Chapters It was Saturday, weekend had just begun and we were trying judo. We didn't know first thing about it, but... you know. Again, it didn't work. We were completely exhausted and thought about going home.
Suddenly, it came. That smell of rotten flesh, death and..... hunger. We looked around and then, we saw it. Army of undead creatures coming from east. And it was heading towards us.
We weren't in Ponyville and unfortunatelly, not anywhere near. We began to run, but one thing they don't tell you in stories. Zombies are fucking fast. At least faster than three fillies tired after "training" of judo. We ran as fast as we could but they were getting closer. It looked like we're all gonna die there. But then, our rescue came.
Rainbow never made me happier. In the first moment that I saw Rainbow Dash my eyes filled with joy. And on the ground, as fast as she could, Applejack was coming. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash grabbed me while Applejack put her little sis' and Sweetie Belle on her back. "Hurry y'all, we don't have much time".
We started to run to the Ponyville. But weight of two ponies had shown up on Applejack. "Applejack? We're slowing down," Apple Bloom said worried.
"I know, I'm doing my best," Applejack answered, sweat spreading all over her body. She couldn't withstand much longer. But then, Sweetie Belle did the bravest thing I've ever seen.
Sweetie looked at hoarde of zombies getting closer to them. I still can see every detail on her face. Measureless fear replaced with courage. She took a deep breath and said. "Applejack, you can't do it. Not with both of us,"
"What? No! Sweetie Belle, wait..."
"tell Rarity I love her," and with these words Sweetie Belle jumped off Applejack.
I watched it in horror, It was like time slowed down. Applejack, trying to catch her, almost successfully. Sweetie Belle, falling on the ground. She stood up and waited. When the mass arrived her, she didn't scream.
At least, they've eaten her whole, so she didn't become one of them, but it didn't make it easier. Sweetie Belle is dead. She sacrificed herself for us. Up to now, I still can't believe it. But after losing Sweetie's weight Applejack began to gain speed again. And finally, we managed it to the Ponyville.
Town was surrounded by a magical shield. The same type of shield that protected Canterlot during princess Cadence and Shining Armor's wedding. As soon as we arrived to it, bubble opened for a little while, so we could enter the Ponyville.
Rainbow Dash put me back on the ground without saying a single word. As we walked towards Twilight's library, everypony was looking at us. Relief in their faces, slowly replaced with confusion. 'Weren't there three of them?'. That's what their faces said. Finally, we came to the library.
There were five ponies inside the building. Princess Celestia, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Later we learned that Luna died while escaping the castle. Celestia hasn't shown up any emotions. Oh, I almost forgot Spike. Pinkie Pie didn't even smile, which scared me a little bit. But I soon forgot it, because Rarity had asked.
"Where's Sweetie Belle?".
Silence.
"Where is she?".
Rainbow Dash took a word. "Rarity, we....ugh..."
I couldn't withstand it. "Sweetie Belle sacrificed herself. She knew that we couldn't make it, so she bought us time" I started to cry. Rarity was just standing there, looking at me. She'd already known the truth, but part of her still didn't want to accept it. Now the fact that her sister is dead hit her with full power. Rarity fell to the ground.
"No...It can't be....She can't..." Nopony said a word. Finally, Applejack walked to the broken unicorn.
"Sugarcube," AJ waited until Rarity looked at her, with despair in her eyes. "Sweetie Belle wanted me to tell you that over all your disagreements she loves you and that you'll be forever her big sister," . Everypony except Celestia cried. After a while, Rarity began to speak.
"My little sister who didn't even start her life is dead. She had whole life before her, ". suddenly, she said something I will remember for the rest of my life.
"That's what it wants. It wants us to give up. But it made horrible mistake. It gave me reason to fight, to avenge my sister. And I promise you that I will fight until the very end,".
What was that 'it' which was Rarity talking about? I never learned. I asked her once, but she sent me away.
That day, old Rarity, Rarity we knew died. And new Rarity was someone else. She never again complained , she never smiled again. Her only remaining emotion was anger. She became one of our best warriors, but it wasn't Rarity anymore. And with new self, came new name. It was like meeting completely new person. Now, we call her Stranger.
She never forgave herself.
