This World We Live In

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Chapter 1

"Wake up!"

You feel a shaking sensation

"Come on wake up!"

The voice spoke again, the voice was one that was feminine, although the voice was hushed, it sounded frantic and panicked, trying to be a yell, but kept the sound low which made it a whisper. You start to wake up. Your face is down in the earth beneath you, your hands splayed out at your sides, and your whole body hurt. You groan in pain as you use your hands to push your self up from the hard ground. Your head throbs in pain. As you get to your feet you notice the sun is setting. 'How long was I out?' You think to yourself. Your bag was next to you some of its contents strewn about mostly just first aid.

"I know your not suppose to move much after being banged up as badly as you were but we have to get out of here quickly!"

You look around at first and don't see anyone.

"Huh? Who said that?" You ask aloud searching for someone.

"Down here. I'm trying to save your life here. Now let's get a move on."

You look down to see a dark yellowish coated miniature horse with a pith hat upon its head, it had a spectrum of gray for a mane and tail, magenta eye color and what looked like a whip on its bags which were thrown across its back. You noticed that it also had wings, and a compass like mark upon its flanks. You didn't question if you were imagining it to be there, or if it was real. You put all of your supplies back into the bag.

*Common backpack acquired: can hold 25 more pounds of equipment comfortably.*

You grab your Colt .45 1911A1 pistol from the ground.

*.45 pistol acquired: your ol faithful you have put more money into this than anything, you love this thing more than your parents, almost everything about this pistol was brought because you just had to have it. The grip had your name engraved along the spine, the stupid extended magazine cartridges which now allow it to hold thirteen bullets, twelve in the magazine and one in the chamber, the red dot sight which was a must have because 'its so cool', and let's not forget the ridiculously expensive silencer you just had to have.*

You also grab the three boxes of ammo that were on the floor.

*x2 boxes of 45 ACP; x50 bullets per box.*

*x1 box of 12 g shells; 20 shells per box.*

You cock back your 1911 to see if there is a round in the chamber, but the magazine is spent. You eject the empty magazine and pull out one of the 45 ACP ammo boxes and start to reload the magazine, unsure if you have any loaded mags in your bag. The miniature winged horse looks at you while you load the cartridge with thirteen bullets. You insert the mag in and the slide slams forward loading the first bullet in the chamber. You flick your thumb and switch the safety on so you can safely holster the weapon on your hip holster so you can throw your bag on and head out. You groan in pain again as you shoulder the damaged bag upon your back. You were in so much pain, you only remember running from your run down shack because of a few gunshots and loud screams, then you woke up when this, winged creature woke you up. You knew that ponies and humans lived in peace, but you never really got to know one because of the outbreak. The winged horse has a look of concern as you try to walk and hears you grunt in pain, more than likely you just sprained your ankle but nothing that time wouldn't heal.

"Can you walk fine on your own?"

The horse asked. You let your companion know that you will be fine, the horse let out a relaxing sigh.

"Okay. So we need to get out of these woods, and fast. There are a bunch of walkers about five kilometers to the east from where I was, and I'm sure that with you bleeding they might be getting closer as we speak. I did my best to clean and bandage the wounds as best as I could, but with you not being a pony I really am not sure how durable you are, or how quickly you could recover without the help of magic. Let's head north out of these woods so we can get to the nearest town, they have a doctor or two there, and just might be willing to help us."

"Why should I go anywhere with you?"

Your voice filled with suspicion.

"How do I know that you won't just lead me into a trap and kill me?"

"Ugh! If I wanted you dead you wouldn't be alive right now. I would have left you for dead, probably would have made some loud noise to attract the zombies to finish you off while I took your bag full of supplies, and got to the town with little to no problem. So as for your stupid little accusation no I am not trying to kill you I am trying to save you, why can't you just accept that?"

"Fine lead the way." You reply.

The two of you creep through the heavily wooded area avoiding small boobietraps. You try to move as stealthily as you could, avoiding branches on the ground when possible and keeping your 1911 equipped with the silencer because of the noise reduction it provided. You might be able to take a few pot shots at some zombies and not be heard as long as they weren't within a hundred feet of you. Not bothering to get to know the name of your new 'companion' you and the winged being kept on moving. Your companion was much quieter than you because it could actually fly, it hovered about eye level with you so you two could communicate with one another, but it was silent between you two. You held up your hand with a clenched fist to communicate a 'stop' signal for your companion. As you two stopped you listened, a rustling sound came from a nearby bush. You let your companion know that you wanted to know what it was and asked if they would like to check it out.

"What? No! We don't have time for that we need you to get to the town and get real medical attention, for all we know its another walker in the middle of feeding, and we don't need that kind of attention right now."

You sigh and tell them that you'll check it instead. As you reddied your pistol you felt your heart racing, your hand shaking slightly. You had to know if it was a zombie or this was just some elaborate joke that your mind was playing on you and you were dreaming. As you draw closer to the bush the rustling ceases. You Can only hear your heart beating, you use your less dominant hand to brush aside the shrubbery to see what is on the other side. You feel time slow to a crawl and you feel your stomach drop like if you were on a roller coaster about to take its first nosedive, and felt your veins go icy. As you move the bush from your sight to see on the other side your nostrils are assaulted with a very pungent smell of rotting meat. You couldn't tell if your companion was correct or you just stumbled upon someone eating some really rotten food, but you did see the body of what looked like it would be a pony, much like your companion. The only difference there was a horn upon its head and you couldn't see if it had wings because of the human hunched over the midsection. You weren't sure if you should shoot, walk away, or see if the person was just in dire need of food. All reason went right out the window as you called out to the person eating the pony. The being picked up its head and turned to look at you, and the image on the persons face was horrifying. Days old dry blood which looked to be caked and blackened around the eyes of the person, fresh pony blood dripping from the mouth, a hole in the left cheek which allowed you to see the rotting jagged teeth inside their mouth. There was no other explanation this person had turned into a zombie, just as your companion had said, and you just disturbed its meal. It got up and started limping towards you, the sickly sound of blood escaping open wounds unseen was getting to you. You freeze for a moment, but soon take a few steps back as the zombie moises its way through the shrub. The smell, and horror finally catch up to you and your brain sends a message to your stomach stating that you must empty all contents from inside your stomach, and allow them to be free. You lean over onto a tree nearby and let loose all the contents of your stomach, it burned and left the awful taste of bile in your mouth. After emptying your stomach onto the ground you wipe your mouth with your shirt and ready your pistol once more this time with the intent to kill. You line up a head shot, not too difficult with the distance between you and the zombie only being about ten feet, and you squeeze your trigger finger three times. As the hammer, and slide activated three times the being before you crumpled into a lifeless heap of limbs, or a truly lifeless heap of decaying limbs. You looked over your shoulder and saw your companion with a worried look upon their face, as they are frantically looking around.

