No More Room In Hell

It was late morning in the city of Canterlot. The sun was nearing its peak in the cold, blue sky. Its rays shown over the kingdom as it tried to warm up the surrounding air. Princess Celestia felt its warm touch fall against her, as she gazed out in the direction of Ponyville.

She hung her head low and expelled a sorrowful sigh. The celestial princess wasn't her cheerful self. She had just been dealing with reports after reports for the past several days. Each report was over the same thing. Every. Single. Time.

"Something must be done about this your highness. These... Undead monstrosities are reeking havoc over businesses and trade routes in the Southern areas of Equestria. If this keeps up our economy will fall and the country will fall into chaos." Whined the Head of Economy.

"Your highness, riots have increased in Manehatten and Fillydelphia. Baltimare is under martial law and several quarantine zones in Dodge City have been overrun. I have sent a company reinforcements to Dodge City as well as Baltimare. Our main fighting force is down to quarter strength and our reserves are spread thin. We simply don't have enough troops to both combat the infected as well as maintain order in our cities. I'm afraid we have to resort to conscription to replenish our losses." Reported Iron Shield, the Minister of Defense.

Infected, zombies, undead. Call them what you want but it all went back to them.

Ever since the first outbreak, it has been the main topic of discussion for the past couple weeks. What seemed like a simple virus now turned into a fully blown undead epidemic. She had called for help from the Griffins, the Yaks, the Caribou, from all surrounding countries and each one refused to send troops or any aid. It seems that Equestria is alone in this conflict.

For now at least...

Several kilometers away from Canterlot Bravo Company were resting aboard their birds. Most Marines were checking their weapons, making sure they were operating at peak efficiency. Medics were tending the wounded, wrapping cuts, scrapes and other bloody messes in several layers of gauze before securing it with medical tape. Major Jenkins and Captain Urbani on the other hand were... Introducing themselves to the local populous, Princess Twilight and her friends to be more precise.

"I believe we haven't introduced ourselves properly." Began Jenkins.

"I believe so." Replied Twilight while extending her hand. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. And these are my friends, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Spike and Discord."

"... I'm Major Jenkins, active CO of Bravo Company, 5th Marines, callsign "Archangel"." Smiled Jenkins while he shook her hand. "This is my second in command, Captain Urbani. I'm pleased to meet you all."

"Hey! You left us out!" Came a young southern voice.

Everybody's attention was diverted to the source. Three young fillies were sitting on the floor pouting. One had a snow white coat of fur, had different shades of purple in her mane and tail while having a horn on her head. Another had light yellow fur and red hair, the one on the right had an orange coat for fur and purple hair. She however had wings attached to her back.

"I'm sorry girls. Major, I would like you to meet Applebloom, Sweetie belle and Scootaloo."

"Hello there!" Spoke Jenkins as he extended his hand. The three shrunk backwards and looked away from the figure in a mask. "its alright kid, I don't bite."

"Um... Hi?" Whispered Applebloom as she slowly shook his hand. The other two followed suit.

The group sat there in silence for a couple minutes, each minutes seemed like forever. The silence was broken as Twilight cleared her throat. "W-well first off I would like to thank you and your troops for assisting in the evacuation. If it weren't for you we would't have made it out of their alive."

"Its not a problem ma'am, we're just doing our job."Thanked Jenkins.

"Just out of curiosities sake, what are you?" Asked the princess.

"Well your highness, we are humans." Replied Jenkins as he took off his head gear, Urbani followed soon after. "Homo Sapiens if you want to get scientific."

"Did you say h-humans?"

"Yes I did ma'am. Is there are problem?"

"N-no! Of course not! Its just that your kind were just a myth, an ancient tale written in books and texts created thousand of years ago!"

Jenkins and Urbani looked at each other, worry crossed their faces. "We used to exist on this planet?" Questioned Urbani.

"According to the sources I read I would assume so." Clarified Twilight. "This day has been full of surprises hasn't it?"

"It sure has been ma'am." Concluded Jenkins. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you? Let alone where are we?"

"We're ponies and you're currently in Equestria."

"Equestria huh? Guess we're not on Earth anymore are we?" Joked Jenkins.

"Afraid so sir." Replied Urbani with a slight chuckle.

"And I take that you are the ruler of this land?"

"Actually no, i'm one of four Princesses. There is Princess Celestia, Princess of the sun, Princess Luna, Princess of the moon and Princess Cadence, the Princess of love." Cleared up Twilight.

"Major! We're coming up on a large structure, ETA ten mikes." Notified the pilot.

"What large structure?" Replied Jenkins.

"Appears to be a castle sir."

