Dead Pony Rising 2

Chapter Six

King of Chaos

Date: September 26, 2011 10:22 a.m.

“I should have known you two were in cahoots the first moment you set hoof in this place!” Ray shouted from behind the security room door. Buck had just gotten back to the safe house after gathering no evidence to prove his innocence…now he has to worry about getting kicked out from the safety that he was lucky enough to obtain. “You’ve caused nothing but trouble.”

“PURE is innocent!” Fluttershy shouted. “It’s a setup!”

“After you put this whole bunker at risk, you expect me to believe that?” Buck trotted up to the door and listened in on the argument. After a few moments, Buck slams the door open and trots inside.

“Hey…” he says to calm everypony down. Ray looked over and started getting angrier.

“Oh, well, lookie here. Stallion of the hour…Mr. Buck Greene.” Ray says bitterly. “I should’ve listened to my gut and kicked you out when you got here.”

“Ray, “ Buck says calmly, “I have nothing to do with this.”

“I saw it on the T.V. Saw you, buddy.” Ray says. “Explain how that little trick works.”

“It wasn’t me on the tape, it was somepony else in my show outfit.” Buck says. “Look, I don’t care whether or not you believe me. I’ve only got three days ‘til the Royal Guardianship gets here to prove that I’m innocent.” Ray just stares at him. “I’ll hand myself over if I haven’t gotten any proof by then. I’m just asking for a fair shot.”

“Ahem,” somepony says as they trot into the security room. Everypony looked over to find Rebucka casually standing at the entrance. “You could have told me that the front door was locked…”

“Hey,” Ray says, “you’re that T.V. filly.” He looks over at Buck and continues talking. “I’ll make you a deal: you keep rounding foalks up, you can keep coming and going. You die out there and we’ll have to leave it to the Windigoes to sort you out.” He starts trotting back to the door.

“But ain’t nopony gonna’ cover your flank when the Guardians arrive.” He says. “If you pull anything…and I do mean anything…I’ll do whatever I have to do.” He trots away leaving the three ponies there slightly awestruck.

“What was that all about?” Rebucka asks.

“He watches too much T.V.” Buck says to calm everypony’s nerves.

Fluttershy slowly trots back over to the security monitors and sits down. “Tell me you found something.” She says.

“We went to the central security room,” Buck says, “but somepony got there before us. Everything was smashed…all the tapes were gone.” Buck notices that Rebucka had her small camera aimed at Katey. “Hey…no footage of my daughter.” He says with an increased tone in his voice. Rebucka just shrugs and puts her camera away. She looks over to find Fluttershy staring at her angrily.

“Fluttershy,” Rebucka says, “I’m Rebucka Hayes, Channel 6 Action News…I’m here to help.”

“Oh, well, you’ll have to forgive me if I don’t think it’s very helpful that you accused my organization of a crime we didn’t commit.” Fluttershy says bitterly as she turns back to the cameras.

“Look, I don’t know what’s going on here,” Rebucka says, “but clearly things are not as they seem. I put out the information I had at the time.”

“Remember,” Buck says, “you can have all the exclusives you want if you help us figure out what’s going on here.”

“Works for me.” Rebucka says. “Whether you’re innocent…or guilty…I just want the truth.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Fluttershy says. “But, okay, we’ll work together. I’ll keep an eye on these monitors.”

“And I’ll go back out there to see what I can find out.” Rebucka says as she starts trotting for the door.

“I’ll let you know if I see anything.” Fluttershy says warily. Buck stands there for a moment, happy by the fact that there are other ponies that care about his innocence.

*** *** ***

Date: September 26, 2011 8:58 p.m.

It was getting late into the evening, close to 9:00 p.m. Buck was lying on the floor, waiting for either Fluttershy or Rebucka to tell him that either of them found a lead. He looked at his watch and just kept counting the seconds as they ticked by slowly and slowly.

He pulled himself up off the floor and slowly trotted over to Katey…she had fallen asleep a few hours earlier. Fluttershy looked over and noticed that Buck was slowly stroking her shoulder.

“I’m a little concerned about her…” she says. “The stress of all of this, along with that horrible medicine. It’s a lot to take in for a little filly.” Buck stands up and trots over to Fluttershy.

“When this is all over,” he says, “I’m going to do everything I can to make this up to her.” Something came up on the monitors and Buck noticed it within half a second. “Hey, what was that?” He asked motioning towards the monitor. Fluttershy spun around in her chair and looked at the monitor; noticing the disturbance Buck picked up a few seconds ago.

