Virus

by wubster2015

***

Day 1

A young unicorn filly with a dark cyan coat sighed as she trotted uphill towards the school house, the bell was going to ring at any second and she really didn't want to get another tardy she already has to serve detention after school today.

Her light violet and dark raspberry mane bobbed up and down on her head as she raced towards the school, seeing a few other foals playing outside while waiting for the doors to open.

"Oh good, I'm early," she said aloud to no one in particular as she slowed to a canter once she got close.

Her ears perked as she heard a familiar masculine voice call out her name "Hey, Love Note!", turning her attention towards the voice, she smiled as she saw one of her friends standing next to the swing set, a pegasus colt who was slightly older than she herself. He had a dark gold coat and a mane of Mayan blue and brighter yellow. "What's up Riptide?" Love Note asked with a smile on her face.

"Nothing much really, how 'bout you?" he asked, Love Note simply shrugged "Same here, so uh... where's Star Gazer?" she asked noticing her friend wasn't there with him, "She called in sick today her mom said something about her having a bad fever." Love Note had a worried look on her face as she said "Well I hope she's gonna be alright..." Riptide noticed how worried Love Note looked and sighed as he walked up to his friend's side ''Don't worry she'll be fine knowing her she'll probably sweat it out and be here in an hour." Love Note looked up at her slightly taller companion and gave him a wry smile as she said "You’re probably right."

Sighing quietly Love Note looked up watching as birds passed by chirping at each other, then suddenly she yelped and nearly jumped as she felt a heavy weight rest upon her shoulders looking over to her right she found Riptide had his arm around her shoulders in a brotherly way, looking down at the slightly younger filly Riptide smiled softly as he said "Hey I know something that'll really brighten your spirits." that got Love Note's attention ''What is it?" "Today we have choir practice." Riptide said holding back a grin as Love note put on a face splitting smile "Really?!" she said jumping up and down, choir was her absolute most favorite subject that's how she got her cutie mark.

"Yep." Riptide said just as the bell rang, looking back at the school Love Note said "We should get going." Riptide nodded in agreement as he trotted over towards his saddle pack and placed them on his back, quickly they both trotted into the school house and were greeted by the familiar friendly face of Miss Cheerilee "Good morning my little ponies I hope you all had a good weekend!" she said cheerfully as she trotted towards her desk, straightening her stack of papers she sat patiently waiting for the class to sit and get ready.

Sitting up straight her class smiled" Good morning miss Cheerilee!" they all say in harmony, "Good morning class, as you know today we have choir which will be right after recess so be ready and don't forget anything." Cheerilee said smiling like she always did, ''Now take out your paper and pencils our first subject is math!" everypony in the room groaned except for Love Note ''Ooh! yay math!" Love said sqweeing as she dug through her saddle pack that had her cutie mark of two Eighth notes and a heart in the center, presenting her pencil and paper she neatly placed them on her desk a raspberry colored aurora lifted her pencil above her paper as she watched attentively as her teacher began writing down a percentage equation.

"Today class we're going to be doing pre-algebra, now I hope you have out your pencils and paper because we're about to begin." Cheerile said cheerfully, it was about twenty minutes for math before they moved onto language which lasted twenty minutes as well before the bell rang for recess, RIIIIIIIIIIING! Looking at the clock Miss Cheerilee smiled as she said "Alrighty class its recess time." "Yaaaaaay!" all the foals yelled out in relief as they grabbed their snack and headed outside, grabbing her peanut butter crackers and juice box Love Note merrily trotted outside towards the swing set, it was occupied already by two fillies taking turns but she didn't mind she never went on it anyways.

Sitting down under the tree Love Note set down her snack and watched as all the other foals ran around playing, leaning her head back she sighed lazily as she levitated her juice box towards her placing the straw into the small hole before taking a small sip, closing her eyes she began to sing quietly before taking another sip of her juice and singing again.

"I didn't know you sing while your by yourself." a familiar voice said making Love Note jump up in surprise her eyelids popping open, Riptide chuckled as he sat down next to her, Love Note glared at Riptide as he began eating his snack, sighing and rolling her eyes Love Note rested her head on the tree's trunk levitating her crackers towards her and taking a bit out of one, Riptide nudged Love Note as he said with a mouthful of cookies "Hey have you noticed not a lot of the kids didn't come today?" "Yeah I have, wonder why." Love said brushing her mane out of her face, it was true she had noticed a few kids didn't come today like Snips, Diamond Tiara, and Rumble, but she didn't think any of it until now.

Just then the bell rang, standing up the two foals stretched before trotting to the school house, taking her seat Love Note watched as Miss Cheerilee stood in front of the class "Alright class it should five minutes before the music teacher gets here, so if you can take out a book and do SSR." Cheerliee said with a smile before walking to her desk and sitting down.

