Fading Light

“There.” Cody pointed at an abandoned alley between two broken buildings. The foundations of them were home to extensive vines. John clicked the button to silence the radio as he carefully backed up into the alley. The shadows grew more intense when they moved deeper in between the buildings. The car came to a sudden halt. John flipped the key and the engine stopped abruptly. Dash was still getting use to how the car worked, and was slightly on edge.

“Let’s get ready to go.” John opened the trunk and left the car. He opened the back door for Anya and Dash to leave the vehicle. Cody stretched as he shut his door. There was an audible crack when he shifted his neck from side to side. Dash never touched the ground when she left the car. The weight of the gun didn’t give her much trouble as she hovered around the car. Anya leapt and ran around the car to be at her master’s side. Cody knelt down to pet her.

“What’s on the agenda, John?” Cody looked towards the back of the car. John placed Cody’s rucksack on the ground. He pulled a large black tarp from the trunk.

“Help me with this.” He told Cody. They both took the opposite sides of the tarp, and in one swift movement, they covered the car. Dash simply observed them. John flipped his hood over his head, and pulled the facemask over his mouth and nose, leaving his eyes exposed.

“We’re looking for a motor oil for this piece of shit.” He nudged the hood of the car with his foot. “Stick close together unless I tell you otherwise, and don’t go into really dark places.” He said as he strapped the bag on his back. He looked at Dash. “And you might not want to fly.” He warned.

“What? Why not?” Dash said with an irritated expression. John sighed. He stepped out from the ally and pointed to hills which were covered in trees.

“Imagine about nine to ten people with the same gun you have on those hills, itching to kill something. They’ll have no problem picking you off from the sky.” He stepped back in the ally. “So if you want to survive, stick to the walls and don’t fly.”

Dash scoffed, but ceased her hovering. Cody leaned against the front of the car, munching on a cream filled sponge cake.

“I thought I told you not to eat the rations.” John muttered.

“Oh, this isn’t part of the rations.” He took another bite. “I took this for myself. It was about to expire in two days, so I couldn’t just ignore it.” He smiled.

John groaned with both embarrassment and anger. “Let’s just go.” He took his rifle and armed it.

Dash chuckled at Cody as he finished his snack. In a way, he was sort of like Pinkie Pie. He stayed optimistic and cheery even though the world was dangerous. It was comforting.

“Are you guys coming or what?” John yelled. He was across the street from them, waving his hand to grab their attention.

“Come on. Let’s go.” He clicked his tongue, telling Anya to follow him. Dash nodded.

“Yeah, right behind ya.”

It was odd to see a city as massive as Manehatten empty for Dash. All the complexes, businesses, and shopping malls were abandoned. Humans of all ages should be littering the sidewalks, and there should be traffic jams. Something had transformed this once cramped city into a ghost town. She had some idea of what was the cause of the silence. She could see it when she closed her eyes. A hideous abomination, moving its jaw as it hungered for flesh. Her flesh.

“You alright?” Cody snapped her from her nightmarish thoughts. She shook her head, hoping to forget the image. She looked back at Cody, whose concern for her mental stability was evident by his expression. Dash nodded slowly.

“Yeah, I’m okay. Just fine.” She said in her normal spunky voice. Cody continued to follow John, with Dash close by him.

“That looks like a good place to search.” John pointed towards an abandoned body shop. There was a garage for cars to enter the relatively small building.

“Wait a minute, why are we looking for oil in there? Can’t we just take one from the other car things?” Dash pointed to an abandoned vehicle that was about the same size as Cody’s coup. John scoffed.

“That is a good idea, but unfortunately, we don’t have the tools to siphon their tanks. Besides, the oil has probably been there for at least six months without the owners cleaning it.” John said as he walked across the broken asphalt that was a road.

“Six months? That’s when all this started?” Dash was ignored as John discovered that the door was locked.

“Shit.” He cursed as he kicked the door in frustration.

“I got this.” Cody unstrapped his bag and placed it on the ground.

