Finding Audio Recording #1: Fall of Canterlot
Author's Note
A while back, I wrote a zombie story but as time went on, I decided to delete it. This is a better version of the zombie story I had in mind.
This is an audio recording of a Royal Guard who saw everything first hoof. The mistakes that led to the fall of Canterlot.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Comment if you please.
Have a nice day/night reading.
Finding Audio Recording #1: Fall of Canterlot
Now playing audio log 1448:
"Hello to anypony who may be hearing this; My name is Solar Beam and I'm a Royal Guard of Canterlot. I can't hold back any secrets from the public anymore. The situation has gotten out of hoof in the castle. Ponies turning, flesh being ripped apart, innocent of lives within the castle has turned into a quarantine... Even the young weren't spared within in the castle. Nopony was allowed in or out. Including the guards. Most of them were not aware of the dire situation. Even Princess Luna wasn't aware of Celestia's doing..." In the audio log, a long sigh can be heard.
"4 months ago, I along with several of guards went with Celestia to Saddle Arabia. Apparently, there was a new virus that taken place killing off the livestock, crops and even several ponies. I was tasked to interview a farmer known as Fielder. He told me what he can about the virus. Causing the strong to die slower and the weak to die quicker. Fielder lost his wife and three kids due to the virus. The only signs they were given with virus was a black fluid running nose and two bloody coughs. I ended the interview and gave him mine condolences for his family. Fielder told me that it is best to leave and so, I did. I left his home and made my way back to Princess Celestia. She informed the others to take the livestock, crops and the dead back to her castle. I was quite horrified to hear Celestia telling to bring the dead of Fielder's family to the castle. Kinda feels like disrespecting one stallion's family. I was in no position to argue with the Princess but still, it feels wrong that Fielder won't be able to give his family the proper funeral."
"2 days later, Princess Celestia told the majority of her guards to not disturb her or else they'll be consequences. My comrades took it to heart and took it like life is depending on it. Princess Celestia required my assistance since I interviewed Fielder. I went with Celestia to her science room which is a restricted area within the castle. Not even the other princesses even know about this place. So many secrets Celestia has... Anyways, Celestia put the dead in three separate isolation cells. She is going to try to find a cure. I told her everything that Fielder told me and she requested me to go to Canterlot Prison and bring those who are on death row to come here. In order to find a cure, sacrifices have to be made. I left the room and told my fellow comrades to come with me to Canterlot Prison to bring death row ponies to the castle. They did not like going there but an order is an order from the Princess herself. An hour later, I returned to the science room with twenty-five death row ponies. Since taking there, Canterlot Prison now has many new openings for more ponies on death row. Celestia used her magic to bind the death row and gave them simple instructions. Disobey and you die. Obey you'll live long enough to earn a second chance in life. It was thrilling for the death row ponies to earn a second a chance in life. What they were in for is something far worse than death itself."
"A week later, I was informed by Captain Gears that Celestia wanted to see me. I went alone to her science room and was quite terrified to see the death row ponies in their cells. They were going stir crazy. Celestia told me exactly what Fielder told me about the virus. Thirteen death row ponies died due to the virus. The twelve remaining ponies were screaming agonizing pain. Some were biting the bars in hopes of escaping since Celestia took away their horns and wings. She also mentioned that the virus mutated which is why the remaining ponies are behaving like they are. I shook my head to awaken myself from a trance. If the virus is mutating, what can happen next? That answer was soon discovered..."
"1 month later, only 5 death row ponies remained. They are calm than they were a while back. Celestia mixed the virus with a new serum that's supposed to cure cancer to see if that serum can battle cells of the virus. After a while, the serum worked. Celestia found a cure to the new virus that mutated. I asked to see if the serum can work again if the virus mutated once more. Celestia looked down at me. She didn't say a word or had any reaction. It made me feel like that a moment in time, I was irrelevant. Princess Celestia did speak. She told me that the virus has not mutated a second time. She waited and nothing happened. Then all of a sudden, a wail can be heard. It came from one of the isolation cells of Fielder's dead family. Celestia and I ran towards the cell and saw Fielder's wife standing on all four hooves. When she looked back, however, she had a horrifying look on her face. Eyes pitched white, black fluid drooling from her mouth, her wails were strong enough to cause some ponies to go deaf. Luckily for me, Celestia used her magic health bubble and preventing the wails from making us deaf. Unfortunately, death row ponies screamed in agony and they're behavior changed. From being calm, they were aggressive. They lunged themselves in our direction but the isolation cell bars made sure they were in place. Celestia sighed and she wanted to be alone. I left and didn't come back until she needs me."
