The world is dead. There was no other way that this can be said. Twilight Sparkle, the former protege of the late Princess Celestia, knew this better than other ponies as she stared at the old abandoned Golden Oaks Library that once stood as her home. She looked out into the dark void that once was the glorious town of Ponyville. She could’ve cried at the scene. Nothing. No ponies walking the streets, no pegasi moving the clouds for weather control, not even a bird flying through the sky.
I can’t still believe it. How could this have gone all wrong? She asked herself sadly as she tried to look for a sign of any life. She walked further in the dead land and felt several twigs snap under her hoof as she wrapped herself in her robes with her hands. Her ears twitched as she heard movement from behind her.
Tttttwwwwwiiiiiilllllliiiiiiiiiggggggghhhhhhttttttttttt!!!!!!!!! A voice rang out causing the lavender Alicorn to turn towards the voice, a sword drawn. Her eyes darted all over the place until they fell upon an all too familiar sight. The sight of a half-decaying pony walking wasn’t that far out to see anymore since that was all that roamed the lands. This pony was a pegasus, Twilight could instantly tell the bones of wings that were on his back, had red fur with an icy blue mane and tail that were losing clumps of fur. His ribs were open, revealing the black flesh that laid within. His left leg was rotted severely, revealing bits of bone, and his skull, or his right side of his skull, was decayed completely, showing the socket.
Wwwwhhhheeeerrrreeeee wwwwweeeerrrrrreeeeee yyyyoooooouuuuuuu Pppppprrrrrriiiiinnnnccccceeeessssssss? It asked her as it charged towards her, wings flapping, but Twilight had enough encounters with these things to know when she should dodge it and then brought the sword down on the creature’s head.
“I’m sorry.” Was all she said as she removed her sword from the pegasus’s cranium and sheathed it in her scabbard. She felt tears come to her eyes but she knew that she had to move on. She looked over and saw a pony’s corpse and saw a dagger sticking out of it’s body. She knew that she had to make sure that this dead pony would stay dead or else she could have another one of those monsters after her. Twilight slowly walked over to the corpse, hoping to make as little noise as she could, and pulled the dagger out of the corpse’s back. She then, acting fast, rammed the short blade into the thing’s skull. Twilight backed away and continue onwards, hoping she’d never have to do that again.
She then noticed the design of the dagger and recognized it as a pegasus blade and she knew only one that had daggers. “Fluttershy…. my old friend.” She whispered to herself but then heard another sound. She looked over and saw a pastel yellow pegasus with a hot pink mane but unlike how she would’ve looked, nervous and very VERY shy, this version of her friend was battle hardened. She was covered in dirt from previous encounters and was drenched in the black blood of the corpses. She had a dagger made from what seemed a pony bone in her hand and her legs seemed scarred from scratches by those monsters. Her face, having a gentle nature, was now wielding scars and a ferocious look.
“Hello Twilight.” She said bluntly with none of her old kind nature in it at all. Twilight couldn’t help but smile as she ran and hugged her old friend who returned it very stiffly.
“Oh Fluttershy it’s been too long.” Twilight said as she still latched onto Fluttershy with a hug.
“Stow it I’m not just here for a reunion.” Fluttershy replied curtly. Twilight sighed as she released her friend from the hug.
“Then what are you here for?” Twilight asked.
“Food. My rations are nearly empty and I haven’t eaten for… I lost track of days. So you wouldn’t happen to-” The pegasus started before Twilight held in front of her a candy bar. Fluttershy took it and tore into it.
“Gee, you’re welcome.” Twilight sarcastically said as she watched the mare eat the whole thing.
“Thanks.” She said as she licked the chocolate from her fingers. Both mares ears soon pricked up as the sound of a loud growl was heard and the ground rumbled and a dark voice rang out.
Spike kill. Was all that was needed to be heard for Twilight and Fluttershy to hide behind a wagon and away from the sight of the undead dragon. His body was mutated greatly from being that small framed to a large, heavily muscled monster. His spines struck out longer due to the extensions of bone under them. His scales were torn open a little, revealing that dark flesh. The arrow spade on his tail was missing, revealing that pointed bone that was deadly. His eyes were pitch black, showing no soul of what was once Spike. He stood on his hands and feet like a gorilla due to the growth in his muscles.
