When the dead rises

Chapters

Ep1 Welcome to the end
Ep2 Safety
Ep3 The town
Ep4 interrupted

Ep1 Welcome to the end

Beautiful clouds fill the sky of Ponyville it is a beautiful day and a small crowed is gathered around, excited to see Rainbow Dash's "new trick" that is sure to be her best one yet. Everyone is chatting with each other while Pinky Pie and Fluttershy set up streamers and balloons excited for the party they will throw for Rainbow to celebrate her latest trick. A rainbow colored blur shoots through the middle of the crowed and is suddenly shot up into the sky. Before she got to high Rainbow Dash looped around and flew just an inch above the crowd's heads Rainbow Dash turned to the crowd and gave them a cocky smile. She turned her head back to face the direction she was heading preparing to let the real show begin when she saw that she was bout to run straight into a building she tried to stop but she was going to fast and crashed into the side, hard enough that the crowd though it was about to topple over. The crowed screamed and Pinky Pie and Fluttershy came to check on their friend, screaming her name and shaking her asking if she was ok. But all Rainbow Dash heard was ringing coming from her ears before immediately blacking out.

Rainbow slowly opened her eyes to view her surroundings she was lying in a medical bed with moniters next to her with a medical band on her right front leg. She rubbed her head and looked at her wings, witch here in bandages apparently broken in the crash, as she tried to remember the recent events that led up to her ending up here. She remembered her stunt and how badly she failed she slapped her face but immediately regretted it. She looked around and noticed the power was out and it was a little too quiet in the building. She herself out of the bad to see what was going on, her body aching all over. She stumbled out the door, wondering if she should stay in bed and wait for someone to help her. She looked down the halls to see blood smeared on the walls and on the floor, medical tables turned over, hospital tools thrown about, some with blood on the sharp edges, and papers scattered all over the floor. She could only assume the worst of what could have happened here. She slowly progressed through the dimly lit halls of the hospital. She heard some groans up ahead and seen a pony in a white lab coat shambling towered some unknown destination.

"Hey there! Can you please tell me what happened here?" Yelled Rainbow, desperately trying 5o get the doctors attention with all that she could do.

The doctor turned to face Rainbow Dash and let out a low groan. Rainbow Dash's hopeful expression in her eyes turned into one of fear as she seen that the doctor's eyes where foggy with a dead expression on them, his skin rotting and revealing muscle in a few places, and his teeth cracked and crooked. The doctor shambled towards Rainbow Dash moaning and growling as he came closer. Dash ran as fast as she could in her current state and quickly burst through the entrance of the hospital. She stumbled a few feed before stopping to look around. There were more of those creatures out here and they heard her loud exit from the hospital. Rainbow Dash desperately wished she could fly right then but she didn’t have time to wish. She quickly ran as fast as she could right then past the creatures towards Fluttershy's house to see if she was safe and to find shelter before the things caught up to her. The sun was beginning to dip down and Rainbow was panting hard, her body screaming at her to rest, finally collapsing on the ground. She thought it was the end and she closed her eyes, prepared for whatever was chasing her to go ahead and kill her. She had given up her hope until she felt her left front hoof being pulled forward. She slowly opened her eyes to see a yellow hoof pulling hers toward a cottage. Rainbow smiled softly, her body too tired to get up. And fell asleep out of pure exhaustion.

Rainbow Dash woke up in a bed with lit candles in the room so she could see. Rainbow then heard the door creaking open and a familiar figure stepping inside. She was then greeted with a big hug and felt wet droplets of water on her shoulders. The pony then let go of Dash remembering her injuries.

"I'm so sorry Dashie. I should have been there for you, I can't imagine what you've seen in the hospital or how much pain you had to go through in order to get here," Apologized Fluttershy through tears streaming down her face.

"Its ok Fluttershy I'm fine, besides I'm safe here and I'm glad you're ok," responded Rainbow Dash

Rainbow reach over to her friend and wiped her tears away.

