I'm a loner surviving the beginning of the end of the World

The harsh echoes of gunshots reverberated through the crumbling concrete structure, a cacophony of chaos blending with the guttural growls of the undead. Sebastian Draco's breath came in ragged gasps as he sprinted through the multi-story parking lot, his heart pounding in sync with his footsteps. The once bustling hub of urban convenience had transformed into a nightmarish labyrinth, its twisted rebar and broken asphalt serving as the backdrop for his desperate escape.

Sebastian’s mind raced as fast as his feet, calculating every leap, every twist of his body. A decade of parkour practice had honed his agility and reflexes to near perfection, but this wasn’t a controlled environment. This was survival. He vaulted over a rusted sedan, its windows shattered and interior reeking of decay, landing silently on the balls of his feet. A quick glance over his shoulder confirmed his pursuers: a ragtag group of heavily armed marauders and a horde of zombies, both equally relentless.

He cursed under his breath, dodging to the left as a bullet whizzed past his ear, embedding itself in a nearby pillar. No time to think, only react. A low-slung concrete barrier loomed ahead, and he pushed off the ground, tucking his knees to his chest and clearing it with inches to spare. The snap of bones and a shriek of pain followed – a zombie, too slow to follow his maneuver, had tripped and fallen, becoming easy prey for the gunmen.

The upper levels offered no sanctuary, only more obstacles and dangers. Sebastian’s eyes flicked to a series of pipes running along the ceiling, a potential escape route. He jumped, catching the lowest one, and swung his legs up, hooking his ankles around it. His muscles strained as he pulled himself onto the narrow ledge above, the rough surface biting into his palms.

Below, the chaos continued unabated. The marauders cursed and shouted, their frustration palpable as they lost sight of him. The zombies, driven by instinct rather than strategy, continued to stumble and claw at anything that moved. Sebastian allowed himself a moment to catch his breath, his chest heaving as he surveyed his surroundings.

A flash of movement caught his eye – a figure, small and quick, darting between the cars below. A girl, no older than sixteen, her face a mask of terror. She was running blindly, heading straight towards a dead end. Sebastian’s instincts screamed at him to stay hidden, to use the distraction to his advantage, but his conscience wouldn’t let him.

“Damn it,” he muttered, and began to move.

He dropped silently to the ground, landing in a crouch. The girl hadn’t seen him yet, her focus solely on escaping the horrors behind her. Sebastian closed the distance in a few long strides, grabbing her arm just as she reached the dead end.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he said, keeping his voice low and calm despite the adrenaline surging through his veins. “We need to move, now.”

She looked up at him with wide, frightened eyes, her breaths coming in quick, shallow bursts. For a moment, she seemed frozen, and then, with a small nod, she let him lead her. Sebastian scanned the area, formulating a plan. They couldn’t stay here, not with the marauders and zombies on their trail.

“This way,” he whispered, guiding her towards a narrow maintenance corridor. It was dark and smelled of oil and mold, but it offered temporary refuge. As they slipped into the shadows, Sebastian couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The world had gone to hell, and surviving it would take everything he had – and more.

Sebastian kept a firm grip on Simona's arm as they navigated the treacherous path to the third level. The parking lot was a maze of debris, abandoned vehicles, and lurking dangers. Each step was calculated, each breath measured. They moved silently, a dance of survival amidst the chaos.

Gunshots echoed through the structure, and the guttural moans of zombies grew louder. Sebastian’s muscles were taut, his senses heightened. He led Simona through a narrow gap between a collapsed pillar and a rusted van, their movements fluid and synchronized. They paused only when necessary, ducking behind cover to avoid detection.

Finally, they reached the access door to the shopping mall. It was partially ajar, a lifeline amidst the desolation. Sebastian motioned for Simona to stay close as he pushed the door open just enough for them to slip through. They entered the dimly lit corridor, the familiar scent of stale air and old concrete filling their nostrils. The sounds of the outside world faded, replaced by the eerie silence of the deserted mall.

Sebastian guided Simona to a clothing store, its once vibrant displays now covered in dust and decay. He quickly surveyed the area, ensuring it was safe before leading her inside. They crouched behind a row of mannequins, their plastic faces frozen in an eternal smile, a stark contrast to the grim reality outside.

