DeadRising: Case Ponyby JustSightSeeingChaptersCase 1-1: Zombies...?Case 1-4: Crossing Ways and Formal GreetingsCase 2-1: Darkness Falls...Case 2-2: Lost and FoundCase 2-3: Closing TimeCase 3-1: Dawn of a New DayCase 3-2: Scavenging and Halls in the NorthCase 3-3: Sniper PursuitCase 3-4: Maintenance/MemoriesCase 3-5: The Light/Man in the MonitorCase 4-1: Performance Confrontation Case: 0: Welcome to WillametteCase 1-2: Art or Story/Intoxicated SaviorCase 1-3: Rules of the Store/Off the chainCase 1-1: Zombies...?Applejack followed the creature down the curved flight of stairs in the brightly light area. She admired the size of the place and was reminded of the Canterlot Castle, but less formal in appearance. Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, they were greeted with the sight of a creature, a female, scurrying around the area like she was looking for something. There were several others over by some plants in the back of the area. Applejack found the first creature she encountered walking away from her and taking the object hanging from his neck in grip. Applejack let out a breath through her nose in a huff before taking off to explore for herself. She past several stores which reminded her of the ones in Ponyville to some extent, but the thought of that reminded her of home. She began to think of her actual chances finding something to get her home… Well. Best hope Twilight can come up with something, She thought to herself as she kept walking past the various stores. “Oofff!” Applejack felt her face collide into something metal causing her to fall back a bit onto her rump. She shook her head bringing her back to reality and cursed herself for her lack of attention to where she was going. She looked to see she had run into a metal gate blocking off the further back parts of the area. She heard the sounds of 'somepony' gasping as she turned to see two creatures, one of them with bandages on her forehead, backing away slowly. Applejack let out a sigh before turning around and walking back towards the stairs. She stopped for a moment and turned back towards the gate to see the first creature conversing with an elderly looking one. She figured she should rejoin the first one, but heard the sound of commotion coming from behind her. “I CAN’T TAKE IT!” Shouted a panicking creature who appeared to be moving furniture in order to get through the glass doors but found himself interrupted by several others, whom he shoved away in hast, “We’re going to die either way!” It all played out in a matter of seconds. The large mass of creatures from outside was slowly moving inside and…devouring on the skin of those nearby. Applejack watched in horror as the aimless creatures tore internal organs right out of the other creatures as if they were a batch of cupcakes. Her mind raced back to the day in Ponyville when Spike was mentioning some creature that Twilight had assured was just a myth…a creature that devoured flesh and was of…the dead…. Sweet Celestia….this all can’t be….. “ZOMBIES!” She heard a creature exclaim finishing her thought. “RUN! GET TO THE STAIRS!” Another shouted. Before Applejack knew it, she saw the first creature running over to her with a look that equaled hers at the scene before them. “Come on!” He shouted at her before they both made their way up the stairs. “Wait! We need to help them!” Applejack exclaimed as she stopped and looked back to the innocent creatures being attacked by the ever so slow and massing…zombies… “There’s nothing we can do,” The creature insisted while motioning to the zombies below. Applejack took notice to the creatures cowering in fear as the mass of zombies converged on them. She turned to the stairs for a bit of hope of getting past to save the innocent creatures but the stairs were starting to be over massed with zombie, however Applejack wasn’t budging. “Fine, if you want to die,” The creature said angrily while moving towards the door, “Don’t blame me!” Applejack turned towards the stairs hearing the creature shut the door leaving her in the zombie infested area. One zombie had made its way successfully up the stairs and was slowly lumbering over to Applejack. She didn’t waste any time in buck-kicking the thing right back down the stairs. The force from the kick caused the zombie to collide with the others coming up the stairs knocking them down, but to Applejack’s horror they were getting right back up. She took off running towards the back of the area on the upper ledge as she looked back at the carnage of below. Organs being ripped right out...and blood spewing everywhere…Applejack felt the urge to throw up manifest, but managed to hold back as she ran into unexplored territory. Frank burst into the monitor room while letting out a sigh in temporary relief. His mind was racing as morals collided with the need of survival. His thoughts rushed from the people left out in the slaughter and...the pony. He turned back to the door only to assure himself she hadn't followed, much to the dismay of his mind. As he worked his thoughts, his freelance photographer side kicked in, telling him he needed to figure the ultimate question of how the dead were