"By the way what happened out there?" Asked Rainbow Dash.

It was a question that had been on her mind ever since she escaped the hospital.

"I don't know I went to town to pick up some food and the next thing I know ponies started brutally attacking each other and those that looked like they should be dead started waking up and some of them chased after me and I stayed here ever since until yesterday when I seen you struggle to get here, again I'm so very sorry for leaving you behind," explained Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash was a little frustrated that her friend didn't know anything more about what had happened but felt bad for feeling that way seeing Fluttershy was on the verge of tears again. Rainbow Dash patted her friend on the back as best as she could and reassured Fluttershy that she wasn't mad at her. She then closed her eyes and rested hoping that the rest of her friends were was lucky as Fluttershy was. As soon as Rainbow Dash fell asleep Fluttershy quietly walked out of her room and grabbed a shovel and walked outside. She cried the whole time she was digging. Her animals meant a lot to her....but sadly some of them weren't as lucky as she and Rainbow dash had been. And putting them out of their misery and burying them was something that made her contemplate on not staying in this new, dying world. But she brushed the thoughts away and headed inside to make her friend something to eat.

To Be Continued

Ep2 Safety

Five days later…….

Fluttershy woke up Rainbow Dash and placed a bowl of soup on a small table in front of her bed. Rainbow Dash stared at the soup and her expression turned into one of sadness.

“What's the matter? Is the soup too hot?” asked Fluttershy.

“No the soup is fine….I’m just…..extremely worried about the others….Pinky Pie, Twilight, Rarity, Apple Jack. I just hope they were as lucky as we were.” said Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy thought about what Rainbow had said and agreed. Just then a lightbulb went off in Fluttershy's head.

“How about we go to their homes and see for ourselves? Besides we need a new place to stay….to be honest I'm running low on food here and I'm not sure how much longer these candles will last,” explained Fluttershy.
There was another reason why Fluttershy wanted to leave. She didn’t want to stay in a place with too many painful memories of her life before those things rose from the dead. Plus she couldn’t stand the thought of waking up next to the spot where she buried so many of her beloved animal friends. Fluttershy never told Rainbow her reasons of leaving and Rainbow didn’t ask. Fluttershy packed a bag full of food and whatever else they needed in case they had to stay over night somewhere else on their way to see their friends. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy went started out the door but Fluttershy was pulled back. Fluttershy looked behind her to see Angel Bunny pulling on her leg to make her stay. Although she knew it wasn't safe for him out here she decided that he was strong and took him with her and Rainbow Dash. They started outside and started running when the creatures noticed them. They ran away from the slow moving monsters that used to be citizens of Ponyville. They ran away until they reached their destination, Apple Jack's farm. They needed food and if anyone was fit to survive in these conditions it was Apple Jack. The small group walked closer to Apple Jack's house fluttershy was kicked hard in the back of her head, knocking her unconscious. Rainbow Dash turned to see Bigmcintosh preparing to take her down too.

“Wait! Bigmcintosh it's me Rainbow Dash!” yelled Rainbow Dash before Bigmcintosh could land a hit.

“What a minute….” Thought Bigmcintosh.

“Bigmcintosh what the hay are you doing!!!” yelled Apple Jack recognizing her two friends.

“Oh my Celestia! I’m so sorry I thought you two were those things. I hope Fluttershy will be ok.” apologized Bigmcintosh.

“Me too.” Agreed Rainbow Dash.

“Don't worry sugercube she is just unconscious for now although you need to really start paying attention Bigmcintosh.” Reassured and scolded Apple Jack.

As Bigmcintosh was about to say something else he was attacked by a white blur. Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack laughed when they realized it was Angel Bunny beating up Bigmcintosh.

“Can't say you didn't deserve it Bigmcintosh.” Jokingly remarked Apple Jack.

