Pandemic

CHAPTER 2

Rainbow Dash stared at the confusing hoof drawn map that Twilight had found folded inside an ancient book. Twilight had been searching through every book on diseases that she had available to her with no results for a reason, this wasn’t a disease, or at least it wasn’t a disease in the sense of it being naturally formed. Biological warfare had never even been considered in Equestria let alone Ponyville, so no one had been prepared for something of this magnitude ever happening.

Twilight had searched her library through books on dark magic and even darker sciences. She had found something about a strange outbreak millennia ago that had claimed nearly a third of the population of Equestria. But what had caught her attention was the mention of a marking like writhing snakes on victims’ stomachs.

“I can’t make anything of this map Twi.”, said Dash as she cocked her head to look at a different angle.

“That’s because those markings are from before maps were standardized. It’s practically in a different language.” Twilight said whilst scanning the book it came from for clues on deciphering the map. There was a knock at the door and Dash went over and opened it to reveal Rarity who looked as if she had gotten into a fight with a puddle of mud. She was panting slightly and looked around Dash urgently.

“Is Twilight here? There is something desperately important that she needs to hear…you should probably know about this too Dash.” She said looking back at Dash as she pushed past her into the library. “Twilight! Is there any news on the cure?” Rarity asked.

“It is located inside an urn somewhere deep inside a cave….the location of the cave remains a mystery though.” Twilight said without looking up from her book. “What is this urgent news about?”

“There are 33 new victims….and 4 more dead….and one is laying on her deathbed as we speak….not from disease but from a stabbing….” Rarity said as Twilight looked up at her. Rarity had a mixture of grief and unbelief plastered on her face as she fought back tears.

“AppleJack has been stabbed in a looting Twilight”