He paused for a moment before he lifted his nose into the air and sniffed several times and then he turned his attention towards the wagon. Little ponies. Little ponies. Show yourselves. He growled in his deep dark voice as he continued to walk towards the broken wagon. Twilight felt tears come to her eyes as she heard the pounding of the claws on the ground. Knowing just who it was causing her to feel this dread didn’t make it any less worse. Before long, a blood curdling roar was heard as a familiar face tore through the wagon, causing the two mares to get up and run with all their stamina. As they ran, Spike was right behind them, running with who knows how much stamina is in that body. As they ran through the alleys and past the undead who ran after her, Twilight watched as her baby brother, or what’s left of him, tore through his kind like they didn’t mean anything to him. She saw a barrel nearby and used her magic to toss it at Spike in an attempt to slow him down but saw that all it did was manage to piss him off as he continued the charge. He used his tail and tripped Twilight up but Fluttershy saw this.
“TWILIGHT!” Fluttershy screeched as she ran back but was too late as Spike was already upon her. Just before he could rip Twilight’s head off Spike seemed to pause when he saw her face.
T-T-Twilight? Spike growled as he ran a claw gently over her face. This was interrupted by a sharp pang in his head.
Kill her. She is of no consequence. A deep ominous voice ordered him but Spike seemed to be trying to fight it off.
R-r-run Sis! Spike roared as he tore through more infected. Twilight and Fluttershy took their chance and ran far from him. When they were out of stamina, they were far outside of Ponyville.
“So Fluttershy,.... do you…. wanna stick…. together…. just like….. old times?” Twilight asked as she tried to regain her breath.
“Sure… I could use…. a friend out here… and I.. missed the… old days.” Fluttershy replied as she tried to get her breath back. After a minute of resting, the two began their trek to find a friend close to them. Applejack at her home of Sweet Apple Acres.
Meanwhile in Canterlot, the biggest and most concentrated point of the undead, a king reigned supreme over every single one of them. Several times an undead would glare at him or try and disobey him. These undead would then start to fall into shambles as he held out a four clawed hand and allowed a dark green energy to flow outwards and take back their lives. He sat on his throne with a wide grin on his face as several more undead offered him food.
“Why thank you my subjects. Such loyalty unlike any other I’ve seen.” He jokingly acknowledged them. They all nodded as he took a berry and popped it into his mouth. The beast was tall with a dark blue fur over most of his body and his horns, unlike other creatures, was curled and seemed to appear from the sides of his head rather than his forehead. The monster was called many names, The Necromancer, The Tyrant Of Tambelon, but he was also known by a name he so rarely used that even he nearly forgot about it…. Grogar. Grogar smiled as he sensed another of his servants appear behind him. The undead minion walked to his side while wearing a dirty black cloak before it held out a pouch.
Forgive me master. It took longer to retrieve than I expected but it is yours now. It said to him as Grogar pulled the contents out. A small silver bell from his days in Tambelon. The realm was once a glorious place where everypony and thing could gather and be with one another. It was also the home of some of the best spell casters known in Equestria, the Rams. Grogar simply smiled as he held it in his claw.
“And now…. let ring The Bells Of Hel.” He said as with one flick of his wrist the bell rang and echoed throughout the halls.
“Twilight. I think. We’re. At a. Safe distance.” Fluttershy huffed as she collapsed to the ground. The two mares had escaped from Ponyville which was teaming with undead abominations and took shelter under a downed chariot.
“I don’t know. Spike. Always. Made sure. He was. Done with his work.” Twilight huffed back as she remembered how she nearly had a bite taken out of her from an undead abomination that was once her little brother.
“Well. Can you. Check?” Fluttershy asked. Twilight simply nodded as she peered through a wooden plank that had a small hole big enough to peer out of. She watched as many undead ponies, husks of the friends she once knew and loved, as they limped, crawled, and lurked through the street. She nearly gagged when she saw three undead devouring the corpse of a colt.
“Well he’s not out there but… oh Celestia that’s so wrong.”
“What?”
“T-they’re eating a colt’s body.”
