Chapter one: The beginning of the undead nightmare.
Author's Note
Starting out in the quarantined zone of the Canterlot City Square, we're introduced to our main threat, will there be a way to bring the fight to the cannibalistic legions of undead? Who're these new scientists that have declared an interest in the salvation of humanity and is it too late already to do anything to stop this?
Chapter one: The beginning of the undead nightmare.
"This just in: Hordes of infected have already been spotted, and teams of trained soldiers have been dispatched to deal with the threat. Until further instructions are given, all civilians are to remain indoors and away from anyone who could be infected by at least two hundred feet to maintain a safe distance from the infected. This has been your news reporter, Current Event, signing out... god help us all."
The reporter sighed in sadness and worry as the TV screen cracked open and a clawed hand ran through it. The flesh looked decayed and rotten, skin peeling off and bone exposed. Parts of the creature's hand got cut up as green blood oozed from its fresh cuts. The monster then groaned in what might be considered pain.
The broken TV was in an abandoned part of Canterlot City Square as that got sealed off and was quarantined from the populace. That same monster pulled its hand away from the TV as it shambled towards the streetways and into the mist with all the others infected like it. The view then zoomed away from the damned infected zone and approached the clouds and darkened sky above. The view soared back onto a facility through the thundering clouds and stormy skies as the rain poured down from the shadows to the soil.
"I told you once before, Dr. Sparkle. We have minimal data on these creatures to gauge solutions for the rest of the afflicted. We have no other alternatives but to wait and see what develops." Two ladies wearing white coats were walking down a lit hallway; the lady on the right had a clipboard while trying to explain the situation to her colleague to her left.
"I understand your concerns, Dr. Glimmer. But we'll first consult Dr. Pinkamena and hear her suggestion to combat this plague." Twilight explained as they both approached the double doors to an extensive laboratory. They then saw their third colleague there, With long dark-pink hair and a paler pink complexion. "Dr. Pinkamena. You have summoned us for a meeting, yes?"
"Ja. I have. I bring important news that mustn't be ignored. I have a few test subjects in mind that I believe to be prime candidates for testing to see if their blood can be made immune to the necrotizing effects of their infection; Element one-one-five. Though I am sure they may be unwilling, I plan to keep them in line."
"Their infection? This would imply that they were bitten, right?"
"Yes, Dr. Sparkle. While some were easier to gather, a couple resisted and had to be put under for safe delivery."
"And you believe these subjects to be capable of immunity with your treatment?"
"I do. When have you ever known me not to be sure of my research?"
"Then, I'll trust you've got this all planned out. Have they shown any signs of savagery, feral behavior, and hostility in any capacity since their containment here?"
"One in particular has. But has higher brain functions—just a nasty potty mouth; he swears profusely and is prone to snaps of anger at the drop of a hat. I have three files on the possible soldiers they will become."
"May we be permitted to see them, Dr. Pinkamena?" Twilight asked with seeming curiosity.
"Granted. You may. As you can see, there are three infected subjects: One has legitimate experience as a soldier, the second is a farmer prone to hitting the sauce, and the third is the one with anger issues. I've had to deal with him."
"Their names are? To record in our logs?" Twilight implored further.
"Captain Shining Armor. He's had military training and experience showing the most admissible traits that one would expect to see from a prime soldier."
"Shining Armor... why is that name familiar to me?" Twilight was in deep contemplation before Dr. Pinkamena spoke up.
"Is there something wrong, Dr. Sparkle?"
"No. I am fine. I was thinking aloud for a moment. His name feels familiar to me; what does he look like?"
"Here's his picture on his file. You have met him somewhere before?"
"No. But it feels like I did, or should have, for some reason. Like as if some emotional thread attaches us."
"Dr. Sparkle. I respectfully remind you that spiritual emotions are to be left out of our research?" Came to the admonishment from her colleague in the coat.
"Yes. I understand that and have understood it before joining here. We're Humanity's last beacon of hope, after all. Just forget that had I mentioned it."
"It is fine, Dr. Sparkle. The second subject is a farmer named Big Macintosh. He is unremarkable at best. Shows only the capacity for manual labor and nothing higher; he has the fortitude to be a fighter for the common good."
"The last one?"
"His name is Artcraft Bruner. I have recovered him alongside Shining. They seemed to have been in the same group for some reason. Specified details on that were made unclear. He is the opposite of his brother-in-arms: Obnoxious, impulsive, and a recusant towards authority. The good that can be said is that he's a natural scrapper and has displayed formidable traits in adversity. Simply put, he is rough around the edges but has equal potential as a soldier."
"How long until they're ready for their first mission?"
"Right after I receive the phlebotomy results from the samples, I can see where I can go next with them."
