Hoof for Dead: Join the Horde
Hoof for Dead
Join the Horde
by Harmonious Tempest
My Little Pony and all characters and character resemblances here in are copyrights of Hasbro
It was a cool summer night in Equestria. Crickets softly sounded in the distance as Ponyville sat quietly waiting for the new day. Twilight Sparkle was soundly asleep in her cozy bed when a cool breeze crept through the window. Grasping her covers close, a slight shiver danced across her spine. The room stood calm only to be broken by a sudden knocking from the front door. Then another, this time the noise sounded urgent and forceful against the wooden frame. Twilight's eyes slowly peered at the large clock across the room. The wooden hands read 2:00 am providing great annoyance to the princess. Raising her pillow overhead she let out a long groan.
"Arrrrrrrgh. Who could be up at this hour?"
Rolling off the side of her bed, she landed on her hooves and began to stretch out her limbs. Tiredly she looked around the room. Still sleeping Spike tossed and turned in his basket undisturbed by the growing noise coming from the floor below. A smirk grew over her face as the image of Spike sleeping came into her mind. It was amazing how much the little dragon could sleep through. Levitating a small candle from her mantle, she began her descent toward the noise. As the candle's gentle glow danced across the walls, she carefully took each step as made her way down the spiral staircase. Angered by another round of knocking, Twilight loudly retorted. "I'm coming, I'm coming." Clearly annoyed she swung open the door revealing the cause of the commotion. There in the middle of the doorway was a crying and frightened Pinkie Pie. Her once bouncy hair hung limp and deflated pass her red puffy eyes. Dark circles had formed under her tear stained eyes as her soft gaze stare through the opened doorway. Unaware of the now opened door the pink pony began betting Twilight's face sending the battered unicorn crashing to the floor. Returning to reality, Pinkie sprang into the library.
"Twilight, Twilight, I am sorry, I am sorry," Pinkie gasped with tears still pouring out of her eyes.
Twilight stood up slowly, now more annoyed than even. Trying not to going off on her downhearted friend, she let out a long deep sigh. There must be a good reason for being awoken at this hour, not to mention Pinkie was clearly upset about something. Gently she wrapped her wing around the hysterical pony as she tried to understand her nonsensical wails. "Pinkie, settle down and tell me. What's the matter?"
Pinkie reached around her back a produced a small wrapped object, and in a single breath released a pain filled cry. “I killed Gummy!" Her wails grew in intensity with each breath as small pools of tears began to form around her hooves. "Twilight, you have to fix him." Slowly Twilight leaned her head forward unable to figure out what hide under the small cloth. Illuminating with a pinkish purple hue, the edge of the blanket lifted into the air. Gentle as if to not entice a reaction from Pinkie, Twilight examined the cold lifeless remains of Pinkie's beloved pet. She was uncertain of the exact cause of the reptilian's demise, but it was clear that he was smashed in half by something of significant weight. Gummy's snout was amorphous and discolored, leaving his lifeless looking nothing like the tiny alligator that Pinkie loved.
Twilight lightly placed Gummy on the nearest table and quickly turned her attention toward her downed friend. Wiping away her tears with one hoof, she drew her in close to her side with the other. Her body shook with emotion, as Twilight, in a calm and securing voice reassured her. "Pinkie, don't cry. Gummy was a good pet and he wouldn't want you to cry. Tomorrow we will all gather and have a nice funeral. We'll have Rarity make Gummy look nice, and we will have a proper send off. Please Pinkie it'll be okay."
"Noooo, you don't understand. You have to fix him."
Trying not to come off as rude, a bewildered look came upon her face. "Pinkie, what do you mean, fix him, There nothing I can do."
Pinkie licked away her tears and looked at Twilight. Her head tilted off to the left as she began to explain. "You're like the most amazing, stupendous magical pony I know, and I've seen all the tremendous things you can do. So as soon as it happen I thought Twilight can save Gummy, She can travel through time, she can change frogs to oranges, so why can't she save Gummy. So please Twilight, help me save him." Pinkie final ran out of breath just in time for another wave of tears to hit.
Twilight was both taken a back and intrigued. "Pinkie I don't think that type of magic exists, but I can't see why not." The cogs began to turn as she contemplated the very idea of it. Pinkie was right, not only had she traveled through time, but she had seen Trixie preform age spells. Sure, it was with the aid of the alicorn amulet, but Twilight was an alicorn now. She couldn't see why it wouldn't work, though something like that must take a huge amount of power. Not to toot her own horn, but she was Celestia most promising student. In fact now that she is thinking about it, it must be possible. She remembered Celestia talking of such a spell, but magic of this type was taboo. Twilight's mind was racing for how to even begin to attempt something like this. Suddenly a light bulb appeared. “The Star Swirl the Bearded wing at the Canterlot Library.” Twilight eyes light up with both excitement and enthusiasm. "Pinkie it might be possible, but we will have to head to Canterlot."
Pinkie looked up from the floor. "So, you're going to help?"
"Of course I will," At this point Twilight was more concerned with the possibilities than helping her friend. "But we have to go without anyone knowing," Her only thoughts were of the trouble she would be in if Celestia found out that she was even considering something of this nature.
Pinkie's hair erupted into the air as it returned to its natural bouncy self. With great enthusiasm the pink pony began to hop up and down. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." Pinkie's voice soared high with delight as she prepared for their travels.
The continued raucous, coming from their guest, forced Spike to finally get up to check what all the hubbub was about. Wearily staggering down the stairs Spike came to a stop. "Twilight, it's 2:00 in the morning come back to bed. It's too early."
"No time Spike, Pinkie and I are heading to Canterlot."
"At this hour," Spike whined as his mouth opened to release a long drawn out yawn.
"We will be back in just a moment, just go back to sleep."
"Okay, you don't have to tell me twice."
Twilight's horn began to glow as the quills and books around her swirled and danced through the air. Her horn produced a few sparks of energy then in a bright flash of light they were gone. Spike looked around the now emptied room at the mess left for him to clean. Almost as if instinctual he began to tidy up. Reaching for one of the books tossed a side Spike let out a sigh. "Forget this; this dragon needs his beauty rest." Heading back to his bed the dragon climbed up the steps. Still unaware to why Pinkie was there, Spike was just happy to return to his dreams of Rarity. After a few moments he was out cold.
* * *
Suddenly Twilight and Pinkie exploded into the royal library. Taking a moment to regain her composure Twilight scanned the area making sure that they didn't draw any unwanted attention. She had never teleported this far of a distance and briefly questioned her ability to pull off a spell like resurrection. She had always been confident in her talents, but what they were about to attempt had presumable never been done. It did not matter though; Twilight was determined to be the first. Silently she walked over to the nearest book shelf and started examining the Dewey Decimal systems written on each shelf. There must have been hundreds upon thousands of books here, and anything that could hasten their search would be appreciated. "Okay Pinkie. It will probably take a little while to find the spell I am looking for, but if I take this side and you take that side we will find it in no time."
Even before Twilight could finish her sentence, Pinkie busted with excitement from across the room, "Found it, I found it, I found it."
Twilight's jaw hung in disbelief as Pinkie pranced toward her. Reaching into her hair, she pulled out a black, leather bound book with the word "Resurgam" embroidered on the front cover. Twilight had never seen this book before and was surprised to find that there was no indication to where the book came from. Generating light with her horn she attentively shifted through the worn, yellow pages of the book examining for anything that could be useful. "No, no, possibly, no." Her eyes widen as she came across the exact item she needed. Quickly shutting the book she glanced at Pinkie, who was distracted by reflective surface of a horse statue in the center of the room. "Okay Pinkie let's get back to Ponyville."
“But Twilight, we just got here.” Pinkie sadly scratched at the floor, taking a second to remember why they were there in the first place. Rushing over to Twilight's side she was now ready to leave. As quickly as they appeared, they too were gone. Returning to a state of silence a piece of paper glided around the room only to settle to the cold floor.
* * *
Only a few minutes had passed since Pinkie had first knocked on Twilight's door, and the tree based library had once more returned to a place of peace and harmony. Only the sound of a sleeping dragon could faintly be heard coming from within the home. After sending Pinkie home and making her Pinkie Promise not to tell anyone of their activities, Twilight was muzzle deep in her new found book. Carefully reading every word she was certain to have everything in place for her morning agenda. This was not the first time Twilight pulled an all-nighter, or at least what was left of the night, but it had hardly any effect on her momentum to discover the mystery hiding somewhere between these old forgotten pages. The question still running through her head was why she had never seen this book before. She must have spent the better part of her life in that library. Pausing only for a moment, she traced through her memories hoping to find some clue to the origins of the mysterious book. The story behind this book had eluded her for now, but her attention must be focused at matters at hoof. While reading the instructions inscribed in the book, Twilight discovered some pages were worn to the point that some of the text was missing. This was no problem for most of the spell was intact and only a small piece in the beginning and the end was scrambled. After reading the information over, she was positive that she could pull off the spell.
What felt like a couple of minutes, was in fact the rest of the night. Still deeply entranced by the book in front of her, she was completely unaware of the sunlight starting to peer into her home. Pinkie Pie did not sleep any that night either for she was to nervicited. Even before the sun peaked over the horizon the bouncy mare was in route toward Twilight's library. Arriving at the red, wooden door she once more began knocking feverishly. Pausing for a moment, Twilight hastily got up. Making her way to answer the door Twilight found herself rocketing into the air as Pinkie burst out of nowhere. "Good morning Twilight." Clutching her heart with both of her hooves, Twilight gentle flapped her wings guiding herself back to the earth below.