now walking around in this town while another… “Well at least someone made it out alive,” A rather raspy voice said. Frank turned to see a man, who looked like he was in his mid-60’s, sitting on a space of green cushions near a corner of the room. He was dressed in a blue long sleeved jacket with a furred collar, a pair of kaki jeans, and brown boots. His white and graying hair was only existent on the sides of his head, which was connected to a full grown beard by his equally gray sideburns. “Glad to see someone alive after what’s come over this town,” The elderly man explained while getting to his feet and extending a hand, “Name’s Otis. Otis Washington.” “Frank... Frank West,” Frank replied in suit with extending his own hand and shaking Otis’s. “What brings you to Willamette, Frank?” Ottis asked while walking over to the monitors. “I’m a photojournalist,” Frank explained as his mind kept reminding him of his goal and the…, “I got a tip something was going on…but nothing like this.” “Well, it’s a pickle for sure,” Otis commented while eyeing the screens, which were showing feeds from all over the mall, “Damn things are spreading like wild fire. Hopefully anyone left out there managed to barricade themselves.” “Those…things couldn't have covered the whole mall by now,” Frank said as his morals picked at the back of his senses. “Check again, Frank,” Otis said while pointing to a single monitor. The screen showed a wide view of the park area in the center of the mall, which Frank had gotten a quick look at during his helicopter ride. He was greeted with the sight of….a mass amount of zombies lumbering around the park… “And that’s just the park,” Otis explained while pointing to another screen, “The roadways under the entire mail are flooding with these things.” “…How well do you know the vent system of this place?” Frank asked as he torn his eyes away from the screens and looked through the window in front of them. Frank proceeded into the room with part of the vent system and began to investigate it. “Whole thing runs the course of the mall,” Otis stated as Frank searched around, “Except a few paths are inaccessible by fans….you aren’t thinkin’ of going out there are you?” “Well, I came here to find out what’s going on,” Frank answered as he noticed a door panel on the side of the vent, “Maybe there’s someone out there who can tell me something.” Frank grabbed the handle and pried the door open, which gave with a screech of grinding metal. Frank could hear the rotating fans echo through the vents like distant voices in a long barren cave. “How far is the nearest panel of the vents from here?” Frank asked turning his attention back to Otis. “Best I show you,” Otis replied with a sigh as he walked over before turning to the door leading in from the corridor, “But first, let me lock this door. Fate may have one of those things wander right up here.” Otis produced a sliver key and jammed it into the lock of the push door. He turned it clockwise before hearing the sound of a dead bolt moving. “Are you sure you wanna come along,” Frank asked remember what Otis had said about finding a way out. “Heh. Beats sitting around here all alone,” Otis replied, while walking back to the door to the monitor room. He opened the door a bit and reached in before pulling his hand back out, with a flashlight. “I’ll take point. There’s a panel to one part of the roof that can get us close to the Paradise Plaza,” Otis continued as he started to climb into the vents, “In case we need to get back here, we’ll use this route.” Frank hoisted himself through the small metal entrance and followed Otis into the dimly lit vents just above the mall. Applejack charged forward while weaving between zombies. She was in another section of the massive building that was outside, but with tall walls and various shops lining it like an alleyway. It was packed with zombies just wandering aimlessly, but turning to pursue her as she passed them. It had been her only real choice of a route to take as she had come to two ways to exit the previous area on the lower level, but unfortunately one of them was closed off by metal gate. She kept her pace up with only the sound of her breathing and moaning zombies in her ears. She came to a set of glass doors in her path after passing a pair of benches. Through the glass she could see another large area on the inside and could smell the faint aroma….of food…not sure what kind, but food none the less. She quickly went up on her hind legs and used one of her front legs to wrap around the handle. She had just gotten it open… “Damint, Aaron! Get back!!” Applejack wiped her head back to the sight of a pack of zombies slowly advancing on her. Through the crowd, she saw what looked like a makeshift barricade of furniture, but it appeared to have been broken through. She let go of the door and gave a solid buck kick to a zombie that got too close. It fell backwards slamming into a few other zombies opening Applejack a path. She took it without hesitation. “Hold on there!” She shouted while sprinting towards the barricade She recalled that the first creature she met said it wasn’t a good idea for others to see