“I’ve seen that plenty of times so that’s not surprising to be honest.” Fluttershy said flatly. Twilight just stared at her friend for a few moments when something occurred to her.
“Why didn’t you grab me and fly out? I mean my wings are broken but yours-”
“I can’t. One of them tore a muscle in my wing. All I can do is hover. So flying is out of the question.” Fluttershy said.
“Oh. I’m sorry. Well… did you run into anypony that wasn’t a walking corpse?” Twilight asked.
“No. I saw a colt but… he was turned by a group of them. I don’t know if our friends are still alive.” Fluttershy replied.
Fleeeeesssssssh! They heard one of them groan. Fluttershy pulled out one of her knives as the sound of shuffling hooves got closer. Twilight just pulled out her own sword and edged away from the hole. The hooves got closer to the chariot but then a new sound broke through. The sound of an arrow whistling through the air. The sound was quick as it made a “thump” sound meaning it just struck an undead through the head. Twilight, curious about who shot the arrow, she looked through the hole and gasped in happiness to see their savior.
“It’s Applejack!” She said happily. She noticed a familiar orange mare with a dirtied blonde mane and tail. She had bright green eyes and wore a torn plaid shirt and jeans along with bloodied cowstallion boots. She was not, however, wearing her trademark stetson. She was also wearing a bandanna over her muzzle and even that was covered in blood. In her hands was a bow with an arrow already nocked into it.
“Are you sure she hasn't been-”
“I’m sure Fluttershy! Applejack is too smart to let these things turn her! Come on!” Twilight exclaimed as she dragged Fluttershy out into the open. They ran a good ways before Applejack noticed them and aimed an arrow at them.
“Whoa! Applejack-”
“Are ya’ bit?”
“No we’re not-”
“Let meh see.” She ordered as she lowered her bow and approached the mares. She checked their arms, legs, hands, hooves, necks, faces, and even their backs and chests and found no marks.
“Alright. Now, come ‘ere!” She said with a smile as she death hugged the two.
“Applejack. Can’t. Breathe.” Fluttershy said in a strained voice. Applejack soon let go of her and giggled nervously at this.
“Eh heh sorry sugarcube. Ah’m just glad ya’ll aint’ bit or anythin’.” She told them as she lowered her bandanna.
“It’s fine. We just got away from Spike-”
“They got Spike?”
“H-he was one of the first I saw that was infected.” Twilight said.
“Oh mah… Ah’m so sorry Twi’. But this ain't the place to talk. C’mon. We’ll chit-chat at Sweet Apple Acres. Well… what’s left of it anyway.” Applejack told the two as she turned and ran off with Twilight and Fluttershy behind her.
Meanwhile in Canterlot Grogar was basking in his seat of power enjoying his rule. The curved twisted smile on his face had never faded.
“Aah. Now this is the life that a king should live. Equestria is nothing but walking corpses who serve me until they rot. Especially that dragon. I am surprised the spell worked on him and had better results than I expected. But what is a necromancer supposed to do when he is bored? I’ve killed the entire population, brought them back as my slaves, and have made them do things to entertain me. Now there’s nothing. Maybe incinerating a slave or two might cheer me up.” He said as he snapped his fingers, making two undead lurch up to him. They both bowed to him as he got up from his throne and summoned a scythe.
“What do you require of us our liege?” One of the zomponies asked him. Grogar had an expressionless glare in his eyes.
“Simple… die.” He said as his clawed fingers snapped and the two zomponies suddenly ignited into flames. The undead shrieked as they slowly turned into nothing but piles of ashes. But when they were soot, Grogar simply yawned.
“Not even that shall make me happy. What-”
“My king.” A voice said, gaining his attention. He turned and saw a hooded undead pony quickly walk up to him.
“What is it?”
“Your dragon, he sent us word about Ponyville. There’s… survivors.” The pony replied, making Grogar snort in anger.
“Survivors? How did they survive unless…. she is among them. Oh this is going to be interesting.” Grogar said as he walked forward to the double doors. The hooded pony was about to follow him when he held up a claw. “Not you my Mi Amore. I will return but you must wait.” He said as he was consumed by green fire and then vanished.