For the first time, Sebastian took a proper look at the girl he had saved. She was cute, with bright eyes that shone with both fear and gratitude. Her clothes, though slightly dirty, were relatively clean and intact – a sign she had managed to avoid the worst of the apocalypse. She didn’t look malnourished, a rarity these days.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “Thank you for helping me.”

Sebastian gave a curt nod, his eyes scanning the store for any signs of danger. “No problem. I’m Sebastian. What’s your name?”

“Simona Lewis,” she replied, her breathing gradually steadying. “I owe you my life.”

“Simona,” he repeated, committing the name to memory. “What possessed you to come to this area without help or even a gun?”

Simona sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I was here for the same reason as you. The supply drop. But we lost it to the Kalakaz Union.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened at the mention of the notorious group. The Kalakaz Union was known for adhering to the laws of the jungle, preferring to kill than help others. They were a ruthless band of survivors who took what they wanted without regard for anyone else.

“They’re the ones shooting at us,” Simona continued, her voice bitter. “And the zombies, of course.”

“Figures,” Sebastian muttered. “Which group, village, or corps do you belong to?”

“I belong to the CMC,” Simona answered, noticing Sebastian’s confused expression.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never heard of it.”

“Ok, I belong to the Canterlot Survivors army, the CMC is a relatively new group,” Simona explained. “We’re trying to maintain some semblance of order and civilization. It’s hard, but we’re doing our best.”

Sebastian nodded, his mind racing with this new information. “What about you?” Simona asked, curiosity in her eyes. “Which group do you belong to?”

“I don’t belong to any group,” Sebastian replied, his voice steady but his eyes betraying a hint of vulnerability.

Simona frowned. “You’re a Shadow?”

Sebastian shrugged. “I prefer to be alone. No one to slow me down. No one to betray me.”

There was a moment of silence as Simona absorbed his words. She could see the pain in his eyes, the scars of a past he wasn’t ready to share. But there was also strength, a determination to survive no matter the cost.

“You’re brave,” she said softly. “And kind. Most Shadows wouldn’t have bothered to help me.”

Sebastian looked away, uncomfortable with the praise. “I just did what needed to be done. We should rest here for a bit, then figure out our next move.”

Simona nodded, grateful for the respite. As they settled into the relative safety of the store, the enormity of their situation weighed heavily on them. The world outside was a nightmare, but in that moment, they found a small measure of solace in each other’s presence.

The oppressive silence of the abandoned mall had become a strange comfort to Sebastian and Simona. The gunshots had ceased, and the growls of zombies had faded into the distance. For a brief moment, it felt as though the storm had passed. Sebastian leaned against a counter, his mind working through the next steps, while Simona fidgeted nervously beside him.

Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the sound of a door being violently kicked open. The echo reverberated through the empty corridors, followed by the harsh bark of a man’s voice. “Find them!” he ordered, his tone leaving no room for disobedience.

Simona’s eyes widened, and she turned to Sebastian, her fear palpable. Before either of them could speak, a second voice, this time a female, interjected. “What for? Let’s just go before any mutant zombie arrives.”

“Listen, rookie,” the first voice snapped. “One of those two took the box with the water filters and some ammo, and I want them all. Get looking.”

Sebastian’s eyes flicked to his backpack, where the stolen supplies were hidden. Simona’s face contorted in disbelief. “Seriously?” she whispered, incredulous.

“One has to survive,” Sebastian murmured back, his voice calm but determined. The footsteps were growing louder, the Kalakaz soldiers systematically searching the mall.

Simona clenched her fists, anxiety etched across her features. “What are we going to do?”

“We’re getting out,” Sebastian replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Follow me and be very quiet.” He pulled out his silenced 9mm gun, the weapon feeling heavy yet reassuring in his hand. Simona nodded, her trust in him unspoken but clear.

They moved silently through the store, sticking to the shadows and avoiding the soldiers’ searchlights. Sebastian’s heart pounded in his chest, every nerve on edge. He scanned each corner, each hiding spot, his instincts honed from years of solitary survival.

“Check that area,” a Kalakaz soldier’s voice echoed, followed by the sound of footsteps growing closer. Sebastian held up a hand, signaling Simona to stop. They crouched behind a display rack, holding their breaths as a soldier passed by, his flashlight sweeping the room.