And here I am now. After more than a decade I feel every single thing from that day like it happened yesterday. Many years have passed since the beggining of the War. Now I'm adult pony as old as Rainbow Dash was when she saved my life. I learned to fly. I have my cutie mark. And still, none of these things made me happy. I don't have good memories on them. But enough about me.
I went on this mission only with two other ponies. I think you know the name of one of them. Yes, it's Apple Bloom. The other pony is Twilight's daughter, Starfall. Quite a weird name though.
Everypony was surprised when doctor told Twilight she's pregnant. It was easier to believe that Pinkie Pie is not funny. Everypony had no idea who can be father. Twilight later told us. We should guess it. They were spending lots of time together. For our defense, these days there's no time for poking in personal lifes of others. But I'm drifting to past again and right now It's not time yet.
Back to our mission. We're going to find origin of the plague. That's why is Starfall with us. She has special ability. Ability which no other unicorn have. She can look into the past. It's much better than time traveling. It's easier and safer. Nopony understands why only she can perform such a simple spell. Well, maybe it's not so easy at all.
It was Twilight who sent us here. It was day as usual. I got up, took a shower (which means that I splashed on me water from well) and went on a training. On my way home I met Twilight. Well, I didn't meet her. She was searching for me and she found me.
"Hey, Scootaloo,". I turned around and saw her. After all these years almost nothing changed on her. Only her skin got slightly paler due to her age, glasses were helping her eyes and first wrinkles began to roam her face. She also had a coat. But almost everypony wears clothes now, because zombies mostly can't bite through them. Twilight looked upset.
"Oh, Hi Twi. What happened? You don't look too well,".
"It's nothing. But I need your help. Can you get Apple Bloom and come visit me this evening?" she said.
"Um... sure. But why?".
Her answer confused me even more. "I can't tell you right now. So, at eight?".
"OK, bye".
"Bye,".
Everything usual on this day vanished in less than two minutes. What in the hell is so important that Twilight doesn't want to talk about it in public? I asked Apple Bloom if she knows what Twilight wants. She knew even less than me. But she agreed that the best thing we could do was come as Twilight wants and ask her. For the rest of the day I couldn't think of anything else. What does she wants?
In the evening I put on the jacket and scarf. Nights were getting colder. I went to the library. On my way there I didn't meet anypony, but I couldn't get rid of feeling that I'm not as alone as it seems; that somepony is watching me. But as soon as I arrived Twilight's home, I forgot it.
I knocked at the door. I didn't wait even ten seconds until Twilight opened and let me in. Apple Bloom was already inside. When she saw me, she greeted me. "Hooray, you're finally here. I thought you forgot,".
That's whole Apple Bloom. I admit, I was late but not so late. Not more than ten minutes. She's simply impatient.
"I like you too," I said. But some ponies simply doesn't understand sarcasm. She got a little confused.
"What?"
"Ah, nevermind..."
We were about to start arguing but Twilight stopped us.
"I made a coffee. Who wants a cup?" she said. And so, after not even a minute, we were sitting in sofas with hot cups in our hooves and waiting for what Twilight says.
"Okay, I think we can get started. I've found out something. Something that can change everything,". Twilight almost whispered. She closed all the windows before. It looked like she is scared that somepony will hear her. "I can't tell you what it is. The less you know, the safer you are. But I need your help. I won't lie to you, It won't be easy. I need you to go to Canterlot. And if you will..." She looked sick of words she's going to tell. "... Starfall is going with you,".
I was totally shocked. She can't mean it serious. Why would Twilight send us to that nest of death? I looked quickly at Apple Bloom. In that one look I've seen shock, disbelief and... fear on her face. I haven't seen her scared in last 13 years. And Starfall. What is so important that you let your own child risk it's life for it? Didn't Twilight....? No, it's impossible. I couldn't believe it, so I asked.
"You found the cure?"
Twilight's answered disappointed me. "Nnno, not exactly. That's why I need you to go there. I have to know what started the Plague. And..."
"... the only place where you can find the truth is where it began," finished Apple Bloom.
"And that's the reason why do you want Starfall to go with us," I said.
Twilight explained it. "I tried to find different way but there isn't any other. She is our only chance. Her gift is our only chance. She wanted to go so much. But I can't let her go alone. I please you, will you go and protect her? She's my everything. If I lose her..."