“What are you-“ Dash was cut off from Cody’s battle cry as he charged at the door. In a moment, he leapt into the air, extending both of his legs mid-air. There was a loud bang when his heels connected with the metal frame. He landed on his back with a thud, and cried out in pain. John placed his palm over his masked face.

“What the hell was that?” It came out as an insult rather than a question. Cody was still on the ground, groaning.

“I thought it... Ugh... would be like in the movies... shit...”

John sighed with both confusion and embarrassment. He took the butt of his rifle and smashed a nearby window. With caution, he managed to squeeze through the window and unlock the door from the inside. Once the door was opened, he looked down at his injured companion. Dash stifled a chuckle. John pulled Cody up, who attempted the rub his aching back.

Cautiously, the team entered the building, the most experienced ones checking the dark corners of the establishment. There was a door behind the register that would lead to the garage. John sat down in front of the desk and removed his facial attire, revealing his scarred, scruffy face. Cody entered the garage with his loyal canine to search the garage. Dash sat down next to John as he started to finish his explanation of the events that caused this.

“Technically, this started nine months ago, in a country called France. It was six months ago when it was declared a pandemic.” Dash ruffled her feathers get used to the awkward position the gun was placed against her side due to sitting down. Crashes could be heard in the garage.

“It is a bacterium that only infects certain blood types. Some believe it to be a mutation of rabies or other related diseases.”

“Wait a minute. Are you saying not everypony can be infected? How?” Dash wasn’t always the pony who wanted to learn about something, especially when it came to science. It was probably the fact that it acted like a legitimate zombie virus she read in comics.

“Medical Science 101: There are four types of blood, A, B, AB, and O. Each blood type is classified by the antigens within them, A and B. Now for some reason that has yet to be explained, the cells of the disease mutate the A antigens only, creating a whole new antigen that the locals call Z.” He sighed at that pun. Being a medical professional, he hated the fact that people related these things to “zombies”, but essentially, that’s what they are. He continued.

“Those infected have similar symptoms to rabies; they can’t reason, have uncontrollable rage, that sort of thing. Though, those were only victims with the A blood type. Those infected with AB...” He shuddered. Dash caught on to his fear and became more morbidly curious.

“What are they like?” She asked cautiously. John looked at her for a moment, seeming to recall the monstrosity. He returned his gaze towards the broken window.

“They are much more intelligent. They are capable of speech, aware of what they are doing, and patient.” He closed his eyes. “I... I remember watching the news when it was still contained in France. They were doing a special on the disease. They had one victim with AB blood quarantined, and decided to do an interview on him. He didn’t answer their questions, but he tried to... persuade them into letting him kill them with this... smile.”

There was a loud crash. Immediately, Dash and John got up to their feet (and hooves) to check on Cody, who was probably the cause of the accident. Inside the garage, they found Cody lying on his back with hubcaps on his torso. To make the scene even more humorous (at least for Dash), Anya decide to lick his face ferociously.

“What happened this time?” John flipped his hood over his head once more. Cody simply pointed to a shelf with motor oil. Next to it was a rusty step ladder, now with one less step.

“Today is not my day.” He groaned. He hoisted himself up. John approached the shelf, and was just tall enough to grab a container. He tossed it over to Cody, who caught it on instinct.

“That’s all you had to do, man.” John scoffed.

“Well, I apologize for not being as tall as you...” They continued to argue. Dash watched them with amusement as they went at each other like an old married couple. This led her to thinking...

“So, what are you guys anyway?” They both ceased their bickering to process her question.

“What?” They both said almost in unison.

“Are you guys like special someponies or...” John was completely confused. It took him a minute, but Cody snapped his fingers as he figured out what she was referring to.

“I think she’s asking if were in a “relationship”.” He made quotes using his fingers. John’s face changed colours.

“W-what? No, we’re not a couple! I mean, I don’t have anything against that, but with him? Never.”

“Well that’s nice...” Cody said sarcastically. Dash laughed at John’s obvious embarrassment.

“I didn’t know your voice could crack like that, dude.” She said after her snickering. Cody joined in with her. John scoffed.

“He’s my younger brother. My younger adopted brother, I should say. I’ve known him since he was a baby.” He explained, trying to shrug off the embarrassment. “We got what we need, so let’s get out of here.” He tossed more containers of oil to Cody, who placed them in his bag.