"You idiot!" Your companion exclaims. A forelimb came across your face as your winged companion continue uses to show panic.

"You could have alerted every zombie within a nine kilometer radius, or worse you could have been bitten and you'd have turned too. I can't have that I've already had to kill another pony because they acted as irrational as you just now!"

You tell your winged friend that you were sorry but you needed the confirmation that she was indeed telling the truth about the situation.

"Its fine, I'm sorry I hit you too, its just this isn't the type of adventure I am use to. Ponies don't normally die when I am looking for artifacts, the worst they get hurt and retreat not die in place to rot."

Your companion took a breath to calm down a bit.

"By the way the name is Do, Daring Do, I'm a mare who loves adventure, but since this virus spread throughout the world I haven't been contracted for any ancient artifacts to be found and brought back to a museum."

You told Daring your name and what you liked to do before the virus outbreak happened. Its been nearly two years since the first infected was dealt with at the beginning of the outbreak, and with your luck it had to be in your town. So you did the only logical thing one could do. Purchase some "insurance" and try to start working on your survival skills. You always knew that a zombie apocalypse would happen you just didn't think that it would happen so soon. The 1911 you bought was actually bought without your parents knowledge. You knew some people who could cut you a deal had you bought accessories along with it.

As the two of you traded stories along with trying to stay silent you passed a lot of time. The moon was already high in the sky, it was probably around midnight. Daring tried to stifle a yawn with her forehoof.

"Alright we are only about another ten to fifteen minute walk from the place I was telling you about."

You saw a giant sign that had "Stable Township" crudely written on an empty billboard. As the two of you were with in a few hundred yards a loud booming voice came from speakers upon poles around the town.

"Stop! If you move any further we will be forced to shoot."

You and your companion obeyed the voice.

"Are you clean? As in not infected. Meaning no bite marks or any direct contact with an infected. If your answer is yes make a circle with your arms above your head, if you have been bitten but its fresh make an 'x' with your arms and we shall treat you properly to try and exterminate the virus from your body."

You make a circle above your head with your arms and Daring follows suit with her hooves.

"Okay. We are opening the gate now, approach slowly any sporadic movements will be taken as a threat."

We moved slowly towards the door and were soon let inside, we explained how Daring found me out in the woods and how we both needed a place to sleep for the night.

"Well we don't rightly 'ave extra beds to sleep on but we got rolls, an' we do 'ave the space if 'n y'all willin' tah sleep on the floor for the night."

A southern sounding pony stated, she was orangish with a blond mane, her face matted with freckles, and her eyes were a deep emerald color. She too had a mark upon her flanks but hers was different than Daring's mark, hers was of three apples. Daring and I agreed to the terms and both unraveled our bed rolls, and soon you drifted off to sleep, hopefully tomorrow will bring some answers as to what the hell is going on here.

Author's Note

Well this was something that just popped into my mind yesterday and I just wrote it, I do like how most of it came out, and hope you do too. I will take suggestions from the comments to put into the story if I like the premises. This is kind of like the "if life was a game" as well as a "survival horror" if there is any constructive criticism either pm me or post it in the comments, as well as any typos, I don't have a proof reader so its just me looking over for errors. Thanks for reading.

I want to make this story interesting so I am going to do something I have never done and have a voting system on what I should make the next chapter about here are the choices for the next chapter, after the choices are exhausted I'll figure out what to do next:
Decoy duty
Medicine run
Fuel run
Food supply run
Tech supply run
Ammo run or
Entertainment run

Chapter 2

“... on Everypony!” A muffled yell came from outside the small housing area in which many ponies were waking up from followed by a ringing sound, it sounded like metal hitting metal constantly. Laying on your face with one eye open, you notice there aren’t any other people in this particular building, but push the thought aside as your groggy brain tries to jump start so you can see about getting some answers.Daring trots over to you to help you wake up, you didn’t need her help but it was a kind gesture that you accepted. Once you orient yourself and stretch a bit you hear the ringing stop then followed by a loud:

“Soups on everypony!”

It had a very southern drawl, you assume its the same orange pony that you spoke briefly with last night because other than daring she was the only one who spoke to you last night. As Daring and you are walking towards the door to leave the sleeping quarters, you notice from the open door that the sun is barely peeking over the horizon.

“Ugh! Why are we up before the sun is every morning. If the sun isn’t up I shouldn’t be either.”

A pony who was behind you complained out loud. You turn your head to see the pony because you want to give them a high five or a hoof bump of some sort. The pony had a powder black colored coat with a light blue mane and tail that had some white in it, the ponies mark looked like a gray cloud with a yellow lightning bolt striking from the cloud, its eyes had a golden sheen to them and you noticed a pair of wings as well. Before you could vocalize your thoughts on the ponies remark another winged pony, a white coat with a pink and lime green mane and tail, hovered over to the powder black one.