I didn't think long. There's a chance to end this all and I can't let a kid go there on her own. If not for her, then for Twilight. If something happened to her daughter (and you bet something WOULD happen to her) I'd blame myself for the rest of my life. Plus, I haven't left the town in weeks. I was pretty bored. So I stood up and said:
"If you say that we can do something to save the world, I can't stay here. I'm in it,". I looked at Apple Bloom and waited what she's gonna say. Of course she said yes. She was like her sister.
"I can't let you go alone. We all know that you wouldn't survive even minute without me," that's what she said. We all laughed.
Suddenly, we heard from upstairs one big and loud "yes". Twilight smiled. She knew that Starfall spied us but she let her think that she doesn't suspect a thing. Twilight told us everything we needed to know, not less, not more. Then, we went back home.
I guess this is right time to talk about things that happened.
Author's Note
Wow. First chapter got more positive feedback than I expected. I'm so happy that you like that. This has given me so much energy. Let's write more chapters.
Nopony knows where did the plague come from. But one thing is sure: It began in Canterlot. As far as we know, there are only two resisting cities. One of them being Ponyville, the other one is known as the Crystal Empire. Other cities didn't have any chance. Equestria never had army. We didn't need it. And that was our doom. Without single line of defense against these monsters it was very short proccess to destroy our kingdom. Everything I knew was lost in the history.
During first year of War (or whatever you wanna call this fight for survival), unicorns took care of a shield. They made it everlasting. After that, everypony focused on finding survivors. Up to now, only 170 ponies from other cities arrived to Ponyville. During 16 years.
"Oh...hi Apple Bloom. Did you come visit Scootaloo?" Twilight said. I was confused. I haven't seen Apple Bloom since that day. What is she doing here? But I listened curiously.
"Hi Twilight. Yes, can I see her?"
"Of course, come in. She's upstairs,".
Twilight whispered something, but I couldn't hear that. So I waited.
Doors to my room opened. Maybe I should say hello at least, but I didn't care. I just lied there and stared at Apple Bloom. "Hi, Scoot," she said.
For a little moment I had a feeling that nothing happened. That Apple Bloom just wanted to go out with me, like before. But at the same moment, some voice began to shout in my head. 'But it's not like before. It'll never be. Because Sweetie Belle is dead. Because of you. If you stayed home that day, she should live,'. All of this happened in my head in less than two seconds. I looked at Apple Bloom again and began to cry.
"It was my fault...my,". She came to me and hugged me. Nopony said a single word for minutes. I realized she's crying to. After our last sobs vanished, she began to speak.
"Scootaloo, you can't continue this way. You have to go on. Sweetie Belle wouldn't be happy if she saw that you're wasting life she gave you,"
"Sweetie Belle wouldn't be dead at all," I yelled. "If I didn't convince Rarity to let Sweetie Belle go out, she could be here. But because of me she's dead. And her sister has broken heart. It was my fault. I should be dead, not Sweetie,". New tears started to roll over my cheeks.
"Nopony is responsible for this. How could anypony know? Look, it happened and you can't change it. And lying in your bed won't give her back,".
"But..." I tried to argue, but sudden pain spread through my face. Apple Bloom just slapped me. I looked at her, shocked.
"Stop, just stop regreting yourself. Do you think I had easy time? I was at very bottom. Only thing that was keeping my sanity was work. It made me too busy to think about that. Do you know why didn't I come sooner? Because I couldn't look at you. Only one thought of you almost made me cry. You remind me her so much. Think about my words,". With that said, she left.
Last thing I recognized before she closed the door was Apple Bloom's flank. She has got her cutie mark.
Author's Note
This chapter took FOREVER. It focuses the most on things that were already solved in the show. I know that. But I wanted to make it my own way, to make it fit to story. Also, it very pissed me off that while writing this chapter an episode showing Scoots' home aired. Enjoy
Chapter 5
After that day when Apple Bloom visited me, I started to put my life together and began to live again. She was right. Doing something was way better than diving deeper and deeper into a sorrow. Members of royal guards which escaped from Canterlot with princess taught other ponies how to defend themselves, how to use a sword, simply how to fight. I was learning too. But I was never as good with sword as Apple Bloom. Everypony had learned basics, but only about one quarter continued in training to become warrior. Like me. But there was one thing that worried me. I still couldn't fly.