"I see. Is there anything we can do to help you? You have requested both Dr. Glimmer and me, and she, to this point, has been so far silent."
"Yes. I want you two to oversee communications and general maintenance of the test subjects. I will accompany them to ensure that our mission is successful."
"B-But, Dr. Pinkamena. Those are some very considerable risks. You'd be exposing yourself to the virus that's infected nearly everyone."
"Do not worry for me, Dr. Sparkle. I can handle myself. But, there is something that I must tend to before I need those test subjects."
"Alright, I'll leave you to your plan then. Please return safely, Dr. Pinkamena."
"Yes. I understand the risks involved, and I truly believe we're making the right decision, Luna. I say this not just our head councilwoman but as of sound mind. Their involvement will ensure our salvation." Came to the reply from a woman with alabaster-white skin, magenta eyes, and prismatic-colored hair.
"Yes. I understand your decision, Sister. But can we truly trust them? They're doctors known for having no moral reservations in their research."
"Yes, Luna. I am sure. The other members of our oligarchy can also agree that while this is not without risks, it is the better choice considering our threat."
"I agree, Celestia." Said a woman with light-pink skin, purple eyes, and a mix of hot-pink, purple and yellow hair
"And so too do I, Celestia." A woman with onyx-dark skin, emerald-green eyes, and turquoise-silky hair.
"Then the majority has decided. I can only hope that whatever their plan is, it'll be what will save Humanity, or what's left of Humanity anyways." The last of the four women there had said having light-blue skin, teal-colored eyes, and dark-blue hair.
"Widespread panic has been made at the recent breach of contagion one-one-five. Hundreds of infected have been sighted, nearing a healthy civilization. This new organization, Group Nine-Three-Five, has assured us that all is well with their plan for Humanity's survival. We can only hope that this plan of theirs won't be in vain."
The news reported Current Event had concluded in his most recent announcement as he understandably didn't have much hope for this new organization of scientists with free reign on their abilities to experiment. Still, he was ordered by his superior in the media station, who's keen on the idea of them working to save Humanity while not knowing anything about what this plan to keep everyone might entail, or what it might cause, or even care for that matter so long as he's getting good ratings.
"Before I embark on my first assignment, I propose we try to understand our undead threat better. So it is with great pleasure that I, Dr. Pinkamena, will go forth to surveillance these infected without getting too close to them. To defeat thine enemy, one must understand thine enemy," Pinkamena said as she gathered her survival kit, packed with the resources she'll need to keep herself alive: Rations, live ammunition, and medical supplies in an emergency. Research and surveying equipment was also packed along with her other provisions to make notes and study up on the undead.
"We'll be waiting for your assured return, Dr. Pinkamena." Dr. Sparkle said as she bade her colleague farewell as she saw Pinkamena walk towards the exit of their station. With nothing else to do besides monitoring the station, they did just that as they held their confidence that their head scientist would return unharmed.
While walking through the streets of the quarantined zone, Pinkamena knew precisely where to go so she wouldn't attract too many undead if any at all. "There's a small group of them; I'll get in close to operate some research; it looks like I won't need to travel too far for some."
They seem to have cornered an older girl as she was screaming, begging for someone to help her as they then began to claw at her body. Her blood-curdling screams didn't bother Pinkamena as much as she thought they would have, as they began biting at her body and slowly consumed her.
"I deeply apologize for this, but this is an opportunity to understand our undead threat better. Your sacrifice will benefit Humanity immensely." Pinkamena spoke under her breath as she watched them tearing at her flesh and biting her neck. They tore out her throat as blood squirted and painted the cement road. She reached out in vain salvation, convulsing once, twice, then falling limply onto the ground while they continued to feast on her now dead body.
"So, their bodies are a charcoal-black in appearance, the after-effects of the necrotizing virus no doubt. They have glowing yellow eyes, likely signifying their intense ferocity and insatiable hunger. They operate in large groups, it seems. They were rarely solitary creatures. Interestingly, they all function like a hivemind, too. Letting the rest of the horde know where they're always."
Once they finished with their grotesque meal, the body that was almost devoured completely began to shine with a dark aura before that body rose back up and groaned out like the rest. Pinkamena couldn't believe what she was witnessing; that poor girl turned into one of those things before her eyes.
"Inconceivable. So once exposed, they kill the host, bringing them into their horde like the rest. To be like them, Shambling, ravenous undead. Their behavior reminds me of a book of Equestrian Magics that Dr. Shimmer has acquired in our endeavors to better understand the worlds away from ours. These creatures act a lot like changelings in many ways. I believe that will be their name, then, Changeling Zombies. A fitting name for such feral monsters." After finishing her research, she grabbed her equipment and returned to their facility to brief her colleagues.