“I don’t know,” she says, “it looks like something’s going on at the entrance to this maintenance tunnel. I can’t quite tell for sure…but it looks like somepony is moving equipment or something along those lines. It looks pretty organized.”

“It’s a lead.” Buck says. “The only one we’ve got…it could be whoever’s doing this to us.”

“Listen, it’s none of my business, but,” Fluttershy says.

“What?” Buck asks.

“Nothing. Just…be careful, okay?” Fluttershy asks. “For her sake.” She looks over at Katey and then back over to Buck. Buck looks at his daughter and then back at Fluttershy.

“You don’t need to worry, I’ve been through two of these before…I’m sure I can handle a third.”

*** *** ***

Date: September 26, 2011 11:03 p.m.

Buck approached a massive entrance that lead into a giant system of underground tunnels than ran through the under parts of Celestial Sisters. As he hid behind a giant shelf full unmarked goods and whatnot, he could see a pony guard near a giant set of train tracks. He seemed to be talking to another pony through a headset around his head.

“Uh, huh.” He said. “Yes sir.” He turned to another pony guard. “They’re almost here, move it!” He shouted. That’s when a small train slowly pulled up next to the platform and came to a steady stop. Buck looked on to find a strange looking pony, roughly the size of CK, standing on his hind legs.

Then Buck realized something really bad.

He was many feet tall and had the head of a goat, the body of a gryphon, a lion’s paw, one bat wing, one bird wing, a pony leg, and a dragon leg and a snake tail. It didn’t take long for Buck to realize that it was the maniacal lord of Equestria from many a millennia ago…Discord. The Draconequus slowly stepped out onto the platform.

“Discord?” Buck asked in utter shock. “What in the wide world of Equestria is he doing here?” Buck looked on as Discord was commanding the pony guards about what to do with the train of strange items. Buck couldn’t hear any words from the distance he was at and tried to get a better hear. But he accidentally knocked over some pieces of wood.

In an instant, he tried to grab them. He successfully grabbed one, but couldn’t catch the other one in time. It made a loud thud that attracted the attention of Discord and the other pony guards. Discord slowly turned his head to the side and started to slowly walk over. Buck threw down the other piece of wood and started walking towards Discord.

“Bucky!” Discord said in a happy tone. “You made it out alive. After that pathetic performance you gave last night, I thought for sure that somepony would find you lying dead in a ditch with a load in your shorts.” He slowly backed up to the platform and gave an order to his guards. “Show Bucky how the game is really played, boys.”

As the guards slowly trotted away from Discord, weapons armed and ready, Discord used his magic to close the security gate between the railway system and the storage area. The guards kept getting closer and closer to Buck; Buck’s nerves tensing up as he realized this may be his last minute on Earth. But then, he heard the roar of an engine as another guard came speeding out from another tunnel, riding a motorbike.

Buck thought for half a second and then grabbed the piece of wood he threw to the ground. He carefully watched as the bike got closer and closer; the pony revving the engine louder and louder. Then, in one quick swoop, Buck jammed the piece of wood in between the spokes and watched as the helpless pony careened off course and slammed into the two other unsuspecting ponies. The motorbike kept sliding along the ground until it smashed through the gate, making a nice small hole for Buck to squeeze through.

Discord started to get angry and commanded the rest of the guards to get aboard the train. “Leave him.” He said. “We’ve got enough to do the job. Let’s go.” They all boarded the train. Buck galloped through the hole and brought the bike upright. He carefully placed his hooves in the correct places and started revving the engine loudly.

He slammed his hoof on the gas and took off after the train’s caboose. As he was riding through the tunnels, close behind the train, a couple of the pony guards from earlier started throwing empty crates at Buck. Buck just swerved left and right to avoid the cargo and carnage for as long as he possibly could. The train drove next to a small ledge that had a ramp built for easier access. Buck took the opportunity and blasted off from the ramp.

He jumped and landed against the back of the train. The temporary bike fell apart behind him as he pulled himself onto the back of the train. He pulled himself up and saw two scared and startled pony guards staring at him.

“Hey,” Buck says, “which one of you jerks was throwing the junk at me?” Both guards pointed at the other one. “Well, guess you’re both gonna’ get it.” Buck grabbed the ponies by their manes and slammed their heads together, knocking them both unconscious. Buck slowly, but at a good pace, made his way to the front of the train. There weren’t as many guards as he was expecting, but still made sure he wasn’t being followed.

After a few minutes of frantic trotting, Buck made it to the front of the train to find Discord and two other pony guards waiting. The guards aimed their weapons, but Discord told them to stand down.