Sebastian waited until the soldier was out of sight before motioning for Simona to follow. They slipped out of the store and into the darkened mall corridors, the oppressive silence amplifying every creak of the floor and rustle of clothing. The tension was palpable, each step a gamble.

As they moved deeper into the mall, Sebastian spotted a soldier standing guard at a junction. He gestured for Simona to stay back, then crept forward, his movements fluid and precise. With a swift, practiced motion, he knocked the soldier out, catching him before he hit the ground.

“Who’s there?!” a voice came and Sebastian quickly turned to the sound of the voice and opened fire, seconds later another member of Kalakaz fell lifeless to the ground

He dragged the unconscious body into a dark corner before shooting it and looting the 2 corpses, returning to Simona with a nod.

“You’re really good at this,” she whispered, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and admiration.

“Years of practice,” he replied curtly. “Let’s keep moving.”

They navigated through the maze of the mall, avoiding patrols and sticking to the shadows. The sound of the soldiers’ voices and footsteps were their constant companions, a reminder of the danger that lurked around every corner. At one point, they had to hide in a janitor’s closet as a group of soldiers passed by, their conversation a blend of frustration and impatience.

“Can’t believe we’re wasting time on this,” one soldier grumbled.

“Orders are orders,” another replied. “Besides, we can’t let anyone get away with our supplies.”

Sebastian’s grip on his gun tightened. They couldn’t afford to be caught. He glanced at Simona, who gave him a reassuring nod, her resolve strengthening. They waited until the voices faded before slipping out and continuing their journey.

Just as they reached the lower levels of the parkade, a figure stepped out of the shadows, a gun trained on them. Sebastian froze, his instincts screaming at him to act, but the sight of the rookie Kalakaz soldier stopped him. She looked young, almost too young to be part of such a ruthless group.

Her eyes widened as she recognized them. “You two…”

Sebastian and Simona exchanged a quick glance, their hearts pounding. The rookie lowered her gun slightly, her expression conflicted. “I… I’m supposed to…”

“Please,” Simona whispered, stepping forward. “We just want to survive.”

“EVERYONE COME IN! WE HAVE CASUALTIES!!!” the leader’s voice said

The rookie hesitated, her grip on the gun wavering. Finally, she sighed and lowered it completely. “Go. Just go. Before I change my mind.”

Sebastian nodded, his gratitude unspoken but evident. He took Simona’s hand and led her past the rookie, their footsteps echoing in the empty parking lot. As they disappeared into the shadows, the tension slowly ebbed away, replaced by a sense of relief and determination.

Sebastian and Simona sprinted across the cracked asphalt of the open parking lot, their breaths ragged and hearts pounding. The shout of “OVER THERE!” pierced the air, followed by a hail of gunfire. Bullets ricocheted off the ground around them, and Sebastian felt the rush of wind as one narrowly missed his shoulder.

“Come on!” he urged, grabbing Simona’s arm and pulling her towards a black Ford F-150 parked across a small park. They darted through the debris, zigzagging to avoid the gunfire that chased them.

Sebastian reached the truck first, quickly unlocking it and shoving Simona inside. He slid over the hood, bullets pinging off the metal as he reached the driver's side. He threw open the door, jumped in, and started the engine in one fluid motion. The truck roared to life, and he slammed his foot on the gas pedal, the vehicle lurching forward. As they sped away, the silhouettes of their pursuers faded into the distance, the sounds of gunfire dwindling behind them.

For a few moments, the ride was silent, the only sound the hum of the engine and their heavy breathing. Simona finally broke the silence, her voice shaky but sincere. “Thank you. Again. For saving me.”

Sebastian kept his eyes on the road, his grip on the steering wheel tight. “It was nothing,” he muttered, his tone dismissive. After a brief pause, he glanced at her. “Where do you need to go?”

Simona took a deep breath, composing herself. “The local IKEA. It’s been transformed into a makeshift base for the Canterlot Survivor Army.”

Sebastian nodded and adjusted their course. The drive through the desolate streets was eerily quiet, the cityscape a haunting reminder of what once was. Buildings stood as hollowed-out shells, their windows shattered, and streets littered with abandoned cars and debris. The remnants of civilization were stark and unforgiving.