Apple Jack carried Fluttershy into her house up ahead, leaving Bigmcintosh to deal with Angel Bunny. When Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack went inside they were met with a storm of gasps going off in the rooms. Suddenly Rainbow was knocked to the ground by a familiar pink blur.

“Rainbow Dash! I'm so glad you're ok I was so worried you might not make it what with all the monsters outside and you being injured, I wish I was there with you but to be honest I was a little scared that the monsters would get me but you made it! Are you're wing still broken? What happened to Fluttershy? Where's Bigmcintosh? Let's celebrate your safety! There has to be party supplies somewhere.” Rambled Pinky Pie.

“Whoa, slow down Pinky Pie you both need to breath. And Fluttershy is fine she just needs somewhere to lie down, Bigmcintosh is suffering the wrath of Angel Bunny, and no I don’t have any party supplies now let Rainbow breath.” Explained Apple Jack.

Pinky Pie apologized and let Rainbow Dash go and then introduced her to the other survivors. Pinky Pie let Rainbow know that Gummy was safe while also hugging Gummy tightly. Rainbow Dash was then met with a familiar pony that was very worried about her small wardrobe sense she didn't have enough time to pack before her home was overrun. Rainbow hugged Rarity, glad that she, like Pinky Pie, was safe. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle wrapped their arms around Rainbow. Rainbow was glad that Granny Smith made it too. Rainbow was extremely happy that her friends were safe at Apple Jack's farm. However she noticed that one was missing. Twilight was nowhere to be found. She asked around if anyone had seen Twilight but she never even came to the farm. Rainbow Dash wondered where Twilight could be or if she was even still alive and if she was Rainbow hoped Twilight would make it to the farm.

Apple Jack had a few rules about staying at her farm. The survivors had to help maintain the farm In order to keep the food in stock. She also set up a plan of who had to sleep in the house and who had to sleep in the barn. The group had a place to stay, a place where they were safe and not in immediate danger. At least…..for now.

“I wonder if after all this time that farm is still around…the trees from it would make a great addition to my town, wouldn't you agree?” asked the mysterious pony. All he had in response was a growl and moan coming from his closet. He knew fully well what was in there but he kept the closet closed and what was inside of it alive. He wondered if there really was a cure and what happened to cause all of this. Only time could tell.

To Be Continued

Ep3 The town

Rainbow Dash woke up suddenly and looked around her. She was in Apple Jack's barn with a comfy blanket on top of her. Rainbow had suddenly realized that the past few days weren't a dream. The outbreak was real and she was still in the harsh reality that was her new life. Later that day Rainbow Dash met up with Apple Jack to discuss Rainbow leaving to look for Twilight.

“Absolutely not, look I’m worried about Twilight too but going out there is almost a death sentence.” Scolded Apple Jack

“That's why you should come with me, you're strong and can help out a lot, or I could just get Bigmcintosh to help.” Responded Rainbow Dash.

“I'm not going to risk my brother's life sugercube, and I have to stay here to help maintain the farm and keep my family safe, I'm sorry but going out isn't an option.” Reasoned Apple Jack.

“We won't be out for long and my legs are healed enough so that I can make a fast getaway if we run into any trouble and you could really help me with your strength, plus who knows we might find a few things that could help us out here, if there is any major danger we can leave and you can give me an ‘I told you so' speech" explained Rainbow Dash.

Apple Jack reluctantly agreed to help Rainbow look for Twilight, besides Apple Jack knew that Rainbow would probably have gone anyway. The zombies were surprisingly scarce around the farm, which was strange considering what they had seen days ago. They stopped and seen a magic barrier containing a village full of non-zombie ponies.

“Is it just me or does that barrier have Twilight written all over it?” asked Apple Jack.

“Only one way to find out.” Answered Rainbow Dash.

The two ponies approached the barrier and stepped inside. They looked around, it was as if the monsters outside didn't exist. Some kids were going to school, people stood around and talked, some people bought food from different markets. It was life as normal.