“Well if you don’t wake up at this time Thunderlane you’d have to eat leftovers if there are any left, or you probably wouldn’t eat at all because of the way Applejack likes to portion food. Just be grateful that you are alive, have food, shelter, your little brother, and me.” The white pony said to ‘Thunderlane’.

The black one sighed, “Yeah I guess you are right Blossomforth.”

Thunderlane smiled at Blossomforth, you assume that would be Thunderlane’s girlfriend by the way they shared a kiss, and just assuming that she was really a she hoping you weren't misgendering anyone. You felt a nudge.

“You really shouldn’t stare.” Daring said with a sly smile.

Your face heated up, and formed a bit of a blush, you hadn't realized but you had been staring for a while swiveled to turn away from the couple making out so you can proceed on leaving the building without further embarrassing yourself. You see crowds of ponies walking towards what looks like a mess hall, or a cafeteria of sorts. You spot the orange pony that you spoke with yesterday and ask Daring to come with you to ask some questions. You both approach the orange pony.

“Howdy partner. How’d y’all sleep last night?” The orange pony greeted.

“Eh, not as good as sleeping on a cloud, but I can't complain now can I. Thanks for letting us stay the night.” Daring said

“Well y’all mighty welcome, but ‘round these parts ponies earn their keep. So after y’all get washed up and some grub in yer bellies meet me in that there radio tower. We’ll talk ‘bout a way that y’all can pay us back.”

The orange pony began to leave but you stopped it because you wanted to know where you could ‘wash up’ and ‘get some grub’ even thought you were sure the place to eat was blatantly obvious because of the masses of ponies crowding there, but thought it would be a nice way to start build some sort of familiarity with this place, seeing as neither you nor Daring had any place to stay.
“Shoot I fergot. Y’alls never been ‘round here, Ah’ll be glad ta show yer ‘round. By the way the names Applejack, most folk jus call me Aj for short pleased ta meet ya.”

She held out a hoof as to attempt to ‘shake hands’ with you. you extend your hand to shake her hoof, as you tell her Daring and your names, also how greatful that she took you two in without much hesitation.

“Well like ah said y’all gonna hafta earn yer keep ‘round these parts.” Applejack said once again.

You felt the need to ask where were the people in the town, all you have seen is ponies.

“Well the ‘umans, normally watch the gates with their guns at night so most sleep during the day.”

A metaphorical light went off in Applejack’s mind as her face lit up. what ever she thought up she kept to herself as we walked around the town. She showed us everything in the town and how not only do the people and ponies alike like to trade with each other, through barter or with the exchange of caps. Apparently it was the only object easy enough to carry around and could be found everywhere. She led you to the area that the people in the town took care of their business. Aj said that there should be a spare clothes behind the lockers in the bathroom and to take a set of clothes that fit, and to meet her at the radio tower once Daring and you finish eating.

“I’ll go to the little mares room while I’m here. Who ever finishes first wait for the other at the picnic table right there okay?” Daring said to you. You just nod in agreement. You remove the grimy clothing from your body and turn on the water for your shower. The water was cold against your bare skin, but it felt heavenly to finally take a shower. There was a toothbrush still in the packaging in the shower you were in, along with a old looking tube of toothpaste. There was a bar of soap, and a white bottle which was clearly written in marker the word “shampoo” on the floor. You washed up as best as you could and then proceeded to open the toothbrush to brush while you showered, why waste the opportunity to get your mouth clean while your body was getting cleaned you thought. You hear grunting and struggling in the shower stall next to yours.

“Grr. Stupid hooves can't even get my back clean.” the voice complained.

You knew it was Daring because no one else was in the facility because they were too busy eating, so you finish up brushing and offer to help Daring clean herself, as a thank you for practically saving your life. After struggling a bit more Daring allows you to help clean her. You squirt a generous amount of shampoo on your hands and began to lather up her coat as she did the same with her mane she thanked you as you turned on the water for her to wash out the shampoo. You let her know it was the least you could do for saving your sorry hide. You two shared a chuckle. You picked up a towel and dried yourself off while Daring opted to shaking the water free. You found clothes right where Applejack said they would be, and much to your surprise the clothing was clean, but then you thought to yourself that these were scavenged so these could be someone elses undergarments. You blanched at the idea of wearing someone else's undergarments, but you did any way. You silently hoped that these were just found in some department store truck that was abandoned.

*Acquired casual wear. A plain white shirt and stone blue jeans*

You and Daring left the area to go get some food so you could meet up with Applejack to discuss your contribution to the town. The mess hall was emptying out a bit but ponies were still being served food. Nothing too nutritious just fruits, vegetables, and such. Once it was your turn to order the ponies asked if you want to eat from the human menu, which had meats, you obliged to eating from their menu as to not cause much of a fuss, you eat meat but ponies are omnivores so you didn’t want to make any of them uncomfortable you figured thats why the humans slept during the day so the ponies wouldn’t be put off by the meat eating creatures people are. After ordering some fruits and vegetables you also asked for some eggs, after scanning the area seeing that some ponies were eating them as well. You and Daring find a couple of seats in a corner to eat together. The two of you talked a bit about what you think Applejack would make you do, but both of you also shared a few jokes to keep the conversation from getting too grim.

“Ah! That was some good eating. Well we’d better head up to that radio tower soon, we can’t put it off forever.” Daring said to you.

You agree and clear your plate of any traces of food as you placed it in the marked dish rack that said ‘dirty’. As you walked Daring was hovering at your side along with you. You both approached the radio tower in silence. You opened the door, and held it open so Daring could get in. You saw a few rooms but a staircase was in the middle of the room, you assumed Applejack would need a high vantage point to oversee the town so you told Daring that you both should check upstairs. She agreed and followed you as you ascended the spiraling steps steps. After climbing the steps, which seemed to be the longest flight of steps you have ever climbed in a while, you ended up at the top of the tower.