"Pinkie, don't do that." Twilight exhaled. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack? So are you ready to bring Gummy back?"
Pinkie nodded her head, up and down, as a big smile grew across her face. Twilight had decided to perform the study early in the morning that way no pony would be at any risk. It also helped that no pony would be awake to notice them. Quickly they gathered up the deceased Gummy and the black, spell book and headed for the front door. Opening the front door, Twilight shielded her eyes as they adjusted to the brightly shining sun. It was a beautiful morning in Ponyville, and a light dew had settle on the grass and trees, leaving them gleaming in the light. The warm breeze rushed through Twilight's purple mane as she stepped out into the morning light. Making their way behind the library, Twilight cautiously examined the area for other ponies. In the distance, she spotted Ditzy Doo flying against the orange-yellow sunrise. Ditzy was carrying out her daily duties as a mail mare and paid no attention to the conspiring ponies. With the coast clear the two mares quickly set up shop and turned their attention to matter at hoof.
After taking a few deep breaths and a couple of seconds to trot in place Twilight was ready to begin. Floating the book in front of her face she scanned the book trying to cover all possible loose ends. Turing toward the bouncing ball of pink pony in her peripherals she placed the spell book down on the grass next to her. What Twilight was about to attempt was unlike anything that she had done in the past. This level of magic would take every ounce of energy she could possible mustard. Planting her hooves firmly into the soft dirt Twilight's face began to contort and turn. A pink aura shined out from her horn as the earth around her began to shake. Small particles of dirt and sand swirled as they lifted into the air followed by a crescendo of sparks that flourished from the tip of her horn and cascaded all around. In a sudden flash she collapsed to the floor with a loud thud. Though her first attempted failed she was now mad and determined. She climbed back to her hooves and forceful pressed her hind hooves into the ground. She took in a deep breath and tried the spell again. Drawing speed the magic flowed out of her horn once more. Like a fountain of lights and energy Twilight's horn erupted with power, and her hooves slowly ascend from the ground. Her eyes brightened and turned a solid white as elements of power began circling her being. With each loop they danced around her body the elements grew in speed and brightness. The sky turned a smoky black as the clouds swirled around like a whirlpool in the midst of a tempest. Suddenly, as if time had frozen, the world around Twilight stopped. Her heart raced uncontrollably as a single solid beam exploded from her horn piercing the silence of the moment. With a flash the event was over and there floating in front of them was small a light. As the ball of illumination slowly faded the figure of a tiny alligator emerged. Twilight had done it. Gummy had returned to the world of the living.
* * *
Applejack tiredly raised her hoof to wipe away the beads of sweat that had formed under her hat. Nothing was like starting the day with a healthy dose of manual labor. Carefully she adjusted the harness leading to the cart full of tasty apples. Gleaming at the several baskets full of Red Delicious and Granny Smiths, she admired products harvested at her family’s farm. Ever week she visited Ponyville in an attempt to sell some of her spellbindingly, fragrant apples. Personally, she always enjoyed taking the long walk into town from Sweet Apple Acres especially on such a cool and beautiful morning. She remembered Rainbow Dash telling her that this will most likely be the nicest day of the year. There were no surprise rain storms just sunny skies. AJ truly loved the life of a farm girl. Ever since she was a filly she found a calming nature to hard labor and feelings of pride when her family brought in a harvest. It was days like this when she felt her best. The slow walk into town gave her time to reflect upon her life and her family. Reaching the middle of the town, she lowered her head and ducked from under the cloth lined harness. It was early in the morning and most of Ponyville found themselves still hiding beneath their warm covers. AJ was always an early riser, but that came with the territory of being a farm pony. The air was cool and refreshing to her skin as she began setting up her stand. She carefully placed each apple in its place upon the shelves in order to provide the best shine in the customers’ eye. Reaching for another apple from her cart, AJ noticed something peculiar was a hoof a couple of blocks away. In the distance a large formation of clouds started to form above Twilight's place. As it churned in the air an evil felling came over the country pony.
"What in tarnation," AJ spoke aloud. The storm forming above the library reminded her of the start of zap apple season just without the chilling howls of the timberwolves. An uneasy feeling came over her as her stomach knotted. She couldn't put her hoof on it, but she knew something horrible was taking place. Running her hoof around the rim of her signature hat she insured a snug fit. Without hesitation she took off, leaving only a trail of dust in her wake. Galloping at full speed, AJ thought of nothing but the safety of her friends. Whatever was transpiring at Twilight's, she could only hope that every pony was okay.
Reaching the scene the sky was all but cleared, and the earth had stopped rumbling. Applejack galloped up from beyond the horizon, when a look of horror came over her dirt covered face. On the edge of her sight Twilight collapsed to the ground with a lifeless thud. Her wings lay open and her body was limp and motionless. Simultaneously the two witnesses sprang into action as they reached their fallen friend.
"Twilight, Twi speak to me sugar cube, I knew I should have galloped faster. Sugar cube you have to speak to me." Applejack had removed her hat and placed it under Twilight's head. Still unaware of what happen, Applejack's full attention was on the downed alicorn.
* * *
Hours had passed, and Twilight was still unresponsive. Her body laid in a small one pony hospital room filled with the worried faces of her friends and family. A pale green patient gown clung to the purple unicorn with Pinkie Pie's head pressed against it. Though the others had pressed her to reveal the truth behind their back alley agenda, Pinkie was not about to break a Pinkie Promise. That being said she still felt terrible of the fate that had befallen Twilight. Fluttershy gentle approached Pinkie and caressed in a hug. No one said as word as they stared at their wounded friend. Applejack’s hat was pressed between her front hooves as she nervously fiddled with the old, sun dried materials. Sitting next to the door she waited for the doctor to return with some type of news of her standing condition. Rainbow Dash was in the hallway just outside of the room frantically pacing back in forth in the air. Her over-sized Wonderbolts t-shirt that she slept in fluttered in her breeze as she continuously flew past the doorway. In the corner opposite of Twilight, rested Rarity. In a state of disbelief she sat still wearing her ruby red, silk night gown. With Spike holding one of her hooves, Rarity stared at Twilight motionless body. Though morning had long since passed, all of the scared ponies looked as though that had just gotten up. As soon as it happened Applejack had taken control. Twilight was lucky to have such caring friends who at a drop of a hat were all at her side.
Breaking the silence of the room a small noise occurred, then another. All of the ponies froze as a collective grasp drained the air out of the room. Twilight had moved. It was only small shuffle of her right hoof, but it was definitely movement. Her head slowly rocked back and forth as she tried to regain consciousness. Each pony carefully stepped forward as if the slightest mistake would ruin her chances of returning to them. Then a soft voice crept from her lips as her eyes opened, revealing to her friends that their concerns were over.
“Where am I?” Twilight spoke as she wearily adjusted herself into a more upright position in the hospital bed. Pinkie erupted with emotion at her friends words. With a swift motion she was wrapped around Twilight with both hooves. Though Twilight was okay, she hugged her as if she was never going to see her again. “It’s okay Pinkie, I’m fine. You can let go of me now.” Gently she wiggled out of Pinkie’s love.
“I say you are, Darling. Applejack told us how she found you. You gave us quit a fright.” Rarity scornfully looked at Twilight.
“Yeah, I wanted to ask you about that. I didn’t like the looks of what you and Pinkie were up to, and then you up and nearly die on us. So tell us, what were you trying to do.” AJ placed her hat back on her head and stepped closer to the purple unicorn.
Twilight looked around the room at all pained faces of her friends. She knew at this point there was no way to hide the truth, and part of her did not want to. She reached out her hoof and placed it lightly on Pinkie’s shoulder. The party girl looked at the expression on Twilight’s face and knew what was about to happen. Twilight’s mouth open, but nothing came out. She was normally a wizard of words, but here she carefully picked out the exact way tell her friends. From the back of the crowd of ponies standing around her, Rainbow Dash gave out a sigh then yelled, “Were waiting.” All heads turned in her direction and then back to Twilight. She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath then looked out toward her friends. Starting from when Pinkie knocked on her front door to the moment she woke up she told every detail. Watching the shifting expressions upon their faces, she hoped that they would understand. She knew in her heart that what she just attempted to preform was ambiguous when it came to morality, but it did not stop her. After finishing the story the room stood silent as every pony digested the information presented.
Rainbow Dash was the first to break the silence. “So you’re telling us that you have the ability to bring back the dead.”
“I don’t really know. I pasted out before I could see if the spell even worked. Pinkie, what became of Gummy?” Twilight’s vision turned toward Pinkie excitedly awaiting the news of her pet alligator.
Pinkie paused as if she was trying to remember where she left Gummy, and out of thin air she lifted the small alligator up high as if it was the most important thing in the world. “Why don’t you ask him yourself?” Gummy disappeared from her hoofs and started to bit at Pinkie Pie’s hair and body. It wasn't unusual for Gummy to do this in fact it happened all the time. It never bothered her mostly due to the fact that Gummy lacked any teeth and only lift blotches of white, foamy saliva on her skin.
Dash squealed with excitement as her face tightened. Both of her front hooves pressed against her face squishing to a point. ‘That is…AWESOME!”
AJ stomped her hoof on the ground. “Well I don’t like it; it’s just not natural bringing the dead back to life like that. Nothing good’ll come of it.”
“I agree, no offense Pinkie, but that thing is an abomination.” Rarity spoke with a caring yet disgusted voice. “Beside we can’t just bring any old thing back to life when we want to.”