her, but the thought was pushed out as she heard more commotion of distress. She quickened her pace before hoping over some fallen furniture and entering a room with gray walls, a few shelves on the side and a pack of zombies in the middle. Applejack leapt into action and she rushed a zombie, who had its back turned, and gave it a solid buck kick. The zombie went forward taking several of his undead friends down. “Yeah! Keep it up over there!” A voiced shouted over the commotion. Applejack proceeded in her bucking frenzy without the needed encouragement. She concentrated on the ones still standing while taking the occasion to buck one that was getting up. It was a matter of minutes before the pack was cleared and a temporary peace had settled in the room. Applejack then took noticed to a creature cowering in a corner while another was…beating a zombie’s head in with a stick. “And stay dead!” The creature shouted before stopping to catch his breath, “Thanks for the…” Applejack saw the creature turn to her before freezing in place. There was an awkward pause for a moment before the creature rubbed his eyes. “Aaron…Aaron!” The creature shouted to the other, “You seeing this?” Applejack saw the other creature, apparently known as Aaron, retreat from his cowering and look at her. “Yeah….” Aaron replied hesitantly, “What’s a pony doing here?” “For whatever reason,” The creature with the stick replied, “Saved our sorry asses.” “No problem partner,” Applejack replied while titling her hat, “Name’s App---“ “Burt….did…it….” Aaron stuttered out with a look of surprise on its face,. “Zombies….now a fuckin’ talking pony?” The creature with the stick, Burt, asked out loud, "Is this day just gonna get more crazy?" “Yur welcome then,” Applejack said with a frown. Applejack turned to face the doorway leading in to see more zombies piling in. Aaron let out a scream at the sight as Burt ready his stick. “Damn barricade,” Burt mumbled to himself. “Well if you two are done yappin’ and cryin’, we’ve gotta get movin’” Applejack stated. “Beats staying here,” Applejack took that as a ‘yes’ and charged right at the closest zombie with her head lowered. She felt the top of her head make contact as she thrust it up in turn tossing the zombie forward. She kept herself moving forward as the zombie collided with the others causing some of them to fall down. She turned suddenly and went on her front hooves before delivering another buck kick causing more of the zombies to fall to the ground. “Just get past them!” Applejack shouted back to Burt and Aaron as she went back into her run, “and stay close fellas!” She leaped over the pile of fallen zombies as Burt and Aaron followed in suit. She turned sharply and set her sights back on the door from earlier. She weaved herself the oncoming zombies before getting up on her hind legs as she neared the door. She pulled the door open before using herself to keep it open as the Burt and Aaron rushed through. Once they were safely in Applejack got herself inside letting the door shut behind her. She got a good view of the new area as well a good smell of the aroma. Just ahead on the left was a wooden structure with several barrels here and there. The structure itself had two noticeable floors and banners hanging from it. Applejack couldn’t help but be reminded of Appaloosa back in Equestria. On the right were two sections blocked off by short walls and the only way to get in were a short flight of stairs. Surrounding those walls were small sections with several small plants. “The food court…out of all the places these things not to be in,” Burt commented while letting out a sigh, “Either way, thanks for the help back there. Name’s Burt. That’s Aaron.” “Name’s Applejack, yur welcome again,” Applejack replied as she relaxed now being out of immediate danger, “So how did you and your friend end up there?” “Well, Aaron and I came to the mall to hang out,” Burt explained before taking a seat on the edge of the plant patch, “Got here early like always, but we noticed something on the way in. Town seemed barren…now I can see why.” “At least it’s safe and quiet in here,” Aaron commented as he let out a sigh. Applejack gave the area another look taking what Aaron had said into account. Her attention focused on the upper level to the wooden structure as she saw…. a figure pass one of the various windows to it. “Yeah…too quiet...” Applejack replied as she saw the figure stop at one of the windows. Then there came a distinct metal click that caught the attention of all three of them, but to a more severe degree with Burt. “LOOK OUT!” Applejack heard a pattern of noise ring out as Burt and Aaron dove towards one of the stairs of the two sections. Applejack knew in an instance it wasn’t in her best interest to stay where she was as she quickly made her way over there as well. She heard several objects strike the walls as she felt her heart race and the adrenaline rush through her. “Fuckin’ psycho!” She watched Burt shout towards the attacker, “We’re alive!” Applejack poked her head around from the cover slightly to get a good look and saw…the creature from the roof wielding some metallic object. Author's