Apocalypse with FLUTTERSHY?

Chapters

Chapter 1 (updated)
Chapter 2 (updated)
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6 Death's Deal
Chapter 7 Stories
Chapter 8 Preparation
Chapter 9 The paths we walk

Chapter 1 (updated)

Chapter 1

" BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP"

"uggggg. Why the hell is getting up so damn hard!" I reached my hand out and turned off the alarm and started getting up.

"Well time to get this shit over with" I said aloud to no one in particular. I got up and looked at the clock which read 10:30 AM. I got dressed and grabbed the 2 hunting knives that was given to me as a gift from my parents a year ago. After putting them in their sheaths attached to my sides, I headed to the closet and opened it. I grabbed my hunting bow and quiver out of the closet, putting the quiver on my back and swinging the bow over my shoulder. I got the rest of my gear and headed down stairs.

I headed into the kitchen and rummaged through the cabinets looking for something to eat. Finally settling for some Fruit Loops I made myself a bowl, eating in silence. Placing the bowl in the sink, I headed to the front door. Undoing the lock, I went outside into the hellhole that is now the world, grabbing the bat by the door as I left.

My name is Steven. Im 18, about 6'5, not to strong but not pathetic, I have brown hair,grey eyes, and usually kept to myself, even before the infection started to spread and shit hit the fan. I had friends, but they were really the only ones I talked to. Im the kind of person who was mostly ignored by everyone. I honestly didn't give two shits what people thought of me. It was about 4 months ago when the infection hit. The day it started will scar me the rest of my life.

I started down the street to the left of my house heading to the gas station near my house. I had to check to see if I could scavenge any supplies. I was half way down the street when I saw movement out the corner of my eye, slowly moving towards me. I dropped the bat on the ground and swung the bow off my shoulder. Taking aim I notched an arrow and fired at the figure. It feel to the ground seconds later, the arrow sticking out of its forehead. Can someone say BOOM HEADSHOT! I smiled at the thought and walked over to the corpse. I pulled the arrow out of the corpse and put it back in the quiver with the others. I picked my bat up off the ground and continued walking.

A few minutes had passed until I heard moaning coming from farther down the street. 35 feet away was an infected, slowly shambling towards me. Taking the bat in both hands I ran towards it. When I was a few feet away, I swung the bat down as hard as I could towards its head. There was a sickening CRACK! then the body feel to the ground, head smashed in.

Farther down the road I heard a scream of pure terror. The voice was feminine I can tell be the scream, looking towards the sound i saw 3 infected slowly surrounding a small pickup truck, I saw something moving underneath the truck and was filled with adrenaline. Someone's alive! In an instant i ran foward, my bat in hand. I ran up behind the first one and swung the bat towards its head. I heard a sickening *CRACK* then moved onto the second. The other 2 infected turned towards the noise, only to have one of them get its face smashed in with my bat. As the third slowly movied towards me i rat at it swinging my bat in an arch ending it smashing in the top of his skull. With the infected dead I walked over to the pickup.

"It's okay to come out now I won't hurt you." I whispered as put my bloodied bat into my backpack. I heard a soft whimpering from under the truck as she came out from under it. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Standing in front of me was a yellow pegasus pony with a pink mane and turquoise eyes, shifting around nervously. In front of me was the one and only Fluttershy.

now i'm a brony and I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

I was about to ask how she got here when I heard her stomach growl. I chuckled while she began to blush. I searched my pack for food, coming up with nothing. I looked at her and wondered what to do, then had a idea

"Hey I got food at the house and it's dangerous out here, you can come with me if you want." I said calmly with a friendly tone. After I said dangerous she started to freak out a bit. Afraid she might create us some unwanted attention I tried to calm her down.

" hey calm down as long as I'm here nothing will hurt you ok?"

"R-really?" She muttered still shaking. I felt terrible seeing her this scared.

"Promise" I said confidently. She calmed down a bit and I decided to stand up. I motioned for her to follow and started heading back towards the house.

We were about half way to the house when we heard moaning that got louder and louder, coming from behind us.

"Fluttershy I need you to do something for me. Close your eyes and cover your ears." I told her, swinging the bow off my back and throwing it onto the ground.

"W-why what's g-going-" She started to say, but stopped when she saw the infected coming from behind us.

"No time. Just please do what I said" I jumped between her and the infected, a knife in each hand already un-sheathed as i got in a defensive stance ready to protect her.

"B-but"

"NOW" I yelled as i run at the infected.

I saw a total of four all slowly shambling toward me.

"This is going to be fun" I said to myself, a maniacal smile on my face as I ran towards them. When I got close to the first, I took the knife and swung it in an upward stab, right into the soft spot between its chin and neck, killing it instantly. I pulled the knife out as the second infected got closer, almost in arms reach. Chuckling evilly, I jabbed one of the knives through its eye socket, killing it as fast as the previous one. Unlike the other, the knife slid out of the corpse rather easily. I turned around and start moving towards the third.

"Bring It ON!" I screamed maniacally. With as much accuracy as i could muster, i threw a knife at the it, only to have it get lodged in its neck. With only one knife left I kicked the infected square in the chest, making it stumble and fall backward. While it was on the ground, I stomped my foot square in its face, smashing in its skull. I pulled the knife out of its neck and turn around to have the last infected push me to the ground and jump on top of me. I heard Fluttershy scream, just as an arrow flies into the back of the infected's skull. I pushed the lifeless body off of me and looked towards the direction where the arrow was shot from. There standing in the middle of the street opposite of me and Fluttershy, was Twilight Sparkle, who started walking towards us. Walking beside was her, was my best friend Riley holding my bow in his hands.

Chapter 2 (updated)

Chapter 2

"Ok, can someone explain what the hell is going on here?" I asked, still confused by what just happened. I stood up and walked towards Riley, punching him square in the jaw, knocking him to the ground.

" YOU BASTARD! I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD" He started to stand, rubbing his jaw as he looked at me.

"Well I guess I deserved that. As to where I've been, I'll tell you later. He gave me a saddened look.

when the apocalypse started he was the first person I saw that wasn't infected. Riley was the person who got me to be a brony and introduced me to MLP before the world went to shit. About a month ago, Riley said he had to take care of something and he will be back in a day or two.I didn't see him again till today.

"You know what fine, lets all just get to the house and figure out everything there." I said rather angrily. I took a few steps then feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Hey, I'm sorry but what I had to do was something personal, and I wanted to do it alone." He said with sadness in his voice.

" It's fine, lets just, get to the house ok?. You two ready to go?" I asked facing Twilight and Fluttershy. Twilight nodded, but Fluttershy still looked pretty shook up. I walked over to her.

" Riley you still remember where the house is right?" He nodded. I threw him my keys. "Take Twilight to the house, we will join you in a few minutes." He looked at me with a confused look and I nodded my head towards Fluttershy.

"Twilight let's go." He said, getting her attention. As they walk off I went and sat down next to Fluttershy.

"You ok?" I asked her, worried. She shook her head and looked at me, tears in her eyes.

"W-why did they a-attack us? W-what is wrong with them? " She asked, on the verge of tears.

"A-and how do y-you know my n-name?"

" They were humans, the only sentient beings on this planet. Me and Riley are humans and so were they until they gotten infected. Before the infection you and your friends were rather famous as was you and your friends adventures. Which is how I know your name. Most humans knew you and your friends to. But then people started getting infected. Anyone who was infected acted feral, like they had rabies. It started with only a few infected but when they bit someone the person they bit became infected and it spread like wildfire."

"H-how did you and Riley s-survive, I mean if you don't mind. She said still sniffling.

"It's not a pretty memory or one I like to remember ok? I'll tell you later."

She nodded, still sniffling.

"How about we get back to the house and eat? You must be pretty hungry." I said, getting up. At the mention of food her stomach growled again, which caused her to blush.

"Please? I mean if you don't mind"

"It's no problem at all. Come on, lets get going ok?"

She nodded and stood up. I motioned for her to follow me and started walking towards the house, Fluttershy staying right next to me as we headed toward the house...

When we got to the house Riley was sitting in the living room having a conversation with Twilight. Ignoring them for the moment I headed towards the kitchen. I thought about what they usually eat when I got an idea. I reached into a cabinet and pull out a unopened box of cupcakes and open it.

"Hey Fluttershy, cupcakes ok with you?" She smiled and nodded so I grab a couple and put them on the table in front of her.

"They may not be as good as Pinkies, but they will have to do." I said, leaving the kitchen and heading to the living room.

"So, what you two talking about?"

"Oh I just got done explaining how we know about her and her friends, I also told her about our species and the infection." Riley said with satisfaction.

