A glimmer in a world of zombies [act 1][earth chapter]

Chapter 12: Capital Chaos & Flirting in the Apocalypse

Earth – Entering Washington, D.C.

The RV rumbled through the ruined streets of Washington, D.C., its reinforced tires crushing overgrown debris and shattered asphalt. The once-proud capital of the United States had become a ghost town—its iconic landmarks either crumbling or buried under layers of decay.

Pops was at the wheel, lazily munching on a Snowball, barely paying attention as the massive U.S. Capitol Building loomed in the distance.

Meanwhile, in the back, Danger Dan was casually leaning against the counter near Trixie, his trademark smirk hidden beneath his E.O.D. helmet.

"So, Trixie," Dan mused, crossing his arms. "You're a magician, huh? Bet you could make my heart disappear."

Trixie blinked, then narrowed her eyes. "Are you flirting with Trixie?"

Dan grinned. "Depends. Is it working?"

Starlight, sitting nearby, rolled her eyes. "Oh sweet Celestia, we just got here, and you're already hitting on her?"

Trixie huffed, tossing her mane dramatically. "Well, Trixie is irresistible."

Pops snorted. "Heh. Kid's got game."

Meanwhile, Sam leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, smirking as he glanced at Starlight. "Y’know, Starlight, you look real cute when you're annoyed."

Starlight nearly choked on her drink. "W-what?!"

Dan cackled. "Ohhh, my man Sam is throwing out the smooth lines now!"

Pops, still driving, simply shook his head and took another bite of his Snowball. "Y'all need Jesus."

The "Danger Dan" Gun Store

As they navigated the ruins, a massive red neon sign caught their attention.

DANGER DAN’S GUN EMPORIUM

Sam slammed on the brakes.

Everyone turned to look at Dan.

Trixie raised an eyebrow. "Wait… you actually owned a gun store?"

Dan scratched the back of his head. "Uh… yeah. Several actually. Mostly surplus. Army gear, M.R.E.s, that sorta thing."

Sam groaned. "You mean to tell me we've been looting random places this whole time, and you owned an entire chain of gun stores?!"

Dan chuckled. "Hey, I forgot, alright? Been busy not dying."

Pops chuckled. "Welp, let's see if anything’s left."

Looting the Store

The team carefully made their way inside the Danger Dan Gun Emporium, flashlights cutting through the darkness. Surprisingly, the place was still stocked—shelves lined with firearms, boxes of ammo, and even some untouched military-grade gear.

Sam whistled. "Ohhh, now this is what I like to see."

Starlight tilted her head. "So, uh… do we just take whatever we want?"

Dan shrugged. "I was the owner. I say it’s all fair game."

They quickly stocked up:

Sam grabbed an upgraded rifle and more ammo.

Pops took a grenade launcher ("For emergencies," he said).

Dan loaded up on flamethrower fuel and a fresh combat knife.

Starlight and Trixie found a few military-grade first aid kits

As they packed everything up, Sam smirked. "Alright, now we’re ready for Florida."

But before leaving, they stumbled upon another goldmine.

The Jerky & Canned Food Jackpot

Inside a nearby convenience store, they found what was left of the city’s beef jerky supply.

Sam grabbed an entire box, ripped open a pack, and took a bite.

Silence.

Then—actual tears of joy welled in his eyes.

Pops raised an eyebrow. "You good, son?"

Sam, voice trembling, whispered, "This is the greatest day of my life."

Dan cackled. "Man, you need to calm down—"

Dan paused as he found a stash of canned dog food—specifically beef and potato.

He cooked it over a makeshift fire, added some spices from a looted kitchen, and took a bite.

Dan froze.

Then he looked at the can, back at the food, then back at the can.

"...No one tell me what this is. I'm just gonna eat it and pretendit's chili."

Pops laughed. "That’s the spirit!"

Meanwhile, Pops wandered over to an abandoned car and popped the trunk—finding
a survivor’s emergency stash filled with canned corn hash.

He grinned. "Alright, we eatin’ good tonight."

Meanwhile, in Equestria…

The enchanted mirror flickered as the ponies watched everything.

Twilight, taking furious notes, sighed. "So let me get this straight. They fought zombie elephants, looted an entire gun store, found a lifetime supply of jerky, and… are eating dog food willingly?"

Rainbow Dash laughed. "Okay, but Danger Dan is kinda awesome."

Rarity gagged. "Dog food! They’re eating dog food! I can’t."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "Well… if they added spices, it might not be that bad?"

Pinkie Pie bounced excitedly. "Ohhh, I love this guy! He owns a whole gun store and fights zombies with fire!"

Applejack chuckled. "Gotta hand it to ‘em, they sure know how to survive."

Celestia, watching closely, narrowed her eyes. "They are well-equipped now. But something tells me their greatest challenges are still ahead."

Twilight nodded. "We have to reach them soon."

The mirror shimmered, showing the RV heading south.

The next stop?

Richmond.

And danger was waiting.

To Be Continued…