Note (Sorry about that. I got confused about when I had made the apology [after going through chapters to edit] but despite that I still am sorry about the commotion.) I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far. Please leave your feedback in the comments below and have a great day everyone. Case 1-4: Crossing Ways and Formal Greetings“oh just fuckin great…” Applejack had just exited the doors to the park with Burt as they were greeted with zombies. They were set up on a flight of stairs descending to the grass and trails below with zombies scattered about them. The only thing that remotely seemed off was the presence of a loud blaring noise that only seemed to be getting louder drowning out the moans of the zombies below. “What in tarnation..?” Approaching at a rapid pace was a large metallic machine on four wheels with three creatures dressed in the same orange clothes. The machine came to screeching halt as Applejack found the gazes of the three creatures upon her and Burt. “ah crap...” Burt mumbled out with much dismay. “We’ve got us some live ones!” One of the creatures shouted. “Wanna riddle them up!?” Another asked “Nah man, we gonna need that for the military. Let’s blow their asses sky high,” The third one answered as it tossed a cylinder looking object towards Applejack and Burt. Applejack found her mind racing with questions as the object fell right behind her and Burt. She was about to turn and see what it was up close but Burt, as if finding some sudden energy, pushed her forward while lunging down the stairs. There came the sound of a loud explosion that blared in Applejack’s ears as she felt herself tumble down the stairs. She came to a stop face first into the ground as every muscle in her body ached. There was a loud ringing in her ears as she started to find her sight returning. While the ringing began to slowly fade, she could barely make out the sound of shouting... “pair of dumbasses!” “nothin’ but speed bumps!” “zombie chow if you ask me!” She could hear the machine let out a roar as instinct told her to get up. She was just pushing herself up as her aching muscles begged for her not to when she felt something wrap around her and pull her off the ground. She felt herself be pulled a ways before the grip loosened and she was on the ground once more. With new found adrenaline, she got herself up on her hooves and whipped her head around to see Burt was getting up from a lying position as the three creatures took off in their large machine. She took note of the zombies slowly advancing on them as the machine went on its way knocking down and ripping apart any zombie in its path. Applejack tore her attention away from it as she helped Burt get up as she took notice to the...blood staining his bandages. “Gotta keep…moving…” Applejack said once Burt was able to walk. However, Burt was now going a snail’s pace as he winced in pain every time he took a good step forward. The zombies were slowly coming up on them as Applejack looked around for something of use. She spied a rock near a tree and figured it would have to do. She ran over to it and grabbed it between her front hooves. Using her back legs as a pivot, she lifted the rock up and turned to face towards Burt. She saw a zombie coming right up on him as she swung her front legs and letting the rock soar out of her grip. The rock flew right at the zombie digging into its neck and causing it to stumble off to the side rendering a delay in its pursuit on Burt. She quickly looked around in hopes of another rock but came up dry as she saw Burt fall to the ground. She ran over to him while shoving herself into the side of a zombie sending it off its course. She tried to help Burt get to his feet but he wasn’t budging. “Come on get up partner,” Applejack begged with dread over coming her voice as the zombies closed in on her, “GET UP!” Burt made an attempt to get up but ended up on the ground once again as the moans of zombies filled both their ears. “HEY!” Applejack whipped her head around at the sound of a familiar voice as she was greeted with…the first creature she met rushing towards her along with another creature. Applejack felt a moment of hope come over here as she turned back to Burt just as a zombie was leaning down with its decayed and blood dripping mouth open. Drawing in a breath as her expression turned to one of anger, she immediately turned and got on her front legs before delivering a solid buck kick right to the lowering zombie’s head. She heard the sound of ripping flesh and something falling onto the ground. She turned around to help Burt once again seeing the zombie’s head rolling across the ground with the rest of its body lying on Burt’s back. Applejack shoved the lifeless body off Burt before trying again to help him up. “rraAAH!” Applejack watched as the first creature she met ran in while swinging back a baseball bat in his grip before swinging forward and making contact with a single zombie’s skull. The creature pulled the bat in a quick back swing hitting another nearby zombie. The creature proceeded in a swinging frenzy at the surrounding zombies with the sound of the bat breaking into skulls