One weekend Rainbow Dash came to me. She was member of our provisional 'army' now. Of course she was. How could possibly the most athletic, the fastest, the bravest and the most awesome pony I knew not to be there? Even after what I went through , was my only wish to be Rainbow Dash's sister. I'd give anything for it. I was just in my room, resting after very exhausting day, when she knocked on my door.
"Come in," I said. She entered. A little gasp blew in my head as always did when I saw her. "What's up" I asked.
"Nothing. I just wanted to talk to you," Rainbow Dash answered. "If you have time,"
"O...of course,". I waited nervously what's Rainbow gonna say. She sat on my bed. "You seem worried last few weeks. So I decided to ask what's wrong," she said finally. It surprised me. And made me unbelievably happy. Rainbow Dash cares about me. But should I tell her that I'm sad because I can't fly? What if she will laugh at me? I figured that the best will be if I tell her. So I took a deep breath and said.
"It's nothing. Nothing at all. Only that...".
"Mmmm..?"
"That...".
"Yeees..?"
I didn't want to say it but it had to go out. "I simply can't fly,"
I waited when she will begin to laugh. But she didn't. She only asked. "Your parents didn't teach you?"
Ouch. These words hurt so much. My parents. "They... they died when I was five," I said flattly.
"Oh...I...sorry...I didn't..."
"It's okay," I stopped her quickly. "Even my friends don't know,"
I wanted to end here but I felt that I need to tell somepony. I held it inside for too long. Even though I didn't want to, I began to speak.
"It was July. We were on vacation in Canterlot for a week. Capital was beautiful. We saw lots of interesting things like the biggest church in Equestria, a funny statue of a creature made of many different animal, which I learned years later was Discord and museum of scooters. There, they bought me my scooter. My only reminder of them. And now... who knows where it is. But that doesn't matter. the last day, we took the train and went back home. It was night when we arrived to Ponyville. It was still long way to Cloudsdale, so we took taxi chariot. As we were sitting in chariot, with only sound to hear being flapping of wings of driving pegasi, I fell asleep," then, I stopped.
"And what happened next?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I woke up in hospital. Doctor told me that we had an accident. Another chariot crashed into us. Nopony survived, except me.They said I was very lucky. I hurt my head badly and I was in coma for three days with practically no chance of waking up. Everypony wondered how did I survive the crash. Since I had no other family, I was sent to Cloudsdale orphanage after I recovered. I was given things saved from the wreckage of our chariot. It wasn't much, mostly clothes. But amongst these things was a scooter, my scooter. That scooter became my only memento of them.
And so, I never learned to fly. Who would teach me? Kids didn't like me and educators had more important things to do. I almost don't remember how my parents looked. I..." that was enough. I had no other words to say and I was busy with holding my tears back.
Rainbow Dash stared at me. After a while, she said, "Whoa, your life gotta be very hard. If I was you, I'd kill myself a long time ago. I admire you,".
"Really? You do?" I was surprised. "Can I tell you one more thing?"
"Sure, kiddo,".
"I...I always looked up to you. My deepest wish is you to be my big sister. When I grow up I want to be just like you," I said. I looked at Rainbow Dash. I've seen one big warm smile. Then, she said.
"You ARE already like sister for me. And about your problem, what if we make a deal?".
"What deal?" was everything I was able to say.
"I'll teach you how to fly and you'll promise that you won't be like anypony else than you. Oh, and if someone calls you chicken again, kick them right in the ass," Rainbow Dash said.
"How do you know they..."
"Well, I'm not dumb. I have ears and eyes and... Apple Bloom told me," Rainbow Dash admitted. I giggled.
"So, deal?"
"Deal," I said.
Next day was my first lesson. But I didn't know it yet. Rainbow Dash informed me on time, in very original way...
I was sleeping and I had a beautiful dream. Cutie Mark Crusaders were once again complete and ready for their new adventure. I think we were in middle of trying to get cake-eating cutie marks (it was a dream, don't judge me) when sudden noise threw me in the reality.
"Squirt, wake up," Rainbow Dash shouted right in my left ear. I quickly sat up. That really scared me. I breathed deeply to slow down my heartbeat and then, I looked at Rainbow. But she already was on the floor, laughing.