"Well that was quick!" I said rather astonished at how much he already explained to her.

"So how is Fluttershy? Where is she anyway?" He asked curiously.

"She's fine, still shook up, but fine. She's in the kitchen eating a few cupcakes, I just came to see if either of you wanted any."

"I could go for one" Twilight said walking into the kitchen.

"I don't think I can eat a cupcake after that one thing you showed me." Riley muttered, a look of disgust on his face.

"Wow your still upset about that? Get over it man, its just a story." I laughed and went into the kitchen and grabbed two cupcakes. I headed back to the living room and sat down next to him, throwing him one of the cupcakes.

After cupcakes, we all gathered in the living room. I decided to speak first.

" Ok first off how did you two get here, if you don't mind me asking." I asked looking at Fluttershy and Twilight.

"Well, it started with me trying to create a new spell, one that makes it easier to cast stronger magic without the use of the charm." Twilight began.

" When I casted it Fluttershy walked in asking for a book on plant life on the border of the Everfree. The spell I casted created a portal which we both fell into. When we woke up we were on your world and well, I think you know the rest." She said, the story of how they got here finished.

"So how long till you can recreate the portal?" I asked curiously.

" I don't know it took alot of magic the first time. I'd say about 3 or 4 days until I can create another portal." Hearing her say that feel happy for them and that this nightmare will soon finally be over, but what she said next instantly filled me with sadness and dread.

" And I don't know if I can send both of you with us."

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

"What do you mean, you might not be able to bring BOTH OF US!?" I yell at Twilight.

"I'm saying I'm not sure I can bring both of you with us through the portal, I don't think it will be able to handle us all traveling back." She says, staying calm.

"So your expecting us to choose which of us goes?" I ask angrily. I feel a hand on my shoulder.

"Steven, calm down it's not her fault." Riley says turning me to face him. He nods his heaf toward Fluttershy, who was whimpering in the corner. I immediately calmed down and walked over to Fluttershy, sitting down next to her.

"Riley go show Twilight the upstairs, we will join you in a minute." I say softly. He nods and heads upstairs, Twilight calmly following behind.

"I'm sorry if I scared you." I whisper softly to her. She nods and continues whimpering. I put a hand on her tiny shoulder. She flinched at my touch.

"Hey it's ok don't cry ok?" I whisper softly to her trying to calm her down. She instantly jumps into my arms, wrapping her forelegs around my neck and burying her face in my shoulder as she cried. After the initial shock, I wrap my arms around her, her tears already wetting my shirt.

"It's ok, let it out." I whisper softly to her, still holding her in the embrace. After about 5 minutes she calmed down. After she stopped crying she let go and started to get up.

"T-thank you." She whispered, blushing by what just happened as I stand up

" It was no problem at all if you ever need anything let me know ok?" I whisper to her. She nods, looking up at me.

"How about we go see what Riley and Twilight are doing ok?" I say, walking towards the stairs. She got up and started following me up the stairs.

When we got upstairs we heard Riley talking to Twilight in the 2nd bedroom at the end of the hall. Walking into the room I look at Riley as Fluttershy walked into the room.

"I'm going to go take care of something. I'll be back in a few ok?" I say still looking at Riley. He nods and I look towards Fluttershy.

"I'll be back in a little bit ok?" I say. She nods and I head downstairs. Making sure I had both knives, I grab my guitar which I barely played, and went through the back door towards the woods. I found my favorite tree in the clearing and sat in a low branch and began to play.

Meanwhile, back at the house.

"W-where is he going?" Fluttershy asked looking at Riley.

"He is just going to blow off some steam, he usually does after he gets mad like that he will be back in a little while." Riley says, looking back at her. She nods and quietly heads downstairs and out the backdoor, unnoticed by Riley or Twilight as she heads off in the direction Steven went.

Back at the clearing.

After getting comfortable I pull the guitar off my back, tuning it and then started to play one of my favorite songs.

I just can't escape,

Its like your here with me now,

But the words you say,

All ways seem to fade out,

Since you've been away,

I'm just a face in the crowd,

Someday, Someday I know your coming back down,

One day, one day I know your coming back down

Down in dirt with your blood on my hands,

I blacked out but now I do understand,

That you were to go for this world so you left it,

Everything turned red and then you made an exit,

I don't even know if it was your time but like all good things that pass you by,

It's like a lost soul, in the time of need,

Made me grow up fast and put some blood on my knees,

If you don't even know it's beyond you,

Thinkin you could never die like your bullet-proof,

So I guess you had to leave you were born with wings,

But you were never happy til the angels sing

I just can't escape,

It's like your here with me now,

But the words you say,

They always seem to fade out,

Since you've been away I'm just a face in the crowd,

Someday, someday I know your coming back down,

One day, one day I know your coming back down

I stopped hearing a twig snap behind me. Looking towards the sound I see Fluttershy blushing.

"Oh I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt." She says quietly.

"No it's fine, so what's up?" I ask looking at her.

"I just wanted to see where you went and I heard you playing so I got closer so,I could hear better." She says looking at the ground. " That was really nice playing." She says walking over and sitting on the ground next to the branch I was sitting on.

"Thanks, I don't really play that much." I say, jumping down and sitting next to her. I look over to her to see her quickly look away. I leaned my back against the tree and started strumming the guitar to a calming tune, not really playing to any song. Fluttershy didn't seem to mind, as she slowly inches closer while I had my eyes closed, peacefully strumming the guitar. After awhile I noticed but didn't really care, just kept strumming to the tune in my head. Before I knew it she was leaning against my side, which is when I stopped playing for a minute. I layed down putting my head against the base of the tree. Noticing this she timidly put her head on my chest and looked at me.

"Comfy?" I ask, one eye opening and looking down at her. She blushed and slowly started to pull away.

"I just asked if you were comfy, you didn't have to move you know." I say one eye still looking at her. She blushes a bit, but lowers her head back onto my chest.

"Comfy?" I ask again. This time she smiles and nods. I look down at her, both eyes open, as she continues to cuddle up next to me. I smile then slowly put an arm over her pulling her a little closer. She smiled, not seeming to mind as she nuzzled up next to me.

After a while the sun started to go down. I slowly shook Fluttershy who had fallen asleep.

"Hey wake up." I whisper softly to her, still slightly shaking her awake. She yawned, opening her eyes and looking up at me.

"Sorry to wake you, but it's time we head.back." I say softly. She nods and gets up. With her off my chest I stood up grabbing the guitar as I got up. Guitar in hand, I started back to the house with Fluttershy right behind me. While we were walking a sudden realization hit me.

I don't think today can get any better.

Chapter 4

Im gonna start of with saying im changing up my writing style a bit. Hope its better and if not let me know and now ON TO THE CHAPTER.

Chapter 4

"We're back!" I yell walking into the house. What I saw put me in utter shock.

Riley: "Took you long enough!" He says levitating a few books around him.

"WHAT THE FUCK HOW THE HELL ARE YOU DOING THAT!?" I yell confused. His hands stop glowing and the books fall.

Riley: "Twilight figured out that our world has vast amounts of magic and figured out how to give us the ability to channel it." He says matter of factly. After he says it I Twilight walking into the room.

Twilight: "I can teach you too if you would like."

"Do you even have to ask!? But first, how the hell did Riley learn how to perform levitation so fast?"

Twilight: " I transferred it to him as i'm going to for you now sit down and relax" I do as s

he asked and sit in the middle of the room. Soon my vision is filled with a purple aura. What I felt next can only be described as someone squeezing a small book into your brain. But just as soon as the pain came it was gone.

"could have told me it was going to hurt." I mutter.

Twilight: " sorry, I guess I should have given you a warning. Well try some magic!" I decided what the hell and tried to figure out to perform magic. Almost by instinct I aimed my hand at my knives at the other end of the room. My hands become encased in a dark red aura as do the knives. Just as they get encased in the aura they float off the counter. I got a awesome idea.

"hey Riley." I say getting his attention. I swing my hand toward the wall and the blades fly with extreme speed and get buried in the wall almost up the the hilts, in the same wall that Riley was right next to witch made him jump back and glare at me.

"guess what?" He looks at me quizzically.

"I'm a MOTHER FUCKING JEDI!" Twilight and Fluttershy stare at us confused as me and Riley fal over laughing our asses off.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

After me and Riley calmed down, I went and pulled the knives out of the wall and set them on the counter. I looked at the two holes in my wall.

"Damn how the hell am I going to cover those? Oh well still worth it. Hey Twilight is there anything else we can do?" I sat down and levitiated one of my knives over to me, then continuously spun it in the air.