“Come on, Gentlecolts,” he said in his usual mocking tone, “Let’s give this pony a hand…well, hoof.” Discord then started to slowly applaud Buck’s performance in catching up to them.

“What the hay are you up to, Discord?” Buck asked angrily. “Who in Celestia’s name would want to resurrect you?”

“Well, to answer your first question, I’m here to enjoy the land of opportunity.” Discord continued. “And to answer your second question, you’ll have to find out.”

“You framed me!” Buck shouted, going back to his biggest priority. “That footage was fake!”

“Oh, don’t be such a downer, Buck.” Discord said. “I made you famous.”

“I’m not playing your games, Discord. You’re coming with me and you’re going to tell the whole country that I didn’t do this.” Discord snapped his fingers and appeared next to Buck. Discord grabbed Buck by the back of his neck and lifted him up until they were both eye level.

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Discord said. “You and I are going to play a game…a game that may or may not guarantee your innocence. And, there are but two simple rules for you to follow;” Discord slowly brought Buck to the edge of the train. “Rule number one: everypony, and that includes Miss Rebucka Hayes and Fluttershy, has to play or the game is over.

“And the other rule, which you will definitely break in a few seconds, no flying and no magic.” Discord said with a smirk.

“But I can’t fly or perform magic. I’m just a simple earth pony.” Discord lifted Buck high in the air.

“Earth ponies can still fly…given the proper circumstances.” Discord then chucked Buck high in the air as the train thundered through the tunnel. Buck screamed loudly until he hit a concrete wall and slid down onto his flank.

*** *** ***

Date: September 27, 2011 6:54 a.m.

“Is he going to be okay?”

“I’m not sure, he had a mighty big bruise on his forehead.”

“Well, he’s still breathing…it’s a good thing you found him when you did.”

“Aw, shucks, it was nothin’.”

Buck slowly opened his eyes to find Fluttershy, Rebucka, Katey, Ray, and another pony standing over him with scared eyes.

“Look, he’s waking up!” Shouted Katey as she reached down and started hugging her father warmly. Buck couldn’t help but hug her back.

“Buck, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked as he pulled himself up.

“Yeah, just a little sore.” He said as he clutched his head in slight pain.

“What happened down there?” Rebucka asked.

“What I’m about to tell you…may shock and scare you all…but, I’ll tell you anyway.” Buck cleared his throat. “Discord…has returned to Equestria. He’s the one behind this outbreak.” Everypony in the room just stood there in total silence. The news that Equestria’s most well-known villain has returned turned their blood cold as ice.

“He posed as a pony hosting TIR,” Buck continued, “When I was down there, I saw him moving equipment using the trains. But I have no idea what it’s for. He’s up to something…something big. This isn’t over yet…not by a long shot.” Buck pulled himself up off the floor and looked up at the clock…it was nearing seven in the morning.

“I need to get some Zombrex…and fast.” Buck said as he started trotting for the door.

“Why?” The fifth pony asked. Buck turned around to find an orange-yellow earth pony with white freckles and a ten gallon hat.

“My daughter is infected. She needs her Zombrex now or she’ll turn into one of those things.” Buck said.

“Don’t fret, sugarcube,” the pony said, “Ah’ll help ya’.” The orange pony slowly trotted over to Buck and took her hat off. Buck looked inside to find a few syringes of the miraculous blue serum taped inside the brim.

“Why do you have so much?” Buck asked.

“’Cause, yah never know when this here stuff’ll come in handy.” She ripped off one of the syringes and handed it to Buck.

“You’re a life saver.” Buck said. He galloped over to Katey and got her prepped. As she was rolling up her sleeve, Buck asked who the mysterious mare was.

“Mah name’s Applejack. Founder and ex-CEO of Phenotrots.” Applejack said proudly. Buck finished injecting the Zombrex and lightly rubbed Katey’s shoulder.

“All done, Kiddo.” He said. “You feeling okay?” Katey’s head was tilted down and she had a sad expression on her face. She turned around to face her father.

“I’m sorry.” She said glumly.

“Sorry? For what?” Buck asked.

“You always have to do stuff to get my medicine…weird stuff. Like that dumb show.”

“Ah wish there was a better solution.” Applejack said. “Ah’ve been doin’ mah best lookin’ fer a cure…Ah’ve…come up short a many times.” Buck turns back to face Katey.

“Hey, don’t worry about that.” Buck said. “You’re my best girl…I’d do anything for you.” Buck lightly kissed Katey on the forehead and she galloped back over to the couch and continued playing with her video game. Fluttershy slowly trotted up next to Buck.