"You should see your face. Priceless," she said between bouts of laughter.
"Haha, funny," I said a little bit angry. "You ruined my dream. It was beautiful. Anyway, why did you wake me up at 6 am?"
"Because it's... wait, you had a dream?"
"Yeah, that's what happens when you sleep. You have dreams. Why?"
"Only that I haven't had a dream since... nevermind. I woke you up, because your very first flying lesson with your totally cool and awesome teacher/adoptive big sister starts right now,".
I forgot on the time immediately. I jumped off bed with big 'yay' and started to bounce around room. "I will learn to flyyy. I will learn to flyyy..." I sang to myself.
"Whoa, take it easy squirt. Before anything else, we'll have breakfast. Flying doesn't go well when you're hungry," Dash calmed me down.
"Of course... breakfast. And what are we going to have?"
"I don't know. Let's look what's in Twilight's pantry. But be quiet. We don't want to wake Twilight up, do we?"
So, as quiet as we could, we went downstairs. I can proudly say, we didn't wake up anypony. But the pantry was dissapointment.
We opened it and saw that it was practically empty. "Um... do you want apple or... apple?"
After breakfast (if you qualify an apple as breakfast) we went outside. We didn't go anywhere. A place before library was ideal for today's training.
"Well, since this is your first lesson, there will be no flying yet,"
I nodded. I adored Rainbow Dash too much to question her word. "Yes, master,"
"No whining? I thought you wouldn't agree. Well, that makes things only easier," Rainbow paused and then she looked at me. "Master? I like that..."
We spent whole morning by traning. I was running, jumping, making push-ups and squats and a lot more things. In the end, I was more tired than ever. But it was fun. I forgot of the world outside and just had a great time with Rainbow Dash. For now.
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Author's Note
Alright. Here it is. After nearly two months I finished this chapter. It should be the longest one so far. Also, I wanted to thank to Onrlu for supporting me and helping me with grammar. Thank you, dude :D this chapter is for you
Chapter 7
"Come on, ten more. You can do it," Rainbow Dash cheered me while I was doing push-ups. 41, 42, 43... I counted in my head. I really wanted to make 50. I wanted to make Rainbow proud. But I was at the edge and I could slip over any second now. 46, 47... c'mon Scoots, only three. My muscles were burning. My instinct was telling me to give up. 48... I'm so close. I have to do fifty at once. 49... Only, one, more. I couldn't lift myself up. I was stuck in the middle of push-up without power to finish it. No. I can't give up now. Do it Scoots. For Rainbow Dash. I screamed as loud as possible when I withdrew my last reserves of energy. 50. I collapsed onto the ground, smiling triumphally. I did it.
Rainbow Dash looked at me from above. "Good job squirt. But don't think it's...". I haven't heard the rest. Somehow, I fell asleep.
I woke up to a smell of something delicious coming from kitchen. Then, my stomach drew attention to its presence with loud growling. I was about to get off the bed when Dash entered the room. She looked disappointed when she'd seen that I'm awake. I saw the marker she held in mouth right before she threw it away. So this is how it is. I wondered what would my face look like if I woke up ten minutes later.
"Um...hi. You're awake. I just...I...went to check if you're okay. Twilight made a dinner, so..." Rainbow Dash stammered.
"Great. I'm hell hungry. What's for dinner?"
"Twilight calls it 'the cake of a thousand secrets' but I have a suspicion that she just mixed everything she found. But it smells good."
The cake of a thousand secrets? At least it sounds interesting. I wanted to ask something. What was it? Urgh...oh! "How long have I slept?"
"Not so long. About two hours. And next time when you decide to take a nap, do it nearer the library. I carried you all the way home and believe it or not, you're heavier the last time I carried you."
The last time. I remember. Rainbow Dash had probably seen the flash of sadness in my face and she began to apologize. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."
"It's alright. We can't change the past,".
"Oh...yeah. You're right, I guess," she had turned around, when she remembered why she came here. "And shall I tell Twilight to serve a piece for you too?"
"Sure. Do you really ask me?"
"Okay,". With these words, she left the room.