Twilight: " Well, you got levitation down pretty quickly. And yes I can, just give me a kind of spell you want and ill transfer it to you. Fair warning though, most spells will tire you out quickly if used to much." I thought about it till I heard a familiar voice in my head.

'How about fire spells. Fire is fun!

'Sub, that sounds like a stupid idea. PERFECT!' I started grinning like a madman at the thought.

Sub is the name I gave to the voice in my head that started talking to me about 2 years ago. By then I accepted I was insane so I talked to him like an old friend. He is pretty much a second me in my head that helps me make decisions I'm having trouble with. That and just making a ton of smart ass comments.

"So Twilight how about fire spells?" She gave me a worried look but nodded and walked toward me.

Twilight:" Warning you now this is going to hurt a lot more than transferring the levitation spell." I nodded and her horn started to glow. Remember when I said it felt like a small book getting jammed into my head? This felt like a dictionary. But just like last time, as soon as the pain started it stopped. I looked over at Twilight to see her looking at me . I gave her a quizzical look and she nodded knowing what I was about to ask. I thought for a moment, checking the new spells I had to use. I was surprised at the amount of spells there were. I thought of one and grinned wickedly. I threw my hands to my sides, which were encased in black and red flames, balls of the dark flame forming in my hands. I looked over at Riley who looked like he was getting terrified.

"So is this badass or what" The second I finished the sentence i suddenly fell to my knees in exhaustion, the flames disappearing from my arms. I started to feel a massive headache. I heard someone calling my name but it was quiet. My vision started to go black as I fell foward. The last thing I saw was Fluttershy and Riley running towards me as I passed out.

Chapter 6 Death's Deal

Chapter 6

When I woke up i was surrounded by darkness. I found this odd, because even at midnight i could still partially see around my house. The darkness that surrounded me was pitch black to where I couldn't see my hand when I waved it in front of my face.

"Well Shit." I heard someone chuckle and looked around, only to be greeted by the same darkness as before. I remembered the fire spells twilight had given me and created a ball of flame in my hand.

The flame created some light enough for me to see that I was in a long hallway that I couldn't see the end of. I turned around to be greeted with just a wall. Seeing that I could only go one way I continued down the only path there was. After about 10 minutes of walking I saw a dim light. I continued towards the light and ended up in a circular room, a pedestal with what looked to be a knife and a necklace in the center of the rooom. As I got closer I heard a voice behind me.

???: "Greetings Steven." I instantly turned around to see a hooded figure. Quickly, I got into a stance ready for a fight when the figure spoke again.

???: " Calm yourself, I am not here for a fight." I calmed down some but was still cautious about this figure. The voice sounded familiar but I couldn't place it.

"All right who are you, and how in the FUCK do you know my name?" The figure chuckled.

???: " Would you like me to call you Bones instead?" I froze instantly. How in the fuck did he know my nickname?

Back in highschool, I was always seen wearing my black hoodie that zipped up into a skeleton. After a week people started calling me Bones because of it and the name stuck for a while.

"Who the hell are you?"

???: " Oh you will find out soon but thats not why I'm here. I have cone to make a deal with you." I stared at him confused then turned so my back was facing him.

"I don't make deals with people I don't know so the least you could do is tell me your name." I heard him shifting behind me before he spoke again.

???: " I guess you could call me Grim. Now about the deal." At the mention of his name I flinched. 'Of course, had to be Death.'

"What kind of deal Death could you want to make with me?"

Death: " The deal is you become my apprentice nothing more nothing less." Now it was my turn to chuckle.

"And what makes you think that I would want to?" I turned to face him.

Death: " First you will be able stay with your friends when they travel to equestria." I flinched, not expecting that response.

"What is the catch?" I asked being straight to the point. No use going around it.

Death: "You will find out in due time if you accept. Don't worry you shall stay mortal and I will teach you my ways, you will also be able to summon me when needed." I pondered this then decided to just bite the bullet.

"Fine I'll accept your deal." I said bluntly. He gestured towards the pedestal.

Death: "Take the necklace and knife. With the necklace you will gain partial access to my powers and will be able to summon me at will. the knife will be your personal weapon like I have mine. I'll go into detail about it in time." I walked over to the pedestal and took the knife and necklace. Both in hand, I heard turned to face Death as the room started to fade.

Death: "I'll see you soon son." He then reached up and pulled down the hood, and when he did I almost cried in pure joy and shock. Standing before me as Death, was my Father.

Chapter 7 Stories

Chapter 7

Riley's POV

It had been a few minutes since Steven passed out. We moved him to the couch so he wouldn't wake up on the floor. Since we really couldn't do anything until he woke up we just sat around talking to pass the time. Twilight was the first to speak. "So when did this infection thing start anyway? And why aren't you and Steven like those, things?" She asked hesitating on the last word.

` "It started about 3 months ago. Since the virus spreads by getting bit or getting any of their blood in cuts etc, me and Steven did our best staying alive. I'll never forget the day it all started." I said grimly. We sat in silence for a minute or so before Fluttershy spoke up.

"What happend, I mean if you are alright with telling us that is." Twilight nodded in agreement to the question. I sighed and looked down at the ground in deep thought.

"The day it happened Steven and I were hanging with a few of our friends. We all decided since we haven't hung out in a while we would all go to our favorite restaurant and then hang at Stevens house, since I was already living there with him because I couldn't afford to live my own." I paused as the memory played through my mind. "When we were just getting ready to leave one of our friends, Josh, pointed at something just outside one of the windows. It looked like a old man, but he looked like he was bleeding from his shoulder and mouth. Before anyone could react it smashed through the window and tackled a woman to the ground, biting her In the arm as they hit the floor. When two people pulled the thing off of her she was bleeding heavily and the thing bit the guy holding him down in the hand. By the time I realized what was happening Steven and Josh were already ripping the thing off of him. Steven punched it in the jaw while josh tried to help the man that was bit. Steven punched the thing again and again and again until it went limp. I looked on in shock until I saw the woman start to get up and head towards Steven." I stopped to take a breath before I continued, shuddering as I relived the memory in my mind.

"You sure you want to continue? You don't have to if you don't want to." Twilight said reassuringly, but looked as if she wanted to hear more. I looked up at the ceiling then to Steven still unconscious on the couch. "I'm fine just give me a minute." I said, sighing as I continued the story.

"When I saw her reaching out towards Steven I ran and shoved her to the ground with my shoulder. I looked down at her, seeing the hunger in her eyes. Before she could try to get up Josh ran over and kicked her in the head causing her to go limp. I was going to thank him before I saw the other guy start to get up. Before we could do anything Steven grabbed our hands and told us we had to run. When we all got outside we saw more things coming at us from across the parking lot. We sprinted for Steven's truck, those things right behind us. Me, Steven, and Josh got in the truck before they caught up to us. The rest our friends were tackled by the things, screaming as the things tore them apart. One of our friends pushed the thing off of him and ran towards the truck, shutting the door and telling us to leave without them. I was going to ask him why he didn't come before I saw the mark on his shoulder." I stopped for a second and before I could continue another voice spoke.

"He knew since he was bit he would eventually turn into one of those things and saved us by sacrificing himself and the others." Steven said sitting up as he spoke. "We got about halfway here before the we had to stop because the road was blocked by wrecked cars. I grabbed the gun and the extra ammo out of the glovebox and got out of the truck, Josh and Riley right behind me. We were able to get past most of the wreckage without getting attacked and continued on foot. We were almost here before we were noticed. I tried to pick them off but they kept coming. So we ran as fast as we could, and we would have made it if Josh hadn't tripped. We stopped and turned around only to see the monsters catching up fast. When Josh saw them he told us to go and forget about him. We saw him get there attention and run down a different street before we continued running. We got here and started to barricade the house, waiting for Josh to get here. When we didn't see him for a week we went out and looked for him and to see if any of our friends and family were still alive. After 4 days of searching the houses of our friends and family we decided to head back. We have been on our own since. Then about a week ago Riley said he had to take care of something and would be back in a day or two, not saying where he was going. Since then I continued to look for anyone I knew until I went to her house." He stopped, tears in his eyes as I looked at him in both shock and empathy. He didn't speak for a minute or two before he continued.

"You see before this all happened I was dating someone. Her name was Savanna and I cared for her more than anyone. When this all happened I called her at least once a day hoping I would hear she is okay. When I finally went to check her home to see if she was okay I..." He stopped, a tear going down his cheek as he closed his eyes in pain and sorrow. "I didn't find anything until I went upstairs into the loft." He said shakily, like he could barely breath. "I found her hung from the rafters, a note in her hand telling me she was sorry." He said breaking into a sob. I watched as Fluttershy, looking as if she couldn't take it anymore, went over and pulled him into a hug. He continued to sob into her neck as she held him in a hug, telling him it was alright. After about ten minutes he finally stopped and hugged fluttershy thanking her for what she did. She smiled and hugged him tighter then let go. After Fluttershy sat back down He began to speak again.

