse looked up, seeing Lukas outside the stall.

"Not great." Jesse replied softly. "This is really bothering me, Lukas."

"I know." He said gently, walking into the stall and placing a hand on Jesse's shoulder. "I'm going to see when is the soonest we can get a vet over here for her, okay?"

"Yeah." Jesse said, nodding. She glanced up at Lukas. "I'm going to stay with her for a bit, okay?"

Lukas nodded. "Come in soon though. It's getting cold out. We'll rug up the horses before the night falls."

Jesse nodded in response, as Lukas turned, leaving the stall again. She listened to his footsteps fading as he headed back in the direction of the house.

Letting out a soft sigh, Jesse rested her head down against the mare. Keeping one arm wrapped around the horse's neck, listening to the horse's unsteady breathing as the wind continued to gust outside.

___

Yup, we're going completely back in past for a view chapters! Had I gone about writing this book the way I normally would from the start, this probably would have been how it began. But hey, I felt like taking a more exciting book!

So far, a nice slow start to what the Order doesn't know is a disaster quite yet!So far things are pretty peaceful, but we all know they won't be in a few chapters time. I'd like to hear people's theories after this, to be honest!

I don't have a ton else to say about this, so... I guess I better end my A/N. On a side note though, really looking forward to chapter 15. Don't get too excited, I have a small reason for eagerly awaiting it xD

Anyway, enough blabbering. I really hope you all enjoyed this chapter and are looking forward to the rest of these 'flash back chapters'! See you in five days with chapter 15!