"Bloody hell its massive..." Trailed the co-pilot. "What is that place?"

"That is Canterlot, home of the two Royal sisters."

"Sir we have a problem..."

"What is it?"

"How are we gonna land?"

Celestia sighed as the last noble on the morning appointment list left the throne room. She slid down in her seat in defeat, dealing with snobbish nobles is one thing, but dealing with zombies at the same time? Thats a one way ticket to Tartarus. The throne door opened with a slight creek, the two guards positioned at the entrance snapped at attention as Princess Luna walked by greeting the soldiers. Her slippers echoed through the spacious room.

"Hello dear sister." Began Luna. "Are you alright? You seem exhausted."

"Hello Luna." Groaned Celestia. "I'm alright... I think."

"Day court seems to be going well." Commented Luna.

"Luna I can't tell if your being sarcastic or plain stupid." Muttered Celestia. "Perhaps both."

Luna gave out a slight giggle. "You know me to well sister."

"Any progress in the labs?"

"Afraid not, the scientists have hit another dead end. Nothing is working"

"If this keeps up..." Mumbled Celestia. "It would be the end for all of us."

"Don't think like that sister!" Gasped Luna. "Surely we'll have a breakthrough, its just a matter of time."

"If only that were true." Luna rolled her eyes.

"Any word from Princess Twilight?"

"Nothing, I just hope she-" Celestia was suddenly cut off as the throne doors were slammed open. A pegasus guard stumbled into the throne room sweating and gasping for air. He collapsed onto the cold marble floor, the two guards were stunned at first came to the aid of the exhausted pegasus. One of them called for a medic. "Guard, what is wrong?" Questioned Celestia.

"I-its- its outside!" Coughed the guard. Celestia and Luna exchanged worried looks.

"What is outsid-" Spoke Luna but was cut off as there was a distant whupping.

"L-large metal birds, b-black in color, coming form P-ponyville." Celestia and Luna shot up as the guard mentioned the town. Soon a light brown mist swirled in front of Celestia, and with a pop appeared a rolled up letter. She opened the letter and read.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am most glad to inform that the evacuation of Ponyville as a success, though not all townsfolk made it out alive. We are currently on our way to Canterlot, it would be best if you could set some medical crew right away, some pony's injuries are very severe and require surgery. Oh and one more thing, don't be afraid of the large metal birds outside... I've received some help from a fellow neighboring country. So don't be alarmed if they seem a little... Hostile!

Yours truly,
Princess Twilight Sparkle.

"What is it sister?" Questioned Luna.

"... Its Twilight." Replied Celestia. "Guard! I want medical teams ready at the gardens!"

"At once your Highness!" Replied a guard as he exited the throne room in a flash.

"Is she alright?"

"She is... But she has company."

"Circle around one more time." Ordered Jenkins as he observed the commotion bellow them. "Perhaps she didn't get the message or something."

"Copy. Circling round, standby." Replied the pilot. With a slight jerk of the joystick the Black Hawk turned right at a step angle circling one of the towers. "Sir! I got eyes on what seems to be several medical teams in the gardens. Should we land?"

"Affirmative." Instructed Jenkins. "bring us down in front of them."

"Yes sir. This is Vortex 1-1 going in for landing." Announced the pilot

"Copy Vortex 1-1, Vulture 1-2 and 1-3 will provide overwatch." Replied Vulture 1-1.

"Five seconds. Flaring for landing." The Black Hawk slowed down it's decent as the ground seemed to rise towards them. Nearby vegetation began to rustle madly as the helicopter got closer to the ground. The ponies nearby covered their faces in an attempt to protect them from the overwhelming wind. "Touch down in three... Two... One... Down."

"Go Go Go! Secure the perimeter!" Barked Captain Urbani. Two fire teams of Marines jumped out and began to secure the site. Nearby guardsponies responded by surrounding the helicopter at spear point. "Hold Fire! Do not engage unless fired upon!"

"H-halt! Drop your weapons!" Ordered one of the guards.

"We'll drop ours when you drop yours!" Retorted a Marine.

"We'll never submit to some outsider!"

"Unless you want a belly full of hot lead I suggest you comply!" Shot back another Marine as he leveled his rifle with the closest guard. Several guards shuddered at the sudden threat.

"SILENCE!!"

Everybody froze at the sudden usage of the Royal Canterlot voice. Jenkins, Urbani and pretty much anyone within seventy five meters or so were holding their ears in pain. Twilight on the other hand was panting, her fists were still clenched by her sides.

"U-uh Twilight?" Whispered Fluttershy as the flicked her ears. "Are you alright?"