“I wondered how you two were doing.” A calm male voice said behind them.

The two ponies turned around to face the pony that approached them.

“Filthy Rich?” asked Apple Jack.

“It's actually Mayor Rich now, what do you think of my town? That friend of yours works wonders.” Responded Filthy Rich.

“You run this place?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Well my family helped build ponyville. It only makes sense.” Answered Filthy Rich.

Suddenly their friend who they came here to find came up to the three ponies. Twilight wrapped Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack in a big hug.

“I'm so glad you guys are safe!” exclaimed Twilight.

“Me too.” Responded Spike from beside Twilight.

“Well looks like we have a nice reunion here, by the way Apple Jack, is that farm of yours still around?” asked Filthy Rich.

“Yes actually that’s were the others are. We came out here to find you Twilight.” Responded Apple Jack.

“They others are safe too? Thank Celestia!” yelled Twilight.

“You know what, how about Twilight and you two go back to the farm and tell the other survivors to come here, I'm sure it must be crowded at your farm.” Offered Filthy Rich.

Twilight, Spike, Apple Jack, and Rainbow Dash agreed to Rich's offer and headed back to the farm.

“By the way, Welcome to Diamondville.” Welcomed Mayor Rich.

The four friends waved goodbye to Filthy Rich, turned, and set off toward Apple Jack's apple farm. As they left Filthy Rich headed to met up with his best fighters just in case his plan turned south and Apple Jack didn't agree to his terms. When the group reached Sweet Apple Acres they told the rest of the survivors about Diamondville. The survivors were happy to have a bigger place to live and that there were so many other survivors. As the survivors left for Diamondville Rainbow Dash noticed that the Apple family wasn't coming with them.

“Are you coming Apple Jack?” asked Rainbow Dash

“I'm afraid not I have to stay here and help out on the farm and I need to make sure that Granny Smith is ok besides Bigmcintosh and Apple Bloom are staying too so I need to make sure they're ok too.” Answered Apple Jack.

“Well…It's safer in Diamondville the monsters can't get in through the barrier, besides Apple Bloom's friends are coming with us and they have a school so it will be better there for Apple Bloom.” Responded Twilight

Apple Jack thought about it and had to admit that Twilight had a point. She agreed to let Apple Bloom stay at Diamondville but she would accompany the group to make sure that Apple Bloom got there safely. Once the group arrived at Diamondville they were greeted by Mayor Rich.

“Hello everyone I'm glad you all made it safe if you all will head to the town hall the ponies there will give you all places to stay and enroll the children in school. And Apple Jack I need you to meet me in my office.” Instructed Filthy Rich.

Apple Jack met Filthy Rich in his office while her friends were outside of the office receiving information on where they were going to live. Apple Jack was a little nervous about the amount of strong-looking ponies that stood in a line behind Filthy Rich, they looked ready to kill her if they were ordered to.

“So what did you want to talk to me about?” asked Apple Jack.

“Getting straight to the point I see? That’s fine. As I'm sure you know before all this happened, when Ponyville was founded, your farm helped a great deal. Diamondville is no different except I would like to take ownership of Sweet Apple Acres you can still work and live there if you'd like but some of my people will work there and all of the produce will go to my town and you, like all the other citizens of diamondville will trade for it. Offered Filthy Rich.

“And what would happen if I refused?” tried Apple Jack

“Well I would have to take it by force and these nice ponies behind me will make you pay, preferably by making your sister end up like my daughter did.” Threatened Mayor Rich.

Just then a growl filled the room from a closet nearby.

“Be quiet dear, Daddy's in the middle of a meeting.” Shushed Mayor Rich.

“You're insane if you think I'll let you near Apple Bloom and you're insane if you think I'm just going to give up my family's life's work. This isn't you Rich you've never threatened to harm anypony before.” Responded Apple Jack.