“We should explore first. I mean, what if there’s something awesome lying around and we miss it? Besides, isn’t that what they do in a zombie apocalypse anyway?” Dash suggested.

“They aren’t zombies. Only live patients can be infected and they don’t eat flesh. They just kill. Plus, UV radiation kills them almost instantly.” John explained with annoyance.

“She does have a point though. It seems empty enough to explore a little. It never hurts to have a little extra ammo or bandages.” Cody sided with Dash.

“Do you have a map?” John asked, almost rhetorically.

Cody smirked, and reached into a pocket in his coat. He held a slip of paper in his hand. “I found one at that shop. Who knew that playing detective games could heighten your perception?”

John thought for a moment. He shrugged once he came to a conclusion. “Eh, what the hell? Let’s do it.” Cody complied, and grabbed his gear. “Along the way, we could get some clothes for you as well.” He extended a finger towards Dash, who was slightly confused at that statement.

“Clothes? I don’t know what you think about me, but I’m not at all fancy like you guys.” She said. John chuckled.

“Yeah, because we have attire that is fit for the Queen. Look, it’s not like we’re getting you a wedding dress, just something to hide your... obviousness. Those bright colours are like a big sign that says, “Shoot me”.” John emphasized with his hands, painting an imaginary billboard. Dash winced a little at the insult about her colours. She always had pride in her “Awesome look”.

“Are we going or what? I already found where I wanted to go first.” John eyed Cody suspiciously.

“And where do you want to go first?”

“Pfft, I don’t know how to pronounce it. It says it’s a music store. They also have songs in English!” Cody said almost excitedly.

“Let’s get the necessities first.” John said flatly.

“Aw, you’re no fun.” Cody said in a childlike voice. John opened the garage door, letting the sunlight banish any form of darkness that was left in the room. Cold winter air rushed through the opening, creating a short brisk breeze for the lot.

“Let’s get you outfitted.” John said as he walked outside. Dash was followed by Cody and Anya when she left the garage.

“Christ. Talk about snazzy.” Cody commented to no one in particular about a suit he picked up from one of the racks of clothing. They were located in what seemed to be a thrift shop. Numerous amounts of unrelated clothing were hung in semi-neat rows all along the small shop, making it seem more cramped than it already was. John was browsing the isles, looking for something that consisted of many pockets within earshot of Cody. Dash sat on her haunches behind Cody, staring at him as he made diverse expressions at different articles of clothing.

“What do you think? Good enough to drink wine with?” Cody turned around to get Dash’s opinion about the suit. It was a generic piece; a black suit jacket with an equally black neck tie, topped off with a white undershirt. She shrugged

“How should I know? I don’t know anything about clothes.” She answered. Cody placed the hanger at his chest, and turned to Anya, who was at his heel.

“What do you think, Anya?” Anya tilted her head in response, unsure of what her owner was asking. “No opinion either? I thought women were supposed to be experts on these things.” He muttered as he returned the suit to where he found it.

Dash hovered over the isles to catch a glimpse of John as he search each individual article. “Did you find anything yet?”

“No, not yet. Just be patient... there’s bound to be something here.” John said, pushing aside another set of useless clothing. She returned to her spot behind Cody. It was boring, and no other word could describe it. She decided to create some small talk to kill the time.

“So, what did you do before this, Cody?” Cody continued to browse nonchalantly along the isle.

“You mean before the world ended?” He chuckled. “I was nothing important, just an unknown veterinarian who lived in an unknown town.” He explained. He picked up another suit, this one being red, making it a little too tacky for his liking. “Let’s see... I’m twenty-one, married, and have no kids.” He finished.

“You’re married?” Dash was a little surprised by that.

“Yeah, almost a year now. Jenny is safe in Berlin where the other refugees are.” He sighed. “Now, what about you?”

Dash stuttered for a moment, trying to remember anything before the event that caused her to just appear there for no reason. “Well, I know I was the head weatherpony in Ponyville... Oh yeah, and I’m the element of Loyalty!” She puffed out her chest with pride.