"Since then I have been hiding here in my sorrow. When I finally decided to go and find supplies I found Fluttershy instead and now here we are." He said finishing the story. "By the way where have you been Riley?" He asked looking at me. I sighed and looked him in the eye.

I went out and headed back to my parents house to get something," I gestured to my bow and quiver by the door. "And while I was there I found this." I took the note out of my pocket and held it out to Steven. "It was written in the past the day before yesterday." I said a massive grin on my face. He gave me a odd look. "Who is it by?" He asked curiously. "It's from Josh."

Chapter 8 Preparation

Chapter 8

Steven's POV

'There is no way In hell he could still be alive, is there?' I thought to myself, as I looked down at the note.

To Steven and Riley.

If you two are alive I figured you would have stopped here to look for Riley's parents. I was able to escape without getting bit but I had no idea where you guys were heading. Since I had no idea where Steven lived I decided I would check Riley's house but you two weren't there. I figured you guys would look for me or your families so I decided to head here first. If you guys are still alive I will be at Stevens parents to see if you guys are there in one week from when this note is written. I hope you guys read this before the week is over if not then I guess this is goodbye. I will be leaving the area after I try to meet you guys. I would tell you guys where I will be at until then so we can meet earlier but I have no idea where I will be. Until then, your friend, Josh.

P.S. If you guys are there I got a surprise for the both of you.

"You said this was written the day before yesterday right?." I asked Riley, a look of determination on my face. "Yeah why?" He asked curiously. "If it's been two days since he wrote this then we need to hurry. It will be a four days walk to my parents." I said heading upstairs before anything else could be said. I was already digging in my closet before Riley entered the room, Fluttershy and Twilight behind him.

"If we are heading after Josh what are we going to do about them Steven? We can't leave them here the place might get overrun and we are running low on food and supplies." He asked plainly. "They would have to come with us." I said still digging for what I was looking for. "You are seriously going to risk their lives while we head out for Josh? Do you seriously want them to have to see more death." He said, frustration in his voice. I stopped digging through my closet and stood up. I walked over to Riley and stared him in the face.

"I know Riley but without Josh neither of us would be here. If there is a chance we can find him then I'm going. If you would rather stay and make sure they are safe then I don't care but I'm going regardless." I said then going back to my closet. Before I could continue searching A voice spoke up from the hallway. "If your going then I'm going to. I mean if you don't mind." fluttershy said determined. I stopped and looked at her in shock as did everyone else.

"No way in hell Fluttershy we need you here so we can send you home." Riley said, still shocked from her outburst. I looked her in the eye and smiled. "Are you sure Fluttershy? I am going to kill any of those things in my way. You sure you can handle that?" I asked, curious of her response. "If it means so much to you I would be willing to help. I mean if you need it that is." She said, a look of determination on her face. That made everyone's jaw hit the floor and me to burst into laughter.

"If your sure you can handle it." I said returning to digging through the closet. When Both Twilight and Riley came to their senses I looked them both in the eye. "If I didn't think she would try to sneak along anyway I would have said no in a heartbeat. I don't want her in danger but if she is coming might as well agree so I can keep her safe." I said shrugging before I dug through the closet. Riley already agreeing that she was going to go regardless looked at me curiously. "What are you digging for anyway?" He asked. I was going to answer before I finally found it. I pulled the case out of the closet and laid it on my bed. I grabbed the key off my dresser and unlocked it, grinning as I did so. " This." I said as I opened it. I pulled out what was in side and pumping the hand-grip. It was my favorite gun I had out of the three, my Winchester 1200. Riley looked at me, mouth agape. "Where did you get that!?" He asked awestruck. I grinned like an idiot and said one word. "Internet." I said simply. He gave me a deadpan look but said nothing as he left the room.

I grabbed the extra ammo and set it on the bed as I went into the closet again. After a minute I came out with two smaller cases and opened them, revealing my other two guns. One was a jet black .357 revolver with a red handle while the other, the same type of gun, was pure white with a gold colored handle. I grabbed then holsters for them and laid them on the bed with everything else. After I got everything out I went downstairs with everyone and ate. After that I went to see where Fluttershy was, only to end up finding her in the backyard.

"You sure you want to go with me? We won't be back for a while and that's if we do come back." I asked, testing to see if she will back down. She looked at me with the same look of determination as before. "I said if it means helping you with something this important than I'm going." She said, showing no signs of backing out. I looked at her surprised of her, then smiled. "I'm glad you're coming with, I could use the company." I said smiling. She looked down, blushing then looked at me smiling. "I couldn't just stay and watch you do this on your own. It wouldn't be very kind of me." I chuckled then had an idea.

"If your going to help I need to know if you can handle a fight so I want you to show me what you can do." I said standing opposite of her. She nodded but then gave me a worried look. "You sure it's okay? I don't want to hurt you." She said worriedly. I chuckled then told her it's okay. A few minutes later I was on the ground groaning, Fluttershy right next to me apologizing. "Where did you learn to fight?" I asked surprised. She just shrugged and looked at me worriedly. "I'm sorry." She said quietly. I looked at her with a grin. "Don't be. At least now I know I don't need you to fight." I said laughing. She smiled and helped me up.

Over the next few hours I tested her with different weaponry from my bow to my dad's favorite katanna (my dad and I are blade nuts. If its legal we got it.) and figured out she is quite good with a blade. She sucks with a bow though so I decided she would stick with melee. When it got dark we went in to see Riley and Twilight curled up on the couch sleeping, Twilight sleeping on Riley's shoulder. "Damn man good job." I whispered under my breath and chuckled. I gave fluttershy The last of the veggies as I had a peanut butter sandwich. Once we finished I led her upstairs to the spare room. We both said goodnight as I headed off to my room. A few hours later I was woken up by my door opening. I shot out of bed, only to see Fluttershy then relaxed.

"Nightmare?" I asked. She nodded and looked at me. " I had a nightmare and couldn't sleep, is it alright if I stay in here?" She said blushing and looking at the ground. I resisted the erge to D'aww and moved over to the other side of the bed. Allowing her to lay down. She smiled and crawled in. I looked over to her figuring I might as well ask. "Wanna talk about it?" I asked. She nodded hesitantly and said it was about her being attacked by the infected. I rolled over, facing her. "As long as I'm here they got to get through me got it?" I said, hugging her. She nodded, returning the hug. I went to pull away but she hugged tighter. I looked over to her and saw her worried look. 'Meh. What the hell she did just have a nightmare.' I thought as I put an arm over her. She sighed and snuggled into my chest. I smiled at her and started to drift to sleep.

When I woke up I saw Fluttershy was still sleeping. I looked at the time and saw it was 8:30 and figured we didn't have to be up for another hour or so. I laid my head back on the pillow and thought about what we were going to do later. A few minutes later Fluttershy yawned and her eyes slowly opened. "Morning. Sleep well?" I asked looking at her. She smiled and nodded. We both got up and went to check on our supplies for the trip. After double checking them we decided to go get prepared.

After we were both ready and prepared we looked at each other, surprised. I had on a black hoodie with a black military like vest loaded with all my ammo underneath. I also had my revolvers in their holsters and my shotgun slung over my back. I also wore my black cargo pants and belt both of my knives clipped to it. Fluttershy had on saddlebags that Riley customized when he realized she was serious on going. They were regular saddlebags but had a sheath for the katana she liked on the back. She also had a pair of gloves Twilight helped make that had sheaths to carry two knives, one for each foreleg. Riley also sown a hood from one of my old hoodies similar to the one I was currently wearing, onto the front of the saddle bag making it look like a hoodie with two bags on it. Over all we looked like bad asses. When I remembered we had a mission to do I shook my head, looked at her and nodded. We headed downstairs to get the her weapons and to eat breakfast.

Riley and Twilight woke up as we ate and I gave him a thumbs up and he stared, curiously at me. I pointed to Twilight who levitated a box of fruit loops out of one of the cabinets. He looked at me eyes wide in realization of what I was implying. Before he could yell his objections I pulled him into the living room.

"Before you say anything I was only messing with you. And just so you know, I know you got a crush on her." I said simply. He sputtered his objections until I interrupted him. "Dude I honestly don't care who you have a crush on. I sorta got a crush on Shy so I can't really judge you. But if your gonna try something better do it before we get back got it?" I asked. He nodded dumbly and we headed back into the kitchen to finish eating, the conversation seeming to never have happened.