As they approached the IKEA, the massive blue and yellow building loomed in the distance, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. Guards patrolled the perimeter, their eyes wary but determined. Sebastian pulled the truck to a stop at the entrance, where a group of armed soldiers stood on alert.

Simona turned to him, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Sebastian. For everything.” She leaned in and hugged him, her arms wrapping around his shoulders. The unexpected gesture caught him off guard, and he felt a warmth spread across his cheeks. Blushing, he awkwardly patted her back.

When she pulled away, Simona’s eyes were earnest. “You should join us. The Canterlot Survivor Army could use someone like you.”

Sebastian shook his head, the hint of a sad smile on his lips. “I appreciate the offer, but I work better alone.”

Simona’s shoulders slumped slightly, but she nodded in understanding. “I get it. But if you ever need anything, come here and ask for Scootaloo. That’s me. I’ll help you in any way I can.”

Sebastian nodded, committing the name to memory. “Thanks, Scootaloo.”

With that, Simona gave him one last smile before stepping out of the truck. She walked towards the entrance, where the soldiers greeted her warmly. Sebastian watched for a moment, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Then he put the truck in gear and drove off, the image of the IKEA base growing smaller in his rearview mirror.

The road ahead was uncertain, but Sebastian knew one thing for sure: survival was his only priority. And as he sped through the desolate streets, the weight of the world pressed down on him, but he pushed forward, determined to face whatever came next.

Sebastian drove down the street, looking out for any other supply drop or enemy patrol, while remembering what had caused the world to get so fucked.

Two years ago, the vibrant world of Equestria, specifically the grand city of Canterlot, was on the brink of collapse. Political unrest simmered as Princess Celestina Solaris took the stage to address the nation. The recent elections had seen the popular Liberal Prime Minister, Dawn Glimmer, ousted by the Conservative party's representative, Aaron Shield.

Princess Celestina, with her regal presence and commanding voice, stood before a sea of anxious faces. The city was rife with tension, crime, drug addiction, and homelessness, all products of recent social upheaval. Dawn Glimmer’s term had begun with promise but had faltered dramatically, her unilateral decisions on sensitive issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights creating deep rifts within the society and angering the crown.

Princess Celestina's speech aimed to unify and call for necessary change. She began, her voice resonating through the crowd and beyond.

“Citizens of Canterlot and all of Equestria,

We stand at a pivotal moment in our history. In recent years, our nation has faced challenges that have tested our resolve and unity. The decisions made by our leaders have far-reaching consequences, and it is clear that we must take a different path if we are to secure a prosperous future for all.

The recent actions of our former Prime Minister, Dawn Glimmer, have sparked significant debate and division. While her intentions may have been noble, the unilateral enactment of laws without the approval of the crown has sown discord and uncertainty. Issues of great sensitivity and importance, such as abortion and LGBTQ rights, were handled in a manner that bypassed our collective voice. This cannot stand.

For the good of our nation, we must strive for a society where every voice is heard and respected. Real change is necessary. Change that addresses not only our social issues but also the rising tide of crime, drug addiction, and homelessness. These are blights upon our land that we cannot ignore.

Today, I call upon every citizen of Equestria to come together. To work towards a future where we can live in harmony, where our differences are celebrated, and where the rule of law is upheld. The recent extraordinary elections have shown the will of the people for new leadership, and with Iron Shield at the helm, we must work tirelessly to address the pressing issues that face us.

Let us rebuild our nation with compassion, justice, and unity. Together, we can create a brighter future for all of Equestria.”

As Princess Celestina's words echoed through the city, a group of extremist feminists belonging to the FLM (Feminist Liberation Movement) was enacting their plan. They believed the government was conducting inhumane experiments in a secret lab and intended to expose the truth. Hidden near the government facility, their mission was fraught with danger and the potential for catastrophic consequences.

HOURS EARLIER

In the dimly lit basement of an abandoned building, eight members of the Feminist Liberation Movement (FLM) gathered around a makeshift table strewn with maps and documents. Their faces were tense but determined, illuminated by a single flickering bulb hanging from the ceiling. The leader, a tall woman with short-cropped hair and piercing blue eyes, spoke in a low, commanding tone.