“I still can’t believe you were on that show…it’s just so cruel.” She said.

“Yeah…I know.” Buck said hesitantly. “But I didn’t have a choice.”

“Well, listen,” Ray said, “there’s really not much we can do as for the Discord situation, except wait.” He trotted into the center of the room. “After finding out that Discord has returned to Equestria, we really need to keep an eye out for strange things.”

“If only Twilight and Spike were here. She could send a letter to Celestia and help get this whole mess figured out.” Fluttershy said.

“Hold on,” Buck said, “there’s a zombie apocalypse occurring out there…and Celestia has done nothing about it?”

“Well, it is sort of like Fillydelphia.” Rebucka said.

“It’s nothing like Fillydelphia. This has made national news…you don’t think she watches T.V.? What in Equestria could she be doing that’s more important than the safety and well-being of her own ponies?”

Everypony just stood there silently…thinking over what Buck had said.

“Maybe she’s just tied up with letters flooding in and she’s trying to plan everything out.” Fluttershy said.

Buck just grunts and exits the security room.

*** *** ***

Date: September 27, 2011 7:32 a.m.

As he was trotting back to the Royal Sun Mall, Buck came across five zombies that were just standing around doing nothing. He watched as they slowly realized that he was the only living thing in the small hallway. As they approached him, a yellow wasp started buzzing around Buck. It was like a typical wasp, but with some different features: namely it had glowing red eyes and an abdomen bigger than the rest of the body.

Buck swatted it to the ground and slammed his hoof down on it. He watched as, one-by-one, all the zombie ponies’ heads exploded and their bodies hit the ground. Buck smiled lightly as he trotted pass the bloody mess and through the set of double doors leading into the Royal Sun Mall.

“Hello? Hello?” Somepony was asking off to Buck’s left. He looked over and saw a scraggly-looking pony dressed in a Pony Postal Service uniform. He was standing outside a sporting goods store shouting at somepony that wasn’t there. “Special delivery! Signature required.” Buck slowly trotted past the delusional pony’s small carriage and stood behind him quietly.

“A signature is required for delivery!” He shouted at his loudest.

“Hey, buddy,” Buck said finally, “I don’t think there’s anypony there.” The postal carrier slowly turned around to see Buck. His expression went from stressed to relieved in almost an instant.

“Sir, maybe you can sign for this?” The crazed pony asked as he trotted up to Buck.

“What?” Buck asked surprised.

“Special delivery, signature required. I have rounds to do…and I’m behind!” The pony shouted angrily at Buck. Buck just stares at him.

“You do know that there’s a zombie outbreak going, do you?” The crazed pony placed his right hoof up to his forehead and started quoting his pledge of honor and duty.

“Neither rain, nor sleet, nor zombies, are going to keep me from my appointed rounds.” He said proudly. “I swore that oath, sir. And this package requires a signature!” He shoved the package and clipboard in front of Buck.

“Whatever, buddy, if it’ll make you feel better.” Buck said as he started signing the form. “I could use that anyway.” He said noticing the Zombrex sticker on the front. The crazed postal pony started handing the box of Zombrex over to Buck, when he pulled it back away after reading Buck’s signature.

“You’re Buck Greene.” He said. “You stopped the…” He trailed off lightly. He placed the box of Zombrex back in his bag. “Actually,” he said, “I have been looking for you.” He said as he pulled out a different package from his saddlebag.

“This package is a very special delivery…just for you…” He handed Buck the package and started chuckling heavily. “Have a nice day.” He said. After a few seconds, the crazed pony ran in the opposite direction, back to his waiting carriage. Buck slowly placed the package next to his ear and could clearly hear the sound of a ticking clock.

He realized that it was a bomb and chucked it to the mail pony. The package landed right inside the carriage as the mail pony strapped himself in. He looked behind him and saw the package.

He tried to unhitch himself…but he ran out of time. The bomb went off and destroyed the entire carriage. Glass from surrounding shops shattered and fell to the floor. Buck was thrown backwards and crashed into a kiosk. He lifted his head up and saw a bright fire building up. The remnants of the mail pony were long gone. He pulled himself up and looked at the burning wreckage.

“So much for some more free Zombrex.” He said sadly as the package was engulfed in flames. Suddenly, Buck’s transceiver started ringing, he grabbed it and answered.

“Buck,” Fluttershy said, “come back to the security room. Applejack and I want to talk to you more about your encounter with Discord.”

“Sure,” Buck said, “I’ll be there in a minute.”