After everyone ate Me and Fluttershy got the last of our equipment and headed for the door. "Make sure you both come back alive got it?" Riley said waiting by the door for us. "Count on it." I said, a look of determination on my face. The door shut behind us as we headed down one of the streets, starting our journey to get to my parents old house.

Chapter 9 The paths we walk

Chapter 9

It had been a few hours since we left before we finally ran into a few infected. We were surprised not to run into any on the way, causing us to both jump when we heard the moaning ahead of us. We crouched behind a car and peeked around it, seeing a total of five of them. I gave Fluttershy a sign to follow me and slowly started to approach them, bat already in hand. We got within fifteen feet before they noticed us. As they came stumbling at us I readied my bat, Shy following suit with her sword. When they got in range I swung the bat at the closest one, dropping it dead the second the bat hit it's skull. I repeated in rapid succession until one knocked me to the ground. All I could do is watch as it tried gnawing at me, before a blade pieced its skull, causing it to fall limp on top of me. I pushed it off and looked at Fluttershy, a look of horror on her face at what she had done.

Before she could start crying a put an arm on her shoulder. "The first one is always the hardest. Just remember what I told you they are no longer alive. Your helping end their suffering." I said looking her in the eye. "Got it?" I asked concerned if she could continue. She shakily nodded, wiping her eyes as she went to pick up her weapon. She put it in the sheath on her back and we continued on our mission.

After a while we both decided to stop and eat. As we sat behind a overturned car I pulled out the food we brought for the journey and gave some to Shy. We ate in silence, listening for any signs of infected before she asked a question that surprised me. "How do you deal with ending those things so easily?" She asked quietly. "I don't I'm just better at hiding my emotions when I need to." I said simply. She gave me a worried look but remained silent. When we finished we continued down the road until the sun started to descend across the horizon. We looked around for a building to hide out in for the night and saw a old mechanic building across the street from us.

I checked the rooms of the mechanic garage, making sure it's clear before we set up camp. Seeing nothing we set up our sleeping bags in the office above the garage. We both talked for a bit about what we were going to do the next day and decided to go to sleep. Halfway through the night I was woke up by loud banging coming from the garage below us. I looked over at Fluttershy who was wimpering as she stared at the door terrified. I patted her on the side and headed for the door, grabbing my bat and knife belt as I undid the lock.

"I got this don't worry." I said as I left the room and headed down the stairs towards the garage. As I looked around I saw what looked like a beam from a flashlight being pointed around the room, along with the sound of two people mumbling. 'Survivors?' I thought as I crept closer to listen in on their conversation.

"Are you sure they went in here?" A deep voice asked skeptically. "Yeah I'm sure the guy and that weird horse thing went in hear a few hours ago." A slightly higher pitched voice responded. I peeked out from behind one of the walls next to the stairs to see two guys looking around. 'Shit scavengers. This might not end well.' I thought as I silently crept forward, using the shadows to hide. "Yah I wonder what that yellow horse tastes like cooked." The smaller one said in a smug tone. 'Oh they are dead meat' I thought with pure malice as I unsheathed my knives.

Before the other could make a snide comment, I ran at them throwing a knife into the larger ones shoulder as I got closer. He screamed. Getting his friends attention but it was to late as I tackled him to the ground. A large crack could be heard as he hit the concrete floor. Seeing as he was dead I got up and slowly walked towards the other. He looked up at me terrified. "Please get away!" He pleaded as he slowly tried crawling away.

"Oh no I think I am going to watch you squirm. Maybe see how you taste." I said evilly. He looked up at me in fear as I got closer, trying as desperately as he could to get away. I grabbed him by the stabbed shoulder and looked him in the eye. I saw nothing but complete fear as he saw nothing but emptiness in mine. I smiled darkly as I threw him closer to the garage door, causing him to scream in agony. I started to walk towards him before I felt something grab my shoulder. I turned around to see Fluttershy, a look of terror and shock in her eyes.

"Please stop." She whimpered, tears streaming down her face. I looked at her then towards the man leaning against the door in pain. "What do you want me to do with him then? Help him?" I said sarcastically. She only nodded her head in response. I looked at her, shocked before I turned to the man, who look like was about to pass out. 'I can't believe I am going to do this.' I thought as I walked toward him. I looked at him in disgust as I pulled the knife out of his shoulder, causing him to scream in more pain. "Your lucky she is here or I wouldn't be so merciful." Was all I could say as he blacked out. "Shit, Fluttershy help me get him up stairs and prep the medical supplies!" I yelled As I grabbed him by his injured shoulder. She nodded as we brought him up stairs to our little camp.

It took us a total of fourteen minutes to get the man upstairs. "God what does this guy eat?" I muttered. Fluttershy gave me a disapproving look but said nothing. We leaned him against the wall and Fluttershy got to work bandaging his arm. I sat in a nearby chair and watched as she worked, stunned by her medical knowledge. After she finished the arm she turned and looked at me. "There done. He won't be able to use that arm for a while, but it should heal in time." She said sighing. I shrugged, not really caring what happens to him.

It had been two hours since we brought him up into the office area we were camping in. Fluttershy went back to sleep and told me to keep an eye on him in case he woke up. About an hour after she fell asleep he started to stir. He slowly sat up and yawned, before realization hit him like a fright train. He looked in front of himself to see me watching him. He looked at me in fear and slowly started backing away from me.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He continued to mutter apologies until I shut him up. "No you aren't and if were not for her your limbs would be spread out across the road outside. Make sure you remember that. Or she may not be able to stop me next time." I said with hatred filling my words like venom. glaring at him as I motioned to the sleeping Fluttershy He flinched as I spoke then looked to his bandaged shoulder. "Why help me? I mean I came here planning to kill both of you?" He asked hesitantly. I was about to answer when Fluttershy yawned and sat up.

"Because we couldn't just leave you there to die from that injury, even if you wanted to hurt us. It's called kindness." She said with a smile. The guys jaw dropped as she spoke before he looked at me. "Did she..." He said mouth agape. "Yes she can talk. No you are not hallucinating." I said simply. He slowly nodded his head before he remembered what she said. "Thank you miss. I am sorry for trying to cause you harm." He said bowing his head in respect, and fear for if he didn't I would tear him to shreds. "Your welcome." She said happily. "Now I need to check your injuries okay?" She asked hesitantly. He gave one look towards me, then nodded his head as she began to check his shoulder.

"So what's your name?" She asked as she checked his bandages. His shoulder was no longer bleeding thanks to Shy's stitch work, but it still looked pretty bad. 'He is lucky the blade didn't pierce that far into his shoulder or his arm would be useless' I thought with a smirk as he answered her question. "My name is Bryce what's yours? He asked cautiously. "My name is Fluttershy, and that is Steven." She said looking over to me with a smile. I glared at Bryce for a good minute before I decided to speak. "We are leaving in a few hours at sunrise. As much as I hate to say it, you might want to come with us. You won't survive with your arm how it is right now. But if you are coming with I have one thing to say." I said as jumped up with incredible speed and got close to his face. "If I even think you plan on screwing us over you will be dismembered where you stand and left to rot. Do you understand?" I whispered harshly. He shuddered and nodded, averting his gaze. I gave Shy a small nod and let her finish her work.

When we left Bryce offered to be a sort of watcher for us, seeing as his arm was utterly unusable. we agreed, but put him in between us to keep an eye on him. We gave him the bat and I made sure to remind him of his predicament As we walked we saw very little infected, sneaking by them as we went. After an hour we were finally noticed by a small pack of infected. We ran at them with our weapons drawn.

Bryce made contact with them first. Using his uninjured arm, he swung the bat with impressive power, killing one with a blow to the head before I could enter the fray. Making quick work of them with my knives, I managed to kill three of them before one tackled me. It knocked me to the ground, my knives getting stuck in its chest as I fell. "Damn it!" I yelled, but before it could rip out my neck Bryce smashed it's head in from behind. I shoved the thing off me, taking my knives with me and worked on finishing of the last of them. We managed to kill them all with Bryce smashing the last one's jaw in.

"Well looks like that's over." He said panting. As he turned to me the zombie sat up, half it's jaw missing. As Bryce turned around to face me I threw the knife into the creatures head, that was mere feet behind him. He turned shocked as it fell to the ground, finally dead. "I'm sorry what that? Note to self, don't get cocky, and double tap damn it." I said smugly. As Fluttershy came out of hiding she walked up to us confused. "Did I miss something?" Me and Bryce only nodded, snickering at our little joke as we continued to our destination.