"Another month went by and I decided enough was enough with the whole waiting process. I went towards the science room only to find Celestia left standing. Death row ponies are now dead. Fresh blood scattered on the floors and ceilings. It smelled like a slaughterhouse in the room. Celestia turned with tears trailing. I decided to hug her. She hugs me back but she was smiling. Celestia told me that she has a way to help our world from being overpopulated. I remembered reading a book called Survivor Hunt which has different ponies from different sectors come and fight till the last pony is remaining. I was hoping for that to happen but within Celestia's eyes, she has a different purpose. Her smile turned into a devilish look. She gave me a warning. If I were to speak, my whole family will die slow and painfully. I...I...I didn't know what to do from that point on. My whole family lives were on the line and so, I kept my mouth shut during that time. I had to find a different way to alert everypony from impending doom."
"2 weeks later, I was patrolling the corridors and I saw Princess Luna. She knows that I'm not feeling myself. She tried her best but I had to brush her off. I needed to speak with Celestia. I found her in her room. She turned angrily and locked all exits. I didn't care at that moment but as a Royal Guard, I have to do and endure what is necessary. Celestia went up to me. She looked down as I can see the anger in her eyes. I took a deep breath and told her that she can't go forth with her idea. Celestia laughed and told me she is and will clean up and start over. I told that the virus is infecting her mind. She blasted me with her magic. I hit the wall pretty hard. I felt that Celestia has broken at least five ribs. I stand my ground. She told me that due to overpopulation in her lands, she needs to unleash the virus. I stood my ground and made a threat of mine own. I told her that I will expose you as the Princess you are. Poor choice of words but right before Celestia can use her magic to kill me, Princess Luna barged right in, creating a hole in the wall and she attacked Celestia. I jump back and saw that Luna was trying to bite Celestia's neck off. Celestia realized that Luna may have found the secret room and might have accidentally caught the virus. I ran out of the room and decided that Celestia should have quality time with her sister. I went into the room next door as Celestia was trying to fend off Luna's biting. I ripped out a door and took Luna's bigger dresser. I used my magic to hold the door in place then sealing the hole with the dresser. That did nothing as Luna was hit hard with Celestia's magic. She flew towards Luna and they fought in the corridors. I ran away but only to find more infected ponies. The young fillies are dead. Blood, feces, bones are splattered everywhere. My comrades were either dying or turning. I fled to the one place I know where to hide from all of this. I went into Celestia's private library and found the door that leads to the Canterlot Mines. I closed it and ran as far as I can. Deep in the mines, I decided to sleep."
"The next day, I found the exit which led me outside of the castle grounds where I stumbled right into Princess Luna. I looked at her, then at the castle then back again. She asked me what is wrong. I demanded her to raise the moon up early to see if my theory is correct. Luna raised the moon which made me sick to my stomach. I realized that a changeling came. Only one changeling, in particular, could be the size of Celestia. Queen Chrysalis. Then it hit me. She's carrying the virus! I told Luna everything right then and there. About the virus, about the lab, the experiments, about the threat... the..the..the plan Celestia devised." In the audio, Solar Beam is panting from the day he remembers speaking with Luna. The scars he carried and shared with somepony else. "Luna didn't take long to launch a quarantine zone. She told the remaining guards to seal the castle. What remains inside stays. Luna used her magic to create a bubble that seals any entrance from coming close to the castle grounds. The remaining Royal Guards finished locking down the castle. I sighed as I watched everything unfold. Luna had tears streaming down on her face knowing that she just did what Celestia did to her. Seal her in confinement."