“The times have changed. The death of my daughter has made me realize that I need to be more strong if I'm going to survive this world and it's not just your sister I'll harm it will also be your friends, your brother, Granny Smith, I will make you see that if you don't do things my way then you might as well join the monsters outside. It's your choice.” Threatened Mayor Rich.

“Filthy-" started Apple Jack

“It's Mayor Rich!!” shouted The Mayor.

“You can't do this especially to a harmless philly like my sister it isn't fair to her.” Reasoned Apple Jack

“Do you think it was fair when my wife and daughter were snatched away from me by those monsters, do you think it was fair for me to hear them screaming calling for help while I just stood there in fear and horror?!” Angerly Shouted Mayor Rich

“I have to go" quickly said Apple Jack.

Apple Jack ran out of the office and yelled for the other her friends to run away as fast as they can. Mayor Rich burst out of the office with the strong ponies behind him. The group rushed out of the town hall to exit the barrier. Twilight used her magic to make the barrier go away causing the creatures from outside to start to enter the town. Mayor Rich knew that his town was screwed without the barrier and quickly caught up to the survivors and grabbed Apple Bloom and ran off with his bodyguards protecting him from any harm. The survivors ran off with a lot of zombies taking notice and shambling close behind them. The survivors eventually made it to the farm and gathered into the house to collect themselves.

“What the hay Twilight? You just killed so many innocent ponies!” yelled Rainbow Dash.

“I know but from the look of those ponies they were about to kill all of us! It was just a distraction I wasn't thinking….I….I just…I" panicked Twilight soon growing tears in her eyes.

“I'm a murderer, I killed so many ponies it's all my fault I'm worse than those monsters outside…I….I….” cried Twilight.

Pinky Pie wrapped Twilight in a big hug and tried to get her to calm down.

“He got her, he took Apple Bloom I was supposed to protect her, she was right by my side. He caught up to us… Filthy Rich isn't going to get away with this I will make sure he pays for anything he does to Apple Bloom He may have been a decent person before but the pony that spoke to me wasn't Filthy Rich, not anymore.” Threatened Apple Jack.

The group was interrupted by shouts coming from outside. The group ran outside to see what was going on. They seen Mayor Rich along with his bodyguards. Mayor Rich had Apple Bloom held in one of his arms, and the head of a zombie in Mayor Rich's other hoof. A look of pure rage on his face.

“You could have just given me your farm and we would have been just fine. But instead you ran out of my office, and then you destroyed my town's barrier, killing many of my citizens.” Yelled Mayor Rich.

That last line sent Twilight into even more crying and blame.

“However despite all of that I will let your little sister and the rest of you live if you surrender your farm to me right now if you refuse I will kill every single one of you and make you, Apple Jack, watch. So what is your decision?” offered Mayor Rich.

To Be Continued

Ep4 interrupted

“I'll let you mull the decision over but if any of you come close to me or any of my men the little one joins the dead!” shouted Mayor Rich

“What do we do? Filthy Rich has completely lost it.” Whispered Scootaloo.

“I don't know….I can't give up my family's life's work this farm has been my home since I was little….but…” Thought Apple Jack

Apple Jack thought hard.

“Maybe we can act like we accepted the deal long enough for them to believe us and the when they least expect it we could attack them and take back the farm" whispered Apple Jack.

“No!....no….we are not doing that…..no more violence no one else has to get hurt….no one deserves it.” Disagreed Twilight.

Apple Jack sighed.

“My sister is more important than this farm.” Reasoned Apple Jack.

“Grab as much supplies as you can, and help Granny outside, we have to leave.” Ordered Apple Jack.

The group scavenged the house and helped Granny Smith before Apple Jack continued the talk with Mayor Rich.

“You can have Sweet Apple Acres just let my sister live.” Complied Apple Jack.