We walked for hours until the sun was high above us. We stopped to eat and so I could check our progress. The results were promising. "Well guys we should make it to my parents house by tomorrow morning if we hurry. Bryce grunted through his sandwich and fluttershy nodded happily. With the new info we finished quickly and packed back up our gear. That was until Bryce saw something in the distance.

"Guys we got a problem." He whispered harshly. I looked to where he was staring and froze. Farther down the street was a horde of at least a hundred of them. All heading towards our direction. "This doesn't make sense why..." I stopped as I turned around. A helicopter, probably a military chopper of sorts, was seen off in the distance. I took in our surroundings and saw a RV a few cars behind us. "Quick in there!" I whispered urgently. They rushed to the RV and went in Shy popping her head out a few seconds later. "It's clear come on." I turned around and shut the door, causing her to freak. "What are you doing?" She exclaimed. I smiled through the screen door. "Making sure you stay safe before I do what I do best." I said with a small smile before I turned towards the horde. "And what are you going to do exactly?" She asked ecstatic and worried. I turned to her and smiled. "Suicide runs, zombie killing, and blowing stuff up. What else?" I said before I sprinted toward the horde. 'Show time.'

I stood on top of a overturned car right between the horde and the RV. I reached into my backpack and pulled out two things, a bottle half filled with pneumonia and four tin foil balls. With a smirk I yelled at the top of my lungs, hoping to get the hordes attention. "Hey zombies! FRESH MEAT OVER HERE! COME GET A TASTE!" I saw many of them perk up and start heading towards me, just like I wanted. When they got a decent distance away I threw the tin foil balls into the bottle and threw it at a car, landing it on a car hood right near the horde. The effect was instantaneous. The bottle exploded, just like I was taught in science class it would, catching the car on fire, causing it to also explode. The blast nearly knocked me off my feet, and incinerated quite a few zombies. As I watched the flames spread onto other cars I ran towards the RV, knowing full well what was about to happen. Like dominos cars started to catch fire and explode taking out quite a few zombies and burning the rest. I jumped into the RV and watched through the windshield as the last few explosions went off. I saw a few of them walk out of the flames, only to fall over a few moments later dead or with legs burned off.

"How exactly did you know that would work?" Bryce asked skeptically. I shrugged my shoulders as I caught my breath. "I didn't. And don't think it's over, its far from it. There was quite a few out there and a few cars blowing up wont kill them all. Bryce come with me, Fluttershy stay here, things are about to get ugly." I ordered, hopping out the vehicle with Bryce in tow.

"Ok, here's the plan," I said as we stood on top the RV, " I'm going to unload on as many as I can and you are going to kill any that try to climb up got it?" I said calmly. He nodded as he readied the bat. "One question how can you be so calm right now?" He asked, curiosity in his voice. I looked at him and shrugged. I looked toward the horizon and saw the horde getting closer. I reached into my bag, pulling out my last three homemade firebombs and a lighter. "If there is too many of them hit 'em with these." I said flatly. I didn't look to see his response. I just sat down and loaded my guns, ready to kill them all or die trying.

It took ten whole minutes before the horde was upon us. Starting with my revolvers, I unleashed a barrage of bullets on the horde, killing a decent amount in the process. When both guns were empty I reloaded while Bryce fended them off with the bat. As soon as both were loaded we repeated the process over again. We killed quite a few with this technique before we hit the first snag. "I'm out of ammo!" I grunted as I threw the empty ammo box at a zombie. Throwing the revolvers at my feet I grab a Fire bomb and lit it. "Hey Bryce!" He looked at me curiously. "Want to know how I like my zombies?" He looked at me for a second confused, before he looked at me with a wicked grin. "How do you like your zombies?" He asked rhetorically. I looked at him with a stupid grin. "EXTRA CRISPY!" I shouted as I threw the explosive towards the horde. It bounced off a zombies head before it exploded. Fire rained down like hellfire as any zombie within ten feet were hit with the flames.

With most of the horde now dealt with, we hopped down and searched the area, killing any stranglers we came by. After what seemed like the last one was killed we went back inside the RV. As we entered I was immediately tackled to the ground by Fluttershy. "Oh thank goodness you are ok! I was so worried." She said hugging me tighter as she talked. When she finally let me stand she looked out the screen door curiously. "Are they gone?" She asked worriedly. I nodded, causing a large grin to appear on her face, which turned into a look of horror as she looked at something behind me. I looked at her confused, before realization hit me. "Sonova bi..." Was all I said before something broke through the screen door and tackled me to the ground. Laying face down, I sat there helpless as it started reaching for my neck with its hungry jaws.

CRACK!

The body fell limp on top of me, it's skull caved in. As I pushed it off and got to my feet I looked towards Bryce who only pointed behind me. I turned to see Fluttershy, bloody bat in her whooves, a look of anger in her eyes. "Don't you DARE HURT MY FRIENDS!" She yelled angrily. 'Flutter rage at its finest. Note to self, NEVER MAKE HER MAD.' I thought with a grimace. She looked up at me with a small smile. I dropped down and wrapped my arms around her in a big hug. "That's the second time you have saved my life. Your getting quite good at it." I said with a smirk. She giggled, returning the hug. When we broke the hug I looked t Bryce. "Go get the rest of the gear on the roof. We still have a destination to reach." I said simply. He nodded with a smirk, and headed out the door to get the gear.

With all our gear together, we continued on past the burning corpses, gagging as we went. As the sun started to fall over the horizon we decided to keep going, much to Bryce's objections. "It's not a good idea to travel at night. We should find a place to camp during the night." He said annoyed. I looked at him and shrugged. "We will be there a few hours after nightfall, there is no reason to stop when we are so close." I reasoned. He grunted before falling silent, choosing not to argue anymore. As it started to grow dark I pulled my dads old pair of night vision googles and slipped them on, glad to finally have a use for them. I told Shy and Bryce to stay close as we cautiously continued down the darkening road.

After a while we saw lights in the distance and went to investigate, hoping to find other survivors. We were not prepared for what we saw.

"OH GOD HELP ME!" "GET IT OFF!" "IT'S GOT ME!" We watched on in horror as the group of survivors were torn to shreds. We watched as the last two ran away in fear, causing the rest of the infected to give chase. We waited until the sound of their screams could no longer be heard before we checked the area, still jumpy from the scene we just witnessed. We were able to find a small handgun and a small, half empty box of bullets. Bryce took the ammo and shoved it in his pack, using the handgun as we went. Finding nothing else of use, we left the area as fast as possible, hoping not to suffer the same fate as they did.

It was only a few minutes before we heard the screaming. Cautious I looked around in the dark and what I saw made my blood run cold. Quickly loading the shotgun I turned to the others worried. "RUN!" I yelled sprinting forward with the others close behind. Through the darkness I saw them. About ten or so infected that were sprinting at us with incredible speed. A survivors worst nightmare. As they started to get closer and closer I formulated a plan. When one got close enough I turned around unloaded round after round into the sprinters.

BANG! CLACK-CLACK!

I unleashed a barrage of bullets into the sprinters until the gun clicked empty. "Shit." I growled angrily as I dropped it and pulled out my knives and ran toward them. I could hear Fluttershy cry out but I toned her out, focusing on the sprinters in front of me. One jumped at me only to have one of my knives end up in its the soft area under the chin. As the corpse fell another jumped at me, falling to the ground with a hole where it's eye was seconds later. Everything around me started to slow as adrenaline continued pumping through my veins. With two left, I ran foward and tackled one to the ground, stabbing it in the head When we hit the ground. Before I could react one lunged at me only to get shot back as a gunshot rang out. I turned to see Bryce with the pistol in hand, smirking at me as I stood back up. I smiled, picking up my discarded shotgun as we went.

When we finally reached my parent's neighborhood the sun had just started to rise. Sighing in relief I told everyone to pick up the pace, hoping to reach the house before the sun came up. When my parents house was finally in sight we sprinted toward it, happy to finally be able to take a breather. We went in and searched the house cautiously, until we were sure we were alone. I shut the door and fell with my back against it, exhausted. Before I passed out I heard Bryce shout from the hallway. "Steven you might want to see this!" He said a feeling of urgency in his voice. I sprinted towards his voice and found him trying to get a door open.

"What?" I said worried. He pointed toward the door. "Any idea what's in here?" He asked curiously. I shook my head, curious myself. My dad never let me in the room and it was always locked. He gestured me over and we worked at trying to get the door open. After ten minutes I heard Shy speak up behind us. "Could this help?" She said holding a small key with a skull on it in her hoof. I grinned, taking the skeleton key and unlocking the door, only to be greeted by a flight of stairs. "I never knew we had a basement." I muttered. As we reached the bottom my eyes widened, as I looked around the room. I grinned like a madman as I surveyed the room. "Thank you Dad."

