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

Chapter 27: Fire in the Skies

Earth – Over the Gulf of Mexico

The B-52 Stratofortress soared high above the endless blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the sunlight glistening off its massive wings.

For the first time in a long time, the gang was safe—at least for the moment.

Dan, still at the controls, smirked. “See? Told you I could fly this thing.”

Sam, checking their ammo stockpile, muttered, “Yeah, yeah. Just keep it steady.”

Pops, reading over the pilot’s manual, glanced up. “We’ll hit Mexico City International Airport in three and a half hours.”

Starlight stretched. “So, we actually get to relax for once?”

Pops chuckled. “Until we land, sure. After that? We fight like hell.”

Sam sighed. “Figures.”

Sky Battle – The Infected Birds Attack

Just as the moment of peace settled in, a loud screech tore through the air.

Trixie looked out the window and paled. “Oh, come on!”

A swarm of infected birds—twisted, mutated, flesh barely clinging to their bodies—was barreling toward them.

Dan groaned. “I hate this world.”

Sam grabbed his rifle. “Alright, crew. Let’s clean the skies.”

Trixie and Starlight rushed to the turret controls, manning the B-52’s mounted machine guns.

Sam and Pops grabbed their rifles, taking position at the emergency exit windows, shooting down anything that got too close.

Dan, still flying, cursed. “These little freaks are gonna tear the wings apart if we don’t clear ‘em!”

Trixie unleashed a volley of .50 caliber rounds, ripping through the flock. “DIE, YOU WINGED ABOMINATIONS!”

Starlight fired controlled bursts, her magic enhancing her accuracy.

Sam and Pops kept the windows clear, sniping anything that got past the turrets.

After several intense minutes, the last infected bird splattered against the windshield.

Dan wiped his forehead. “Damn. That was too close.”

Sam reloaded. “At least it wasn’t zombie pterodactyls.”

Dan smirked. “Don’t jinx it.”

Relaxation at 30,000 Feet

With the airspace clear, Pops stretched. “Alright, kid. My turn to fly.”

Dan blinked. “Wait, you know how to fly?”

Pops took the pilot’s seat, effortlessly adjusting controls like he’d been doing it for years. “Boy, I was flyin’ choppers back when you were in diapers.”

Dan chuckled, standing up. “Fine, fine. You got it.”

He turned toward the passenger area, rolling his shoulders. “Guess I can finally relax.”

Sam smirked. “While you do that, I got something to take care of.”

He motioned for Starlight. “Come here.”

Starlight blinked. “What?”

Sam cracked his knuckles. “You ever had a real massage?”

Her face turned red. “I—uh—”

Sam sat down, motioning to his lap. “C’mon, trust me.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Starlight cautiously climbed onto the seat, resting her back against Sam’s chest.

Then—

He got to work.

His fingers pressed into her shoulders, working through knots of stress she didn’t even know she had.

Starlight melted instantly. “Ohh… that’s… actually amazing…”

Trixie raised an eyebrow. “Since when did he become a professional?”

Dan chuckled. “Hey, my turn.”

Trixie scoffed. “Excuse me?”

Dan sat next to her, grinning. “You heard me.”

Trixie huffed. “Fine. But if you mess this up, Trixie is blasting you off this plane.”

Dan smirked. “I’ll take my chances.”

Then, as he started massaging her neck and shoulders, Trixie’s entire body went stiff.

A soft whimper slipped from her lips before she could stop it.

Dan grinned. “Like that, huh?”

Trixie blushed furiously. “T-Trixie admits nothing!”

Dan leaned closer, whispering, “You’re cute when you’re flustered.”

Trixie tensed. “W-WHAT?!”

Then, before she could react—

Dan kissed her neck.

Trixie froze.

Dan’s voice softened.

“I love you, Trixie.”

Silence.

Trixie’s brain short-circuited. “Y-YOU WHAT?!”

Dan smirked. “You heard me.”

Trixie’s face was redder than a tomato.

Sam, overhearing, smirked. “About damn time.”

Pops, still flying, chuckled. “Y’all are gonna give me a heart attack.”

Starlight smirked. “You know, Trixie, I think you [like him.”

Trixie covered her face. “Shut up!”

Dan just laughed.

Final Approach – Mexico City Incoming

As the gang settled in, Pops checked the flight instruments.

“We’ll be landing in three and a half hours,” he called. “But when we hit the ground? We’re gonna have to fight like hell to keep the horde off this plane.”

Sam stood, checking their weapons. “Then we make sure we’re ready.”

He double-checked the RV and cargo container, ensuring that everything was secure in case they had to abandon the B-52.

Minigun ammo? Restocked.
Food & water? Secured.
Medical supplies? Ready to go.

Dan cracked his knuckles. “We’re gonna clear that runway and get the hell outta Dodge.”

Trixie, still flustered, grumbled. “You better not die after saying something like that.”

Dan smirked. “Aww, babe, you do care.”

Trixie turned away. “Trixie hates you.”

Dan leaned closer. “Liar.”

Sam sighed. “You two are gonna kill each other before the zombies do.”

Pops laughed. “Young love, son. Nothin’ stronger.”

The B-52 continued its descent, Mexico City looming ahead.

And whatever waited for them on the ground?

They’d face it together.

Meanwhile, in Equestria…

The enchanted mirror flickered, showing the gang flying toward Mexico City.

Rainbow Dash grinned. “DAN FINALLY SAID IT!”

Rarity fanned herself. “Such a bold confession!”

Applejack smirked. “And Trixie’s totally into it.”

Twilight, writing furiously, muttered, “They’re landing soon… but what happens next?”

Celestia’s eyes narrowed.

“We will find out soon enough.”

The mirror flickered again, showing hordes of infected gathering at the airport.

Pinkie Pie whispered.

“…I hope they’re ready.”

To Be Continued…