“Come on guys, think of the possibilities, none of us will ever have to die.” Dash looped once in the air and came to a hover just above the others. “We can like always be friends and hang out and stuff. I could also attempt some new tricks that even I thought were too dangerous to try.”
“I know no pony ever wants to say goodbye to someone, but it just a part of life.” Applejack’s tone softened a bit, but still retained a serious context.
A soft and gentle voice joined the conversation. “I don’t know. If I were to ever lose one of my animals, I just couldn’t even bear the thought of it.” Fluttershy slowly crept from behind the group, her words careful chosen not to anger anyone.
“Well that is all well and fine, but it is still wrong. Look I understand how Pinkie must have felt. Shoot I would have given anything to have my parents back after the accident, but I moved on and so should have she.” AJ looked at the floor as the memory of her parents came back into her mind.
Twilight chimed in, once more adjusting herself within the bed. “What is so wrong about it, Gummy looks fine and Pinkie is happy.”
AJ eyes narrowed as she scowled Twilight for her remake. “Mark my words. Something will go wrong like it always will. The best action is to kill that thing now before it is too late.”
“Heyyy,” Pinkie angrily yelled to AJ, “That thing has a name, and its Gummy.”
“I must agree with Applejack. Is that thing even Gummy anymore.” Rarity shuddered as the alligator sat in the middle of the room with a blank, lifeless stare.
“You can’t seriously be thinking of killing the poor thing.” Fluttershy gasped. The very idea of it did not settle with her. She knew animals were killed all the time in nature, but never could she preform the task. Fluttershy swooped in and grabbed up the little alligator. Holding it close to her body she looked toward AJ and Rarity. “Whatever happened to it in the past is out of my control, but it is alive now and I can’t bring myself to let you harm it.”
"Well that's my two bits on the subject. I am happy you’re okay Twi, but I have to get back to my apple stand."
AJ turned toward the door to make her exit as Rarity joined in. "It is truly wonderful you are okay, but I too have a lot of work to get to. If you need anything darling, I'm only a short distance away."
"Aren't you guys staying for the party?" Pinkie jumped to her hooves and bounced to face the others.
"What party?" AJ's head turned.
"Only the party I'm throwing for the return of Gummy and because Twilight is the most bestest best friend for bringing him back to me."
"Pinkie, I just told you that I didn't want anything to do with this whole thing, so why would I want to throw a party about it?"
"But all my parties are super-duper fun, and there be balloons, and cake, and punch."
Rainbow Dash land beside Pinkie. "Well count me in Pinkie; I wouldn't miss one of your parties for the world."
"Well I think I'm just going to head home." Twilight climbed out the small little hospital bed and removed the green gown. Her hooves felt like jelly and her energy was still all but gone. Fluttershy rushed to her side providing some much needed support as she walked.
"You have to go you're the guest of honor." Pinkie sadly stated.
"I don't think I have it in me Pinkie. I'll just have Spike and Fluttershy take me home."
Pinkie let out a sigh then straightened up. "A party is a party even without all of your friends. I'm just going to have to invite all of Ponyville. I'll call it Gummy's Big Super Awesome Extravaganza." Pinkie was on a mission now. Party planning was serious work, and she wasn't about to take her duty lightly.
* * *
All of Ponyville was alive with music and laughter as the party began to heat up. With the sunset acting as a backdrop the night's festivities were sure to be a sight to see. Pinkie had pulled out all of the stops. Banners and streamers hung from every lamp post and windowsill. In the center of the town was a large ice sculpture of Gummy with the same blank stare that he always wore. Almost everypony had turned out for the celebration even though none of them was exactly sure what the party was about. It didn't matter though. The party Pinkie was throwing rivaled Rainbow Dash's birthaversary in epiceness. The combined efforts of Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich couldn't touch what she had planned. Nothing was going to stop this party. At the center of all the celebration Pinkie Pie lead a conga line of every size pony. Her party cannon drove the beat as it fired every few seconds. Confetti and glitter soared through the air only to come to a peak and gently find its way back the happy crowd below. There wasn't a sad face to be found.
Rarity pranced down the street with elegance and class as she caught the eyes of everypony she passed. Though she didn't like the meaning behind the affair she couldn't pass up an opportunity to wear the little V-neck gown with the black laced inlay she designed the other day. Around her horn was an oval sapphire ring that in the right light castes a gorgeous blue shadow over the white unicorn. Looking this good was thirsty worked, and she was only a few steps away from the lovely spread Pinkie had laid out for the occasion. A little punch would really hit the spot and Rainbow Dash was already indulging herself with a piece of the Cake's delicious triple chocolate fudge cake.
"Hey Rarity, great party isn't?" Rainbow Dash swallowed hard as the large portion of cake was forced down her throat.
"Rainbow please, Have a little class we don't talk with our mouths full. It's simply impolite."
"Oh my bad, so you decided to come after all. I knew you couldn't miss out on a social affair."
"Well Pinkie did put so much work into this soirée; I just couldn't let it go to waste." Rarity's horn light up with a light blue aura as a small plastic cup lifted from the table toward her lips.
"Sure and the fact that you are hoping some ruggedly handsome colt will notice you and sweep you off your hooves has nothing to do with it." Dash's elbow nudged Rarity's side causing her drink to splash and spill.
Disgusted with the idea that the liquid could have gotten on her prized dress, Rarity pulled away. "Well a girl can have dreams can't she?"
Suddenly a small green figured squirmed its way through the dancing crowd of ponies. Stepping into the light the figure slowly hovered off of the rough dirt and started floating toward Rarity. As the figure approached the talking pair it soon became clear who the mysterious being was. "Whoa Rarity, you look...stunning."
Rarity reached out a hoof and placed it firmly to the love-struck Spike's head causing the dragon to descend rapidly to the ground. Spike was dressed in dress. His tuxedo was freshly pressed and accented with his ruby red bow-tie. Perched a topped his crown was a black top hat that complemented his suit perfectly. "Well my little Spikey Wikey, you look simply dashing in that outfit." Rarity once more attempting to quench her thirst raised the glass to her lips.
"Hey Rarity."
"Yes, Spike?" The glass of punch pressed against her lips as the liquid flowed up the side.
"I wouldn't drink that if I were you." Spike's eyes fixated on the punch bowl sitting behind Rarity. A look of shock and disgust crept over his face causing his brow to furrow.
"Why? What's wrong with the punch?" Rarity's head slowly turned now facing the cause of Spike interjection. With one look the glass of punch came crashing to the ground. The red liquid splashed out of the plastic container, staining the ground around it. A harsh squeal sounded form the horrified unicorn. Rarity's body shuddered as she leaped in the air and began trotting in place. Rainbow Dash lowered to the cold dirt below. Both Dash and Spike stood speechless at the sight before them. Sitting in the red punch filled bowl was Gummy. Though this was not uncommon for Gummy to find his way into the punch bowl, something ghastly had occurred. There in the middle of the bowl floated half of Gummy's snout. Blood and saliva dripped from his open wound as the alligator stood oblivious to the fact that anything was wrong. Gummy's eye held a haunting emptiness that sent shivers done their spines. It was a look of hunger.
"Get it away from me! Get it away from meee!" Rarity now found herself scramble on top of Spike as to gain as much distance from that thing as possible. His hat was flatted with each step of her hooves, but he didn't mind. "That is just…just…revolting!"
Rainbow Dash face held no emotions as her mouth hung open. She couldn't bring herself to say anything then a thought came across her mind. "You don't think this was what Applejack warned us about, do you? We should get this to Twilight, and fast.
"I agree. That is plain nasty." Rarity’s face turned a pale green. Just the thought of it made her stomach churn. "Spike be a dear and carry that infernal...thing with us back to the library, and whatever you don't let it touch you." Swooping up the decaying reptile, they were off. All three knew that this night had just become a little more interesting. The party raged on as the three of them disappeared in the distance.
* * *
Twilight sat in the middle of the cozy library with a large, burgundy quilt wrapped around her. Studying a small book placed in front of her, she was attempting to do as little as possible. Though she looked of perfect health the spell had left her entire body tired and drained. Even the slightest bit of magic use was hard to perform. Out of the little kitchen Fluttershy strolled in with a small basket of fruit between her teeth. Having taken Twilight home from the hospital Fluttershy had decided to take on the full role as her caregiver. The basket contained a variety of oranges, grapefruit, and apples each pick specifically with Twilight in mind. Placing the basket at her patient's side, Fluttershy was going to insure her friend a quick recovery. "I must thank you again, Fluttershy, I don't know what I would have done without you."
"Oh it was nothing, I am glad to help, and besides Spike really wanted to go that party Pinkie was throwing." The yellow pegasus reached into the basket and lifted out one of the oranges. Placing it on the table next to Twilight, she turned toward her friend. "Here's a nice tasty orange to help regain your vitamin c. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Fluttershy you've done more than enough already, there must be something better you could be doing with your time. Why don't you go join the others at the party?" Twilight slowly rose to her hooves shrugging off the blanket wrapped around her. Weary, she approached her caregiver and gave her a sympathetic smile.
"Oh it's okay. I probably would have just gone home and been with my animals," Shifting her weight back and forth from her front hooves, Fluttershy's eyes lowered and her face saddened.
With an out stretched hoof Twilight raised her downed friends face. "You know you’re welcome to stay as long as you want, so why don't I brew up some tea and we have our self a sleepover. I do own the guide to them after all."
The sweet pegasus light up with delight. "You stay right there I'll go get the tea you just get your rest." Shooting off into the kitchen, Twilight heard a soft melody radiating from the yellow mare. "Oh and how do you like your tea?"