Along the walls like an armory were a vast variety of weapons, things from a mid-evil flail to a M16. I looked around and saw a few boxes in the corner labeled 'Ammo'. I chuckled as I looked at the twenty or so weapons. Bryce continued to look on in shock. "How does your dad have so many weapons?" I chuckled. "Really most of these have been past on from father to son for quite a few years. My family from my dads side have always been weapon nuts, in fact I'm willing to bet the only ones my father had actually gotten himself are the newer tech weaponry." I explained. He nodded dumbly as we went on to search through the weapons.

My grin got bigger and bigger as I went through each weapon until something caught my eye. It was a long black case, coated with dust with a note taped on it. I picked up the note and read it, curious on what was inside.

Dear Steven,

I was hoping to give this to you personally but due to circumstances I know you will understand. I've been bitten so I don't have long left. I know if you're alive you will eventually come here, and probably come down here. I want you to have one last gift.

A small smile grew on my face as I went to open the case. As the case opened my jaw fell. Inside was a katana. The sheath and handle were a ebony black, while the guard and end of the handle were a blood red. As I picked it up I saw that the handle itself was the same dark red, only covered in a black cording. Smiling I looked back at the note and continued reading.

The blade is named sanguinem umbra, Bloodshadow. It has been passed on from generation to generation. Given the circumstances the blade is now yours Steven. Make me proud son, make me proud.

Dad

I looked at the note with a sad smile before putting it away for now. 'There will be time to grief about this later' I thought sadly as I pulled the blade from its sheath and got a good look at it. The metal was a Dark gray, almost black. Engraved into the blade in red lettering was its original Latin name. I looked at the blade in my hand with a small smile before sheathing it. Flinging the blade over my shoulder, I headed upstairs to hopefully get some rest.

Going into my parents bedroom, I laid the sword against the closest door and collapsed onto the huge bed. Just as I started nodding off however, I saw Shy walk in. "Umm are you awake?" She asked softly. I decided to pretend being asleep,hoping she would leave me be. Obviously the universe had other plans. Instead of leaving she walked further into the room, resting her saddlebags and weapons near the door. She started walking towards the bed before I heard a faint whisper. "I hope he doesn't mind." I laid there curious, before I felt something lay down next to me.

As she laid on the edge of the bed I decided to drop the act. "You ok Shy?" I asked quietly. She jumped before she faced me with a blush. "I just don't want to be alone." She whimpered as she looked down. I sighed and opened up the blanket I was using. "You just had to say so. I don't mind." I whispered comfortingly in her ear. She gave me a small smile as she got under the blanket, laying her head on my chest as she got comfortable. She sighed contently, hugging against my side as she fell asleep. As I started to drift off I had one final thought. 'I wonder how many beastiality jokes Bryce will come up with when he comes looking for us.' I sighed, wrapping an arm around her as sleep finally overtook me.

Just like before I woke up before Fluttershy. As I sat there waking up I had a thought. 'How did we get here so quick? I thought it would take at least three days to get here but we get here in two.' I shrugged my shoulder, dismissing the thought. I always could have guessed wrong. Looking out the window I saw it was already dark out. Carefully getting out of bed, I went through the house looking for Bryce. Unsurprisingly, I found him on the couch in the living room, a shotgun in his hand as he slept. I checked the gun in his hand to see if it was on safety, then went back up to bed. Sliding in as carefully as I left I sighed in contentment as I went back to sleep.

I woke up to being shaken awake. I looked up to see Fluttershy, a worried look on her face. "Wake up please!" She said, barely louder than usual. I shot up and looked at her questionably. She jumped out of bed. "They are trying to break in." She whimpered. I grabbed Bloodshadow and ran out the room, following the sound of banging. In the living room was Bryce, aiming a gun at the door as he looked up at me. "See someone's awake!" He said with a smirk. I only nodded as I looked through the window by the door. There was a few of them all bashing on the door trying to get in. I told Bryce to guard the door as I sprinted towards the back door.

Going around the house, I finally was able to see all of them. There was six total, all oblivious to me standing there. I unsheathed my blade as I got there attention. "Hey uglies!" They all turned to face me, limping forward. "Come get some." I growled as I ran at them. I sliced at them with the blade as I ran at them, causing them to collapse to the ground dead in seconds. Within two minutes all but one had been sliced to pieces. It jumped on my back trying to bite at my exposed neck. Acting on instinct, I threw him over my shoulder causing his back to slam into concrete. Taking the sword I drove it through the skull, killing it instantly. With a heavy sigh, I wiped the bloody blade on my shirt and went back inside.

"Wake me up when there's more of them." I grumbled, adrenaline levels dropping as I stumbled up the stairs to bed. As I entered the room I saw Fluttershy sitting on the bed. She smiled and moved over letting me climb in. I laid down with a grunt tired but not yet able to sleep. I heard Fluttershy giggle as she laid down facing me. She looked as if she was deep in thought before she looked me in the eye. "Um can I ask you something?" She said hesitantly. I looked at her curiously before I slowly nodded. She gave me a small smile before she continued. "D-do you like me?" She said, a faint blush on her muzzle.

With my half asleep state I didn't think to much of the question. "Of course Shy. Your a great friend. Why?" I muttered sleepily. She was silent for a minute before she shook her head. "I d-didn't mean it like that." She said quietly. I was about to ask her what she meant before I felt something soft against my lips. To put it bluntly I was wide awake now.

'Brain.exe has shutdown. Reboot?

rebooting...

...

Rebooting complete..

I sat there in shock as Shy pressed her lips to mine. After a few seconds I returned the kiss, softly pressing my lips to hers. I felt her smile through the kiss as we sat there, lips locked. After what felt like an hour our lips parted, both of us blushing. She wrapped her hooves around me and hugged me tightly, almost as if she was afraid I was going to disappear. "That answer your question?" I smirked lifting her chin up to face me. She giggled and nodded, laying her head on my shoulder.

We laid there for about an hour before I felt her heartbeat slow. I laid awake there deep in thought, Fluttershy snuggled up against my side asleep.

'damn man. talk about that escalated quickly.'

'Right? Kinda curious why she likes me already, it's only been what, five ish days?'

'think about it. Since she has appeared here you have basically been like a guardian angel to her the entire time. When she first got here you protected her from the infected,and have continued to do so since. You would even risk your life instantly to protect her. It's no wonder she fell for you.

'Yah but I think it happened a little quick'

'so what? We had relationships with people in less time. It hasn't really stopped us before has it?

'Yah but this is the first time they showed feelings for us first.'

'True. But hey it's still a better love story than'

'You finish that thought and you will be erased from this mind.'

'Killjoy.'

I smirked, having won the mental battle with myself, before I groaned realizing I had a battle with myself in the first place. Looking down to Fluttershy, a content smile on her face as she slept, I decided I didn't care what happens. All I cared about was keeping her safe, or die trying. With that final thought, I smiled as I felt myself nodding off to sleep.

I woke up to the sun shining in my face. As I went to sit up I felt a weight on my chest. Looking down I saw Fluttershy clinging to me as she slept. Chuckling, I lightly petted her mane, content with just laying there. As the minutes went by, she finally woke up. With a big yawn she slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes with a forehoof. She looked down to me with a small smile, before she moved over to let me get up. I got up and grabbed my gear, watching Shy do the same. As we walked out of the room, I lightly scratched behind one of her ears, earning a happy sigh.

We entered the kitchen. To an odd sight. On the counter was a pile of various foods, all layed out and looking freshly made. Curious, I went to go into the living room, only to find Bryce walking out the door, sticking a note to it on his way out. I chased after him, trying to find out what he was up to. "Hey where do you think your going?" I shouted from the doorway. He froze, slowly turning around to face me. He looked at me with a sad smile. "I was hoping to leave before you both woke up." He said chuckling.

"And why is that?" I asked cautiously reaching for Bloodshadow. He saw my motion and shook his head. "Don't worry I didn't take anything, other than the pistol we found." He slowly turned around, continuing to walk away. I ran after him, curious and confused. "Then why are you leaving?" I called as I got closer. He shrugged, turning around to speak. "I'm going off on my own. I feel like I got to find some answers, try to see why this all started. So for now this is goodbye. Maybe we will meet again, but the chances are slim. I just want to say thanks you both for your kindness, but its my time to leave." He answered, walking further down the street. I was about to chase after him before I felt a hoof on my arm.