“So you finally grew some brains. Looks like the apocalypse is helping your stubbornness.” Taunted Mayor Rich

Mayor Rich released Apple Bloom and trotted toward the house with his men. Apple Bloom ran toward Apple Jack, who then held Apple Bloom close to her. The rest of the apple family joined in to savor the happy moment, which unfortunately didn't last long. Just then the ponies heard the groans and growls of many and many zombies come closer toward Sweet Apple Acres. It was the zombies from Diamondville, the commotion from the farm had drove them towards it.

“Run!!!” yelled Rainbow Dash as the zombies grabbed a few of Mayor Rich's bodyguards.

The group Ran away from the zombies, Mayor Rich and a few of his surviving bodyguards headed in a different direction. While the group kept running. Granny Smith however, couldn't run as fast as the others. Apple Jack grabbed Granny Smith and tried to help her keep up but Granny was pulled by the zombies away from them. Apple jack managed to pull Granny Smith away but the damage was already done. Apple Jack continued to help Granny keep up with the group. The survivors made it to town but the zombies were still following close behind them.

“There's no where to go that isn't zombie infested. What do we do?” Panicked Rainbow Dash.

“We need to get somewhere so Granny can get proper medical treatment.” Apple Jack pointed out.

“That doesn't help!” shouted Rainbow Dash.

“Hey guys over here!” shouted a voice from one of the abandoned buildings.

The survivors looked to see another pony holding the entrance to the Golden Oaks Library open and motioning for the survivors to get inside. The group took the opportunity and headed inside. Once inside the group found a table and laid Granny Smith on top of it.

“What happened to her?” asked the pony that helped the survivors inside.

“She was grabbed by the monsters outside.” Explained Apple Bloom.

“Was she bitten?” asked the stranger.

“Yes.” Apple Jack replied with suspicion in her voice.

“I'm sorry but she isn't going to make it. Once you're bitten that’s it. And I know you have no reason to trust me since we just met but I know that she doesn't have long before she becomes one of them.” Replied the stranger.

“….I know…..I just…I was hoping to get some more time with her before…..you know.” Explained Apple Jack who was welling up with tears.

“And I'm even more sorry to say this but….the only way to stop those things is by destroying the brain. But if you want I could do it for you.” Offered the stranger.

“Ok….thank you" accepted Apple Jack.

The Apple Family said their final goodbyes to Granny Smith before leaving the room whole the others tried to comfort them. After a little while the stranger dumped laid the body outside and met with the others.

“I'm sorry to have that all happen as soon as you got here. Let me try introducing myself since the time for introductions is a little overdue. My name is Starry Midnight.” Introduced the stranger. The group introduced themselves to each other and then Starry Midnight showed the group around the newly fortified Golden Oaks Library. During the tour Twilight pulled Apple Jack aside into another room.

“Apple Jack I need to talk to you about something and you have to promise not to tell the other about it ok?” asked Twilight.

“Sure Sugercube, what do you wan to talk to me about?” responded Apple Jack.

“With the whole….“me destroying Diamondville thing" and what happened with Granny Smith I….just don't think I could live in this world anymore and I'm surprised Fluttershy hasn't said the same things but considering how you lost Granny Smith and your family's farm I hope you could do this with me.” Explained Twilight.

“Twilight…no. I won't do this with you. Apple Bloom and Bigmcintosh still need me here and you are the reason we even went to Diamondville to begin with and after all the trouble we all went through to make it here safely you want to end your life? No. And don't even consider it after today. Do you hear me? We all forgive you for what happened to Diamondville. You were just protecting us. So you better not take your own life and if you do I will not be joining you." Ranted Apple Jack.

Twilight cried and wrapped Apple Jack into a hug and apologized over and over. Eventually Apple Jack was able to calm down Twilight and the two rejoined the other group in the tour.

Meanwhile somewhere else in ponyville….

“Sir, what do we do now?” asked one of the surviving bodyguards.

“Hehehe. Now we find those criminals and make sure their crimes don't go unpunished. They will pay and I will make sure of that.” Answered Mayor Rich.

To Be Continued