Just like Miss Cheerilee said the music teacher, Mister Symphony, entered the class his wavy sleek blue mane neat as ever, and his dull yellow coat was trimmed and shining like always, straightening his glasses he smiled softly as he said "Good morning class." "Good morning Mister Symphony!" the class said, walking around the class Mister Symphony eyed the foals "I hope all you soloist and duets practiced your songs the presentation is this Friday you know!" he exclaimed cheerfully, Love Note chuckled nervously as Symphony passed by her looking her straight in the eyes, she had a duet with another unicorn colt in the class, Lightning Bolt, of course she practiced but she could only pray that her partner did as well.

''Well then class let’s get going, don't want to waste any more time now do we?" Mister Symphony said rhetorically, lining up behind Symphony the class made their way to the music room; it was a medium sized room with a few instruments, a large steel bench, a smallish stage, and a small sound room in the far left corner.

Walking onto the steel benches the class stood in their assigned positions, while Love Note, Lightning Bolt, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Riptide stood in front, the class watched as Miss Cheerilee and Mister Symphony took some microphones from the stage and brought them to the five standing in front.

Standing close to the microphone Lightning positioned it so both he and Love Note could sing into it, smiling Mister Symphony made hoof gestures pointing at Sweetie Belle to start the song, the marshmallow filly cleared her throat as she began softly singing into the microphone.

Adeste Fideles, laeti triuphantes;

Venite, Venite en Be-ethlehem.

Then it moved to Applebloom and Riptide.

Natum videte, Regem Angelorum. And finally Lightning Bolt and Love Note, Love Note started the first two lines before Lightning Bolt joined in their voices mixing in harmony as they sang.

Venite Adoremus, Venite Adoremus

Venite Adoremus, Dominum!

Raising his hooves Mister Symphony signaled for the rest of the class to join in.

Oh come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant

Oh come ye, Oh come ye, to Be-ethlehem

Come and behold her, Born the Queen of angels

Oh Come let us adore her, Oh come let us adore her

Oh come let us adore her, Celestia!

"Great job class, I see you have been practicing!" Mister Symphony said clapping his hooves together, Love Not and Lightning smiled at each other as they hi-hooved one another, pacing around Symphony said "Alright since you've mastered that song let's move on to the next one." grabbing the stereo that rested on a chair Mister Symphony pressed the play button and something in between hip hop and pop came on.

Both Love Note and Lightning Bolt sighed as they got ready to sing again, this time it was just her, Sweetie Belle, and Lightning Bolt, inhaling Lightning started it off.

Saying their goodbyes the class exited the music room and were lead back to their homeroom by Miss Cheerilee and for some reason Mister Symphony followed them.

Taking their seats the school children listened attentively as Symphony congratulated the class on their improvement and how he knew they were going to be great in the show, flicking her ear Love Note looked to the side as she heard a quiet painful moan come from the colt that sat beside her, the colt usually had a glossy neon green coat and bright orange mane but his coat and mane were unusually dull and drool dripped painfully slow through his dry lips as he store hungrily at the music teacher.

"Um... are you okay?" Love Note asked as she placed a hoof on the colt's shoulder, he moaned again as his head slowly turned to face her, instead of his usual bright perky green eyes his eyes were unusually lifelessly dull, he didn't say anything he just stared at her and before she had time to react he snarled, her eyes shrunk to pin pricks as he opened his mouth showing rows of sharps fangs before jumping out of his desk and pinning her down.

Love shouted in surprise before having the wind knocked out of her as the colt using surprising power pushed down on her chest winding her, he snarled again letting out something that sounded like a roar and a shriek before trying to bite her his jaws snapping wildly, Love Note pushed the wild colt away from her as his saliva and blood dripped on her body making her shudder in disgust, raising up her hind legs she managed to get them planted on his lower torso and giving him a good buck she made him fly off her hitting his desk nearly knocking it over.

Just as the colt recovered and tried to jump again Mister Symphony grabbed him quickly, the colt thrashed wildly screeching at the top of his lungs, a mixture of blood and saliva flew out of his open mouth as he struggled to get out of Mister Symphony's hooves, "Whoa! settle down boy!" Symphony shouted at the crazed colt who totally disregarded what he said and continued to writhe in the music teachers hooves, twisting his head to abnormal proportions the colt snarled his yellow fangs glistening before he sunk them into Symphony's arm making the music teacher cry out in pain as he pulled away letting the rampant colt go.

Love note watched, mouth agape, as the colt ate what little piece of flesh he managed to tear of the music teacher with little satisfaction, turning his head back to her the colt snarled pieces of flesh hung off his yellow teeth, eyeing the small prize in front of him the now cannibal colt charged at Love note just as he jumped Love note ducked quickly sliding under him letting him collide with the leg of her desk, falling backwards onto her rump Love note looked back at her fallen music teacher who was currently unconcious scrambling back to her hooves she looked around seeing all the petrified foals watch as the colt stood back up blood trailing down his face, but he didn't even seem to notice as he lunged at her fangs bared and Love note could do nothing but watch as he came closer and closer, clenching her eyes shut she braced herself ready to feel his teeth rip through her tender flesh but there was nothing, nothing came, and after a few seconds Love note peeked out only to find the colt laying on the ground coagulated blood seeping out of his eyes and mouth making a small pool around his head.