Bang!!! The library door exploded open due to a well place buck from Rainbow Dash. An avalanche of books raced off of the shelves causing everyone within the small room to seek shelter from the chaos. Shortly following the loud crash Rainbow Dash flew in from the cooling dusk. Not saying a word she circled the room. With each lap her eyes nervously watched the front door, waiting for the others to arrive. Just as she finished her fifth lap around the library Rarity entered the room. In tow behind her, Spike floated in her light blue magic aura helping to hasten their arrival.
"Will someone explain why Rainbow Dash just came crashing through my front door." Twilight angrily examined her shattered wooden door. Pieces of red wood were scattered amongst the mountains of books that now covered the floor.
"Twilight, it's Gummy. His face is...is…gone."
"What, I didn't quite get that did you say Gummy's face is missing." A look of bewilderment came over the princess's face. She couldn't have heard that right. They must have said something else.
"It's true, darling, that disgusting thing was sitting in the punch bowl. If it hadn't been for Spike I would have drunk that...that...Well I just can't even imagine." Rarity shuttered at the idea of ingesting such a tainted liquid. "Whatever the case, it must have something to do with your spell."
"That's impossible; the spell was performed exactly like the book said. Let me see Gummy and I will run some tests. There must some rational reason for all this commotion."
"Okay, but don't say we didn't warn you, Twi." Rainbow Dash swooped down behind the purple dragoon and reemerged with the disfigured alligator. The flesh from his face was torn and ripped revealing the animal’s pink toothless gums. Along with his snout, his eye had begun to decay and rot. The lifeless eye of the creature hung just outside of its socket. Twilight’s face went flush as the animal squirmed in Dash’s hooves. The alicorn knew her magic was to blame, but how.
Suddenly a soft voice broke the silence. “Oh my…” Fluttershy’s soft heart could not take the sight in front of her. With a release of air she fainted. Rainbow shot to her aid catching just before she hit the ground. “Is that Gummy, the poor thing? What happened?”
“I don’t know, but I’m about to find out. Spike to the lab.” Twilight and Spike headed down the stairway leading to a room full of computers and machines. If anyone could figure out what had occurred, Twilight could.
Several minutes had passed since Twilight and Spike descended to the basement. Anxiety rose with every passing moment. Rainbow Dash and Rarity attempt to repair the battered door, while Fluttershy started to shelf the books. Carefully placing the last book on the shelf, the basement door flung open sending the massive assortment of books back to the floor. Twilight stepped out of the stairwell with a grime look upon her face. Each of the girls knew the news was bad, but they still wanted to know. The group froze and in a simultaneous thought song the word “well”.
“My studies has conformed my fears; Gummy is no longer living or dead. In fact he is something far worse. It seems that my magic has changed him into a mindless….”
“Zombie,” Twilight’s words were cut short as Spike yelled out in fear.
“Yes, I guess you can call it a zombie,” Twilight eyes rolled as she stared at Spike. “When my magic brought him back it only resurrected the body, which for all intensive purposes was still dead.”
“Hold up there Twilight, I seen a lot of zombie films when I was in Junior Flight Camp. Don’t they tend to kill ponies and devour their brains?”
“Well I did find Gummy to be very passionate in his attempts to bite me. Upon farther studies I found that his blood and saliva carry a kind of magical virus. When introduced to another organism, it takes over and changes the host. I’m just really glad you brought him here before he could infect any pony else.”
Rarity and Dash turned pale as they looked toward each other. “Did you say his blood and saliva contained this virus?” Rarity covered her face with her hoof.
“Yeah, why?” Twilight’s head tilted to the side as she tried to figure out where her friend was heading with this. A sense of concern swept over her as the puzzle pieces began to fall into place.
Rainbow Dash tapped her hooves together as she thought “Well, you see, Gummy was found in the punch bowl at Pinkie’s celebration. Half of the town must have had some of that punch by now.” Dash leaped into the sky, shooting out the now tattered doorway. “I’ll go get the punch bowl, while you guys stay here and figure out what our next more is.” Time was up. What were sounds of laughter and merriment now were screams of horror.
Rarity was the first to react, her mind quickly turned to the safety of her sister. She knew she had saw Sweetie Bell and her friends at that party, and she wasn’t about to let something hurt her. Rarity swung upon the door revealing the events that had transpired. Mass hysteria erupted in the streets of Ponyville as friends and family alike were being devoured by undead ponies. Smoke billowed through the streets as the sounds of dying ponies filled the air. Standing in the middle of the street Cheerliee was surrounded by a horde of hunger attackers. Panic and afraid she circled around and bucked the closest attacker in the face. Blood splattered from the wounds as the corpse collapsed to the ground. Ready for the next attacker to make its move Cheerliee completely missed the one that crept up on her from behind. The air filled with a bloodcurdling scream as blood flowed down her flank past her flower cutie mark. Cheerliee fought with all her might, but was no match for the growing ranks that surround her. Soon she was slammed to the cold, hard ground as bite after bite of her flesh was being torn away from her body. Tears streamed down her face as the thoughts of her life passed by her eyes. And then there was nothing.
Out of the corner of her eyes Rarity could see three small heads darting in and out of the alley ways. She knew it must be the Cutie Mark Crusader. Boldly she stepped out into the war torn streets leaving the safety of the library in pursuit of the apparition of her sister. “Rarity, wait.” Twilight chomped down on her tail causing the pony to fall to her flank. “We need to stick together.”
“I’m not going to just sit here while those awful creatures do to Sweetie Bell what they did to Cheerliee. May she rest in peace? You can hide in your little tree, but I’m going to save my sister." Rarity raced out the door passing several of the undead along the way. Her little black dress flowed down her side with every step. Rarity was on a mission, and neither a zombie nor Twilight was going to stand in her way.
“Twilight what do we do. Do we go after her?” Spike paced around the room trying to think of a way to help his beloved.
“Okay everyone listen up. Spike, send a letter to Celestia and tell her everything that has happened. She has to have a way to fix this. Rainbow you go after Rarity. She’ll need your help if she is going to survive.”
“Got it” Rainbow Dash saluted and took off leaving only a rainbow streak in her wake.
“Fluttershy, you and I will stay here and try to bring in as many ponies as we can. I’m going to need your help to tend to the wounded and keeping everyone calm.” Twilight turned to face the frightened mare hiding under the table. Her wings covered her face while her hooves shielded her eyes from the haunting sights outside. Twilight slowly lifted the scared pony out from under the desk and gentle place her on the ground in front of her. “Fluttershy, I need you. The only way we are going to get through this is if we work together.”
Fluttershy removed her hooves from her face revealing her tear soaked blue eyes. “I just can’t do it. I know I need to be brave, but I can’t deal with zombies. I am so weak I would just get in the way so if it’s okay I will just stay here.”
“Fluttershy we can’t stay here those things are growing in numbers every second and everypony needs us. Besides I seen you stand up to dragons and Discord, not to mention what I seen you accomplish for your animals friends. You have the courage to do this, I know it.”
Suddenly Fluttershy leaped to her hooves. A look of worry and panic came over her as Twilight mentioned her woodland friends. With a loud cry she rushed past Twilight. “Angel bunny, Momma’s coming.” All Twilight could do was hauler back to her to stop before she was gone. With feelings of pain she fell to her back hooves and cried. This was her fault and her friends were the ones who had to suffer.
* * *
High atop the cliff side Canterlot stood, majestically glowing in the nearly set sun. Celestia and Luna sat watching as another beautiful day turned to such a calm and radiant night. Celestia fondly gazed out over the peaceful city and then Luna. It had been too long since the two sisters were able to enjoy each other’s' company. She could only imagine the pain Luna must have gone though, and it all could have been prevented if she had only heeded the signs. If only she had been there for her sister in her time of need maybe things could have turned out different. Maybe they still can be. Celestia may have lost a thousand years with her sister, but she was never going to lose her baby sister again. “Tia, Tia, why do you stare at me so.”
“Oh nothing Luna, I must be getting tired.” This wasn't a lie, though there was a lot of prestige that came with being the ruler of Equestria, it was a lot of work. Not only was she never allowed to have fun, but she was always under the highest scrutiny. The only time she felt like she could truly be herself was with Luna and in her bedroom. Even there she had to hide her large record collection of rock and grunge albums because they were seen as improper music for a princess to be listening to. Sure on occasion she had been known to slip away to see a Blue Oyster Colt concert, but this was about it. She knew the importance of her job, but sometimes wished she could be just be like everypony else. “Think I‘m going to call it a night do you need anything before I go.” Luna turned and smiled at her caring sister. Politely she shook her head and began scanning the night’s horizon.
With a single step toward the door, a ball of green flame rolled in front Celestia’s face. As the flames dissipated, a sealed scroll emerged and hovered just in eye view. “A letter from Twilight, I wonder what she is up to at this hour?” After carefully unrolling the scroll Celestia eyes started down the page. At first a look of excitement and joy displayed on her brow, but with every word she read it slowly twisted and changed. The events described in Twilight’s letter were not the first time Celestia had seen the effects of that spell, and knew only too well the devastation that is left in its wake. “Luna, the worst possible thing has been brought to my attention. Twilight has used the resurrection spell create by Star Swirl the Bearded. The town is being overrun by monsters, and I am afraid that there is only one solution to this mess.” Luna recalled the last time the spell was used and a cold shiver crept up her spine. Though Star Swirl was a brilliant unicorn it was the love for his daughter that drove him. After her death to disease, he became obsessed on bringing her back. First he started slacking on his royal duties, and then he went missing for long periods of time. Concerned with the health and emotion stability of their friend and mentor, Celestia and Luna decided to check in on him one night. Star Swirl’s room was hidden in what is now the west wing of the royal library. As the two sisters approach his door a faint and pungent order filled the air. Cautiously they leaned their heads through the doorway, watching for any movement. With each step their collective hearts grew louder and faster until there he was. Standing in the center of the room Star Swirl rose to his hind hooves. The white colt looked as though she hadn't slept in days, and a crazed look hung in his eyes. A bolt of energy blasted from his horn, engulfing the room in light. Then emerging from the confusion was what appeared to be a small child. He had done it. Star Swirl the Bearded had brought his daughter back to life.