and ripping flesh filling Applejack’s ears. “FOUR!” Applejack whipped her head around to see the second creature swinging a thin metal object with a wide club end to it. The club head made contact with a small white ball on the grass as it zipped with great speed right into a zombie’s torso. Applejack made a dash for the rock from earlier right near a zombie. She gripped it between her front hooves before delivering a kick to the zombie and letting it fall to the ground. She brought herself forward and lifted the rock over her head quickly before slamming it down on the zombie’s moaning head. She felt the rock slip from her grip before she heard the sound of ripping flesh and contact with bone. Once she heard the moaning subside, she took in heavy breaths to regain to herself while looking around. The zombies that had been surrounding her and Burt were now on the ground with torn flesh and immobility. The creature she meet at the beginning of all the confusion was breathing heavily with the bat still in his grip. She saw him turn his head towards her as they locked eyesight. Applejack began to recall what the very creature had said… “Hi…” The creature said while letting out a breath before taking another in. “Howdy…” Applejack replied as she decided not to recall, “…thanks partner…” “..Don’t mention it...” The creature said while moving over to Applejack, “How bout we get you and your friend out of here?” “I’d reckon that be best,” Applejack replied as she took notice to the zombies slowly advancing on them to replace their fallen comrades, “Also…you got a name?” “You can call me Frank,” The creature replied as he proceeded to help Burt up, “How about you?” “Applejack,” “If you two are done talking let’s get moving,” The second creature commented as he swung the metal club once again sending a white ball towards an incoming zombie. Applejack turned her attention towards the second creature was she noticed…the green machine and the sound of that blaring noise from earlier rapidly getting louder. “OTIS, LOOK OUT!” Applejack saw the creature, apparently known as Otis whip his head towards the incoming machine before getting out of the way just as the machine was about to collide. However there came the sound of a collision that filled Applejack’s ears as she saw the machine had made head on contact with a tree denting its front. The three creatures dressed in orange were in their hopping and hollering fit as if they found joy in crashing while the one manning a swiveling object began to aim… “RUN!” Applejack heard Frank’s voice shout. Applejack ran forward towards the three creatures hoping to catch their attention. She made a jump onto the back of the machine right just as the creature manning the swiveling object had started to attack and a pattern of noise was heard. Once Applejack found her hooves on a solid surface, she crouched back and leaped forward charging her head right into creature. The impact threw its aim off as she felt the machine begin to move suddenly just as she came back down onto it. “What the hell!?” Applejack whipped her head to see the other two creatures with one of them looking back at her. It was wielding a baseball bat and getting ready to swing from its position. Applejack moved towards the creature before ducking as it took a swing at her. Just as the bat cleared striking distance, Applejack rose up before reeling back and slamming her head forward striking the creature. The force sent the creature head first into glass in a frame of the machine. The creature came back from the hit swinging the bat back around as Applejack ducked causing the bat to swing right into the back of the other creature’s head. The creature slumped forward just before the machine took a violent turn throwing Applejack off and onto the ground. She felt herself roll on the ground before coming to stop as she heard a loud crash alongside several screams and the sound of metal colliding with the ground before it finally… stopped. Applejack got up on her hooves to see the machine overturned alongside a tree with what appeared to be shattered glass on the ground. Settling on the ground just near the glass was a small pool of blood… “Come on let’s get going,” She heard Frank say before they all turned away from the wreckage and started to head for another part of the park. Applejack followed Frank and Otis towards another set of doors leading to another area of the entire building and it came to no surprise when she saw it was filled with zombies as well. They entered the area and proceeded towards the other end as they dealt with the zombies in their way. Applejack and Otis kept the fighting close to Frank as they all helped Burt make it across the sea of zombies. Applejack noticed a zombie dropping a sharp knife onto the ground as she formed an idea. She broke from the perimeter and ran over scooping the handle into her mouth with the blade pointing to the side. Diving into a group of zombies, she clenched her teeth tighter on the grip as she jumped while spinning herself. She heard the sound of the knife ripping into flesh before her hooves came back onto the ground. She moved her efforts closer to