He was dead, his lifeless corpse lay there bathing in its own blood.

He just died, before he could even get close to her, Love note was confused and frightened she didn't know whether to cry or be scared she just stared at the lifeless corpse in front of her, the stench of death began to overcrowd her senses as she curled into a small shivering ball.

It was horrifying.

Truly horrifying...

"Cl-class line up please while I call an ambulance!" miss Cheerilee said her usual cheerful state evanescing, the class slowly lined up still looking at the bloody scene with appall, trotting to Love note Cheerilee rubbed the filly's back before whispering in her ear "Please line up while I get help." Love note didn't even look up at her teacher as she nodded gradually before standing up and walking towards the line, eyeing her class warily Cheerilee sighed as she stepped over Mister Symphony's unconcious body and trotted out the door quickly leaving her class alone.

All the foals looked around trying to do anything but look at the horrifying mess that lay before them, Love note kept her head down not speaking even as her classmates asked her questions but finally she looked up as she felt a gentle hoof rest on her shoulder "Riptide-" she was cut off though as her friend hugged her tightly seeming as if he would never let her go, she could feel him quake as she hugged him back tears falling out of her eyes and soaking into his soft coat. They stayed like that for more than five minutes before finally breaking their embrace, Riptide looked down at the younger filly and smiled gently wiping a tear away from her eye, Love note's lips, after a few tries, curled into a weak smile.

Their warm moment was soon broken as a low mumble was heard coming from Mister Symphony, a light pink filly with a pony-tailed blond mane decided to go check up on him "M-mister Symphony ar-are you awake?" she said gently shaking him her only response was a soft grunt, looking back at all her classmates who were watching her she swallowed the lump in her throat as she walked closer towards his chest and placed her ear on it, there was no beat...

And then suddenly, Thump,Thump, and then it stopped again before beating after a long ten seconds, it kept repeating this process so lifting her head up from his chest she turned back to face her classmates as she said "I-I think he's still alive...But its really hard to tell." just then mister Symphony exhaled slowly but it sounded more like a growl, snapping her head back towards her music teacher the filly screamed as she saw rows of sharp teeth in mister Symphony's mouth as he opened them to snarl, and just as he tried to snap at her she jumped away scampering back to her class mates who watched in complete terror as the full grown stallion stood up, his features darkened as he bared his teeth a long serpent-like tongue slithered out of the cave of sharp teeth he called a mouth.

Looking at the door Love note ran towards it opening it as she yelled out "Ruuuuun!" without a moment’s hesitation everyone did with a hungry mister Symphony chasing behind, the large group of foals stopped though as they reached the main hall, Love notes pupils shrunk to pinpricks at what she saw, the whole hallway was infested with the dead who trotted around carrying tons of leisures and lacerations, screams of a mare could be heard from the principal's office.

Leading her class into a corner they stood there silently watching as Love note looked around the corner.

"What do we do now?" a young colt whispered to Love note who looked back at him and the rest of her class, they were all staring at her waiting for her to say something she blinked in surprise at how quickly they just elected her to be leader but there was no time to waste on thinking about that right now, looking around she caught a glimpse of a dead end that was just wide enough yet small enough to keep the whole class in without them being caught by any of the dead, only problem was it was all the way on the other side of the hall she would never be able to get a whole class of foals over there without being caught.

Brushing a hoof through her mane she turned back to her class beads of sweat trailed down her forehead as she came up with a plan but it didn't seem very safe...Or even smart at that, walking to were her class was huddled up at she said in a hushed voice "Alright I have a plan but I need somepony to come with me just in case." her classmates shifted uneasily but one yellow hoof went up "I'll do it." Lightning bolt said making his way towards her "I'll help you." he said quietly and Love note nodded as they walked slightly away from the class to discuss the plan before announcing it "Alright so what's the idea you came up with?" Lightning asked Love note with an expectant expression, sighing lightly Love note brushed her mane back "Alright it might not be the safest but it’s the fastest plan I could come up with." she explained to which Lightning nodded "I-I'm gonna try and act like one of them to get across the hall and over there and I need you to come with me." she said pointing towards her destination, Lightning's eyes widened in incredulity but then to her surprise he saluted and said "I'm game." Love note was in slight disbelieve at how quickly he accepted the challenge but nodded as they made their way back to the others.

Clearing her throat quietly Love note explained "Okay class we've made a decision just come on our cue." her class members nodded in agreement as they watched their two classmates walk to the edge of their hiding spot, looking around the corner Love note found there were more of the dead than she originally thought and they were close to her destination but she had to go on with the plan "Celestia forgive me for my sins." she heard Lightning pray behind her as she signaled it was time to go, observing some of the monsters that lurked down the hallways she began mimicking their painful groans and limping walk cycles and taking in a deep breath of air she stepped out into the hallway.