Luna and Celestia stared in awe as the white stallion came back to the ground. With great excitement he galloped toward the child as his beard flowed behind him. Embracing his daughter tears ran down the happy pony's face. “I will never let you go again. I promise. I’m so glad you’re okay.” Still entranced by the return of his daughter he was oblivious to the sharp pain forming around his neck. Looking down blood poured down his blue gown and white beard, staining them a dark crimson. The magician pushed back his daughter and stared at her with a look of horror as she stood there with a large hunk of his flesh hanging from her mouth. The small filly paused for a second and the lunged at the old colt. Her eyes were blank and lifeless as drool and blood dripped from her lips. Panicked Luna and Celestia leaped from their hiding place and charged in to his aid. Luna held off the tiny mare while Celestia tended to Star Swirl. The bite to his neck was fatal and no amount of magic could stop his blood lose.
Moments passed as the life left the eyes of the once great unicorn. His body laid cold and motionless on the hard marble floor. He was gone. The two sisters stared at the tired remains of their friend, still in disbelief of his passing. Their hearts filled with pain as their emotions took control. Luna’s face ducked behind her wing as Celestia nuzzled her sister’s mane. The room stood still when out the corner of her eyes the white stallion rose to his hooves. His body dipped of ooze as globes of flesh fell from his throat. Celestia was dumb founded. The sight of her former teacher both scared and fascinated her. With a bloodcurdling wail he galloped toward the two princesses. With each step his hunger cry grew louder. In a single motion, Celestia’s wings spread and her horn erupted with light, illuminating the walls of the grand hall. Mere steps away from his target a beam of light ripped away his skull revealing a soap of brains and bone. The creature came to a sudden stop then tumbled to the ground. The fluids from his crown spilled out onto the marble floor rushing over his blue bell lined hat. Celestia and Luna approached the lifeless body ready for another attack. When they final felt that the crisis had passed the two sister turn their attention to the crazed child trapped in a midnight blue sphere. After close examination it was clear what must be done. From that day forward they vowed that they would destroy this evil no matter what the cost. For the magic created on this day would infect the world if left unchecked, bringing nothing but doom. The sisters held a special ceremony honoring Star Swirl. To hide the truth behind his death, they turned his laboratory into a library, renaming it in his memory.
* * *
Only a few seconds had passed since she had left the library in pursuit of Rarity and the CMC. A few seconds, more like a few minutes, or a few days. Flying high above the crowd Rainbow Dash felt safe from the destruction that lay below. The creatures roamed the ruined streets of what use to be a happy town. Cautiously she made her way to the center of town where the once thriving party had raged on. The large ice sculptor of Gummy stood tall acting as a large idol for which the legions of dead worshiped. Carefully scanning for her friends Dash spotted what appeared to a large hot air balloon floating above town hall. The only pony she knew who owned a hot air balloon was Pinkie, but where was she. Then an idea raced into her mind. "Rainbow, you're a genius." If we can get everyone into the balloon we would all be able to safely float out of town completely avoiding the horde below. Now excited she picked up speed yearning to see the element of laughter again. Just seeing Pinkie's face in this chaos would lighten her spirit and bring a much needed smile to her face.
"What the hay," Rainbow stopped in her tracks causing the air funneling around her to flush past her with a mighty gust. Just below the momentous balloon was a large concert stage. Being the epicenter of the night's event the stage housed two large speakers as well as a long table cover in a dull red cloth. To Dash's horror Rarity and the CMC sat strapped to wooden chair seated around the decorated table. Each pony's face held a look of fear as a black cloth covered their mouths. Strategically placed pieces of cake were plated around the frightened mares. Loud party music pumped from the speakers sending an unnerving feeling up Rainbow's spine. At the mere sight of her friends in danger she dived toward the stage smoothly landing just in front of Rarity. Just below her horn a huge bruise had formed were she appeared to have been struck with a large blunt object. To Rainbow's relief she could see her chest rise and fall as she continued to draw breath. She was alive. Quickly her attention turned to the three frightened fillies sitting across from her. They were conscious and extremely happy to see the rainbow maned pegasus. Frantically the CMC began jumping and squirming in their chairs trying to warn their hero of the impending threat lurking behind her. In almost a royal Canterlot voice a familiar pony sounded over the speaker system.
"Hello Rainbow Dash, It is so nice of you to join my little party. I'll be sure to tell Gummy of your arrival. Why don't you stay a while and have some delicious cake." Pinkie towered over the rainbow mare with a deranged look in her eyes. Holding a microphone in one hoof and a large serving knife in the other Pinkie wavered back in forth on her hind hooves. Her pink hair laid flat covering part of her face. Swirling around the table Pinkamena danced missing the plates of cake as she twirled.
"Oh hey Pinkie, This looks like a great party and all, but I really think that we should, I don’t know, head over to Twilight's and maybe get out of town." Rainbow Dash had seen this side of Pinkie before, and was carefully not to evoke any sort of reaction.
"Dashie why would we want to stop this party when everyone here is having so much fun, well Rarity and the CMC don't look like they are having much fun maybe we should go, No listen to them they are having a blast." Pinkie rolled off the table and appeared hanging off of Rarity's lap. "Oh yes darling this party is simply divine." Disappearing under the table the pink pony suddenly emerged behind Scootaloo. “Yeah Pinkie this party is so awesome, I don’t know why I ever looked up to Rainbow Dash. Well that very nice Scootaloo, but Rainbow Dash works really hard and… Nonsense Pinkie you are so much cooler than Rainbow Crash. I am, aren’t I. Yeah Pinkie you’re even better than my sister. Oh Apple Bloom, I throw this party to make everypony happy and to see you smile is thanks enough.” Rainbow Dash watched as her overly excited friend twisted and turned around the table carrying on as though her victims were talking to her. She knew she had to do something with every second spent the horde around the stage grew in numbers as well as hunger. If action wasn’t taken soon those monsters will find a way to reach them.
“Okay Pinkie that’s it you and everypony else here are coming with me, we are leaving.” Dash hoof stomped firmly against the wooden stage causing the sound to resonate. Pinkie froze in mid spin and slowly rotated her head to face Rainbow.
Pinkie drew in a long breath and released a slur of words onto her adversary, “We can’t leave; we can’t leave! I started this party to bring joy and laughter to everypony’s life, and then all of these zombies came and ruined everything. So I’m not going to let you over some meanie mean head zombie stop this party. Because if the party stops everypony will be sad and it will be all my fault. I just wanted to throw one party for Gummy just one party, but no.”
“Pinkie, I said it’s time to go.” Dash's nostrils flared and hot air exhaled out.
“No!”
“Pinkie!’
“You’ll never take me alive.”
Pinkie lunged the large serving knife directly at Dash, slicing a small line across her face. Rainbow retreated backwards a few steps as the red line forming on her check wept a small tear of blood. “Owe Pinkie that really hurt, knock it off.” Ignoring the cry from her friend Pinkie wildly swung the blade again. This time her attack was meet with a swift hind hoof sending the insane mare crashing to the ground across the table. Now angered and filled with adrenalin Dash followed closely after the psychotic pony. Reaching the edge of the table Dash stood stunned. Though her strength was no match for AJ that kick should have at least knock Pinkie out, but she was gone.
Momentarily distracted a sound came from above her. Before she could look Pinkie had pranced, knocking the weary pegasus to the ground. Fighting against the force of her attacker a sharp pain surged through her body. Again and again the knife plunged into Rainbow’s right wing causing immense pain. The shine of the knife slowly dulled into a deep red stain as well as the cyan pony’s wing. “You know Dash, I always dreamt that one day I would crave you up into little tiny pieces, and then slowly cook you into nice tasty cupcake for all to enjoy.”
With great force Rainbow spread her wings sending the party mare flying back into the table. Though her wing looked and felt awful Dash was sure she could still fly. “So you wondered what I taste like huh. Well here, taste this.” Rainbow launched forward with her wings pushing her speed faster and faster. With great speed and accuracy she extended one of her hind hooves and planted it directly to the side to the homicidal mare’s face. Blood and teeth explode from her mouth hurling her off into the ever growing crowd around them.