“All right, everyone, listen up. We’ve gone over this plan a dozen times, but I want to make sure there are no mistakes. This is our chance to expose the government’s atrocities and bring justice to those who have suffered.”

A woman with glasses and a serious expression leaned forward. “How do we know this will work, Aurora? We’re walking into a heavily guarded facility.”

Aurora nodded, acknowledging the concern. “Security is tight, but we have intel that the military truck arriving at 1400 hours is our best shot. It’ll be carrying supplies and personnel. We’ll use it to gain access to the facility.”

Another woman with blue hair and a determined look chimed in. “And once we’re in?”

“We split into two teams,” Aurora replied. “Team A will head to the main lab and gather evidence. Team B will secure the perimeter and handle any resistance. Remember, our goal is to document the inhumane experiments and get out. We’re not here for a fight.”

Another member, a young woman with bright red hair, raised her hand. “What if things go south?”

Aurora’s gaze hardened. “We stick to the plan. Get the evidence and get out. If anyone gets caught, we stick to the cover story. We’re activists, nothing more.”

The group murmured their agreement, although unease lingered in the air. The plan was bold, but the FLM believed in their cause.

As the clock approached 1400 hours, the eight members of the FLM positioned themselves near the checkpoint. They waited, hearts pounding, for the military truck to appear. When it finally arrived, they moved swiftly, running up and climbing onto the back. The truck rumbled forward, taking them into the heart of the facility.

Earlier That Day – A Well-Known Neighborhood

A sleek, black car pulled into the driveway of a modest house in a quiet, well-known neighborhood. The engine purred to a stop, and a man and woman got out. The man, tall with a military bearing and a stern face, opened the door for their son, who stepped out with a sullen expression.

“Spike, we need to talk,” the father said, his voice firm but not unkind. They moved towards the front door, the father’s military demeanor contrasting sharply with the suburban calm.

The mother, a petite woman with intelligent eyes and a kind smile, unlocked the door and ushered them inside. They sat down in the living room, the atmosphere tense. Spike, an 18-year-old with green hair and a lean build, slumped into a chair, his frustration evident.

“Why did you punch that boy, Spike?” the father asked, crossing his arms.

Spike looked up, his eyes flashing with anger. “I acted in self-defense, Dad. I’ve been bullied by Garble since high school. Today, I finally fought back.”

The mother frowned, concern etched on her face. “Bullied? Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

Spike’s fists clenched. “I did, but no one listened. Garble’s been insulting me, hitting me, making my life hell. And now that I stand up for myself, I’m the one in trouble.”

He recounted the incidents with painful detail, describing how Garble had tormented him for years. The insults, the assaults, the countless times he had been humiliated in front of others. His voice shook with the weight of his experiences.

“And Taylor didn’t say anything, even though she saw everything,” his mother pointed out, referencing his childhood friend.

“Of course she didn’t,” Spike snapped. “She never will.”

The father’s eyes softened, though his voice remained steady. “We’ll deal with this, Spike. I’ll contact the school and the board. I’ll threaten them with legal action if they don’t address the bullying. No one messes with my son.”

The mother glanced at her watch, worry mingling with the urgency of her schedule. “I’m running late for work. My break is over.” She leaned in, kissing Spike on the forehead. “Now, Spike, I know you’re 18, but stay home today. Blow off some steam at the gym and relax. We’ll figure this out.”

Spike nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.”

They both hugged him tightly before leaving the house, their concern for their son evident in every glance back. As the door closed behind them, Spike stood alone in the silent house, the weight of his struggles pressing down on him.

The military truck rumbled to a stop at the security checkpoint. The eight members of the FLM held their breath, nerves on edge. As the guards waved the truck through, the group exchanged determined glances. This was their moment.

Inside the lab, they quickly disembarked and scattered, moving with practiced stealth. The interior was a sterile maze of hallways and rooms, the air thick with antiseptic and tension. The FLM split into two teams, each searching for incriminating evidence of inhumane experiments.

They scoured the first few floors, but their search yielded nothing substantial. Frustration began to set in until they overheard a conversation between two guards.

"Basement level 6," one guard said, his voice hushed. "That's where they keep the dangerous shit."