Limping awkwardly Love note watched as some of the dead staff members groaned limping past the filly but some were a bit more curious eyeing her closely one even began walking by her side grunting, she tried her hardest not to freak out as its cold fur brushed up against her own, but soon the one following her grew less interested and limped away, looking behind her she saw Lightning limping a bit further behind but his impression was spot on, he groaned slight drool dripping from his mouth and he ignored all the dead that bumped into him though she could see fear in his baby blue eyes, limping a bit faster Love note let out a joyous sigh of relief as she scampered into the hiding spot with Lightning trailing behind.

Looking back at her class mates who stood on the other side she signaled them to come, and hesitantly they did groaning and limping but she face hoofed as they all came at once but the dead didn't seem to notice as they just ignored the mob of 'undead' foals,Note to self: undead creatures have a lack of intelligence. Love note thought taking a mental note as she and her class looked at the dark hole they were in, going towards the wall she inspected them looking up to see if there might be any windows, none, not even one window sighing gently Love note paced around trying to come up with another plan Okay so I had one good idea already so I'm sure I can come up with another one. she thought to herself but saying is easier than doing, trotting towards Lightning bolt Love note tapped gently on the colt's shoulder making him turn around to face her "Do you have any good ideas on how to get us out of the school?" Love note asked hoping he did, but sadly Lightning shook his head "Sorry I don't I was just about to come and ask you if you had some, but the answer is obvious now." both of them sighed in unison as they looked at their class who were sitting down whispering to each other, just then Sweetie belle accompanied by a dark blue unicorn colt by the name of Night shadow confronted the two, "Hey you guys." Lightning said casually to the pair, nervously Sweetie belle rubbed her arm as she spoke up "Um... Well we kind of overheard you saying you couldn't come up with a plan to get us safely out of here." Love note raised a brow as she said "Yes what about it? Do you have a plan because that would be nice." Sweetie belle shook her head "Yes- well no not me to be exact but Night does." the midnight blue colt nodded before speaking up "Yes I have a plan." "Do tell please." Lightning said curiously, clearing his throat the colt spoke again "I was thinking we could teleport the whole class out of the school house."

"That doesn't make any sense a unicorn can only take one or two things, including themselves, and teleport without getting a horrible migraine, and also we're just foals so we would barely be able to teleport with a book in our hooves." Love note said but Night shadow shook his head "I know that! But what I was trying to say was collect all the unicorns in class that at least know how to do a basic teleportation spell, so that we can fuse our magic together and create a massive teleportation spell to get us all out of here." he explained, Love note thought it over "It sounds like a good plan but I can spot some fatal flaws." she commented to which Sweetie belle and Night shadow rose a brow to "Like what?" Sweetie belle asked, "Well for one a few of us could get left behind and we might have enough energy to teleport back in but not back out." "Just count the class members." Nigh shadow said as Love note continued "And if a few unicorns can't generate enough power we could end up wasting all of our energy." “Or if they don't generate enough power the whole thing might blow over and we could get scattered." Lightning bolt added in, but sighing gently Love note said ''But I guess we just have to go with it and hope for the best, since we have no other plan." so standing up straight Love note said to Lightning "Alright Lightning bolt gather up all the unicorns and ask if they at least know a basic teleportation spell and how much power they thing they can generate by doing so, and you two!" she said glaring at Sweetie belle and Night shadow who cowered at her " Thank you for the brilliant idea now please go with Lightning." she said smiling, they both nodded smiling at the appreciation before walking off and just as they did Love note let out a sigh of anguish, being a leader was hard especially in life or death situations.

Sitting down onto her haunches she watched as some of the unicorns huddled around Lightning bolt as he talked to them, he seemed to be doing a great job getting them into line order and all, rubbing her temples gently she watched as Riptide approached her making a small smile appear on her worried features, "How you doin'?" Riptide said flicking his tail as he sat next to her shivering at the cool touch of the floor, sighing gently Love note looked over at him "Not very good, and how did this happen were ponies sick like this before?" she asked the slightest tinge of fear seeping into her voice, Riptide shook his head no "I can't recall ever seeing ponies act this way even when they were sick." he said much to Love note's displeasure "Well that doesn't really help if we don't know much about them." Love note said "Well the sickness just started so we couldn't have possibly known much about it, especially if we haven't been around any ponies that had it." "Good point." Love note said to her friend's reason, just as they were about to start up another conversation Lightning and a small band of unicorns confronted them "Alright Love note I got all the unicorns that can do teleportation spells!" Lightning announced presenting the unicorn foals, "Oh wow good work Lightning." Love note said standing up "What're you doing with a bunch of unicorns?" Riptide asked standing up as well, turning back to face him Lightning bolt said "We're gonna try to teleport out of the school by doing a massive teleportation spell." "And you really think that's gonna work?'' Riptide asked anxiously, Lightning shrugged "I can't say for sure but we at least have to try."