“So how’ve ya’ll been?”
“Good as the conditions have been. How about you?”
“Ah’ve been fine. But Ah’m worried ‘bout Applebloom.” The farm mare said with a frown.
“Why? What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.
“She’s gettin’ sick. She’s got a fever, nausea, a serious cough, and she can barely stand. Ah’m out of medicine and Ah don’t know what to do. Ah’ve already lost mah Granny, mah dog and brother girls. A-Ah don’t wanna lose m-mah little sis’.” Applejack said as she started to cry.
“Shh shh. It’s okay Applejack. We won’t let you lose her either.” Twilight said soothingly.
“If she does turn I will put a knife in her though. Make no mistake about that Applejack.” Fluttershy said cooly.
“She wasn’t bitten Fluttershy! Ah made sure that she wasn’t bitten! Now talk like that again and Ah’ll make sure that Spike has a chew toy!” Applejack threatened.
“Oh really? Maybe she covered-” She started until Applejack landed a punch square in her jaw.
“SHUT UP! Ah’d know if ‘Bloom was bit. She would’ve told meh! She was taught not to lie to meh. Now keep yer mouth shut.” Applejack growled. Fluttershy secretly pulled out a knife but both mares were grabbed by Twilight’s telekinetic magic.
“S-stop it. Stop f-fighting. T-this is not w-what friends d-do.” Twilight stammered a little as tears started to appear slowly.
“Right now, Ah highly doubt that this bitch is mah friend.”
“Same here.”
“Look, Applejack, I’ll take a look at Applebloom and tell you if she was infected or not and if she isn’t, we’ll get her medicine. But if she is… you’ll do it.”
“Understood.”
“Fluttershy, you are to stay away from Applebloom until we know what’s wrong with her.”
“Whatever.”
“Alright. I’m going to let you go and please, for the love of Celestia, don’t kill each other.” Twilight said as she lessened her magic grip and caused the two mares to land on their hooves. The three mares walked to the farm and soon arrived at the once lively acres. “Wow… I got a lot of good memories from being here. What do you think girls?”
“Yeah. It’s-” Fluttershy started until she heard the sound of heavy coughing.
“Oh no. Not again!” Applejack said in a scared voice as she ran to her house. Twilight and Fluttershy ran also… only to have a door slam on their faces.
“It sounds like Applebloom really isn’t doing good. I hope I can help.” Twilight said.
“Yeah. And if you can’t-”
“Don’t.” Twilight interrupted. After a few minutes, Applejack walked back out.
“Well Twi’, can ya’ help?”
“I think so. Just give me a few minutes.” She said as she walked into the house. She walked in and saw that Applebloom was lying in a little bed that had her name on it. She looked awful as she was pale looking and her eyes were blood shot. She was coughing in horrible hacks and saw that she also coughed up some nearly solid flem.
“Hey Applebloom.” She said, getting the filly’s attention, also making her smile.
“H-Howdy Twilight.” She said in a raspy voice.
“You don’t sound so good. How long have you been sick?” Twilight asked as she sat down on the foot of the filly’s bed.
“Two weeks. Ah can’t stand up without havin’ to puke.” The filly said as she coughed.
“Oh my. Don’t worry. I’m going to make you feel better so just lay down and relax.” She said to Applebloom.
“Alright.” Applebloom said as she laid her head on her pillow. Twilight ignited her horn and looked over Applebloom. She allowed her magic to pass over several times and sighed in relief.
“She’s not infected. She’s going to be okay Applejack.” Twilight said with a smile. Applejack held a hand to her mouth before she ran up and wrapped Twilight in a bear hug.
“Thank ya’ so much Twi’!” She cried.
“No.. problem. But.. she’s got the flu. And without medicine, it’s only going to get worse.” She said as Applejack loosened her grip.
“Then we need to get medicine.”
“No. You and Fluttershy need to get medicine. I’ll keep an eye on her in case she has a coughing fit or-” Twilight started until she heard a familiar sound. She turned and saw Applebloom… vomiting. “Pukes.” Applejack merely laughed a little at this.
“Feels like she just got back from a crusade.” Applejack said as she walked out to talk with Fluttershy.