Only then, I realized how tired I am. Every single muscle hurt me like it was on fire. I recalled what were we doing sooner that day. Rainbow Dash was a tough teacher. First she let me run around Ponyville. The town is larger than it seems. Then, I had to stand in push-up position but instead of standing on my front hooves, I was on my knees. Rainbow made me stand like that for five minutes. Easy, you think? Try it. I barely made it. Then, she got an idea. Masterpiece of training terror. She tied on my back a wooden board, put on it six stones, each of them weighed at least 1.5 kilos and told me that I have to carry them for 30 meters without dropping a single one. Each time I dropped one, I had to do it all over again. The stones were heavy as hell and balancing them made the task million times harder. It took me eight tries to accomplish it. Then and only then, I had a break. Full five minutes of rest. After that came the push-ups, and now I'm here.
I trained with Dash three times a week when two lessons were dedicated to flying (today was obviously non-flying). In these, Rainbow Dash was testing my limits, giving me tips and helping me strengthen my wings. I wasn't making much progress. But I didn't know what awaited me yet.
A week later, at the beggining of another flying lesson, Rainbow Dash had a little surprise prepared. Well, it wasn't surprise at all, more like special lesson with secret teaching methods. But since Rainbow Dash was very unclear in details, I had no idea what's planned. She even covered my eyes with a scarf. I had a small overview of where she takes me. She lead me through the town square, judging by noise. Then, we entered some building and we were going up the stairs. When we walked out she finally let me take off the scarf.
"OK. Here we are. You can take it off,".
We were in the corridor of the town hall.
"What are we doing here?"
"Well, since you trained so hard, I decided to reward you. I wanted to take you somewhere with a beautiful view and voilà, here we are,"
"Really?"
"Really,"
I didn't complain. I looked into distance. The view really was beautiful. Only the dome on the horizon spoiled it a bit. I wanted to see how high we are. So I bent over the ledge and suddenly, Rainbow Dash pushed me. I screamed. Horror filled my body. I closed my eyes and waited for death. A 'splat' and nothing. But that didn't come. Suddenly, something switched in my head and I knew exactly what to do. Instinct, I guess. I slowly opened my eyes to see that I am... flying.
Rainbow Dash jumped in the air and shouted. "It worked!! Wohoo, Twilight. You're genius!! Haha!"
I was still in the air and I still couldn't believe it. I tried to fly forward, backwards, to the right, to the left, up 'n' down... no problem. I landed safely on the ground. Everyone on the square was watching me, but I ignored that. Original hapiness and excitement were replaced by anger.
Dashie landed right next to me. "That was awesome! Good job ki..."
"AWESOME?! I COULD DIE! WHY DID YOU DO THAT?"
"Hey, calm down..."
"I WON'T CALM DOWN! YOU JUST PUSHED ME FROM FRICKIN' TWENTY METERS! YOU..."
"Hushh! I had it under the control. If it didn't work, I'd catch ya,"
I calmed down but the anger was still clearly noticeable in my voice. "Was it really necessary to throw me off of there? Couldn't you have just told me to jump?"
"Ehm, no. First, you wouldn't do it. Second, if you did it on purpose it wouldn't work. Third, it was Twilight's idea,"
"What?"
"Well, Twilight said it's like with birds. You throw them off the nest and instinct tells them what to do. Twilight suggested me to try it with you. And it worked,"
I thought about it. It was a great plan. And effective. I wanted to argue but no arguements came up. So I only said. "Never ever do it again,"
"Oh c'mon. Cheer up. Pinkie Pie won't be happy if she sees that you're all grumpy on your first-flight party,"
"What did you say? There's going to be a party? For me?"
"Of course there is. You deserve it and this town needs a party. Oh, Pinkie's going to be so so so so happy. She hadn't thrown a party since... you know..."
"Then why are we still here? Let's go to Pinkie," I said.
As we arrived the Sugarcube Corner, I began to feel anxious. It looked so... sad. When the apocalypse had come, both Cakes and Pinkie Pie lost their jobs. Nopony was interested in parties or sweets anymore. Pinkie barely went out and the rumors that she's been driven insane could be heard everywhere. That was probably another reason why Rainbow Dash wanted to throw that party. She worried about her friend. We knocked at the door and waited.