“It kind of looks like a lighthouse.” Daring commented.

You see Applejack with another pony with a horn and a weird looking device upon its front right hoof. The horned pony had a purple mane and tail with a pinkish highlight, and a purple coat to match. The feminine voices in the room died down as Daring and you entered. Aj started to move from the small table with a radio on top, and six monitors on the wall which each showed areas in the town and what looked like the city.

“Ah. There ya go, ah was startin’ ta think that y’all wasn’t commin’.” Aj stated as she moved away from the radio and towards Daring and you. “This here is my good friend Twilight Sparkle, I jus call her Twi for short, she’s gonna be the one givin’ y’all directions and such outside the town, for places to look and places to avoid.”

The mare waved a hoof as to say hi. Daring waved back, so you felt obligated to wave as well you didn’t want to make a bad first impression. Daring did you the favor of introducing you and herself promptly to Twilight.

“Right so you two are going to be searching these three buildings for ammunition so we can properly defend our town even longer. the most important things to find would be bullets. Not everypony can wield a gun with ease as us unicorns and the humans as well so we need bullets and if you do stumble onto one or two guns you can help your self to one and bring the rest to the barracks for the humans to use for either parts or to fix them so we have more weapons for them to have more guards at night.” Twilight continued, “So the targets of interest are this weapons manufacture company,” She said pointing to the screen. “this police station, and this military like building. Now I have been informed that you too have a firearm in your possession so we only want rifle ammunition so any pistol ammunition you may keep unless you wish to give us some along with pistol if you two may find some. Im going to give Daring and you radios so I can communicate with you in the field and if you do get separated. I know this seems like a lot to ask for but we really need somepony to do it. the Zombies have been getting closer by the night, and I’m not sure how long we will last without more ammo.”

You let Twilight know that you and Daring are willing to do this but you do request in return an actual bed to sleep in. Twilight said she would see what she can do and if anything that you and Daring may share her bed while she slept in the bed roll.

“Great so go to the barracks and see about getting fitted with these headsets and then radio us when you are ready.”

You nodded and you and Daring head towards the exit.

*Acquired headset. Its a standard looking headset for someone who is in the field a lot. Use this to keep in contact with Stable township while roaming outside. Can broadcast music as well”

“This is going to be a long day isn’t it?” Daring stated as you and her exited the building. You told her that it was going to be the longest of days, and hopefully you would make it back alive.

Chapter 3

You and Daring get to the ‘barracks’ which is just a building away from the radio tower, and walk through the human sized metal double doors.In side you spot your first glimpse of humans and ponies working together. There were only about ten or so beings occupying the area, most in which were humans, the rest were ponies. Some of the occupants were exchanging ideas to one another while they spoke about whatever was on the white board near the table, occasionally pointing to the words scribbled on its face. others were either checking gear or repairing it. One of the humans checking some gear at a table waved you and Daring over. The man was dressed in a military looking combat armor. As you and Daring near the man he began to stand up straight so you could take a better look at the man’s attire.The armor looked like the color was fading,you see a few punctures in the material near the metal shoulder pad on his left, the armor was black in color but due to the weathering, and probably the sun it was fading but still looked like it could stop a bullet or two.

“Ah. You two are here already Twilight radioed us that you would be coming here after discussing your line of work to do around here, guess you are here to get fitted for your trek out into the city.” The man said.

You and Daring don’t say anything but nod to answer his question. He stared at both of you then laughed a bit before putting his hand upon his face, as if to face-palm for doing something foolish.

“I’m sorry. Where are my manors. My name is John. Don't let the military gear misguide you my name isn't Ramirez, heck I never served in the armed forces, nor do I know anyone by the name of Ramirez. If you could step in to the room behind me I’ll get the seamstress to come and get you two measured, and we will see if we can pull together some form of armor for you two or if you’ll have to borrow someone else's.” John said extending his arm and pointing to the door behind him.

You and Daring both thanked John and exchanged names, and shook hands, and hooves before proceeding to the room. It was an average sized room, there were five chairs, two human sized full body mirrors, a wall lined with different color rolls of fabric,two mannequin:, one pony and the other human, a table with a few safety pins, and measuring tape, two sewing machines, and a raised platform which was in front of one of the mirrors it had curtains draped above for privacy. You and Daring both looked over the room to better know your surroundings, because you are going to need to be doing that a lot while looking for ammo. You two both played a few rounds of ‘I spy, with my little eye’ to better acquaint yourself with her methods of explaining areas to look where she was, and vice versa. After a few minutes two ponies trotted into the room one a pegasus and the other had a horn, you hadn’t asked Daring if these kinds of ponies had a specific name yet. The one with the horn had a snow white coat and a very deep purple mane and tail while both were curled to perfection, the mark upon the horned one’s flank was three diamonds. The other one was a pegasus, a light pink mane and tail, a butter yellow coat, and three butterflies on the flank. Both ponies trotted over to where you were sitting. They both began to introduce themselves to you and Daring while you introduced yourself and Daring. The horned one went by the name of Rarity, while the pegasus was known as Fluttershy. Rarity insisted on being the one to measure you because she wanted to know more about how Daring saved you. You looked at Daring when she brought it up, but she just shrugged and said it was fine with her. Rarity directed you to the raised platform and pulled along the curtain while saying how humans aren’t use to being seen naked, and you were thankful for that, disregarding the fact that you helped Daring in the shower mear house before and felt no shame or embarrassment. After explaining what you knew Rarity had finished measuring you and was working on fixing the gear John was looking at when you came in earlier, apparently he just so happened to be looking over some gear that was similar to your figure it just needed a little adjusting so it would fit comfortably.

“All done darling now try it on and tell me if anything needs more adjusting, although everything should be absolutely perfect.” Rarity stated with confidence.