Aurora's eyes lit up with interest. She signaled the others to follow the guards. They waited until the guards were alone, then one of the FLM members, a burly man named Jack, crept up behind one and struck him with a metal rod, knocking him out. They quickly relieved him of his security pass.

Aurora's eyes fell on the guard’s gun. Ignoring the others’ protests, she grabbed it and led them to the elevator. “We need all the protection we can get,” she insisted.

The ride to Basement 6 was tense, the hum of the elevator amplifying their nerves. When the doors slid open, they stepped into a dimly lit corridor. At the end of the hallway, a group of scientists observed three men in a large room. The men moved erratically, their eyes vacant and skin pale, but they did not attack each other.

“This is it,” whispered Karen, one of the FLM members. “We’ve found our proof.”

As they watched, one of the scientists spoke. “Desomorphine, also known as Krokodil… the zombie drug circulating in our streets. We must find a way to stop it or cure it.”

Another scientist nodded. “Princess’ orders. We have some advancements on a cure; it’s in the other room.”

The FLM members exchanged looks of triumph. Aurora gestured for them to follow as they quietly made their way to the other room. Using the stolen security pass, they bypassed the lock and entered. What they saw and read horrified them—notes detailing a virus, an experimental substance known as RV-Z71, or the "Zombie Virus."

Their shock was interrupted by a loud alarm. The guard they had knocked out had reached the security room and activated the RED alert button. Sirens blared, and red lights flashed, signaling an emergency.

Startled by the sudden noise, Aurora accidentally fired the gun, the bullet piercing a freezer containing unknown toxins. The sound drew immediate attention.

Scientists and guards rushed in, weapons drawn. Aurora pointed the gun at them, causing a them to open fire and killing 3 members. “Hold your fire!” shouted the head scientist, a woman named Dr. Madeline Phoenix-Draco.

Special Ops soldiers arrived, surrounding the FLM members. “Drop your weapons!” ordered the lead soldier.

Aurora and the others started chanting their motto, “For freedom, for justice!” but were cut off as Dr. Phoenix-Draco’s eyes widened in horror. “There’s a gas leak,” she said, pointing behind them. “Containment breached. Shutting off.”

Aurora’s face paled. “What does that mean?”

Dr. Phoenix-Draco explained, “That gas is the airborne version of the Zombie Virus. We need to evacuate immediately before exposure becomes fatal.”

Another FLM member, Sarah, got up, grabbed Aurora’s gun, and started shooting wildly. The bullets ricocheted off equipment, causing further damage. Among the malfunctions, the security system keeping the “Tweakers” contained failed, releasing the three men.

“SARAH! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!!” another member yelled

Sarah just smiled diabolically and said “Zero-day commence” , put the gun to her head and pulled the trigger, her body falling to the floor lifeless, the demonic smile glued to her face.

The Tweakers lunged at everyone in sight, biting and clawing. Chaos erupted as the Special Ops soldiers opened fire, but it took multiple bullets to bring the infected men down. The computer’s voice announced, “Air levels in the black zone. Imminent death.”

Dr. Phoenix and the lead soldier, Captain Draco, looked around, seeing their colleagues convulsing and vomiting blood. Dr. Phoenix-Draco screamed as Aurora, now zombified, bit her thigh. “Madeline!” Draco shouted, shooting Aurora dead.

The computer began a countdown to complete lockdown. Draco held Dr. Phoenix-Draco, who was rapidly succumbing to the infection. “You’re going to be okay,” he lied.

“No, I’m not,” she replied, her voice weak. “The bite… it’s faster than the air. Max, You have to kill me. Get out. It’s too late for me.” She coughed, blood staining her lips. “Tell Sebastian… tell him I’m sorry. Mommy loves him.”

Draco’s eyes filled with tears as he did as she asked, ending her life to prevent her from turning. He felt the virus taking hold of him, too. With his last strength, he pulled out his helmet, looking at a picture of his family. “I’m sorry, Spike. You’re all alone now, bud… but I trust you… Mommy and Daddy love you.” He placed the gun to his temple and pulled the trigger.

BACK TO THE PRESENT

Sebastian drove through the desolate streets of Canterlot, the silence of the city broken only by the occasional moan of a distant zombie or the crackle of a far-off fire. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, a mixture of relief and determination. The events of the past few years played out in his mind, a grim reminder of the world he now lived in.