It was Mrs. Cake who opened. "Hi, girls. Did you come to visit Pinkie? Please, say yes. I'm really worried about her. She hasn't left her room in days," Mrs. Cake said nervously. "Come in,"
"Hello Mrs. Cake. Yeah, we came to see her,". Rainbow leaned closer to the blue mare and asked quietly: "How is she? I heard..."
"Oh, she's not that bad. I suppose. But if something doesn't happen soon... I worry she won't make it," Mrs. Cake almost whispered. "She's upstairs. Be careful,".
With these words she left to check twins. As we entered, i felt the emptiness of this building with full power. No smell of baking cupcakes, empty expenses, no customers. It was like the essence of this place was sucked dry and locked away. When we walked up the stairs, I felt like the portraits of many Cake and some Pie ancestors hanging from the wall are looking at me. But we came to Pinkie's room and I hadn't peed my pants (I was wearing ones) even though I thought at one moment that I won't be able to hold it.
When I think about it now, I don't know what I expected. Cut-off pony bodyparts, smell of vomit, blood, and flesh, Pinkie wearing a costume made of her victims cutie marks and upside down pentagrams? No, the reality was very different.
When Dash knocked at door, nobody responded. She knocked again and still nothing. So, we opened the door. For a second I feared that all that we're going to find is just a hanging corpse of the party pony. Luckily it didn't happen.
As soon as we entered, my mind was struck with only one thought. Did I look like that too, when Sweetie Belle died? The room was okay. No mess, no hanging ponies, no pentagrams. Sunlight shone through the window peacefully and everything looked alright. Except...
"Pinkie Pie?"
I almost didn't recognise her. The pony I was looking at was so different from the bouncy pack of happiness I knew. She lied in bed, staring at the ceiling, not saying a single word. Her mane and tail were all straight instead of their usual puffy look and I'd bet their color took a darker shade. Pinkie Pie also looked skinnier than the last the last time I saw her. She probably hasn't eaten much in last few days. What in the world happened to her?
"Hey, Pinkie, we are here," said Rainbow Dash, hoping that Pinkie Pie will do something, anything. But she remained apathic.
"You know what would be nice?" Dashie asked. "If you would tell us what's wrong and we could sit together and solve the problem,".
I felt like I should do something, but I was numb. Seeing Pinkie Pie like that was so oppresive. I was scared that if I say anything, she'll just shatter into milion pieces. Like a dropped glass.
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie began to talk. No impulse, no question, she just began.
"Once upon a time, there lived a pony named Pinkie Pie. Pinke Pie loved fun and parties and making ponies laugh. She lived happily in a gingerbread house along with a married couple and their children. Her life was perfect. Until..."
Okay, Pinkie got me a bit scared. "P-Pinkie? Are you...". She cut me off.
"...One day, something happened. Something really bad. And since then, ponies weren't laughing anymore, they didn't want to party and Pinkie Pie was sad. If she couldn't make ponies happy, what should she do? She didn't know how to do anything else than making fun. And if fun wasn't needed... Neither was Pinkie. The end,". I've seen tears running down her face.
Rainbow Dash took a word. "And what if I tell you there IS fun needed? Squirt has learned to fly and we need to celebrate it. And who else is going to throw the best just-learned-to-fly party if not the best party thrower in all of Equestria? Pinkie..."
Pinkie Pie didn't move. At first. Suddenly she exploded. Not literally exploded but what happened really resembled an actual explosion. She jumped in the air, her mane instantly inflated and her face formed the grin which I can specify only as Pinkie smile. She began jumping around the room and speaking so fast that I understood only about a half of what she said.
"Oh guys, why didn't you tell me sooner? There's gonna be a party? Who's planning it? Ohwait, that's me. Hihi, silly me. I have so many questions. Is there going to be a cake? Of course it is. What party would it be without a cake. And there have to be streamers. And everypony will play 'pin the tail on a pony'. And.... wait a minute. Where's my party cannon? I'm sure I've put it somewhere here,". She opened a closet. "Here goes nothing. Oh, hi Gummy. Here you are. I guess you won". Small teethless aligator blinked peacefully in the closet.
"Won what?" I asked.
"Hide 'n' seek, silly filly. Gummy, have you seen my party cannon?" Pinkie Pie leaned closer to Gummy as if she was listening to what he says. "Mmmm. Hmmm. Mmhmmm. Thank you Gummy."