"Let him go. He has his mind set on leaving so we really shouldn't try to stop him." She said, heading back to the house. With a heavy sigh I watched as he continued walking into the horizon, before following Shy inside. We sat and ate in silence, saddened by Bryce's departure. That was until I jumped out of my seat, a huge grin on my face. "Josh is supposed to meet us here today!" I exclaimed. Shy shared the same grin, but remained seated. "That's great!" She said, barely louder than usual. Eating in a hurry, I went out to the porch, watching for my old friend to come by.

I stayed out until the sun started to set before I slowly headed back in. Before I could however, I heard gunshots in the distance. With a newfound hope I ran of the porch, heading towards the sounds. As I got closer and the sounds grew louder I saw infected running behind a house. Following in quick pursuit I turned the corner to see corpses litter the ground. I followed the trail of bodies until I came upon a sight that almost made me jump in joy. Standing on top of a small shed, surrounded by infected was Josh. I watched him fire upon the undead beings, before he looked down at his gun in frustration. He threw it, managing to hit one in the head as he looked around.

He looked around the yard, probably trying to find something useful, before he saw me. We made eye contact, his look of frustration turning into one of joy. That was until he looked back down and saw the predicament he was in. He looked at me pleadingly, before he saw me charging across the yard blade drawn. With an animalistic cry I surged forward, slicing any infected in my way to shreds. I managed to get to the shed before I was surrounded. Josh gave me a hand and helped me up.

When I was on my feet we shared a brotherly hug, before we looked towards the horde of flesh eaters at our feet. I reached into my pack, trying to find something we could use. I pulled out a few handgun mags, trying to find the gun that went with them. Frustrated I looked through the other pockets before sighing in relief. I pulled out the handgun and handed it to Josh. He looked at me confused. "What are you gonna use?" He asked concerned. I smirked, waving my hand dismissively."I got something, don't worry bro." I said reaching for Bloodshadow. He nodded, flipping the safety off.

I waited until I saw an opening before jumping down, knocking one to the ground as I landed. Not wasting a second Pierced its skull with my blade, ending it's existence. I saw as one reached for me, only to have a bullet go through it's head before it got close. Sliding my blade out of the corpse, I turned and sliced at an infected, chopping it's head off in one clean slice. I looked at the blade in awe. 'Damn this thing is sharp.' I shook my head as I impaled another through its head. As we went about the undead, I watched as the amount dwindled smaller and smaller. When the last one fell We looked around at the carnage.

"Glad to see you're ok." He said relieved. I smirked. "Hey it will take more than a few Zombies to take this guy down!" I retorted. He chuckled, before looking at me worried. "I got a surprise for you. Just don't freak out ok? There is someone I want you to see." He said hesitantly, gesturing for me to follow him. Curious, I followed him as he led me to what could be described as a garbage truck converted into an RV. It was modified to look like a survivalist's dream. Welded to the front of the car was a thick metal plate covered in spikes. The rest of the vehicle was covered in similar modifications, and all I could do was stare slack jawed at the monstrosity.

"How in holy hell did you get this behemoth of a vehicle!?" I exclaimed. He looked at me in amusement. "Remember the mall we used to hang out at a lot?" I nodded dumbly. "Get this, the day the infection started there was supposed to be a car show in the parking lot. I found this with the key in the ignition and decided it was free game. I managed to get it to my dads old workshop and rigged it up with the modifications. But that's beside the point, wait here a second." He explained as he went inside the vehicle. After about a minute he walked back out with a grin.

"Steven I would like you to meet someone." He said as the door opened. I watched in shock as the door opened and a pink blur hopped out. I watched as Pinkie hopped up to me with a smile. I sat there frozen as Josh spoke. "I would like you to meet Pinkie Pie, as hard as it is to believe." He looked at me with a grin. She looked up at me, grinning ear to ear. "Hiiya!" She exclaimed happily. I looked over to Josh with a serious look. "When did you find her?" I asked, feeling like I already knew the answer. He thought for a moment before speaking. "About five or so days ago. Why?" He asked curiously. I figured as much. "Because that was the same time we found Twilight and Fluttershy." I explained. He looked at me in shock.

"Where are they?" He asked worried. "Fluttershy is at my parents house and Twilight is with Riley back at my house." I said plainly. He nodded slowly before Pinkie spoke up. "Oooooo what is this?" She asked curiously as she stared at my blade, sheathed at my side. I looked over to see Josh also looking curious. I shrugged and got down to eye level with Pinkie. I reached for the blade and held it out in front of me as she examined the blade. "This is Bloodshadow. It has been passed on along my family and my dad left it for me. He left me a note saying how he had been bitten, and how he wanted me to have it." I explained with a sad smile. I put the blade back in it's sheath as I stood up, only to be tackled by Pinkie in a hug.

I smiled as I carefully pulled her off, only after telling her I was fine. She looked unsure but got off none the less. "Let's head back to my parents and get Shy, then get the hell out of here." I muttered as I walked over to Josh. He gave me a worried look. "Ok give me a second, I was changing the flat tire before I got swarmed by zeds. It will only take a minute." He assured. I gave him a small nod as he got to work, watching for anymore infected as I waited. After a minute or two I heard Josh yell he finished. We got in the vehicle as we rode in silence to my parents house.

When we got inside I was tackled to the ground by a worried Fluttershy. "There you are! What took so long?" She exclaimed. I smiled as I pointed to Josh and Pinkie behind me. Her jaw fell as she saw her energetic pink friend. "P-Pinkie!? What are you doing here!? She said astonished. Pinkie giggled as she told the story. "Well, I was going to go tell a joke to Twilight about peanut butter and Zap apples. I saw you walk in so I followed, there was this bright light and then POOF! Now I'm here!" She exclaimed happily. We looked on in shock as Twilight's words haunted me.

"I don't think I can send both of you with us.

I sat in dread at the realization that we might not even have a chance to go now. Shaking my head of my thoughts I turned to Shy. "Get ready and grab your gear, we are leaving." I said absent mindedly. She nodded and went upstairs as I looked to Josh and Pinkie "Go downstairs and grab as many weapons and ammo as you can. We are going to need it." I said. Josh nodded and pinkie gave a salute as they headed towards the basement. I went into the living room, grabbing a large book from a nearby shelf.

It was a photo album, filled with pictures of my family and friends. I turned to the last page, being greeted with a picture of me and all my friends. I stared at the photo with a look of sadness. It was taken on my birthday, a week before the infection started. I smiled as tears went down my face, memories flowing through my mind like a film reel. But before I could enjoy it I shook my head, clearing my thoughts. 'I can act nostalgic later but not now.' I thought as I threw it in my backpack. I went and grabbed as much food and water as I could, throwing it all in a cooler.

As we finished packing the RV Josh started it up, ready to leave as soon as we were done. I finished checking everything and hopped in, telling Josh we were ready. He backed up and drove as I gave him directions. It took two hours before we pulled into the driveway, being greeted by both Riley and Twilight. We all exchanged greetings before Riley pulled me to the side. "We got a problem." He whispered. I looked at him in confusion. "What?" I whispered back. "Yesterday Twilight made a huge discovery. She can send all of us back, which is incredible news." He explained. I waited for him to continue. "Problem is not only will it attract a lot of attention while she does the spell, but we need a large area to use it. We also need someone to stay here to close it with this." He said, holding up a small pinkish gem. I nodded in understanding, glad for a bit of good news, even if it wasn't the best.

We agreed to set out the day after tomorrow, choosing the empty field a few miles away. As everyone went to bed I sat in the living room alone. Riley came down and sat with me, two large glasses of chocolate milk in hand. As we sat there enjoying our drinks, we went over what has happened to each other the past few days. He told how he shared his feelings with Twilight, who apparently felt the same. I told of me and Fluttershy, both of us smirking like idiots. We both placed bets that Josh has feelings for Pinkie, and if she had feelings for him. We joked about how they choose to sleep in the RV, probably to be alone. As the night went on, the conversation took a serious turn.

"Riley, I want you to watch after Shy for me alright." I said sadly. He looked at me confused, before he realized what I was implying. "No way in hell man, you aren't doing it." He muttered harshly. I looked at him with a small smile. "I'm not changing my decision, I'll stay behind and close it." I uttered. Before he could object however, I looked him in the eye. He sighed and handed me the crystal, seeing my mind was made up. "I will man. I promise." He whispered quietly. I nodded with a smile, before heading up to sleep, Riley heading to the kitchen to dispose of the glasses. I laid down next to Fluttershy who was already sleeping. I laid an arm over her, smiling as I fell asleep.