A deep breath can be heard in the audio recording. "2 days later, Luna was basically falling apart. She can only be close enough to use her magic near the castle. I stand beside her. Lending my magic and energy to her. Luna can only back and see Celestia by her room staring at us. I guess she killed Queen Chrysalis but now is angered by my actions. I know for a fact that Celestia wanted me dead. I can feel it. The fire deep down inside burning. I was not afraid of Celestia anymore. I'm more afraid of the virus spreading throughout all the lands. I did my best to comfort Luna and it worked. As tired as she can be, other Royal Guards came by to lend their energy and magic to Luna."
"1 day later, Luna and I heard strange sounds coming from the castle. Next thing we know, an explosion erupted as the infected came out running towards us. Celestia flew up towards the bubble and shattered it. I ran with Luna as the hoard came after us. Luckily for us, most of the ponyfolk left Canterlot. Thanks to Luna's suggestion of evacuation, everypony fled. The rich and those who were stubborn to leave realized they made a grave mistake. The infected got to them and fed. Luna held on to me and she flew us away from Canterlot. We can hear the fear, the screams, and the moans of the infected as Luna flew farther and farther away. We reached a mountaintop where we'll be able to see Canterlot from afar. Fire spread, but a lot of cracking sounds can be heard. Luna feared that the structure of Canterlot may be on the verge of collapsing. In mere moments, we saw the fall of Canterlot. It rolled down the side of the mountain and exploded. Luna caught of glimpse of Celestia and shouted at her. Calling her a monster. I didn't know what to say but Luna explained to me that Celestia used her magic to destroy the support beams of Canterlot. If the infected can somehow survive in the presence of Celestia, then they can survive a freefall thus the virus is free to spread. No more words were spoken."
"After a few days of the Fall of Canterlot, the infected made its way to Ponyville. We don't know what's happening but Luna reassured me that Twilight and her friends can somehow overcome it. Luna decided that we should head off to the Crystal Empire. Perhaps within their library, they have seen the virus we are fighting today. It's a long shot. For those who are listening to this message. I pray you to put Celestia down for the count. This is her idea...Operation: Rebirth. Nearly half or more of the population decreased, then to have all of Equestria start over. Princess Celestia is a villain. Nopony should ever take her side no matter what. Justice will be served. Good luck any and everypony."
After hearing the message loud and clear, Starlight Glimmer and Twilight Sparkle couldn't believe what they found and heard in the cabin nearby Ponyville.
"Twilight, what are we going to do?"
"We're going to tell everypony about Solar Beam's message. They have the right to hear."
Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer left the cabin after finding cans of food in a storage locker. They wondered how Luna and Solar are doing as they made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres. Hearing what Solar said in the audio log, Twilight couldn't believe that her teacher went into insanity after finding the virus. Moans echoing in Ponyville can be heard as Twilight and Starlight head into Sweet Apple Acres.
This is only the beginning of the end...
The Message! Reaction! Defense!
Twilight and Starlight are now back in Sweet Apple Acres after finding not only canned foods but a message from a Royal Guard. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Spike and other survivors joined to greet Twilight and Starlight. Flustered is written on their faces.
"What happened Twilight?" Rainbow asked.
Twilight sighed. She's thinking about how to express what she heard.
"Starlight and I found something...Evidence of what caused the virus to spread."
Twilight had tears in her eyes. The unbelief that Celestia is the reason why the virus is spreading. Twilight couldn't stop quivering. The thought about Operation: Rebirth is cruel and sickening.
"Here," Starlight used her magic and pulled out a tape recording. "Play this and you'll know exactly what we are feeling."
Spike grabbed the tape recorder and played it. 45 minutes have passed and everypony is feeling disturbed and distraught. Spike couldn't believe that Celestia would do and think such a thing which gave him a panic attack. Twilight came and calmed him down.
"So now what do we do?" Rainbow asked.
"I don't know. For now, we need to hold off the hoard from coming to Sweet Apple Acres." Starlight said.