"Okay so how're we gonna do this?" Night shadow asked Lightning and Love note while looking back at the small group of unicorns before looking back at the pair, "I was thinking we should pile up all the students that we're teleporting and put the unicorns at the ends." Lightning said, "I was thinking we should pair up weaker magic users with stronger ones we can't afford to have anypony left in here." Love note said getting a nod from Night shadow who commented "Why don't we use both ideas we can put the class in a pile and have pairs of unicorns on the ends." "Jeez we are smart." Lightning bolt announced which got a head nod and a few giggles from his two peers as they departed.

"Okay Lightning could you pair the stronger users with the weaker ones?" Love note asked and Lightning nodded in response before going off to do what she asked, walking to the rest of her class mates who were looking slightly confused she announced the plan and asked them to get into a circle, once they did Lightning placed the unicorns on the ends before pairing up with somepony else.

Love note watched in satisfaction as they got into place but nearly jumped as someone tapped on her shoulder craning her neck she smiled as she saw Sweetie belle "Oh um... Lightning told me to pair up with you." Love note knew Sweetie belle wasn't the best at using magic so it did make since that she was paired up with her, Love note's magic skills were almost above average but it usually didn't last as long "Oh, alright let’s get into the circle then." Love note said and Sweetie belle smiled in response as they made their way to the rest of the class and took a spot facing each other.

"So uh, how do we do this?" Sweetie belle asked looking at the other unicorn foals who had their horns crossed, "Like this." Love note said bringing Sweetie belle's head down towards her own their horns crossing, Sweetie belle thought it felt a bit weird to have someone's mane brush up against her own especially a filly's but it felt warm and comforting as well, "Okay all the unicorns activate your magic on three!" Lightning said from behind Sweetie belle who 'eeped' in surprise at the sudden boom of his voice.

"One.''

"Two."

''Three!" Lightning said in a shouted whisper just loud enough for the class to hear and almost immediately the unicorn foals began to activate their magic, Love note grit her teeth so hard she thought they would break at any moment she was doing double time trying to make up for the lack of magic she was receiving from her partner even though Sweetie belle was trying her best, a large mound of amalgamated aurora surrounded the class before, Poof.

Love note gasped and winced as she landed on her back her head hitting something hard, before she even had time to open her eyes something big and hefty landed on her stomach knocking the air out of her, the mass groaned in slight pain as she tried to push it off it mumbled something before standing up on unsteady legs, opening her eyes Love note grunted rubbing the back of her head her vision slightly disoriented as she stood up but she shook it away trying to speak but her words were slurred as they escaped her mouth.

Rubbing her eyes clear she looked around and spotted Lightning bolt who was standing a bit further away from her in the same condition as she was, looking around some more she also noticed they were alone in the middle of town square, none of the class mates were there which means that the spell must've miscarried, as she trotted unsteadily towards Lightning he turned around to greet her "It seems the spell misfired, but where are the unndead the streets are just empty, its a bit..." he paused for a second before continuing "Unnerving." he finished looking at Love note who nodded in agreement, "It is strange you would think the streets would be crowded with them."

"Maybe something got their attention and they wandered off towards it leaving the streets empty."

"That is a possibility but I still think their might have been a few stragglers."

"True." Lightning said with a small nod before looking around, the infected town was quiet, too quiet for that fact and it disturbed him greatly he just had an aching feeling that something unexpected was going to happen.

Looking around Love note thought about something she should've been thinking about a long time ago, her parents, her parents could be anywhere by now searching for her, or even worse...Dead, but she didn't want to think about the possibility of finding her parents dead somewhere in the house.

No.

It wouldn't happen; she knew it in her bones.

Her father and mother were good strong ponies and can defend themselves they had to survive, she thought with a distressed sigh before looking back at Lightning who was looking around, "Lightning I think-" "We should look for our parents?" he finished for her and Love note nodded, "Yes I think that's a good idea, how about we meet back up here in town square after?" Lightning said and Love note nodded again "Sound like a plan." the two hoofs bumped before going their seperate ways.

Running towards the south Love note turned her head catching a glimpse of Lightning's tail as he ran off the other way, sighing she sped up passing by abandoned houses, the streets she trotted down were eerily empty and the only thing to comfort her were the shattered flower pots and overturned food stands, the condition of the houses she walked past were appalling, creaking doors teased her making her jump in fear at their uncanny noises.

Cold sweat dripped slowly from her brow as she sped up, quickly sprinting through the wasteland she used to call home.

As she reached her house she swallowed hard making a very audible 'Gulp', mustering whatever courage she could she pushed the unhinged door as she began to walk inside, 'CRRRRRRRREEEEeeeeeaaaaak' was the only sound, aside from her hooves, she heard as she entered the house.