As she brought the gear over to you with her magic you pull the curtain for a bit of privacy. You adorn your ‘new’ armor. It was surprising light for how dense it looked and just like Rarity said it was perfect. You let her know it fits perfectly and open the curtain so she could see her handy work. She smiled, you gave her thanks and she that it was her pleasure to do it, and something about “element of generosity”.

“Finally!” Daring shot from across the room. “You took like forever, Fluttershy here is the same size as me so instead of having to make me one she agreed to loan me hers. By the way Flutter shy said that John is the guy we have to go to for our head set configuration, and for any spare weapons. Now I know you don't need one but I wouldn't mind getting my hooves on one of those hand cannons like you have.”

*Acquired Short sleeved Combat armor. A suit of combat ready armor with exposed forearms to allow maximum mobility with moderate protection.*

You just laugh. You and Daring thank Fluttershy and Rarity once more and head out of the room to find John right outside the door. He configured the head seats really quickly and as soon as he finished you decided to test it and radioed Twilight to let her know you finished.

*Acquired Head set. Allows your to communicate with Twilight Sparkle of Stable township.*

Daring tried to get John to giver her a ‘battle saddle’. He denied her but did say if we found a few guns out there he’d personally make her one. John wasn't about to let Daring leave unarmed so he did give her a wooden bat with nails, barbed wire, and other sharp object producing near the top. Twilight instructed Daring and you to head for the building that looked like it was once a military fatigue store, but to take the main road because there was a bag that was spotted in the camera view on the way there. You just agreed and the gate opened so you and Daring could start your long trek to the building of interest. Once outside you could feel the uneasy sense of death all around you, to you everything outside the walls that sheltered you was dead. You radio in Twilight and ask her how to get music to play in your head set.

“Well honestly you need to find a working cellphone because we have found some that have music but it just doesn't seem to be very good music, so unless you want to listen to random songs with no other way to stop them besides me i think its best after you come back to make a play list on the computer in the radio tower. Like I said its all random music so you’d need to listen to the songs one by one and chose the ones you like to make a playlist. If you really want you could listen to my classical music playlist that I listen to when I’m out in the field?”

You let her know that any music is better than no music at all, Daring opted to not have any music play, so Twilight started to play her musical playlist through your headset. After walking for about a mile you spot something along side the road and radio in to see if Twilight could identify it for you. She promptly lets you know that its the bag she saw on earlier. You and Daring pick up the pace to get to the bag quicker. Upon nearing the bag the horrible smell of rot assaults your sense of smell. The bag was on a corpse, a corpse to which Twilight did not mention. You let her know that bit of information that she left out, and she said something that made you want to throw up, she wanted you to strip the dead corpse of its trench coat and bag. You wanted to argue that it was probably just a waste of your energy but then you remembered you owe them. reluctantly you remove the trench coat from the body along with Daring’s help.

“Hey instead of holding it like its going to infect you put the coat in the bag and put the bag on, I’ll carry the ammo you carry everything else okay?” Daring joked.

Although the thought was a tad disgusting it made sense.you agreed, but told her that you’d each carry as much as you could.

*Acquired Military rucksack. This bag is just what anyone in the armed forces would need, a bag that could fit two bodies and still have room for pie.*

You opened the bag because it felt like there was stuff inside. Inside were three disassembled rifles which could not be know which was which unless assembled.

*Acquired Unown rifle x3. Take them to John to get them assembled and identified.*

Inside the bag was also a cell phone, the charger and two boxes of 5.56mm rounds.

*Acquired Dead Cell phone. It needs to be charged.*

*Acquired Cell phone charger. Charges some sort of cell phone.*

*Acquired box of 5.56mm rounds x2. 55 bullets per box.*

*Acquired Military Trenchcoat. Found on dead body along the main road, could be used as armor.*

Your music stopped abruptly and a voice from the headset, “Alright in about another mile you should be coming up on the building, it should be the only one with gated windows and the sign still works, although it flickers a bit. try and gather whatever you can remember anything that could be used take, its not like these zombies are going to be using it any better than we will. I don't have access to the buildings security cameras on the inside but there are wandering zombies around the area. Please be careful.”

You just look at Daring as your music begins to play once more, both of you nod as if to silently agree that things might get hairy once you get there. You decide to walk with your 1911 in your hands holding it closely to your body but facing the barrel towards the ground, for now. You see the building just as Twilight described it, there were two zombponies and three zombies straggling about in front of the building.

“Alright so here are a few options we have here. You could shoot all five of them to death from here with that long barrel thing that makes the bullets quieter, we could try to get them to move away slowly by throwing things against that building further away, or we could do the most risky option, which could have the zombies never know we were here. I think we should do the last one because we could get a whole lot more stuff by not attracting unwanted attention. So what do ya say, you trust me with your life or not yet?”

Daring had a point you could get more supplies if the zombies aren't aware of your presence, but you have no idea if the zombies are in side. You agree with Daring's plan. She told you to crouch walk or crawl so you wouldn't make much noise as you followed her. You did as you were told crouching and crawling when necessary. You lowered the volume of the headset so the zombies wouldn't hear you, she did, but Daring took off her headset and told you to do the same, saying that Twilight might yell at you for doing something reckless. You agreed hoping you wouldn't regret your decision. You and daring made it to the front of the building the zombies still going about what they were doing. Daring opened the door slowly so to not alert the zombies mealy feet apart from you. You successfully infiltrate the building without being spotted by the zombies. You notice it is a store and start to look around for things to bring back to the town. The fire thing you grab is a pair of packaged underwear.

*Acquired pack of underwear x2. Clean and still in the wrapping.*

You see Daring taking a few over coats in different sizes. So you look for leg wear , only to find that there is only one pair of short left in the store, you take them, because they might fit you.

*Acquired Cargo shorts. A pair of arctic camo cargo shorts, looks like they might fit you.*

Heading towards the back of the building where there might be guns or bullets. You see a fire ax and take it.