Twilight and her friends went to the Apple household to gather their thoughts about the audio recording. Applejack is trying to get the guns working except for the machine gun.
"Big Mac! I need ya help with the machine gun!" Applejack shouted.
Big Mac came up with his toolbox. He and Applejack were fixing the machine gun.
"Aaaalmost," Big Mac is changing gears in the machine gun to run it smoothly. "And done! Try shootin those apples from the broken down tree over there," Big Mac pointed towards the east side.
"Alright, Big Mac." Applejack starts shooting the apples from the broken down tree. "Yerhaw it's working again! Thanks for the help, Big Mac."
"No problem Applejack." Big Mac left the barn and helped the other ponies gather apples for dinner tonight.
Applejack tested the rest of the guns in the barn as she found better targets. Once she finished, she headed down. Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Soarin came by.
"Were you able to fix the guns Applejack?" Soarin asked.
"Yep. Big Mac also fixed the machine gun. Ain't that right Big Mac!"
"Eeyup!" Big Mac is now carrying a cart full of fresh apples to the house.
"So how are we doin in the outer perimeter?"
"So far, the wall has taken a pounding from the hoard today. Nothing new with the earth pony infected but the infected unicorn is starting to practice little magic. We had to take them out before they learn something with the infectious virus." Spitfire said.
"Also, the infected pegasi have learned to fly." Fleetfoot mentioned.
"Ah great. Now they can fly."
"It's getting worse Applejack. We had some infected pegasi flying over the wall. They are starting to adapt as we speak." Fleetfoot concluded.
Applejack is now getting scared with the newer possibilities that are happening. She galloped her way towards her house to see if Twilight and her friends are present. She opens the door and saw her friends in the living room looking depressed than before.
"Twilight!" Applejack shouted.
Twilight didn't respond as she's in a trance.
"Twilight!" Applejack yelled but to no avail. Twilight stood still on the couch. Unfazed by time or anything.
"TWILIGHT!" Applejack yelled and slapped Twilight in her face multiple times.
Twilight awoke from her trance and used her magic to stop Applejack from slapping her.
"What?!" Twilight yelled furiously at her friend.
Applejack paused.
"We have a situation with the infected ponies."
Twilight groaned. "What is it now?"
"The infected unicorns are now practicing magic and the infected pegasi are starting to fly."
"What?!" Rainbow cried out from the kitchen. She flew into the living room approaching and invading Applejack's space. "Those things can fly now!"
"Yes, Rainbow. Those things can fly now and we're calling them fliers now."
Rainbow screamed loudly in the room. Other ponies in the living room were unfazed by her screaming. They were too depressed to notice. Rainbow then flies out of the house in pure anger.
Applejack sighs until Twilight spoke.
"Applejack, you need to hear this..." Twilight gives Applejack the tape recorder.
"What's in this tape recorder Twi?"
"Answers to why and how this started..."
Applejack left the room. She went up to her room and listened to the tape recording. After a while of listening to the tape recording, she stomped all four hooves down in anger and stomped her way out to the room and out of the house. She grabbed a megaphone to call everypony else to the household.
"Emergency meeting everypony!"
Some of the Wonderbolts came, the CMC, Ms. Cheerliee, Bulk Biceps, Derpy, Big Mac, Flim and Flam, and other survivors came to the house.
"Now what's with all the commotion sis?" Apple Bloom questioned.
Applejack sighs but quickly turn her attention to everypony else.
"I have important information about the virus. Everypony here should hear the message left by a Royal Guard from Canterlot."
Using the megaphone, Applejack played the tape recording so everyone can hear. Everypony in the area got angry after hearing the message loud and clear. Everypony feels betrayed that their Princess is the reason behind the downfall of Equestria. Knowing that some loved ones in Canterlot are either dead, missing or turned. Flim and Flam cried their eyes out as some of their family and business were taken out of the picture.
After a while, everypony went back to what they were doing except for Flim and Flam. They called it a day as they headed to their bunks. To devasted to think and continue their work on making better weapons and better designs for the barricade in front of Sweet Apple Acres and behind it heading into the Everfree Forest. Applejack headed back inside and sat with her friends. To try and come up with a plan of action.