Without hesitation Rainbow untied her trapped friends. Suddenly a large ball of confetti and streamers exploded next to her, then another. Looking up she found Pinkie standing high aloft in the wicker basket hanging from the hot air balloon. Dangling over the edge sat her blue party cannon trained directly at the party-poopers and their attempts to ruin her celebration. Barley dodging one of the explosive balls Rainbow Dash took to the skies. Cringing with each flap of her wing Rainbow dipped and swirled through the moon lit sky narrowly missing the barrage of cannon fire. Blast after blast, the shells light up the night with bright waves of colors all of which rained down on the masses below. Taking a chance, Dash sped headlong in the direction of the cannon fire zigzagging through the waves exploding shells. Inches before she reached her attacker Pinkie turned the cannon engulfing her face in a mass of air and party supplies. Her ear rang from the loud blast sending her into a tail spin. Small trickles of blood dripped from multiple cuts that covered her face and ears from the razor sharp confetti. Making another run at her attacker, Rainbow took a different tactic. Quickly she dove into a mass of nearby clouds and released a bolt of lightning ripping through the calm air. With a sudden flash the basket wielding the bloodthirsty pony ignited with flames. Undeterred by the heat of the fires growing around her the pink mare continued her assault. Climbing high into the night Rainbow had an idea. Reaching the peak of her flight Rainbow nosedived directly toward the hot air balloon. A cone of air focused around her body and grew smaller as she gained speed. The air flow pushed back her rainbow mane as her face rippled under the g-force. Moments away from reaching the basket, the cyan mare sharply changed directions sending out a surge of colors that briefly turned the night back into day. The multi colored, sonic rainboom engulfed everything in sight. Waves of color and energy rushed past the hot air balloon reigniting the joy that once filled Pinkie's heart. Wide eyed and smiling Pinkie stared at the beautiful rainbow streaking over the town as the growing flames danced around her. Her hair had regained its once bouncy self and her hatred disappeared. Her eyes swelled with tears as the realization of her actions overcame her. "Rainbow Dash, I am so sorry."
Snap! The nylon rope holding the basket gave way to the heat of the flames dumping its passenger over board. Pinkie frantically flailed her hooves as she came crashing to the ground. Shortly following after her the giant inferno smashed into the giant ice sculptor that towered over the festivities. Pinkie's body was broken and twisted as the monument of her beloved pet slowly collapsed around her. Her tail twitched to no end as her impending doom set in. "You know it's funny, I always knew a giant statue of Gummy was going to be the death of me, ‘huh’." Pools of water poured off the mountain of fire and ice that lay upon her friend. Rushing to her aid Rainbow Dash pushed with all her might in a failed attempt to lift the massive weight. Pinkie's body was pinned giving her only a few seconds of life left. Turning to Rainbow Dash, Pinkie let out one last bated breath. "Thank you for coming to my party Rainbow Dash."
"I wouldn't have missed it for the world." Dash turned away as tears welled up in her eyes. Pinkie was one of the best friends a pony could have, and her death is nothing short of a tragedy. The laughter once brought on by the party pony was silenced leaving her only to the task at hand. Limping Dash slowly made her way back to the group. Though she could still fly without that balloon they would have to leave on hoof. It was a long distance back to the library and the massive horde was well aware of their presence on the stage. Rainbow could only hope that Twilight had so sort of plan to get them out.
* * *
Twilight and Spike found themselves cornered as a larger horde of the undead shambled toward them. Moments after the others had left Twilight and Spike headed off to find Fluttershy. She lacked the energy to teleport and they had no idea where the yellow pegasus could be, so they left on hoof. Spike still wearing his tux road upon Twilight's back welding a small wooden spear that he made from a fallen tree branch. The duo stood firm as their attacker slowly closed the gap dividing them. Spike clung tight to Twilight's purple mane as the princess landed a swift kick to one of the monsters. Her attacks worked but were futile, like a hydra when one fell two more moved into place. She nervously looked back at the frighten dragon shivering on her back and let out a nostril of air. Turning back to the approaching zombies she planted her hooves. With all of her might a beam of light shined from her horn, burning a tunnel through the mob that had formed. Seizing the opportunity she took off over the now cauterized remains carpeting their path to freedom. With each step the bodies of what once were her friends crunched under her weight. Flapping her wings, she hovered just above the ground. She knew that in order to spot her friend she couldn't be too high in the air. Moving in the direction of Fluttershy cozy little cabin she scanned the area hoping to spy her friend. Suddenly the blood in her body rushed to her head causing her to waver and slowly drift closer and closer to the ground. Spike yelled with all his might trying anything to help, but to no avail. The surge of power just displayed was too much for the still recovering pony. She fought as much as she could, but ultimately gave in collapsing on the floor next to a nearby house. Wearily she attempted to raise her head drifting in and out of consciousness. Her eyes weighed heavy as the image of Spike fighting against their attacker focused into her sight. Helpless, she saw her longest and dearest friend fight at her side. Spike didn't have much on the unruly mob, but he wasn't about to leave her side. Slipping into a state of unconscious she prayed to Celestia that somehow Spike could get away.
Jarred awake, Twilight's heart raced as she quickly scanned for her steadfast companion. To her confusion she had somehow returned to the hospital bed. The sun shined through the tiny window bringing her sense of peace. Lying in the bed she was wearing the same pale green patient's gown as before, and was accompanied by all of her friends nervously awaiting her recovery. Could it have all been a dream? Could the events that had transpired really be nothing more than a fever induced hallucination? Adjusting her body on the hard mattress she noticed none of her friends had reacted to her sudden recuperation. Looking closure at the faces of her friends revealed a grime truth. To Twilight's horror her once beloved allies were now agents of the mass army of undead. With dull lifeless eyes the group of ponies stumbled closer to the alarmed princess. Their moans grew louder and louder as did their hunger. Twilight was speechless as her heart dropped at the fate that had befallen them. Preparing herself for the inevitable, a midnight blue mare entered the small room. "A warm welcome to you Princess Twilight Sparkle I wish we could meet under better circumstances, but I fear I haven't much time." With a puff of smoke the zombified ponies were gone.
"Princess Luna, Is this just a dream?"
"Yes Twilight and I'm here to warn you of my sister’s plan for Ponyville."
"But why are you visiting me in a dream, couldn't you and Celestia just fly down from Canterlot. At least you could have replied back to my message." Twilight stared at Luna hoping for some good news from Celestia, but what she got was something far worst.
Lowering her head the ruler of the night couldn't look Twilight in the eyes. "My sister is about to do something unthinkable. She has quarantined Ponyville with a magical dome designed specifically to contain this outbreak. I could not risk getting trapped myself so I attempted to reached out to any pony I could through the realm of dreams. My sister is powerful, but I still have my ways to evade her magic. Twilight, you must gather as many ponies as you can and meet me just outside of Sweet Apple Acres. There I can open a small hole in my sister’s defenses. You must hurry for the sun will rise soon enough."
"Luna what is Celestia going to do at sunrise." Twilight's eyes widen as she searched Luna's face for the truth.
"My sister will raise the sun on Ponyville and use its awesome might to wipe it off the map. I am afraid it is the only way to stop the infection."
"No, Princess Celestia wouldn't do that. She loves all of her kingdom, and wouldn't abandon us in our time of need." Twilight stood strong with her statement. She had known Celestia all of her life and only knew the princess as a kind, loving leader. The very idea of what Luna was proposing was absurd. Luna gentle placed her hoof on the young alicorn's shoulder and explained the events that lead to Celestia's decision. She could see Twilight's heart breaking as the truth of her story sank in.
"I am taking a big risk in warning you and hope to see you soon. Go now Twilight Sparkle and may the night protect you." The world Luna had created slowly slip away into an empty blackness.
"Princess Luna." Startling awake, Twilight once again found herself in an unusual place. Lying in a small hay-lined bed, she appeared to be located in somepony's home. The question was whose. It was a small, one pony room that held very little furniture. Adjacent to the bed was an oak, vanity mirror with what looked like a mail mare uniform draped off the edge. Looking for some clue to her current predicament the purple alicorn spotted a small wooden picture frame sitting upon the table. After close examination, the image revealed whose home this was. Sitting in a state of perpetual happiness, Ditzy Doo sat with her wing around Dinky Doo. Placing the picture back on the mantle the wall eyed mare entered the bed room.
"Twilight, Twilight I am so glad to see you. Do you need some water or something?"
"Ditzy what happened? Where is Spike?" Before Ditzy could respond Twilight was out of the bed and up against her savior.
"Oh don't worry he is fine. He is down stairs eating some muffins with Dinky as we speak." A look of relief crept over the princess' face as a release of air slipped from her lungs. "Twilight what is happening to everypony, and why is there a giant dome around the city?" Ditzy looked directly into Twilight's eyes as her one of her eyes drifted toward the ceiling.
"It's a long story, but what I do know is we need to get out of town. By the way how did we end up here?"
"Oh that's easy. As soon as everypony went off their rockers, I gathered up Dinky and headed for the train station. Just as the train was about to leave, a wall of energy came crashing to the ground. I tried following it for a long time, but couldn't get around it. Then I thought Twilight could get us out of town. Besides your one of the few ponies who doesn't call me Derpy. We flew to your house, but no one was there so I did the only thing I could think of. I went home, hoping that the chaos would pass. Luckily for you I heard the commotion outside so I fought off your attacker long enough to get you inside." Even amongst the dark events the gray pegasus never lost her optimism. She knew that she had to remain calm for her little muffin.
"You didn't happen to see Fluttershy during your travels, did you?
"Oh yeah the last I saw her, she was entering her cabin. She was screaming something about Angel."
"You were right to think I have a way to get us out of this nightmare, but we have to locate Fluttershy and the others. Let’s arm ourselves the best we can and we will head out. I can't thank you enough for saving Spike, and I promise I will get you and your daughter to safety."
Suddenly a loud crash erupted from down stairs. Though Ditzy defeated the monsters outside the growing horde surrounding the house were unscathed. After several minutes of abuse, the door had given in to the collective strength of the mob. Ditzy shot down the stairs as the safety of her daughter was the only thing on her mind. An ear piercing scream rang out from the nearby kitchen as the mindless drones flooded the room. Reaching the bottom step Ditzy leaped into action, landing a swift blow to the nearest creature. With a fiery of hooves Ditzy fought her way through her home. Twilight quickly sealed the gaping hole leading into the house giving Ditzy enough time to handle the zombies that had already entered.