“Element of Loyalty? What title is that?” Cody asked, turning around to see the prideful smile on Dash’s face.

“It’s one of the six Elements of Harmony. My friends are the other ones; Kindness, Honesty, Laughter, Generosity, and Magic. When anypony decides to mess with Equestria... BOOM!! We zap ‘em with the Elements.” She flew into the air, punching the air to “demonstrate” the power of the elements.

“So basically... these “Elements of Harmony” are a super weapon.” John mused.

“What did you do, John?” Dash asked, finally killing some boredom. He continued to search, holding a black children’s hooded jacket in one hand.

“I was a medical scientist.” He said as he grabbed a small hunting vest.

“No, he was the medical scientist. He has his own book and everything.” Cody corrected. John chuckled modestly.

“I wouldn't say that I was the best.” He examined the clothing. “Can you come here for a second, Dash?” She flew over to him in a second.

“What is it?”

“I just need you to hold still while I measure you.” He said calmly. She nodded and held her ground as he put cuts on the fabric with a pocket knife.

“So... what else? Are you married too?” She asked innocently. John took a second to look at her, as if offended somehow.

“No. Not anymore at least.”

“Not anymore?”

John sighed. She realised that it was a touchy subject. “I left her right before this started. She was an alcoholic, and she couldn’t get any better. She would even steal money from my bank account just to afford one more drink at the pub.” He sliced off the sleeves of the jacket to compliment her size. He continued. “We... no, I tried to get her help, but no matter what treatment she got, she wouldn’t change. It wasn’t like she couldn’t change; it was because she didn’t even put an effort in it. Not for herself, not for me, hell, not even for her own children.”

Dash’s ear flicked at this new information. “And before you ask: yes, I do have children. One son and daughter. They are in Berlin, with Cody’s wife, Jenny.” He gave her the makeshift clothing he made for her. “Put on the jacket first, then the vest. There’s a dressing room in the back.” He said normally. She took the pile of clothing, and flew almost instantaneously to the rear of the shop.

Cody gave John and odd look. “What?”

“How do you expect her to put on clothes without fingers?” Cody asked. John shrugged.

“She knows what clothes are. I’m sure her... species have a special way of doing so.”

“Oh yeah? What do suppose their “special way” is?”

“Magic.” John replied sarcastically. Cody’s mood suddenly shifted.

“Are you alright? I know you don’t like talking about Samantha...” He said cautiously, almost as a whisper.

“You’re right, Cody, I don’t. So how about we drop it. Now.” John snarled.

“Don’t get aggressive on me! You’re the one who brought it up anyway.” Cody replied with an attitude he rarely uses.

John was silent. Cody was right. He told someone who he barely knew a subject that he hated speaking about. She wasn’t even a human. Why?

He was interrupted by the sound of a dressing room door. Almost instantaneously, Dash appeared with her new attire. The jacket was loose around her forelegs, making it almost nonexistent for her as she moved. The vest was a bit bulky, but her wings could move freely, thanks to handy slits that john created for her. The makeshift rifle fit snugly along her back instead of drooping from her side. Overall, the clothing was crude, but effective.

“Oh my God... you look adorable!” Cody cooed in a playful tone. Dash glared at him.

“Here.” John took the hood and flipped it over her head. Only her muzzle was not covered by the flap of fabric. “Now, if only there was a way to cover your tail...” He looked around once more at the abundant racks of clothing. “... That will just have to do for now.” He took a box of ammunition and inserted them into pockets she had access. He chuckled. “Now all we need to do is find you a small knapsack to put food in.” Dash sighed.

“And how long is that going to take?” She said with boredom.

“Relax, I was just kidding... though it would be helpful if you did have a bag of sorts.” He checked his watch. “Let’s get going the the music store. We have an hour until noon.” John said. He slowly left the store and Dash followed closely.

Before Cody left the store, he stared at Anya, who was panting rhythmically. “How the hell did she put those on?”

The supposed music store held its promised digital cassettes in dusty shelves. When the group entered, a small bell acknowledged their presence on top of the door. Cody nearly sprinted towards the shelves, looking for anything in English.