Her eyes widened while her pupils shrunk as she looked at the condition of her former house, the wall paper was torn to shreds small pieces of the shredded paper hung lifelessly off the wall, windows were broken, tables and chairs were flipped, and blood was splattered everywhere, it looked like a hurricane just blew through her house and she could only hope that the blood wasn't of her parents, hesitantly she crept through the wrecked house carefully avoiding shards of glass, but she immediately stopped as she felt something warm and...liquid like touch around the bottom of her hoof, bringing her eyes downwards her face struck from scared to downright horror, on her hoof was black, thick, coagulated blood, she would've screamed if she hadn't noticed a trail of the curdled gore.

Without a second thought she followed it, the way it was trailing almost looked as if whatever shed it was either being dragged or was crawling, Love note stopped as she reached the blood covered kitchen floor and cringed at what she saw laying in the middle of the floor, laying in the most uncomfortable angle was a blood covered pony corpse, taking a hesitant step closer Love note observed the dead pony, it was a petite mare with dark brown fur and a bloody matted black mane, sticking out of her skull was a blood covered combat knife with and ivory handle.

Swallowing Love note walked to see the mare's face, she hoped it wasn't who she thought it was, as she got in front of the mare she sighed feeling her heart split in half, the mare that she wished it wasn't was her babysitter, at first Love note didn't think she needed a babysitter at the time but grew to love being around her, "I'm so sorry Ms.Banner." the filly said looking down as tears formed at the edge of her eyes and threatened to break loose but she didn't let them flow, instead her face held no expression as she placed a hoof on the corpse's shoulder and gave the knife that was lodged into the babysitter's head a strong tug.

After a few failed attempts of trying to get the deeply penetrated knife Love note grunted blowing hot air out of her nose as she gave the knife a good yank making it pop out of the mare's head with a sickening Shliick, falling hard onto her rump Love note winced hissing slightly as she stood up and rubbed her sore butt, looking at the knife she finally managed to pull out she sighed gently, it was her mother's own, Love note knew her mother still had her old strap on knives from when she joined the army but she never knew that one day she'd have to use them herself.

"Where's the other one?" she mumbled as she began to search for the straps and the second knife, rearing up she stood on her hind legs as she balanced herself on the kitchen counter, looking on the counter she smiled as she saw her mother's strap and knife lying next to each other untouched, leaning over she grasped for the strap and knife but was a few inches to short, rolling her eyes she activated her horn and a raspberry colored aurora engulfed the two desired items levitating them towards her.

Smiling at herself she held the weapons and their holder in her hooves, bringing them towards her heart she sighed before stepping over her former babysitter's lifeless body and briskly trotting out the door.

Mom. Dad. You better be alive.

Running back to town square Love note panted lightly looking around, Lightning bolt wasn't back yet so she decided to wait there, sitting down she looked around her light green eyes thoroughly scanning the surrounding area, there was still nothing, perking her ears she stood up as she heard the thundering clapping of many hooves on concrete turning her head she saw Lightning bolt running towards her.

Just as she turned around she let out a surprised cry as he snatched up her hoof and pulled her with him while still running, practically dragging the filly behind him Lightning bolt glanced behind him only to find that a small horde of undead ponies were still chasing after him and now Love note as well, Love note also noticed why he was running, so slipping from his grasp she ran side by side with him, they could hear the groans and grunts of the undead as they chased them and to the pair's surprise they were fast and were catching up very quickly.

Taking in short breaths Lightning watched as his surroundings passed them like a blur, "Lets- lets go in there!" he said through gasps pointing his head at a small nook near two houses, Love note didn't even get a chance to say something as he grabbed her hoof again and squeezed themselves into the narrow opening, they both received an equal amount of scratches and bruises from trying to fit in there but it was worth it as they watched the undead limp past their hiding spot.

Both of them were panting hard trying to get oxygen back into system, regaining her breath first Love note looked around both corners, infected were still lingering around trying to looked for the two morsels they let get out of their sights so sticking her head back into the hiding spot she sighed as she turned to face Lightning who was still trying to regain his breath "It doesn't look like they’re gonna leave any time soon." Love note said with another small sigh, rubbing his sky blue mane Lightning grunted wearily still wheezing and breathing hard from the run, rubbing his back Love note sighed gently as sunlight dripped warmly through the cracks of the buildings that towered over them providing little space but dependable refuge.