Reaching the kitchen the two mares discovered Spike fending off a large pony. With the aid of his lance Spike sent his attacker flying against the small table in the center of the room. Muffins spilled across the ground as the zombie attempted to regain its balance. To Ditzy horror her little muffin was nowhere to be found. She was certain the scream had come from this room, but could not see her daughter anywhere. Aggressively the winged pony lunged at the stumbling marauder. Forcing it to the floor Ditzy positioned herself over its decaying face. Then with a precise stomp the fight was over. Looking around the room she knew that the repairs to her door wouldn't last forever and time was not on their side. Panicked the cross eye mare searched the through every cabinet and closet. With every empty doorway her fears grew. Where was her little muffin? Springing out of the cabinet below the sink, Dinky was met with her mother’s love. Without hesitation Ditzy wrapped her daughter in her wings.
Making eye contact the two mares kick open the back door and galloped into the dark night. Within a few steps the two mares were in the sky. There was a lot to accomplish in order for them to leave, but their first stop was to save Fluttershy. With a passenger on each their backs, neither one of them dared to look back. The night was growing old, and a new day was just around the corner.
* * *
Still waiting on the stage the three fillies sat staring out over the crowd that had formed around them. None of the three friends could ever believe that something this tragic could happen to them. These monstrous being were once people they knew and saw on a daily basis. There was no way this could be real. Breaking the loud moans emanating around them one of the fillies leaped to her hooves. "Did you guys see Rainbow Dash? She was so cool; flying around, dodging those cannon balls. She was awesome."
"Scootaloo, this is neither the time nor the place for your obsession with Rainbow Dash. We need to focus on going home." Apple Bloom snorted. "Beside I miss my sister and Big Mac. They must be worried sick."
Sweetie Bell lit up with excitement as an idea popped into her mind. "Hey, when we get out of here do you think we will get our cutie marks in zombie survival."
"That would be so cool." With a unanimous cheer the CMC leaped into the air with their hoofs extended. "Cutie Mark Zombie Hunters!"
Rainbow Dash and Rarity walked up behind the CMC. In Rarity's state of unconscious Luna had appeared in her dreams, giving her warning of the events soon to unfold. "Okay girls, here's the plan. I am going to teleport us as far away from this cursed stage as I can. From there we will make the long trip to Sweet Apple Acres. You girls will need to stay as close to me as possible." Rarity adjusted her black dress and took a second to regain her thoughts. "Rainbow will find the others and tell them of our movements. We’re going to have to move fast if we are ever to get out of this dreadful predicament." Next to the stage the serving knife Pinkie was using lightly glinted from the bright lights shining off the stage. Picking up the blade from the floor Rarity walked over to the edge of the stage. Giving her a slight nod of her Dash was air born. The remaining ponies circled around Rarity as they disappeared off of the stage. Their plight was far from over, and the night was only going to get darker before the sun broke the horizon.
* * *
Dawn was only a few hours away as the pair reached the sight of Fluttershy's quaint cabin. The area fell to an unsettling calm as the wind ripped through the leaves. All of her windows were boarded up, and the front door flapped open and close. With each gust of wind the door smashed against the wooden frame then gradually freed itself. Leading the group Twilight gracefully landed through the doorway. Fearing the worst she wandered into her friend’s home hoping to find the frightened pegasus hiding somewhere inside. The floor boards creaked as they swept through the lonely house. The scent of animals hung heavy in the air. Carefully the pair of ponies navigated the house. Reaching the master bedroom a soft crying flowed into the hallway. Huddling in the corner of her room Fluttershy rocked back in forth. In a gentle, caring voice Twilight spoke. "Fluttershy, it’s me Twilight. Are you okay?" The yellow mare hesitated then slowly let out a long, sad wail. In her hooves a small ball of white fluff peaked from behind her fur. Twilight tried to decode the devastated mare's cries, but she didn't need too. By the look on her face only one thing could hurt such a sweet, caring pony. It had to be one of her animals. Angel had fought off the hungry monsters as long as he could, but fell victim to a single bite. Aware of his fate the white rabbit knew what he had to do. Not wanting to be one of those things he took his own life. Fluttershy was seconds away when it happened, and she hadn't released him since she found him. Angel Bunny's cold remains press tightly against her breast as she closed herself off from the world. Her tears dried as the pegasus looked blankly off into the void. Not responding to anypony the two mares contemplated their next move. They couldn't leave the shell shocked pony, but they had no way of carrying her. Ditzy lit up with joy as she recalled a small wagon resting against a small bridge just outside of the front door. The zombies hadn't yet reached the small cabin yet and with the wagon the two mares could simple pull the others behind them. Racing down the stairs she leap over the last steps. Surgically Twilight remove the dead rabbit from Fluttershy's tight grip then gently carried her from the room. Reaching the small wagon Spike and Dinky climbed in carefully adjusting the still quite pony sitting beside them.
Just before returning to the sky a rainbow streak passed by with a sudden flash. Streaming from the opposite direction the streak rushed to stop before the pair. The reunited allies exchange hugs and quickly discussed the events that followed the scene at the library. Rainbow delivered the hard news of Pinkie's fate and was greeted with a sympathetic look. Dash knew she did her best, but still blamed herself. If only she was faster, maybe then she could have saved Pinkie. Maybe things could have turned out differently. Still upset the speedster approached Fluttershy. Her brain raced for something to say that could lift her friend out of the dumps, but nothing came out. Taking a deep breath she found herself confiding to the silent pegasus. "Fluttershy, it’s me Rainbow Dash. I know how..." A lump formed in Dash's throat as she fought to stay strong. "I now growing up in Cloudsdale wasn't easy for you, but it wasn't easy for me either. I was only strong because I had you. It was you and me verses the world. I know you probably never thought it, but I have always kind of looked up to you." Rainbow lightly placed her hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder secretly hoping she would respond. "Even after all of the teasing and name calling you always treated everypony with kindness. You might have thought it was me protecting you all those years, but in truth it was you saving me. I have always thought of you as my sister, and it tears me up seeing your kind heart lost to this evil world. Please Fluttershy come back to me. I need you.” Unable to hold back her emotions Rainbow Dash engulfed Fluttershy in her wings, pressing tight against her.
Dash felt the comforting pressure of another pony's hooves wrapping around her, as a soft voice crept into her ear. "Thank you Rainbow Dash." Though her emotional scares would were far from healed, Fluttershy had at least returned to reality. Together the four ponies gathered up their belongings and headed down the road. Each pony had been through a lot, but they had to keep going. They had to keep fighting.
* * *
Applejack stared out the open Dutch door looking out over the large orchard of apples. Unknowing of the mayhem that had ravaged the town, she sat waiting for her sister to return. A cool breeze raced through the trees shaking the leaves into a beautiful symphony of sounds. The air brought her an unnerving feeling as the world stood lonely and calm. With each second that past her anger grew. Racing around the living room AJ attempted to hide her concern, "That filly better be home soon, it is too late for that girl to be out. Besides we have a lot of chores to do in the morning and she is out of her mind if she thinks she can get of working that easy."
"Eeyup."
"Now don't go defend'n her Big Mac, The sun is almost up and she has never been out this late before. If you hadn't of gotten up to use the bathroom we'd had never known she had sneaked out in the first place." Applejack bit her hat form the hanger and placed it firmly on her head. "That's it something has got to be wrong. You stay here just in case she comes home, and I going out to find her. I'm sure her and those CMC have gotten themselves caught up into some sort of mess."
Next to one the end tables placed around the room AJ bent down and came up with a flashlight. Heading down the small dirt road leading to the house, the cold ground felt good beneath her hooves as the star filled sky guided her path. Scanning her surroundings with the light she revealed what looked like a white unicorn. She couldn't quite make out who the pony was, but was positive there were three little shapes chasing after her. Applejack stood strong as the mysterious figure drew closer. “Who’s out there? Well whoever you are what in tarnation are you doing?” As the unicorn drew closer Applejack directed the beam of light into its eyes stopping it in its tracks. Blinded by the sudden immersion of light the white mare gave out a frightful yell.
“Rarity what are…Apple Bloom?” Pausing for only a moment, AJ was greeted with the hooves of a homesick filly. Apple Bloom squeezed her big sister with all of her might, never again wanting to be separated. All of her fears and anxiety were released in the form of a hug. AJ didn't know what this was all about, but she graciously accepted her sister’s warm embrace. Lifting her head from the heartwarming scene, a small group ponies were spotted flying high above the tree line. Applejack's stomach twisted as she realized something horribly must have happened. Quickly the reunited friends busted through the farm house door immediately erupting into a jumble of noise. Though they were not out of the woods yet, the illusion of safety provided by the large facility caused them to lower their guards. Unnerved by the annoying amount of noise being created AJ attempted to call everypony to order. When that failed, the country pony produced a loud whistle. The high pitch noise froze everything in place. "Will somepony tell me what the hay is going on!"
Stepping forward, Twilight took center stage as she explained the grime reality to the tired farm pony. With every word AJ’s face slowly turned red with anger. "I told you nothing good'll come from raising the dead. Now you’re telling me that you put my sister in danger. Pinkie has died. Fluttershy has been ripped of her innocence, and now the whole town is going to be destroyed. I am sorry Twi, but I do not know if I want you around my kin. I definitely don’t want to be your friend. So how do we get out of this mess?"