Two years ago, everything changed. The political upheaval in Canterlot had set the stage for a catastrophe no one could have predicted. As Princess Celestina Solaris addressed the nation, calling for unity and change, a group of extremist feminists from the FLM infiltrated a government lab, intent on exposing what they believed to be inhumane experiments. Their plan, though well-intentioned, was poorly executed. They unwittingly released a virus—RV-Z71, the Zombie Virus.

The initial chaos was unimaginable. Tweakers and zombies, fueled by the virus, began to spread death and destruction. The virus was highly contagious, and within days, the infection had reached epidemic proportions. Governments around the world scrambled to contain the outbreak, but it was too late.

Sebastian recalled the chaos that followed. Cities burned, and the streets were filled with the sounds of screams and gunfire. Governments that couldn’t hold the line folded, their leaders fleeing to safer zones like the Bahama Islands or other isolated nations. In Equestria, the once vibrant cities of Manehattan and Fillydelphia fell into ruin, their populations decimated by the virus.

Some nations, however, managed to hold their ground. The resilient citizens of San Palomino, Singallure, and Baltimare fought back, their governments implementing strict quarantine measures and relentless military action to keep their people safe. These countries became beacons of hope in a world gone mad, their efforts preventing the total collapse of civilization.

But the toll was staggering. In just two years, the world’s population plummeted from 9.6 billion to 5.3 billion. The virus spread with a ferocity that left no corner of the globe untouched. And among those still alive, 80% were dormant infected. These individuals, though not actively spreading the virus, lived in constant fear of turning at any moment.

Sebastian’s thoughts drifted back to the day the outbreak began. He remembered the reports of violent attacks, the frantic broadcasts urging people to stay indoors. The world had descended into chaos so quickly, it felt like a nightmare. He had lost friends and family, seen his city torn apart by fear and death.

But there was hope. The dormant infection could be treated with a medicine that governments around the world were desperately dropping into affected areas. These supply drops were lifelines, offering a glimmer of salvation amidst the darkness. It was one of these drops that had brought him into contact with Simona, a reminder that even in the darkest times, humanity’s spirit endured.

As he drove, Sebastian recounted the events to himself, a mental monologue that kept him grounded. “The world has changed so much,” he thought. “We went from bustling cities and vibrant communities to desolate ruins and constant fear. But we’re still here. We’re still fighting.”

He looked around at the remnants of his city, the empty streets and boarded-up buildings. “The virus took so much from us. Lives lost, families torn apart. But it also brought us together. Those of us who survived… we’ve become stronger. We’ve learned to adapt, to find hope in the smallest things.”

The truck’s engine hummed steadily, a comforting sound in the eerie quiet. “I miss the way things were,” Sebastian admitted to himself. “But I can’t dwell on the past. I have to focus on surviving, on helping those I can. People like Simona, who still have hope.”

The memory of Simona’s hug and her invitation to join the Canterlot Survivor Army brought a small smile to his face. “Maybe one day,” he thought. “But for now, I need to stay on my own. It’s how I’ve managed to survive this long.”

As he approached his home, the familiar sight of the townhouse he one called home with his parents brought a sense of relief. It was a sanctuary, a place where he could let down his guard, even if only for a moment. He parked the truck and stepped out, his eyes scanning the area out of habit. The streets of the neighbourhood were empty, thanks to his idea of killing off all the zombies and tweakers and burning the bodies to prevent the smell from calling others to the area. He had also decided to create a massive electrified fence around the 6 townhouses surrounding his [They were the only ones still fully intact after all the neighbours left in a panic, most of which have died or been turned to zombies.

Sebastian walked to the front door, unlocking it and stepping inside. The silence was comforting, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. He closed the door behind him, locking it securely before moving to the living room. He sat down, allowing himself a moment to breathe.

“The world may have gone to hell,” he thought, “but we’re still here. And as long as we’re here, there’s hope.”

He leaned back, closing his eyes and letting the memories fade. The fight for survival was far from over, but in that moment, he allowed himself a brief respite. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but he was ready to face them. Because in a world of chaos, every small victory mattered.