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

Chapter 19: Fire, Blood, and Secrets Revealed

Earth – Entering the City

The gang had been on the road for hours, the RV rumbling down the cracked highway as they pushed toward Savannah.

Sam, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced at their map. “Alright, this city should have ammo, food, and supplies. We go in, grab what we need, and get the hell out.”

Dan, stretching his arms, smirked. “What, no time for sightseeing?”

Pops snorted. “Son, the only thing to see in these cities is death.”

Starlight, sitting in the back, sighed. “At least let’s try to get through this without another disaster.”

Trixie huffed. “Yes. For once, Trixie would like a single day[ without nearly dying.”

Dan leaned toward her, smirking. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ll keep you safe.”

Trixie rolled her eyes. “Ugh.”

As they entered the city, it was eerily quiet—too quiet. The streets were littered with abandoned cars, buildings were half-collapsed, and the stench of rot and blood lingered in the air.

Sam checked his rifle. “Alright. Stick together.”

They split into two groups:

Sam, Starlight, and Pops hit the ammo store.
While Dan and Trixie searched the supermarketfor food.

The Infected Birds Attack

As Dan and Trixie moved through the aisles of the supermarket, grabbing canned food, bottled water, and whatever was still edible, something screeched above them.

Trixie’s ears flattened. “What was that?”

Dan narrowed his eyes. “Not good.”

Then—*CRASH!*

A massive infected bird—its wings torn and twisted by the infection—swooped down, claws outstretched, heading straight for Trixie.

Dan reacted instantly, shoving Trixie aside—and taking a bite to the face.

Trixie gasped. “Dan!”

Dan grunted, grabbed the infected bird’s throat, and choke-slammed it into a wall, crushing its skull.

More infected birds flooded into the store, screeching.

Dan, blood dripping from his cheek, grinned.

“Alright, you ugly freaks,” he growled. “Come get some.”

He lured them all outside, leading them into the open street.

Then—he lit them all on fire.

*FWOOSH!*

The air was filled with the smell of burning flesh as dozens of infected birds burst into flames, their shrieks echoing through the dead city.

Dan, standing amidst the blazing corpses, wiped the blood off his cheek.

Then, he smirked.

“Nobody touches my little pony but me!”

Trixie, watching from a distance, turned bright red. “W-WHAT?!”

Pops, who had just arrived with Sam and Starlight, burst into laughter. “Boy, you got issues.”

Dan just shrugged.

Sam Gets Bitten—And Reveals a Secret

As they loaded up supplies, Sam turned to Starlight. “Alright, let’s—”

*SNAP!*

A zombie dog lunged at Sam, biting deep into his arm.

Starlight screamed. “SAM!”

Dan turned. “Shit—!”

Sam stumbled back, clutching his bleeding wound.

Trixie gasped. “H-He’s infected!”

Pops reached for his shotgun. “Damn it—”

Then—Sam vomited.

A thick, black sludge spewed from his mouth, his body rejecting the infection instantly.

The wound on his arm sealed up within seconds.

Silence.

Dan stared. “...The hell was that?”

Sam, still shaking, wiped his mouth. “I… I don’t turn.”

Starlight’s eyes widened. “You’re immune?”

Sam exhaled. “I guess I am.”

Dan smirked. “Well, shit, man. That’s a neat trick.”

Pops chuckled. “Looks like we got two freaks of nature in the squad.”

Sam looked at his bloodstained hands, his mind racing. Why was he immune? What did this mean?

But before he could dwell on it—more zombie dogs appeared.

And Sam wasn’t about to let them hurt Starlight.

“Get behind me!” Sam growled, raising his rifle.

He opened fire, gunning down the zombie hounds as Starlight stayed close behind.

The rest of the team joined the fight, and after a brutal battle, the infected lay in ruins.

Sam exhaled, looking at Starlight. “You okay?”

Starlight nodded. “Thanks to you.”

Sam smiled. “Good.”

A Safe Place to Rest

After the fight, they left the city and found a quiet, abandoned lot, where they parked near a six-person camping trailer.

The trailer was a luxury model, featuring:

A large bed
A built-in TV
Solar rechargeable batteries
Lockable doors

After a long day of fighting for their lives, they collapsed inside, finally able to rest.

Pops was out instantly, snoring on the couch.

Dan, stretching, looked at Trixie. “So… you wanna snuggle?”

Trixie huffed, but her face was bright red. “Trixie supposes… for warmth.”

Dan grinned, wrapping an arm around her. “Of course, babe.”

Meanwhile, Sam and Starlight shared a bed, exhaustion weighing heavy on them.

As they settled in, Sam instinctively pulled Starlight close, his body warm against hers.

Starlight’s heart raced. “Uh… Sam?”

But Sam was already asleep, and before Starlight could react, he murmured softly in his sleep—

“Love you, Starlight…”

Starlight froze, her eyes wide, her face burning.

She bit her lip.

Then, slowly… she smiled.

Outside, the world was still a nightmare.

But inside that trailer, for the first time in a long while…

They were safe.

And that was enough.

Meanwhile, in Equestria…

The mirror flickered, showing everything to the ponies watching.

Rainbow Dash choked on her drink. “D-Did he just—did he just say LOVE?!”

Rarity squealed, clapping her hooves. “OH MY STARS!”

Applejack smirked. “Called it.”

Twilight, furiously taking notes, muttered, “I KNEW IT. I KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN.”

Celestia, watching silently, just smiled.

“They’re changing,” she whispered.

Pinkie grinned. “I hope they kiss soon!”

Fluttershy wiped a tear. “I just want them to be happy…”

The mirror flickered again—showing the RV on the road, Florida getting closer.

And whatever awaited them…

Was going to be even worse.

[To Be Continued…