*Acquired Fire ax. An ax used by firefighters commonly known as the fire ax.*

“Jackpot!” Daring yelled.

You cringe because you know that the zombies could have easily heard that, you rush to Daring side and start grabbing boxes and boxes of the ammunition that was on the shelves.

*Acquired box of 45 ACP x4. 50 bullets per box.*
*Acquired box of 12 g shells. 20 shells per box.*
*Acquired box of 5.56mm x6. 55 bullets per box.*
*Acquired box of 9mm x4. 50 bullets per box*

You hear the zombies pounding at the front door, and silent curse your luck. You notice a pistol on the counter near the door and run for it.

*Acquired 9mm hand gun. A functioning 9mm pistol that looks worn*

You use the fire ax to break down a wooden wall to make your own exit hoping that the zombies wouldn't make it in before you could get out. You bash the axe against the wall several times until you see rays of sunshine. Daring swung her bat at the wall you were swinging at and broke a hole for her to be able of get out but took another swing and cracked the bat. you took the bat from her and swung it vertically from her first home to try to make a hole big enough for you, and you succeeded but the bat seemed to have bent so you left it on the floor as you and Daring ran for your lives. You found a spot that zombies weren't lurking and decide to take a rest with Daring. She produced two bottles of water from her bag and gave you them.

“I can't open this with these.” She said showing you her hooves.

You open the bottles and give her one while you drank greedily, not wondering where Daring got them.

“Ah. Good thing I snagged these from the break room behind the registers back there.” Daring stated as she breathed in for air after drinking half of the bottle in one swig.

You almost forgot your headset was still on so you raised the volume and put it back in your ear only to hear a very ticked Twilight yelling very angry thing at you.

“... of Celestia, why the buck did you think that running through the store then for your lives was a sound plan!? The both of you must be literally made of stupid! You two are the embodiment of stupidity! And I know you took the headset off so I'm going to keep yelling and swearing at you till you realize how stupid that was, and apologize for making me worry so much! I swear to Celestia if I don't hear from either -”

You let Twilight know that you heard every insult she called you and you apologized. You couldn't see her face at the moment but you were sure she looked embarrassed, by the way there was an awkward silence which lasted twenty seconds.

“Sorry. Twi that was my idea and kinda my fault that the zombies heard us.” Daring said into her headset.

“Its okay as long as you two are alright. Just please don't do anything too reckless without me knowing. I was worried sick because if you two died me and Aj would be the next ones to go out and we’d have to kill your zombified hides to get back out stuff, as well as try and get the supplies ourselves. So please make sure you two come back safe and unzombified.”

Both you and Daring say completely in sync, “We promise Twi.” Then look at each other and laugh.

“One building down two more to go.” Daring said feeling better and more confident.

Author's Note

Woah I wrote this? I did didn't I. Well this was my absolute favorite chapter so far to write. Please if there are any errors let me know in the comments or pm me, and Constructive criticism is welcome, as well as a "nice chapter" is also appreciated. Thanks for reading.

Chapter 4

You and daring start to walk once you gather yourselves up and prepared to take on another encounter of the same magnitude or worse when you make it to the next building which Twilight will be directing you two towards. Twilight's voice comes through your headset.

“Okay now if you guys are where I think you are, that means you should be just about with in seeing distance of a fortified looking strip of buildings.”

You and Daring look around for a bit you two took shelter in an abandoned gas station which luckily was not infested by zombies. Instead of lingering around to see if there is anything of use inside you and Daring decide to listen to Twilight and try to get back as quickly as possible. Back on the main road you could see a few straggling zombies, humans and ponies alike, so Daring stated that the both of you should stay off the main road as much as possible, to which you agreed. The music began to play softly in your head set once again as you see the area Twilight was referring to. You decide it is a good time to ask Twilight which building it is but she beats you to the punch, when you hear her voice come through the headset and the music abruptly stop.

“I can see where you guys are and the building you are looking at that is infested by zombies is not the building you have to go into.”

You let out a sigh of relief for a moment but Twilight continues.

“The building on the left is the one you need to raid. Now I know how crazy and not safe this area may seem but you have an advantage that most runners in your position normally do not.”

You wonder for a moment what that could possibly be, you were no star athlete and you couldn’t use magic nor could you fly, what could your advantage possibly be.

“You have a suppressor for your pistol. Now hear me out, I know i told you never to shoot but it slipped my mind that the zombies would head towards a louder noise that the slight whistle you gun will make...”

Daring but in and said , “So all you have to do is shoot an object pretty far that will make a loud noise.”

Twilight excitedly shouted, “Exactly! Whoops sorry I forgot these are pretty sensitive and that was probably really loud. But its exactly what Daring said all you have to do is hit something that will make a loud bang of some sorts, or hit something that will rattle a few times to get their attention away from the building and you should be golden, but also be weary of the zombies that chased you from the first building, they might not near now, but just remember that they don't always mindlessly wonder some try to track their prey.”

You ask Daring what you should shoot and an approximation on how long it would keep the rotting bags of flesh occupied.

“Well if I could shoot something that would grab attention it would probably be that tanker by that locksmith shop that's all boarded up. Hit it a couple of times and the bullets will either rattle inside or hit the shop which will make the glass break, but if we are lucky it will cause an explosion and it will cause all the zombies here to go check it out, might even kill some. But that's just me”

You talk to her about your concerns like what if it isn’t explosive or what if you miss.

“So basically a plan B?”

You nod

“Well if that doesn't quite work you could always shoot at the cars that are in the parking lot of that building right there.”