The room stood quite as no pony said a word. As harsh as AJ's words were she was right. If Twilight would have said no, if so would have turned Pinkie down maybe they wouldn't have had to be fighting for their lives. Uncomfortable by the growing tension Spike wandered over to the window. Looking out over the open field a mob of dead appeared off in the distance. “Zombies!” Spike clutched at his mouth as a frantic scream slipped through his lips. The room turned in horror as the horde slowly closed in.
Applejack let out a battle cry that surged through the very foundation of the house. "Apple family this is not a drill. We have a full on zombie crisis. Apple’s take your positions.” Assembling outside the Apples followed their years of training. Each pony began strategically setting up their defenses just like they had practiced hundreds of times before. Emerging form the nearby barn, Big Mac revealed a large mechanical device that resembled a much larger and more complex party cannon. Equipped with two large barrels connected to what appeared to be a fan like mechanism, the purpose of this item was very clear. Judging by the huge basket of apples attached to the side its only function was to rapidly fire apples at a high velocity. Taking their cue from the Apples the other prepared for the soon to be battle. If they were every going to make it to safety they would have to make a stand.
The anticipation was great as the waves of dead approached. Only a few minutes of night remained, and their window to freedom was closing fast. It won't be long before the massive army surrounding the house would make their escape impossible. AJ stood tall, waiting for the ideal moment to attack. Then with a single gesture a fiery of apple and rocks rained over the orchard. Sitting at the mechanical monster, Granny Smith placed a cooking pot over her head. She had owned this farm for too long to let some brain munching beast to take it away from her. Roaring to the life, the machine unleashed a stream of apples lighting the night with remnants of apples. Each apple exploded against the masses as the fragments cut through the undead attackers. Wave after wave the battle raged on weakening the defenses of the weary group. Flying over head, Rainbow Dash dropped large rocks and stomps into the crowd. Crushing the monsters below the giant rocks crashed to the ground. With every attack the horde dwindled in size until a small opening appeared. Without hesitation the group fought their way toward the hole seizing what might be their only chance to escape.
Click...Click...The hail of apple came to a halt as an apple core jammed into the machine’s gears. Unable to fix the machine the old mare found herself surrounded. AJ lunged forward only to be stopped by the hoof of Big Mac. There was nothing to be done except to press on. Tears flowed from her eyes as she lowered her head. Yells of pain and moans filled the air as the remaining group funneled across the orchard. Twilight took the lead while Rainbow dash continue to provided air support. Holding up the rear Big Mac charged through the night protectively making sure everypony made it through. Half way into the mob Big Mac looked over his shoulder only to be stopped the sight of familiar cutie mark. Stunned by the image that stood before him the heart broken stallion froze. Cheerliee’s once beautiful hair was stained and deformed as was large parts of her body. Unable to look away from his special somepony, Big Mac shielded his eyes as tears began to flow down his face. Distracted he succumbed to the same fate as her. Sending his attacker flying over the crowd with a powerful buck Big Mac knew his fate. With no exit in mind Big Mac was determined to take as many of these monsters with him as possible. Like a juggernaut the red mare cut into the massive horde, leaving only bodies in his wake.
Now in the open field just behind the house the herd of ponies made their way toward the magical wall separating them from freedom. Rainbow Dash flew high in the sky carefully studying their current predicament. Even if the group made it to the wall she knew it was only a matter of time before the waves of undead would overtake them. Even if Luna was sitting there waiting they would never be able to safely get everyone to safety. If only they had more time maybe they would have a chance to escape. Thinking fast she climbed higher and higher into the air, stopping at the top of the dome. Her body ached something awful, but she knew what needed to be done. Taking a moment to breath in the one final look over Sweet Apple Acres, Dash nosedived. Growing in speed the cool rush of air exhilarated the cyan pegasus. This feeling was why she loved to fly. Here she truly felt free. Flying high she didn’t have a care in the world. Her eyes closed as she approached the old farm house then in an explosion of lights and sound the farm house was exploded into a cloud of colorful smoke. The sight of the sonic rainboom jarred the fleeing ponies as they stared at the awesome sight. Applejack stared motionlessly as the both mesmerizing and petrifying surge of color wiped away her home. All remnants of the once great farm house and the horde surrounding it were gone. Only a few zombies remained sprawled out over the fertile soil.
Reaching the edge of the dome the group paced back in forth, waiting for the lunar princess to appear. With each passing second, Twilight grew more and more anxious. Her eyes moved from face to face as she hoped that Luna would up hold her promise. “Where is she, She said she would be here. We need her to be here!” Instantly a small archway formed in the fluctuating wall as the keeper of the night lowered into sight. Knowing her sister would surely know of her activities she yelled for the exhausted equines to hurry. Gleaming over the horizon, the sun lifted its face. As the light bleed over the night sky the clouds and stars blended into an assortment of yellows and purples. Though the sunrise should have been a sign of a better tomorrow, today it only held pain and sorrow. As the last pony found their way across the threshold the portal forcefully closed to the ground. Still running the group of friends headed toward the Everfree Forest hoping its deep plant life would shield them from the imminent blast. Not even the horrors hiding within the forest could compare to the fate in stored for the once thriving town.
* * *
The sun rose into the morning sky providing Celestia her cue to ascend the lost city from darkness. With wings spread the ruler of the sun soared into the air. Her heart weighed heavy for the time had come. The words, "One town for the world," raced through her thoughts as the alicorn attempted to justify her actions. It didn't matter. It was do or die, and Celestia had worked too hard to protect her kingdom from evil to go soft now. Silhouetted by the majesty of the sun the white princess's eyes glowed with power. Acting like a magnifying glass to a hill of ants the sun's awesome might focused above her head. Lifting her shields away from the town a single bolt of energy rocketed through the morning sky. The town stood in awe as it gazed at its approaching doom. Reaching the center of town the ball of light engulfed itself, and then expanded rapidly sending waves of flames and destruction throughout the city. The surge of power ripped apart everything in its path leaving only ash and soot. Though it only lasted a few seconds, the aftermath would last forever. Ponyville was gone. Still within the blast radiance the fleeing mares were tossed asunder by its concussive might. The flames and heat withered the outskirts of the forest stopping just before incinerating the fallen friends.
Twilight pick herself up from the slowly warming ground wearily looking at the destruction that laid before her. A large mushroom cloud of smoke billowed from the ravaged city as the morning air blow through the grass. Celestia towered over her former student with a look of disappointment hardened on her face. "Twilight Sparkle for your crimes against Equestria I am left with no choice other than banishment. Worst yet I will be unable to let any of your friend leave from this place. The only way to insure that the infection ends here is by eviscerating all traces of its existence. I am sorry it has come to this Twilight, but you have forced my hoof." Celestia forceful pushed herself off the forest's floor hovering just overhead.
"Princess Celestia, no. You can't do this. No one here is infected. Please I am sorry." Twilight groveled below the white alicorn, but her pleads fell on deaf ears. Celestia's horn grew in power as she focused her attention toward the surviving ponies. Celestia gained no pleasure in taking the lives of her favorite student's companies. In fact Celestia was like a second mother to Twilight and could never bring herself to harm her. That being said her friends weren't this lucky. Reaching the height of her power Celestia turned toward the last residents of Ponyville. With a sudden flash of color and rainbow streak collided into Celestia's side. The bolt of energy wildly flow though the air missing its target by mere inches. Celestia wavered in the sky as she slowly recovered from the frontal assault.
"Rainbow Dash you're alive." Twilight looked in awe as the rainbow pegasus hung triumphantly in the air.
"Come on Twi, did you really think a huge explosion could stop me."
Smirking Celestia came crashing down upon Rainbow Dash’s back sending a loud crack ringing through the air. Wearily Rainbow attempted to get up, but was unable. Going in for the kill Celestia casually walked over to the fallen hero and raised her front hoof. It would only take single stomp to finish off her attacker, and then she could return to her duties.
"Enough!" Out of the forest a thunderous voice boomed through the field. Princess Luna emerged from the shadows with a solemn affect. "Tia, listen to me. There has been enough death. Let these ponies go. The fight is over. The infection is gone."
"No I can let this evil spread. It must end here." Once more she raised her hoof causing her prey to tense up for the impeding strike.
"Tia this is not you. This is not the sister I love. What crimes have these ponies done in what way do they deserve to die? Please sister let us go home."
"Luna you saw what happened all those years ago. You know what must be done."
"No sister what I remember is us experimenting and testing on an innocent little girl." Luna carefully approached her sister who slowly lowered her hoof. Gently she wrapped her wing around her body in attempt to calm the tempest inside her.
"You know that isn't the truth. She was a monster."
"She might have been Tia, but they aren’t."
Looking down at the trembling mare under her hoof, Celestia's eyes filled with tears. Luna's words weighed heavy in her mind as the great princess lowered her body to the ground. She couldn't do it; she couldn't take another life. Looking at her hooves she realized who the real monster was. It was her. In her blind rage she had destroyed a city. How could she be so quick to punish her subjects when she was the one causing so much harm? Rising to her hooves she looked to her once loyal subjects. “I know what I have done is unacceptable, and I can only hope that someday you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. It was only with the love of my kingdom that I lose sight of what really mattered. Let us not forget the lives lost and the loved ones ripped away. I can not offer you any comfort except the opportunity to live tour lives. ” The all was quiet as no pony said a word. Quickly rushing to Dash’s aid the frightened ponies watched as the two royal princesses disappeared into the horizon. Everypony had suffered dearly and the ill spoken words of the princess didn't change anything. Their lives would never be the same as both friendships and love ones were forever lost. The morning sun shined on the ruined city for a new day had dawn. No one knew what their lives had in store, or where they would go. All they found they could do was watch the day carry on.
* * *