Dropping the strap and knives Love note studied them, "What's that?" Lightning asked in a hushed whisper, looking back at him Love note said "It’s my mom's strap on knives." Lightning opened his mouth to question but, as if reading his mind, Love note answered "She used to do hoof to hoof combat." "Oh." Lightning said nodding his head, turning to face him Love note said "Hey could you help me try them on?" Lightning stood up as he answered "Sure." levitating one of the straps towards him Love note explained how to put them on just like her mother showed her, "You just place it right here." she said indicating her lower thigh " and then just adjust it so it will fit on snugly." she said, Lightning squinted at the strap that was suspended the in the air by a light blue aurora, the black knife holster was stained with specks of blood, chewing his lower lip casually he watched as Love note strapped on hers adjusting it just right, looking back at the strap he had he hesitantly brought it towards her leg, failing to secure it so it hung onto her Lightning looked up at Love note who was watching him so rolling her eyes she lifted her leg slightly so he could get better reach, blushing lightly at her gesture he strapped it on and tightened it so it could fit snugly onto her thigh "See that wasn't so hard." Love note said making Lightning roll his eyes in response, walking back towards the corner Love note looked to both sides finding that the streets were empty again so turning back to Lightning she said "Okay the coast is clear all the infected are gone.'' ''Infected?" Lightning asked as they squeezed out of the narrow passage, "Yeah, the undead things." Love note said levitating the two combat knives into their holsters, looking behind her Love note noticed Lightning was carrying a small yellowish green bag, "What's that?" she asked tilting her head at the saddle pack, looking back at his saddle pack Lightning said "Oh! I forgot I had this thing on." digging through his pack he pulled out some walkies-talkies and handed her one, "Oh awesome we might need this." "Exactly why I brought them!" Lightning said proudly as he watched Love note hook her walkies-talkie onto the strap of her knife holster.

Looking at the sky the pair watched as the sun began to set into the evening, frowning Love note said "We should look for refuge, it’s getting pretty late." Lightning nodded in agreement "Where though?" he questioned, Love note thought for a second as she surveyed her surroundings remembering some of the landmarks "The apple orchard is just a mile away maybe they could let us rest there for the night." Love note said pointing towards the west where the Celestia's sun sat above the horizon painting the sky with pink, orange, and yellow, it was a truly beautiful sight to behold but the foals didn't have time to bask in its beauty as they began to trot off.

The sound of their small hooves hitting against the stone road could be heard echoing in the empty town, the two passed by a lifeless corpse or two every few feet, their expressions either simulated fear, or surprise, it made Love note sick, What kind of sickness is this, ponies are eating ponies mercilessly and making them turn into more flesh eating freaks! What's happening?! She thought to herself cringing each time she passed by a violated corpse, her ears perked though as she heard a small painful grunt, both her and lightning turned around quickly to the distressed noise.

Looking around quickly Love note saw nothing and heard nothing as well, "Look over there!" Lightning said pointing a hoof towards a small figure trapped under something, "Should we help?!" Love note asked, lightning looked at her momentarily before rushing off to help Love note followed in close pursuit.

As they approached the figure Love note was the first to recognize, "Riptide?!" she exclaimed looking down at her friend who was currently trapped under some fallen crates, he looked bruised and swollen, deep cuts were carved into his arms and she could tell from the way the cuts tore it was from a knife, looking up at the two ponies that approached him Riptide's eyes widened as he said "Hey, I see you guys made it, nice to know." his words were slightly slurred due to a swollen lip, 'What happened to you?" Love note asked as she tried to lift the crates of his leg along with Lightning bolt.

Riptide hissed slightly as the crates shifted "Some jerks-" Riptide cried out in pain as the two accidentally dropped the crate back onto his sore leg, both of them winced a bit hesitant to pick it up again, after a few deep breaths Riptide sighed as the pain subsided " After you guys made that huge spell I ended up being teleported to the park where I found some supplies and then some jerks came up to me and demanded that I give them my supplies, of course I said no but they weren't taking that, so they beat me up, and then suddenly a small pack of walkers came and scared them off and I made my way back here and got trapped by this."

Love note felt a bit sorry for her friend's pain as they rolled the heavy crate off his hoof which was swollen and purple around the ankle, the two cringed at the sight, Riptide turning his head to the side noticed and asked "What? Is it-is it that bad?" Lightning looked up at Riptide as he said "Bad?! This thing is grave!" Love note nodded in agreement "He's right, it looks way worse than bad."

Not wasting any time the two quickly trotted up to his side kneeling down they nudged him from under and rolled him onto their backs, Riptide cried out in pain as they picked him up he was still sore, and the blood oozing out of his gashes wasn't helping much, Love note looked back at Lightning and nodded in silent confirmation it was time to go, he nodded back and with that the trio cantered to sweet apple acres, entering The western orchard they were in slight awe seeing it was still looking pretty much the same, the tall strong apple trees still had fresh ripe apples to give and brought back some feeling that not all hope was lost, looking around Love note beamed as she saw a vibrant red farm house,cantering at the same pace as Lightning they made their way to the front door, Knock, Knock, Knock Love note knocked on the barn's door, there was no answer Knock,knock,knock she knocked again this time a young feminine voice called out "Big Mac, Applejack, is that you?" "No its me Lightning bolt and Love note, we kinda need a place to stay for the night and we have wounded." Lightning answered, and for a moment there was a long lasting silence, Love note feared that she might have left, but then the 'click' of the door locks could be heard as a soft yellow filly with a cherry red mane and an extremely large bow in her head opened the door, "Come in quickly!" she said, the two did as she said and walked inside quickly, their ears perking as they heard the door close and lock "Thank you Applebloom." Love note said as she and Lightning bolt set the now sleeping Riptide on the couch.