Pinkie Pie bounced to the bed and pulled the party cannon from beneath it. I was shocked.
"Was it there all the time?"
"Probably... I'm not sure," Rainbow Dash mumbled.
I wanted to say something, but I was interrupted by Pinkie Pie screaming.
"Let's go PARTAY!!!!!"
Pinkie was a bit disappointed, when she learned that the party was actually happening three days later, but it didn't bring her mood down. She was once again the good old Pinkie Pie, the best party thrower in all of Equestria (more accurately, Equestria's remains). And I can say, her Just-learned-to-fly party was awesome.
There were just a few guests at first. Apple Bloom and her sister, Twist, Twilight, basically all of Rainbow Dash's best friends. Except for Rarity. As soon as ponies learned there is a party going on, first shy neighbours of ours asked if they can join. And then it went like clockwork. Before I could find my feet, half of Ponyville was stacked at Twillight's. It was the best party ever even though I don't remember that much from it. Sweetie Belle would have enjoyed it...
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Equestria. When I close my eyes, I can see the lovely and peaceful place it used to be, when I was a little filly. Where I used to play with my best friends, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Not anymore. It’s been more than 16 years since infection began to spread across the Equestria. Every day I wake up to the same nightmare which seems that it never ends. Horrors that once could be found only in stories are now wandering around equestria. Lots of my friends are dead.
But sometimes it is better to die.
When it all began, I was playing outside with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, my best friends. We were Cutie mark crusaders, nopony could stop us from getting our cutie marks. We tried almost everything and on our flanks...nothing. But we were sure that one day we'll do it.
When I think about it now, Sweetie Belle's talent was probably singing. She always had a beautiful voice, only if she'd admit it. Poor Sweetie Belle. It was my fault. It was my idea. How can be God so cruel that he let die defenseless filly in such a horrible way? I still remember that day.
Oh, I still remember that moment, when I first saw that sword, the mark which will Apple Bloom carry with her until death. Later, I..... No. It's not important at this moment. I'd better talk about present.
We're on our way for three days. And surprisingly, we haven't met any zombies. I hate that word. It sounds like from some stupid movie. Star, as I call her, rarely stop asking some questions. Some of them are very silly.
"What does a zombie look like?". That surprised me.
"You haven't seen one yet?".
"Well, no. Actually, I've never been out of Ponyville. Mom never let me do anything 'dangerous'. I still wonder that I convinced her to let me at least train with others," she said. So, Twilight is one of those too-much-careful mothers. That makes sense. But I let it be. It's Twilight's business, not mine. I rather answered her question.
"Hmm, so, you want to know what does a zombie look like. Have you ever seen a few weeks old corpse of bird?".
"Hm,".
"Pretty disgusting, isn't it? So, try to imagine pony in that state, but alive. Well, alive isn't the best term. More like, not dead. Well, that's pretty much the same as undead. And that's zombie,".
One should think that now she will leave me alone. No way. Another question came right after she got answer on the first one.
"And, do they smell?".
"Guess, you can three times,".
"Ehhhh..., yes?".
"Clever girl," I said. And another question slapped me in the face.
"When did you kill your first zombie?". Innocent question. But it reminded me on one of my nightmares. And I don't like putting skeletons out of the closet.
"I... I don't want to talk about that. Ask Apple Bloom. I'm sure she will tell you everything maximally detailed,".
And it was true. Star ran to Apple Bloom and asked her and Apple Bloom immediately started to talk and talk and talk. That was difference between her and Applejack. When there was chance, Bloom talked. And Starfall gave her a lot of chances. With all these questions Star looked like she's ten, not fifteen. But what do you want from her if she has never been outside and her mom probably didn't answer these questions exactly how she imagined.
Apple Bloom was just describing some very morbid detail, when i stopped her.
"Shh!!". I scared Star.
"Wha...".
"SHHH!!!" I shut her.
"Did you hear that?" I whispered. Then, I heard it again. "Something is coming,".
Author's Note
These chapters are really short. Don't worry, I'll make next chapters longer but right now, I'm stuck at chapter 5. SPOILER: Scootaloo tells Rainbow Dash about her parents.
