Of Gods And Men
Chapter 1- The Fallen

Journal Entry 1 January 15, 2050

I don't know if any one will ever read this, but if you do I want you to know what happened to our home. My name is Nikolai but my friends called me Niko, I'm 18 years old, a martial artist, and builder. The reason I write this is because I'm not sure if am going to die in the next few days and I want someone to know what my last few days were like. I don't know how it all started, only where it all lead. Right now I look out my broken window, the streets and buildings are demolished beyond repair, bodies litter the streets I once walked on and greeted friends on, and worst of all some of the corpses still moved along those sidewalks. Those who died rose again, and those they killed got back up and killed. They were called walkers by most others used the more common term zombie or zed.

I wish I could tell you how they came to be but sadly I do not know. There are 5 things I do know for sure one is that in 10 days time I will be overrun by these things and become on of them, two I only have a car door shield and bumper sword to fight them off with when judgment day comes, three I have little food or water left in storage, four everyone I know and have seen since the outbreak is dead, finally I hope to god that whoever you are that the infection has been stopped so you don't have to feel my pain.

End of entry

Journal Entry 2 January 17, 2050

It seems that I was wrong about my time, the barricades around my shelter are barely keeping the walkers back right now. God I can hear them smashing away at the wood, I can barely hold my pencil my hands shake so badly. I have moved everything on the bottom floor of the house onto the only stair case keeping me safe but trapped. I had manged one last supply run and in this room I have a few crates of food but less water. I don't have much to say, but I can see something in the sky, for the past few weeks it has been rainy and the clouds have never moved and lighting is visible at all times. It seems impossible that only a few months ago at this time of day I would be in the city park entertaining people by fire dancing or singing, but those days are but memories now never to return.

I hope I can at least see one more good sunsets before I die.

End of entry

Journal Entry 3 January 20, 2050

The pain, it hurts so badly. It seems this will be my final entry, right no I am on top of my roof the walkers have broken past my barricades. They broke into my room , one of them bit my chest I have very little time left. So please I ask anyone who reads this, if you find other survivors, friends, or family you keep them close and never let these creatures take them from you. Goodbye everyone, mother, father, brother, and goodbye sister I'm so sorry I was too afraid.

Well it seems my wish was granted the sun is setting just over the horizon, it casts its orange glow over the trees and buildings giving me a feeling of comfort, just like before.
End of entry

– – – – – – – – – – –

“AJ...injured... send letter...to do with it.” I heard parts of someone talking, I was overcome with joy I had been saved by these people. I heard the sound of hooves trotting on dirt. They must have used horses to carry me here. I thought, I felt a hoof nudge my torso a few times. “Twi, what in the hay re we suppose ta do with this thingtill the princess get here?” I heard a feminine voice call, wait did they call me a thing and who is this princess. “I don't know AJ maybe we should tie it up encase its dangerous.” I heard the one who I had assumed was Twi what a strange name. “Alrighty, get mah rope.” The next few moments I felt AJ who by now I guessed was something not human tied me up. I tried to move or give a sign I was awake, but all I could do give a very soft groan.

“AJ go get Fluttershy she may know how to heal it's wounds properly.” Twi said, AJ ran off looking for this Fluttershy person. No person is the wrong word. After a while I slowly got control of my body again, I cracked my eyes open but not enough to give myself away.

That's not possible.

My reaction to seeing this creature was purely justified, for in front of me was a small purple unicorn. I appeared to be in a sort of barn, like those you would find in the country. My bumper sword and car door shield lie next to the barn door. The unicorn was busy writing something down, it's horn was glowing a red/purple color and so was a quill and piece of paper. I felt the bindings around my arms and feet, best unknown to them I had hidden blades tucked in my shirt sleeves at all times. With haste I began to quietly saw at the ropes.

Got it! I dumped the ropes on the ground, the unicorn still hadn't noticed me.

The binds on my feet were lose so I just pulled the ends and they fell away. I got to my feet, my vision blurred a bit but soon focused. I crept along the floor not making a sound hoping I wouldn't step on a twig or tool, weeks of zombie hunting making me extremely light on my feet had really paid off. As I got close to her I could her the scratching of quill on parchment. Too easy. I though, before the unicorn could react I had her in a head lock my hand over her mouth and horn. She began to struggle but I was much stronger, and quickly tightened my grip forcing her to stop.