She points her right hoof while floating right behind your head so you can see exactly where she was pointing. It looked like a bowling alley because of the lights on the top, but it could have been a small casino as well. After further inspection you realize it was the latter just by looking at the size of the building. and realizing you were a good mile or so away, you really couldn’t tell especially since you almost lost your life nearly an hour ago. You pull out your 1911 A1 and begin to put the silencer on the barrel. You aim at the tanker, steady your breathing and ready yourself because if it did explode you and Daring will be darting across the road to get into that building and try to get out quickly. You pull the trigger once, you hear the sound of the bullet leaving the chamber and wait a second to see if you could hear any noise. Nothing you fire again, still nothing you fire one last time hoping to at least hear a sound you did, but it was barely a ping. So you decide to go with plan B, and unload the rest of the clip into the parking lot. You hear plenty rings and as you got ready to sneak with Daring you hear a large explosion, followed by another, and another.

“Huh didn’t expect any of the cars to blow, Oh well lets get over there quickly I think we have a good window of time to snatch and grab. I guess we can do the same as last time you get the heavy stuff and ill get everything else.”

You agree and both of you make a beeline for the Police station.Once you make it to the door you try to open the door but it won't budge, you try to shove through the door again but this time throwing your body weight into the push as well but it didn't work either. Before you try anything else Daring pulled the door open and looks at you with a face that says “Dummy” and you both agree to split up and grab as much as possible and being sneaky was no longer an option so to shout for the other if in trouble of if something valuable was found. You dart left and Daring darts right. Immediately after opening a door leading to a corridor you find a box of rifle ammo.

*Acquired a box of 5.56mm*

After seeing that box in front of your face you decide that you should take a quick sweep of each room in this corridor. The first door you see is wooden so you don't take any chances of being wrong with doors again and just break it down with the fire ax. That will teach any more doors to mess with you. You look around the room really quickly and realize you just broke into the head chief's office. You can tell because of the name tag that was on the desk. There was a box of shotgun shells on the desk as well but you opened the closet on the far right to see if there was anything clothing wise you could bring back to the base for Rarity to either spruce up or use for scraps. Sadly all you found was underwear and a fancy looking dress shirt.

*Acquired underwear*
*Acquired fancy dress shirt.*

After placing the article of clothing in your bag you grab the shotgun shells and rummage through the desk as well and find nothing.

*Acquired 12 g box of shells.*

You rush out of the room and bash your way through the next door with relative ease. Upon entering the room you notice a dead man on the floor upon further inspection you notice he has dog tags around his neck, you would rather not spend much time in this room but you felt compelled to grab the dog tags, just in case someone was wondering what happened to this man. You walk up to the body and yank the tags from his neck and just run from the room.

*Acquired dog tag. You can check this later, because you don't have the time now.*

You notice there was only two rooms here so you leave the corridor back to the main room then you hear Daring yell you name as loud as she could. You rush looking for her hoping that nothing happened to her. You notice her standing next to a heavy looking safe.

“Well I’m sure we could look all over for the code or we could just try and pry it open and get at what’s inside. I vote for the latter but you are the one who can do both so we can either do this now or wait after we scour the rest of this place and hope we get back to it in time.”

You let her know although whatever is in there might be of use there is much more in the building that you could use. She nods and agrees with your decision and begins to search again while letting you know that she found three bottles of water, a few shirts, and a box of rifle ammo. While listening to her you find a box of pistol ammo.

*Acquired a box of .45 ACP.*

Upon taking the ammo you see book on the floor entitled “Assault Rifles & You: A Maintenance Guide for Beginners.”

*Acquired a book. Seems to be about maintaining assault rifles.*

You go back to the main hall and on the front desk see something that is reflecting light and check it out.

*Acquired a mobile phone. Its a cellphone, its dead but it might still work.*

You head to the back area which is labeled Law Enforcement officers only, and see a bunch of computers strewn about on desk or on the floor. So you start searching cubicles for anything that may be of use. You stumble upon an overcoat, a pair of pants, and a pair of barely worn sneakers, as well as another box of pistol ammo.

*Acquired an Overcoat. An ordinary overcoat for when its chilly outside.*
*Acquired a pair of pants. Plain jeans that are fit for casual wear.*
*Acquired a pair of sneakers. Seem to be barely worn might as well be new.*
*Acquired a box of .45 ACP.*

You see two marksman rifles on a desk in a cubicle and decide to throw them over your shoulder as well as pick up the three boxes of ammo.

*Acquired marksman rifle x2. Single fire rifle that uses 5.56mm bullets, and seems to be in good shape.*
*Acquired x3 boxes of 5.56mm rounds.*

You are starting to feel heavy because of the stuff you are carrying so you start to call for Daring so she can carry some of the things you found.

“You called?”

You let her know that you have a bit much on you and you feel like she could carry some if she is feeling up to it.

“Sure, give me some of that ammo you have been hoarding as well as these two rifles that you have around your shoulder.”

You give Daring the requested items and feel like you could carry much more than you just gave her.

“I’m sure I could carry more but then I wouldn't be able to loot anything myself.” She chuckled. “I think we should hurry though I’m not sure why but I have a bad feeling that if we don't get out of here quickly we might run into trouble. The zombies are still mulling that casino but I’m not sure for how much longer.”

You agree with her statement and begin to search once again for times that will be needed. You find a button down shirt that you like so you put it in your bag.

*Acquired a shirt. A button down shirt that might fit you and looks appealing.*

Running out of places to look you decide to check the back room, the door was already broken down so you take a bit more precaution when entering than the other rooms. The room looked like a kitchen and dining room combination. You immediately head for the fridge and find three bottles of water and three snack bars. While taking the contents of the fridge you wonder to yourself who even puts snack bars in the fridge.