Applebloom smiled as she said "Aww t'aint nothin' really, actually I should be the one thankin' you!" "Thanking me for what?" Love note asked, Applebloom looked at her as if she just said to 'go jump into a pile of glass shards' "Fer not only saving my life but the whole class's!" "Well it wasn't only me, the other unicorns helped us." "Yeah but ah'm sure that we'd still be stuck in the first hallway if it wasn't for yer crazy act like 'em plan." Love note opened her mouth to say something else but Lightning interrupted, "So are you just here by yourself?" Applebloom shook her head "Big macIntosh and Applejack just left to look for their friends, but Granny Smith is here with me." "Do you think Big mac and Applejack will let us stay here for the night?" Applebloom shrugged "Ah'm pretty sure they would Lightnin' their not cold hearted." Lightning nodded his head before walking off somewhere, yawning tiredly Applebloom mumbled out "Well ah'm plum tuckered, Ah'm gonna get some rest." Love note nodded as she watched the yellow filly trot upstairs to her room.

Sighing gently Love note climbed up on the couch were Riptide was sleeping, she looked at his pummeled face, bruises and cuts were all over it, The colts who jumped him sure did do a number. she thought as she brushed his mane out of his eyes, squinting she pulled his closed lips apart checking just in case, the last thing she needed was to have her best friend turn on her, Love note sighed in relief to see his teeth weren't fangs used for tearing flesh but still teeth used for eating fruits and vegetables.

Rubbing his head she looked around and perked her ears as an elderly mare stepped out from around the corner, she was a soft green color with a white mane put into a bun, her dull orange eyes landed on Love note as she said "Applebloom is that you?" Love note shook her head as she jumped off the couch, This must be the granny Smith that Applebloom was talking about. Love note thought "Oh-no I'm not Applebl-" "Could you be a dear and get me some applesauce Applebloom?" granny Smith said interrupting Love note, "But I'm not applebloom-" "What was that hun?" granny Smith asked leaning her head closer "I said I'm not-" "What?!" granny Smith asked her voice getting louder, facehoofing Love note said "Fine whatever I'll get your applesauce." "Could you say that louder?" Love note rolled her eyes and grunted before walking off to the kitchen, "Hehe works every time." granny Smith said as she slowly made her way back to her rocking chair in the other room, looking around at all the cabinets Love note chewed her lip, she'd never been in the kitchen before, well actually she never actually came to the barn unless it was cider season, choosing to go with the lower cabinets first she opened one up seeing a few spices and things like that, going to the next one she saw pans and some pie molds, grunting she continued to search through the cabinets.

"Hoo wee! That sure was one heck of a run, huh Big macIntosh?" a mare's voice rang out as two ponies entered the barn house, "Eeyup!" a deep voice answered, the two new voices made Love note jump in surprise her head still deep in one of the cabinets making her head hit the top making a loud 'Thunk', the sudden noise from the kitchen got the pair's attention "What in tarnation was that?" the orange mare asked as she began to walk to the kitchen.

Bringing her head out of the cabinet Love note rubbed the sore bump that was forming on her head, her ears perked to attention as a mare's voice was heard along with the clip-clop of hooves, looking at the kitchen's entrance she saw a orange mare, with a straw mane, and wore an old brown Stetson, "What're you doin' in here?!" the mare demanded, her loud demanding voice made Love note wince, "I-I..." Love note stuttered out, the mare then looked at what the filly was holding (Applesauce if you were wondering) "Why you little thief! Big mac!" the mare called out to someone, "No wait- No no no, I'm not stealing anything!" Love note tried to explain but the mare wasn't listening, just then a large red stallion, with a fiery orange mane, came to the kitchen "Shes stealin' from us Big mac, get 'er!" "Eeyup." the stallion said as he began running towards Love note.

"Wait-wait can't you let me-Oof!" she sputtered as the stallion's powerful head rammed into her making her fly back a little, Big mac was a little hesitant feeling a little sorry for her, he actually didn't mean to use that much force, Love note placed a hoof on her chest still wheezing from the sudden impact, though her vision was getting blurry she stood up on wobbly legs.

''I wasn't stealing anything." Love note wheezed, she hissed at the large pain in her chest, then suddenly passed out.

Author's Note

I don't know why I decided to make them sing Adeste Fideles of all songs but that was the only song I could think of... And for obvious reasons I made some changes to the lyrics.

Please excuse my grammar I know that there are some spelling errors in there somewhere, and also I hope you enjoyed Chapter 1 because I had fun writing it!!!

(Lyrics from Adeste Fideles)