"Yes... I'm...Fine." Wheezed Twilight.

"Ughhhh, my bloody ears hurt like hell..." Muttered Jenkins. "Urbani, you good brother?"

"M-mop... Mop... Mop mop..." Stuttered Urbani. He fell on all fours clearly still disoriented. He eventually rose back up but stumbled a bit "Feels like the first time a got flash banged. Not. Fucking. Pretty."

Silence soon filled the air, apart from the roar of the Black Hawk's engine and the occasional flyby of the other helicopters. It was eventually broken as Jenkins stepped forward and cleared this throat. "How about we worry about introductions later and get the wounded civvies? Sound good?"

"You dare make a suggestion in front of us guards!?" Scoffed a guard. "I suggest you keep it to yourself, ape."

"Alright alright, I see. How about I talk to your leader?" Replied Jenkins calmly.

"Did you hear what I just said monkey!? Keep them to yourselves-." A sudden burst of light and magic appeared in front of the guards. Like as if someone tossed a flashbang, but minus the 'bang'.

"Princess Celestia!" Said all the girls in unison. They and the guards bowed, the Marines however just stood there. Some rubbing their eyes, and others were blinking frantically. The one they call Celestia had a white coat of fur, a mane that had three shades of color that swayed majestically in the air, maybe from the propellers of the Black Hawk? She also had a horn and a pair of wings, and was tall, possibly 6'5, just an inch taller than Jenkins and Urbani.

"You may all rise, my little ponies." She said in a motherly tone. Twilight spoke up.

"Did you receive my letter?" She questioned. Celestia nodded.

"Yes I did, and I'm anxious to meet them." Celestia said. She looked behind the Elements and saw them standing patiently. Celestia began to walk slowly towards them but was cut off from several guards.

"Princess please forgive my intrusion, but we simply can't just trust them on the spot!" Protested a guard. "we don't know what they are capable of."

"I understand your concerns Sergeant. But there is no time for debate, as we speak there are wounded ponies in dire need of medical attention." Replied Celestia. "Just treat the wounded, I'll deal with the details." The Sergeant was hesitant at first but complied.

"As you wish, your highness." He bowed and signaled the others to stand down.

Celestia began to walk towards the Marines. Every Marine steadied their weapons at the Princess and the guards, watching their every move. The air grew more and more tense as Celestia stepped closer to the masked figures. She stopped just a few feet short of what she assumed would be the commanding officer and cleared her throat. "Are you the commanding officer here?"

Both figures looked at her with wide eyes. Then the figure on the left pointed to the figure on the right causing him to facepalm. He removed his helmet and clipped it onto his belt while he placed his gas mask into a pouch. The figure then extended out his hand for a handshake. "Major Jenkins 5th Marines, Bravo Company. Pleased to meet you ma'am."

"Pleased to meet you too Major." Smiled Celestia and returned the gesture. Her eyes then fell on the left figure. "And you are?"

"Captain Urbani ma'am. Second in command of Bravo Company." Came Urbani as he shook hands with the Princess. "As much as we would like to continue introductions, we got civvies to treat."

"Off course Captain, but where exactly are you dropping them off?" Questioned Celestia.

"Right here ma'am. Do you have medics?" Replied Urbani. "Some require immediate medical care."

"They're just waiting at the door." Gestured Celestia. Urbani and Jenkins looked over at the medical teams. Several ponies in white uniforms stood there with stretchers and medical equipment. some of them had fear cover their faces as they obsered the newcomers.

"Very good, we'll get our men to setup LZ's." Spoke Jenkins. "Marines! Mark potential LZ's with red flares! Get me Whiskey 1-1 on the line!" Marines holstered their rifles and began to spread out while igniting narrow cylindrical tubes and tossing them onto large patches of grass. A Marines handed over a Radio to the Major. "Whiskey 1-1 this is "Archangel" how copy? Over."

"I hear you loud and clear "Archangel". Send traffic." Replied Whiskey 1-1.

"Whiskey 1-1 we are marking LZ's with red flares. Approach from the South East and advise caution, its pretty tight."

"Copy "Archangel". Approaching from the South East. ETA 1 minute." In the distance several Chinooks began to swing around and begin their final approach. Their propellers whisked up lose dirt and leaves as well as blowing branches and bushes in odd directions. "Two hundred AGL, flaring for landing."

Each Chinook bounced and slid forward a few feet before coming to a full stop. Several ponies were started as the wheels made first contact on the ground. Slowly the rear doors began to lower, exposing the contents of the Chinook. Each Chinook was filled with multi colored ponies that ranged in height, age, gender(no shit) and severity of injuries. Crew Chiefs stepped out and began guide the civvies safely away from the helicopter. Marines then directed them towards the medics which began to treat them.