*Acquired Bottle of water x3*
*Acquired snack bar x3*

You see a couch that has a windbreaker thrown over the top and walk over to it. Once close enough you smell rotting flesh and the overwhelming smell of death hit you senses like a freight train, and notice a pony with a holstered pistol made for earth ponies you assume because of its awkward appearance. The zompony notices you, and groans as it readies itself to attack you. It moves fast to close the gap between you and it and tries to bite your leg. You take a quick back-step and swing your other leg and it slams into the ponies face. Trying end the confrontation quickly you reach for the fire ax to kill the pony, but it recovers to fast, and tries to bite you again. You sidestep the pony and draw your pistol and let off four shots and the pony dropped into a lifeless state not wanting to be sorry later you squeezed the trigger two more time for good measure. You take the holster and the pony pistol from the corpse and grab the windbreaker windbreaker from the couch.

*Acquired a pistol. A modified pistol for ponies. To fire by mouth.*
*Acquired a windbreaker. A thin outer coat that is designed to resist wind chill. A light jacket.*

Deciding to stay in the room and search a bit more you find a book on the table and just grab it because it might be useful.

*Acquired a book.*

Looking around you see another one of those pony modded pistols and a box of ammo near it and grab it.

*Acquired modified pistol.*
*Acquired .45 ACP*

Taking one last sweep of the room you spot a pair of boots and a pair of dress shoes near the exit.

*Acquired a pair of boots. Steel toed boots that are perfect for trekking through mud.*
*Acquired a pair of dress shoes. Pointy leather shoes that are more for formal attire.*

You link back up with Daring in the main hall. You notice she seems to be a bit on edge. you take a closer look and notice a scratch on her left flank right under her cutie mark, and a fresh trail of blood. You ask what happened to her.

“Well I saw the pony you just killed and it kinda spooked me a bit, and I got a bit scared because if you could kill that thing with no remorse and taking extra shots to make sure you got the job done made me think back to a time when one of my best friends was killed in a similar manner. And well I flew away quickly scared and ran into a shelf that cut me.” She says a bit shaken, “But then I remembered that you aren't that person. So could ya wrap up this cut for me and lets get out of here quickly because I’m sure blood attracts zombies.”

You look around and spot a first aid kit on the wall and open it, thees some gauze and some bandage wraps it wasn't going to heal it instantly but it would help the blood clot. Soon you hear your headset come to life.

“Hurry the zombies are coming back! I heard that Daring is hurt too so just come back don't worry about the last building! Its going to be dark soon and you probably have more than enough supplies just come back alive and safe, you haven’t been told yet but the zombies become rather aggressive at night and lets just say that an open cut can be traced from over a mile away when night falls!”
Twilight’s voice a bit shaky relayed the information to you. You told her you had no idea how to get back without going through the zombies from before. She let you know that if you turned the next block there would be a lightly forested area, and there is a hut there that has an underground tunnel. You and Daring rush to the area as quickly as possible and open the door to the hut. Twilight’s voice came through the headset once more.

“That leads to the out skirts of the town, it leaves you by the main road but not where the zombies were before. Its like the area where you found the bag with the rifles, so that's about a mile away from Stable township. Now hurry the sun will be setting soon setting.”

You and daring went down the tunnel and started to move fast to the other side. It was a long time spent down there in the tunnel so you and Daring shared a snack bar each to make sure you didn't pass out from exhaustion, or starve as well as a bottle of water each. Once you and Daring emerged the sun was almost hidden which meant that you had to hightail it back to Stable township. You put on some serious speed so you could try and get back before night fall while Daring was flying right by your side, letting you know that this was an awesome adventure that she would have to write so when the world was back to normal she could have a book ready for her series. Soon Flood lights were in your sights and that meant that Stable township was right up ahead. You hear loud groans come from your left, and saw a pack of zombies gunning right for you and Daring. You tell Daring to fly to the town and let them know that they will need to fend off some zombies and you were both fine, She nodded and took off. Then you realized you could contact Twilight and let her know as well. Loud sirens went off and a dozen silhouetted figures stood at the town gates ready to defend Stable township. You yell at the top of your lungs that its you to not fire, and that you could make it to the gates before the zombies. You weren't sure they herd you because you heard them load their weapons as well as watched them aim. You were sure the sniper in the guard tower was the one that shouted fire when you saw a wall of bullets coming your way, as well as muzzle flashes that blinded you. You immediately hit the floor afraid that you were going to get hit in the crossfire. You hear screaming come from the town and groans from the zombies as you clutch your head hoping that the bullets wouldn't hit you. Foot steps became very dominate in your ears so you look up. You see John and he tells you to keep your head down and to try and stay close, and most importantly don't look back. You listen to him and what felt like hours you reached the gate and were handed a rifle and was ordered to fire. You did as you were told. After some time the zombies started to move away from the town you weren't sure how long you were in that firefight but you would rather not be in another like that again for as long as you live.

“Well I’ll be. Ya actually made it back.” came from Applejack. “Glad ya got here as night started or ya would ‘ave been zombie food. And look at the supplies you brought back. Now ah am a mare of my word but you look like you could use some sleep before we start looking through the spoils. Ah had Daring leave her bag in the armory’s back room you put yours there too so you can see what ya’ll want and the rest will be stored and reused by everyone here. Ah speak for all of Stable township when ah say ya did good kid, ya did good. Now take a load off and ah’ll see you at the crack o dawn, ya ‘ear me .”

You nod in agreeance still catching your breath and trying to get your heart rate under control. You start to walk to the barracks to leave the bag and Daring comes out of no where and takes the bag from you.

“Go to the shower I’ll take this to the barracks for you. You look like you need a shower.”
She sniffs herself quickly, “Smells like I need one too. I’ll meet you there.”

Author's Note

HoooWeee this chapter took way to long to put out. This was my favorite one to write so far. Been rather distracted with video games. (Killing Crota was the main reason) but I also hit a wall with motivation. But now I'm over it hopefully i can get this story done before College starts up again. Well enough with the excuses. If you liked the chapter let me know in the comments please, and also if there are any mistakes no matter how small let me know, I can't grow as a writer with no critiques. So lay em on me. Enjoy.