“Alright listen close little unicorn, I'm going to ask you a few questions.” I said, she nodded her yes full of fear and shock. “Now when I take my hand off you mouth you will not scream.” I told her, again she nodded. “Now where am I?” I took my hand from her mouth. “APPLEJACK HELP!” She screamed, I quickly punched the back of her neck knocking her out cold. “Damn horse!” I cursed, quickly grabbing my weapons I burst through the door. I will forever regret that decision. I came face to face with small army, unicorns, pegasus, and normal ponies alike were in front of me all bearing gold armor and weapons of various types.

In a matter of second we were at a stand off my shield and sword at the ready, they all aimed their weapons at me. All was still no sound but the wind, then just one simple word started the brawl.

“Fuck.”

Arrows pelted my shield while swords banged away, I swung my sword knocking away soldiers and weapons alike. A blast of energy exploded next to me, the unicorns began firing spells or just fire. My shield wasn't built to handle this kind of strain, I charged forward using my shield as a ram knocking ponies left and right. I saw my shield become enveloped in a green light, it was ripped from my hands an throw out of the battle zone. I quickly spotted the unicorn casting the spell, before he could cast another spell I tackled him to the ground and punched his throat with all I had. This single act of brute force stopped all the other soldiers. They all looked at their ally choking for breath barely clinging to life. So they can't stand blood eh. I thought, I faced them a wicked grin spread across my face I must have looked like a real killer judging from their reactions.

I began to laugh like a madman, sprinted forward and began beating down anything that got within swinging range. On pony tried to buck kick me, but I grabbed his leg and with an evil idea in my head began to use him as a weapon adrenalin making him seem weightless. The fight raged on the pony in my hands was long since out cold and hopefully still alive. I threw him into a small unicorn firing squad stopping their barrage. I looked around five soldiers stood standing only one was a pegasus the rest earth ponies. I dropped my sword, it was beginning to break anyways. The pegasus was the first to attack, he flew at me sword held in his mouth. I jumped to the left avoiding the hit, pouncing on him I grabbed a fist full of his mane and slammed his face into the dirt. (4 left) The four other ponies charged at one all four holding swords in their mouths.

As the first one reached me he swung for my legs, I deflected the swing and kicked him in the jaw. Another came from behind and slashed my back, letting out a scream of pain I spun around and tackled him. I punched his face rapidly blood coating my fists, another bucked me off sending me flying into the barn wall. I tried to get up but was forced down by a hoof, I looked up to see the three remaining ponies glaring at me. The one holding me down raised his blade, big mistake, I unsheathed my hidden blades and held it to his neck. “Got ya!” I said and with my other fist punched him off me, I rolled to my feet. (2 left) The other two took to both my sides, if one got hit the other would hit me, another stand off.

Zzzzzzaapp-crack

I felt my body go stiff, I couldn't feel anything and couldn't move. It felt as if I had tazered myself, I felt light then fell to the ground immobile. “The f-fuck.” I manged to croak out, I felt a presence walk behind me. “Well, a human I have not seen your kind for a very long time.” I forced my head up, towering over me was an alicorn she had a long flowing ethereal mane of different shades of purple and white, her coat was the purest white, she wore a golden breast plate and crown. Just being in her presence made me feel so small, like I could feel like the evil son of a bitch I truly was. Her horn began to glow a brilliant gold, I felt another jolt then darkness.

January 22, 2050

“Ugh, my head.” I groaned, note to self don't black out again. As soon as I got my head straight I looked around, once more my location changed I was inside a cold dark stone prison cell. My shield and sword no where to be found even my hidden blades had been taken. Even my shirt was gone lucky they left my pants and underwear. I walked over to the bars of my cell, through them I could see my stuff. A few guards were talking nearby, they were facing away and I couldn't here the conversation. I turned my attention to the bars once more. I began to measure them space and height between the bars. They were just wide enough so I might squeeze through, guess they didn't plan on capturing a human.