Within minutes the entire garden was in utter chaos, doctors, nurses and medics were bouncing back and forth between patients. The sound of crying children and screams of immense pain filled the air. Guards from different corners of the castle converged onto the gardens to investigate the commotion and soon grew sickened at the sight, some even threw up. Black Hawks began to land and the dismounting Marines joined in the chaos.

Celestia, the Main six, CMC and Discord watched from the distance as hell broke loose in the Gardens. Apache helicopters flew overhead as they patrolled the area with their fingers on triggers. Celestia sighed. "This is even worse than I thought." Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Dear sister what is with all... This... Commotion?" Spoke a shocked Luna. "Who are the ones in greenish brown cubed clothing?"

"I'm not sure sister, but we'll figure out soon enough."

Hours later the chaos and confusion began to cease, though the smell of death still lingered around. The castle infirmary was overfilling with the injured. Hallways were filled with ponies, each bore expressions of sorrow, fear, pain or... Whatever, you get the jest. The Princesses were accompanied by the Main six, Spike, CMC, good ole Discord, Captain Scorch and Bravo company's commanders. They walked down the hall examining the endless lines of civilians. None of which bowed or even acknowledged their precise.

The group were then intercepted by a doctor. He was a unicorn with had a brown mane, caramel fur, blue eyes and stood about 5'11. His surgical apron was coated with crimson blood. He took a breath before speaking up. "Y-your highness!"

"Doctor Cross! What is with the sudden rush?" Spoke Celestia in her motherly voice. "Is there something wrong?" Doctor Cross took several more deep breaths before straitening his posture.

"There is no problem your highness." Panted Cross. "I just wanted to deliver the report." He handed a clipboard that had a full page of writing.

"Thank you doctor." Smiled Celestia. "Have all the townsponies been checked for bites?"

"More than three quarters have been checked. None seem to house any bites." Replied Cross. "We're just finishing up with the last few-"

An ear piercing scream filled the air as the sound of falling equipment echoed through the hall. Everybody perked up at the sudden commotion. "He's infected!"

"Get him off of me!!"

"Somepony get the guards!"

Jenkins and Urbani were the first to respond. Their heavy footsteps echoed through hall, ponies that were standing in the hall stuck their backs to the wall. As they turned the corner they suddenly stopped in their tracks. A blue stallion that was covered in blood was snarling as it tried to aim for it's prey's neck. Everybody around it was backing away, none seemed intent on saving the unfortunate soul. Blood from it's mouth began to spray across the targets face. The nurse tried her best to push him off but to no avail. Urbani, acting off of instinct, ran towards the infected and slammed his M4 buttstock straight into it's side. It flew off the nurse and landed several feet away. Ponies backed away to avoid the oncoming infected projectile. The zombie stubbled onto it's feet as it locked onto Urbani, It snarled showing it's bloody teeth. Urbani steadied himself and got into a defensive stance. The zombie began to jog towards Urbani, flailing it's arms and snapping its jaws. Urbani pulled back his right fist and-.

POW!

The zombie recoiled at the sudden hit of a bullet. The sudden gunshot caught everyone off guard, they looked towards the figure behind them. Jenkins stood there, wielding his pistol in his right hand. The zombie regained it's composure, but before it could take a step forward it was hit by another bullet.

POW!

The bullet impacted it's left shoulder. Jenkins began to walk forward, increasing his pace every time he fired a shot. Soon enough Jenkins was within arm distance with the zombie. It went for a lunge but Jenkins stepped left, narrowly missing it's reach. Jenkins then connected his right foot with it's knee, an audible crack sounded as the boot shattered the bone. With the zombie in a crippled state, Jenkins grabbed its head and slammed it against the wall, cracking the wall and leaving a red mark. The zombie let out a croak, Jenkins once more slammed it against the wall before letting it crumble to the floor. The zombie, now sprawled on the floor seemed dead. Everyone except Urbani sighed in relief, the two Marine officers knew this trick too well. Playing dead, Jenkins raised his right foot and smashed it into the floor. As expected, the zombie's head exploded. Blood, bone and brain matter painted the walls and floor. Everybody grew sick at the site, some even threw up.

Both princesses had their mouths agape at the scene. Rarity and Applejack covered their sister's eyes from the sight. All eyes were now on Jenkins. He lifted up his foot and began to shake off some brain matter. As he lifted his head up he realized he was the center of attention. Urbani couldn't help but chuckle. Jenkins gave a questionable look before asking.

"What?"