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

Chapter 7: The long Road to New York

Earth – Highway to New York

The RV rumbled down the cracked and overgrown roads, its reinforced tires crunching over debris. The dead littered the streets, some twitching, others unmoving. Abandoned vehicles clogged the highway, but thanks to Pops’ little addition to the front of the RV, they had no trouble plowing through.

The Cowcatcher, as Pops proudly called it, was a heavy-duty metal plow, salvaged from a train and welded onto the front bumper. It sent rusted cars and wreckage skidding harmlessly to the side as they powered forward, cutting a clean path through the destruction.

Starlight, sitting in the passenger seat, watched in quiet amazement as the world blurred past. "I still can’t believe how much damage there is… It's like a world frozen in time."

Sam, focused on the road, kept his hands steady on the wheel. "It’s worse in the cities. We’ll see for ourselves soon enough."

Pops, lounging in the back, kicked his feet up. "Just hope we don’t run into too many ‘runners’ when we get there. Hate those fast little freaks."

Starlight shuddered. "Runners?"

Sam sighed. "Some of the zombies move fast. Really fast."

Starlight groaned. "Of course they do."

As they pressed forward, unaware of what awaited them, their journey was also being observed—by their friends back in Equestria.

Equestria – Twilight’s Castle

The enchanted mirror shimmered as Twilight, Celestia, Luna, and the others continued watching Starlight’s journey.

Rarity fanned herself dramatically. "They’ve been driving for hours! How long does it take to reach this ‘New York’ place?"

Twilight, taking notes as fast as she could, replied without looking up. "It’s hard to say. Time doesn’t flow exactly the same between dimensions, but judging by what we’ve seen, they’ve been traveling for most of the day."

Rainbow Dash watched with keen interest as the RV shoved an overturned truck out of the way. "Okay, that thing Pops built onto the front? Awesome."

Applejack gave a low whistle. "Gotta say, these humans sure are resourceful. Surprised they ain't runnin’ outta gas yet."

As if on cue, the mirror shifted to show Sam pulling the RV to a stop just outside the ruins of New York City.

Twilight perked up. "Looks like they made it."

Earth – New York City Outskirts

The sun dipped below the skyline, casting long shadows across the abandoned streets as Sam switched off the RV’s engine. "Alright, we need fuel. I’ll siphon what I can from these abandoned cars. Starlight, keep an eye out for trouble."

Starlight saluted mockingly. "You got it, Captain."

Sam smirked, grabbing a hose and an empty gas can before heading toward a nearby wreck. Pops followed, shotgun in hand.

It didn’t take long to find a car with fuel still inside. Sam shoved the hose in and began siphoning.

Pops leaned against the car. "So, we hittin’ the military base first, or we stoppin’ in Florida for some fun?"

Sam scoffed. "Yeah, because a zombie-infested beach vacation sounds great right now."

Pops chuckled. "Hey, gotta enjoy the little things."

They worked in silence for a bit, refueling the RV and checking the engine for gunk buildup. Sam removed a few clogged filters, cleaning them out as best as he could.

As they worked, the mirror back in Equestria displayed the scene. The ponies, fascinated by the process, watched with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"They really do everything themselves, don’t they?" Fluttershy murmured.

Twilight nodded. "In a world like that, they have no choice."

Pinkie Pie’s eyes widened. "Ooooh! It’s almost dinnertime for them!"

Sure enough, Sam wiped his hands off on a rag and turned toward the RV. "Alright, I’m starving. Let’s eat."

Dinner Time – A… Questionable Meal

Inside the RV, Sam rummaged through a supply crate before pulling out a can. He examined the label before shrugging and popping it open with his knife.

Starlight watched curiously. "What’s that?"

Sam glanced at the can. "Dog food. Beef and potato."

Starlight’s expression twisted in horror. "You’re not serious."

Sam grabbed a spoon, took a bite, and nodded. "Tastes fine."

Pops, laughing, grabbed his own can and dug in. "Hell, I ate worse in the Marines."

Starlight gagged. "That’s disgusting!"

Sam smirked. "Hey, protein is protein."

Seeing her distress, he reached into a different crate and pulled out a can of fruit and some crackers. "Relax, I’m not making you eat this. Got proper food for ya."

Starlight took the offered food, giving him a grateful nod. "Thank Celestia."

Meanwhile, back in Equestria, the girls watched the scene with mixed reactions.

Rainbow Dash was on the floor, laughing. "Dude, that guy is hardcore."

Rarity gagged. "Dog food?! Dog food?! I think I’m going to be ill!"

Applejack chuckled. "Gotta give ‘em credit, though. They ain't picky."

Celestia, having remained silent for a while, finally spoke. "These humans… They do what they must to survive. Even if it means eating something… unpleasant."

Twilight nodded. "One thing is certain: Starlight is in capable hands."

They all turned back to the mirror as the trio finished eating and prepared to enter the ruins of New York City.

Their journey was only just beginning.

To Be Continued…