I looked to the guards, they were still talking, I gave a light whistle. In a flash they were next to my sell spears drawn, I held my hands up showing I meant no harm. “Well, you're finally awake ape.” Said one guard, he was a unicorn the other an earth pony. “Yeah I'm awake, and a bit hungry whens lunch.” I said with grin, showing them my canine teeth. The unicorn glared at me, he reached through the bars and pulled me to his face. “Listen here you beast, the princess told us to report to her as soon as you woke, from her tone she wasn't happy. So consider yourself lucky, if you get anything other than a beating.” He said, as he let me go I snatched him by his neck thumb on his windpipe. His friend had his spear next to my face, I grabbed it and slammed him into the bars. Put my arm around his neck, I tightened my grip on hi, he gasped for breath but I held him until he went limp. After I released him I pulled the unicorn into my grip.

“Alright pokey listen up, you have 1 minute to tell me where I am, what's going on, and to give me the keys.” I looked into his eyes, he looked back. “Well!” I said raising my voice, he flinched. “Y-your inside the Canterlot Castle, the dungeons to be exact. You're being held here and we were suppose to take you to Princess Celestia for you hearing.” He said, (20 seconds remaining) I though about it for a moment then looked back. “And the keys.” His horn lit up and a pair of keys floated next to my head. I took them and put them on the floor next to my foot. “Well you've been helpful, tell me do you have a family?” I asked, he quickly nodded. “Ah, alright.” I punched the base of his neck knocking him out.

I opened the cell door and peeked around the corner, there were no guards but plenty of the other prisoners were looking at me. I threw the two unconscious guards into the cell and locked it back. As I stepped out I looked around the rest of the prison, the inmates were at their cell doors looking at me in disbelief. Ignoring their looks I gathered my things and began walking to the only none cell door.

“Psst.”

I looked toward the direction the noise, there was a large pegasus pony in the cell his wings bound. I walked over to him kneeling down in front of him. “Yeah?” I asked, he looked me over and grinned. “How about you let us guys outta here, we could help you escape?” He said, I heard agreements form all the other inmates. I let a wicked grin spread across my face as I fiddled with the key ring I got from the guard. “So what you for?” I asked him testing the keys. He smiled happily knowing his freedom was assured. “Eh back in a town called Ponyville I got caught after I killed a couple `a ponies and raped their daughter, ha! You should have seen the looks on their faces when thy saw me over their kid.” I laughed, he laughed, and soon the other inmates were too. “Yeah that's pretty good, I'm in hear for killing some prick.” I said, he let out more boisterous laughter. “Who was the unlucky stallion?” He asked calming down.

“You.” Splat!

All the laughing stopped dead, every eye was on me. My bumper sword was stuck between the two parts of the stallions face blood dripping down the blade. “May god have mercy on you blackened soul.” I said, as I tried to pull the blade out the bindings finally broke and the handle came off leaving the large chunk of iron in the corpse. I threw the handle away, I turned around facing all the other inmates. All of them were still shock, fear, and disgust were the only features present on their faces. “Alright you four legged fucks, listen good. If any of you don't get executed for your crimes, then repent from your evil ways or one day you will look back and I will be there, and on that day you will know the fear of worse than hell.” I adjusted the shield on my back and left the prison.

The scene off the prison and the main castle were very different, the halls of the castle were marble and stone, curtains of woven silk hung on every window, gold trimmed almost every border of the random tables. I moved close to the wall hugging corners and avoiding guards. Soon I came to a very large pair of double doors. As I did I heard voices come from all three of the diverging halls, I panicked looking for another exit but the door was the only option. I kicked the doors open then immediately closed them, with my back against the door and shield guarding my front I looked at those present.

Along a long table that stretched half the rooms length was a gathering of ponies. I could see unicorns, pegasus, and earth ponies alike, but those who caught my eye were three alicorns. First was a light pink alicorn, she had a pink and yellow mane, she had a mark on her flank it looked like a modified Irish Claddagh, she had a shocked and fearful look on her face. The second was a dark blue color, her mane resembled the night sky as a crescent moon adorned her flank, she looked amused and a little excited. Finally was my nemesis the white one, I noticed she had a sun on her flank her she wore a smile.

“Ah, it seems that our guest has awoken.” She said. “Please sit.” Using her magic she moved a chair and motion for me to sit, cautiously I walked to the chair and sat. I place my shield down on its stand, my hidden blades ready to strike. “Now then, I would firstly like to apologize for our mistake.” She said, she sounded sincere so I decided to listen but being me I couldn't help but add my own charm to the conversation. “An which mistake would that be sunshine, the one of locking me up, knocking me out, or just straight up being a dumb ass for picking a fight with me?” I said leaning back and placing my feet on the table.