Everypony in Ponyville knew that Canterlot has fallen from the mountainside but not like this. Nothing can compare to the devastation of a demented Princess's mind. Not even Discord's reign can comprehend this level of insanity.
An hour later, Twilight and Starlight went out for a walk. They needed the fresh air to think about what to do next. Everyone else is at their positions to watch out for other infected ponies. Ms.Cheerliee and Spitfire took watch over the young fillies. They are the future of Equestria's survival now. Applejack remained with Big Mac at the barn house. Scouting for fliers and any other infected ponies along with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Soarin. Each of them had their snipers except for Big Mac, he held onto the machine gun he fixed earlier. All is quiet for now. Starlight and Twilight looked at each other for a second.
"Have anything on your mind Twilight?"
"I have a lot on my mind. Celestia, Luna, Solar Beam, the Crystal Empire, basically everypony here in Equestria. I wish that the virus never made its way to poison Celestia's mind. She's my teacher and she taught me to never ever hurt those that I love and care about. She broke that rule despite her envisioned idea of reducing the population."
"It could be worse."
"How Starlight?"
"Well, instead of living through a nightmare which could have a positive ending, every single one of us could be dead and nothing left behind. Not even Discord."
"Discord...Discord..." Eyes widen for Twilight. "Discord!"
"Huh?"
"Starlight, you are a genius! "
"Wait, I am?"
"Discord can use his magic to take the virus away!"
"You're right! All we need is Fluttershy and Discord will come running."
Twilight and Starlight ran back to the house. Fluttershy took a nap on the floor.
"Fluttershy!" Both Twilight and Starlight shouted.
"Daaah!" Fluttershy startled as she woke up from her slumber.
"Is there a way that you can contact Discord?"
"Yea, I've sent him a letter not that long ago. He told me that he'll come and see me as soon as he's done taking care of an errand."
"How long ago was this?"
"Three weeks ago before Ponyville was overrun by the infected."
Twilight looked at Fluttershy then at Starlight who had the same expression then back at Fluttershy.
"Three weeks ago?"
Fluttershy nodded.
"Must be a long errand for Discord to handle."
"Yea, but, he'll come and hopefully, he'll be able to fix all of this and capture Celestia."
Rainbow Dash flies her way through the house to alert Twilight.
"Twilight! Huge hoard is coming! We need your help!"
"I'll be right there Rainbow, just don't go after the fliers. Can't afford to lose you to them."
Rainbow flew out of the house and right back next to Pinkie and Soarin as they shot down the fliers in the sky.
"Here we go again."
Starlight ran towards the front side of the barricade. Using her magic to create a shield that the hoard can't penetrate. Twilight left the house and took flight shooting down the other fliers with her magic. Sending them far away from Sweet Apple Acres. Flim and Flam came out in their customized tank they spent two months building. They used rotten apples and broken pieces of boulders to shoot down the fliers as well. The infected unicorns jumped over the shield only to get obliterated by Big Mac and the tank as well. Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Thunderlane create a short tornado to get rid of the infected lifeless bodies out of the safe haven to prevent the virus from infecting everypony else. One infected unicorn used a death shield to block Twilight's attack. Starlight saw this and teleported the infected unicorn so high in the sky that when it landed outside of the barrier, you can hear it splattered all over the ground loudly.
After a half hour of assault on the hoard, they were taken down. Starlight couldn't believe that the infected unicorn is now able to conjure magic. Creating its own defense mechanism. This brought fear not only to her heart but those who witnessed. There will be a time in which they won't be able to stay for long. Twilight and Starlight will be thinking a lot about the next course of action. Now that things are settled, for now, some ponies went back to their positions as others came into the Apple house for dinner.
Everypony got lucky today that one infected unicorn was able to use magic but how long will it be till every other infected unicorn would be able to use magic. How long will it be for the pegasi to use weather as a weapon for the virus to infect the pegasi. How long will it be for the infected earth pony to be strong enough to take down the walls? Only time will tell.