“Jesus, Cody, its just music.” John said as he entered. Cody ignored him and admired the English choices.

“Oh my God, look at the selection! Three Days Grace, The Offspring... wow, Hollywood Undead! This is my kind of store. If the manger where alive, I’d kiss him or her.” He said as he took the albums from the shelves.

“What’s up with him?” Dash asked as she entered the store with Anya. John shrugged.

“I honestly have no idea. I guess he’s addicted to music... if that’s even possible.” John knew him almost all of his life, but never quite understood his fetish for rock and roll, jazz, or generally every music genre. Cody gasped. Spontaneously, he hopped over the the register desk and looked for something.

“He’s almost as crazy as Pinkie...” Dash mused.

“What the hell are you doing?” John asked. Cody placed a wireless radio on top of the table with a gleeful smile.

“Come on...” He switched on the radio, and it came to life with the static that used to be a radio station. “Yes! Thank God for batteries.” He cheered.

“Seriously, Cody, What’s got you so excited?” John asked, almost irritated.

“You’ll see.” Cody smirked as he inserted the CD into the radio. In a second, drums became audible, followed by a familiar reggae tune. As soon as John recognized the song he smiled. Cody patted his chest, telling Anya to jump on him. He started to dance with her, singing along with the chorus. Dash chuckled at the scene.

“Come on, John, you know the words!” Cody persuaded in between the chorus. With a smile, John approached the duo, holding Anya’s back and dancing along with them. He too, sang along with the chorus in a decent baritone voice.

Dash watched the m with an inner happiness. It was amazing to her. They have lived in this hellhole for half a year, and haven’t seen their loved ones in who knows how long, but aside all that, they dance and sing a song that most people will forget in their situation. Perhaps the song was true: every little thing was going be alright. She will make it home, alive and well, and see her friends again. She had hope.

BANG!

A loud crash startled all of them. The sound originated from a room behind the register. John and Cody unsheathed their sidearms. Since Cody was closer, he moved to open the door. The music seemed to fade away the closer he moved towards the door. As soon as he touched the knob, the door burst opened, unleashing a horde of murderous ghouls.

Cody was grabbed by the arm, and could feel human nails dig in his skin. Instinctively, Dash flew in, and kicked the culprit. Hard. There was a loud, sickening crack when its head connected with the wall. It slid down the wall, motionless. She killed it.

Unable to react to it, a disfigured hand clasped against her back hoof with an iron grip. The scent of death pierced through her nostrils violently as she looked at the unrecognizable face. A large blade slid into its head with the sound of ripping flesh. Blood spewed onto John’s body as he pulled his blade from the creature.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here!” John yelled over the hideous snarls. He slammed the door at the sea of rotten flesh to buy them a literal second. They all left the store with adrenaline surging through them. Pain was nonexistent to Dash, whose hind leg was burning furiously.

To make matters worse, the whole street was covered with the taller buildings shadows, forcing them to run towards sunlight. Dash was flying side by side with the group. She could easily fly faster than them, and get herself to safety. Being true to her Element, she would not abandon them, no matter what.

It all lasted about a minute until they reached the safety of the sun. They breathed heavily as the horde diminished. Cody’s heavy breathing turned into chuckles of relief.

“Are we all alright?” He asked between breaths.

“I’m good.” John answered. Cody turned towards Dash. His relieved smile shifted into a frown of fear.

“Oh shit...” He muttered. Dash turned to see what he was so afraid of.

Her heart started beating faster when she saw it.

Her fur was soaked with blood on her hind leg. Three open gashes caused blood to flow like a river, making it drip onto the asphalt road. The burning sensation finally affected her.

“What is your blood type?” John asked as an eerie whisper, grazing the grip of his revolver. Dash put her gaze on him. He wore a poker face, but his eyes were full of fear at her.

Of what she’ll become.

“What is it?” John unsheathed his silver sidearm, ready to shoot her.

“It’s...” She hesitated. She remembered the doctor say her blood type when she was in the hospital with a broken wing. It would’ve been something she would normally forget, but it repeated itself in her head over and over. She gulped.

“It’s... A positive...”