“Why you uncouth little ape, how dare you speak to her like that!” I looked to the left end of the table and saw a rather pretentious looking unicorn, he was enraged, it was pretty funny. He began to rant again but before he could get another word out a blade flew past his head cutting off a piece of his mane. All eyes were on my hand, using one of my ejecting blades is a good way to get someone quite. He fell back into his seat his mouth opening and closing. I snickered to myself, earning a glare from Sunny. “I would appreciate it if you did not assault my nephew Mr...” She said trailing off. “Niko.” I said, she nodded. “Mr. Niko, I understand you are angry at us but please we all are here to try and reach peace.”

She stopped as if waiting for my response. “Well Ms. you see in my world when you ask ones' name it is polite to give your own.” I said, the blue one gave a quite giggle while sunny seemed to give a light blush. “Apologies, my name is Princess Celestia of Equestria, this” She motioned a hoof to the giggling blue alicorn. “is my sister Princess Luna. On my left is my niece Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” She said, the pink alicorn gave a lighthearted smile. “Cadence is fine.” She said, I decided I liked her she didn't seem like she had a stick up her flank unlike most the other ponies in the room. “Well,” I began. “Tia I guess if you over look the whole taking me prisoner and fighting, peace is a good option.

I could tell I struck a nerve because she looked ashamed. “Yes, I had not ordered my guards to attack you. This being an issue I have brought in the captain of the royal guard Shining Armor. At hearing his name and his position I doubled over laughing. I finally let all of what I had heard catch up and only then I realized all the horrible pony puns. After a few moments I stopped laughing, all present looking at me like I was mad. I heard one pony clear his throat and stand up. He wore steel armor and a different helm fro all the other guards I had seen. I apologized and let him start. “My name as the princess said is Shining Armor, I am hear on behalf of my guards to ask your forgiveness of our mistake.” He said, I considered it and decided it was for the best.

“Well I'll forgive you one two small terms first why are you apologizing like it's you personally who attacked me?” I asked, he looked into my eyes with pride. “As captain of the guard it is I who shall take responsibility for our actions.” He said, I normally hate the whole live as a team die as a team but he seemed to pull it off okay. “Very well, second if you truly wish for my forgiveness pass this message down to those who were involved.” I walked over to him, I was about to speak but instead I raised my foot and dropkick his head into the marble floor. “Don't ever mess with me.” I laced every word with as much hate, anger, and venom as I had within me. Casually I walked back and took my seat. Cadence looked horrified and helped Armor up, Celestia looked own her mood downcast, and Luna was half way ready to impale me with her horn.

“I see earning you trust is going to take some time.” Celestia said, her voice sounded ashamed and miserable, worst of all was I knew she wasn't faking it. I took a breath and actually thought about what I was doing for once, this magnificent and powerful creature was upset because I couldn't forgive. I could feel the energy she gave off, it was sad and hurt. I realized that I wasn't angry towards them, I guess I was just mad because of what had happened before all this. Then it all sort came rushing back, me running from the masses of walkers, my sisters screams for help, me thinking about only myself and running, finally was when I had finally lost my mind.

I stood from my seat, ignoring all the looks I was getting I walked to the throne. I walked up to Celestia and she looked at me. I was right in front of her an alicorn a being of god like power was almost crying in front of me, I knew there was only on thing I could do to fix it even it would probably come back to bite me in the ass. I reached out and pulled her into a hug, that was were she finally broke down and buried her head in my chest. Everypony looked at us in utter confusion, even I don't know why she would be crying. “Get out.” I said, it was not a request. Everypony began to quickly file from the room, all but me and Celestia.

I felt her crying on my shoulder for a few minutes before she finally calmed down. “I'm so sorry.” She said her head still on my shoulder, I felt small considering she could barely lay her head against me without making me fall. “Why are you sorry, I'm the one who acted without thinking again.” I said the last part a little quieter so she couldn't hear. “As you know I am an alicorn, I hold god like powers. This is a blessing and a curse for I can hear what a pony or human is directly thinking. When I heard your memories I just...” She began to cry again, I knew my recent past was horrible but I guess losing family is enough to make anyone cry. “I guess I should explain my past to the others so they aren't confused?” I said, Celestia picked her head up and nodded.

One mass pony herd into the hall later.

Everypony sat around the table, I stood before the throne thinking of a way to start. “Okay, I'm sure all of you have questions but allow me to finish my story first.” I noticed that among the crowd that the purple pony from earlier was present and taking notes. “First I wanted to say sorry for my behavior, I will admit I'm in a dark place right now. Everything you need to know began about a month ago back in my world...”

December 26, 2049 Location: not given Time: 8:30 AM

I sat next to the fireplace while I opened my Christmas presents, it was a snowy and cold day but no one seemed to mind. My little sister, Nina was 10 years old she had short blond hair, we both had our mothers blue eyes and tan skin. She was so happy she had gotten what little we could afford, I was always happy when she smiled because it reminded me I always had one person who cared for me. Anyways after everyone had opened their gifts my mother began to cook her special Xmas Breakfast, while me dad and my brother watched TV, I don't know where my sister went at that time. All was peaceful and well, but as you can guess I didn't stay that way. No one could have guess what had happened, as me and dad were laughing at a joke a scream of fear rang out through the house. Me, dad, and my brother were out of our chairs and sprinting out to the backyard. I saw man pinning my sister down, she was screaming and trying to push him off.

Me an dad tackled the guy off while my brother checked on Nina. Dad punched the guy in his face blood covered the grass, I looked at him stunned. “Son, call the police.” He said, his voice firm and full of determination. I was about to turn when I saw a sight that to this day haunts me, the man jumped on his back. I froze in shock, the man bit into dad's neck and with on bite ripped his throat out. Face twisted in pain and shock, dad fell to the ground. Brother grabbed me and Nina and dragged us into the house locking the door and placing a chair on it. Mother was already on the phone, I brought my sister into the living room, we sat on the couch as she cried. When she finally calmed down she got up and walked to the front window. “Brother.” She said, her voice void of emotion. I walked over and moved the curtain.

“No.”

I looked outside to see my world fall apart, people were running into the nearest building and cars were speeding down the road ramming others out of their way. I backed away from the window, quickly I ran back into the kitchen. “Mom, we have to leave we can go to the old cabin up in the hills. We can be safe there.” Brother said, he and mom were talking about a plan on how to get to safety. I could hear what I later would call walkers banging on the door. I grabbed a butcher knife and ran to the front door, my sister was holding it closed. I motioned her back and she complied, as soon as she moved one smashed the top half of the door away.

I began hacking and chopping, I dodged any swipes they threw. My brother moved my mother and sister up the stairs, I threw the knife into one of the walkers and dashed up the stairs. We ran into a room and shut the door. My brother began to barricade it, but we were to slow and soon we were swarmed. I saw my sister cornered by a group of the dead, she cried out for help. I didn't know how to help them, so I did the only thing I could and jumped out of the rooms window. I landed in the bushes outside our house, and without a second though I ran off not even looking back. I could hear my families screams even half way down the road.

End of Flashback

I looked around the table, everypony either looked shocked, sad, or appeared to be thinking about their own lives. I sat down on the stairs that lead to the throne. “I wonder if I had stayed would have changed the general outcome be the same or different.” I looked down at my feet. I'm a coward, I could have saved them if I had stayed. I felt Celestia wrap her wing around me pulling me into a hug. “You are not a coward, you were just panicking in a situation no pony should go through.” She whispered. “Than I am weak for panicking.” I said, I felt my hands clench. Celestia sighed giving up and took her seat.

“Well then I guess the main question now is what are you going to do next?” I thought about it for a moment, there's no way in heaven or hell I'm every going back, so staying here is my only option but where here? Of course the universe provides as Twi raises her her. “Um, I have an idea princess.” She says, Celestia grins as if knowing what she is going to says, she probably does. “Yes Twilight Sparkle.” Huh, so that was her full name. “Well maybe he could stay with me in Ponyville if he wishes to stay?” She said, well it was a good idea and I could do something for her as a way of making up for knocking her out. “Well is this acceptable Niko?” Celestia asked me, it's not like I had any other options. “Yeah, that will be perfect.” I said, and like that my life in Equestria had begun, i guess things really can turn for the better.

Author's Note

Hello everyone, I would like to welcome you to my first story ever. I know it's not perfect and I am going to have to work on my writing skills. Also if anyone has an idea for a story arc, location, or someone (Like and OC) that I should add to my story let me know and I will see if I want to add it and how I could.

N1k0 out, peace.