Frank as they were coming up on a door after passing several patches of grass elevated from the ground. Otis ran forward towards the door pushing aside a zombie in his way as Applejack kept dealing with zombies around her and Frank. Applejack focused her attention towards the door while making sure Frank was able to make it. She found herself in a narrow hallway before hearing the door shut behind her accompanied by a few sighs. Applejack turned to see Frank taking a few breathes with Burt hunched over his back while Otis held the door shut. There was barely any time to rest before Applejack found herself following Frank and Otis down the hall and into a another area of the building with large structures towering over her. She followed the two between two the structures in a manner of a maze past all the zombies lumbering around. After making several turns around the structures, they came up on a wall with what appeared to be two panels side by side only separated by a small crack between them. Applejack watched Otis walk towards a small rectangle panel right before pressing something. After a while, there came a ding and the two panels slid apart revealing a small room. Applejack entered along with Frank and Otis, who pushed something on another panel inside the room before the two large panels shut. She felt the room shift a bit as if it were ascending just as Frank slowly set Burt on the floor. “Fat...Supermarket...fuck…” Applejack heard Burt mutter out. “Hey, stay with me buddy,” Frank said while crouching down, “You’re safe now. Tell me what happened?” Applejack turned from Burt as he began to describe the events to face Otis who was still standing by the small panel. “Ah’m mighty thankful of yur help back there, partner,” Applejack said with a smile before titling her hat, “Name’s Applejack.” She didn’t get a response back as she noticed a bit of hesitance in Otis’s face before he let out a small chuckle and a sigh. “Sorry…uh…hard time believin’ you’re a talking pony and that you’re here, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t conk my head on anything...” Otis explained before giving a smile back, “You can call me Otis.” “Did you get a good look at the guy who attacked you in the food court?” The two of them heard Frank ask Burt just as a loud ding was heard. “I did...” They heard Burt mumble out. The two panels of the room slid apart revealing a sunlit area; however it seemed that the sun was going to set soon. Applejack was ready to exit the small room as she heard the description given by Burt. She froze in place just as a chill came over her as she recalled meeting the creature on the roof and in the building earlier. The intimidation she felt then creped right onto her… She turned back to look at Frank and could tell…he was recalling the same thing... Author's Note Hope you enjoyed the chapter and the story so far everyone. Be sure to leave feedback in the comments below and have a good day. Case 2-1: Darkness Falls...“You get some rest,” Frank said to Burt as he sat him down on a green cushion in the monitor room. Rolling his shoulders to subside the ach on his upper back, Frank stood up and turned towards the monitors, which were still reeling the playback in a poor quality black and white. Panning his eyes from screen to screen seeing nothing new from the sights of earlier, Frank tore his gaze from the monitors towards the vent in the other room. His mind flashed the images of rotting corpse and the sounds of people screaming as their guts were chewed and ripped right out echoed slowly… “So what’s the plan now?” He heard Otis ask while coming up next to him. “I’ve gotta find this guy, whoever he is,” Frank said bluntly knowing well of awaited him back inside the mall, “Only lead as of now and seemed more calm about the zombies before… this all started.” “But he could be anywhere,” Otis commented while motioning to the monitors, “With the entirety of the mall, there are over a hundred places for him to hide.” “Exactly why we need to find him,” Frank asked while turning towards Otis, “Why is he hiding...better yet…why is he still here if he caused this?” “Well….” Otis began as if collecting his thoughts, “Won’t argue with you on that.” “If yur going back out there,” Frank heard Applejack say while walking towards him, “I’m comin’ too. Might as well make myself useful while I wait for help…not much I can do at this point for that.” “Wait for help?” Frank heard Otis ask as they both had confusion fall upon them. “Yeah…only way home for me is for my friend Twilight to use a spell to...” Applejack began as Frank became even more confused. “Wait…wait…spell?” Frank asked as a chuckle almost took over his voice, “Ok….where exactly did you come from?” Frank knew it wasn’t priority at the moment, as the journalist part of his mind told him the man from the roof was the top thing to be concerned with, but another part having been aching with curiosity from his initial meeting with Applejack finally made its presence dominate in his mind. “From mah hometown, Ponyville, in Equ--” Applejack began as Frank found himself even more confused. He quickly recalled what he had been through earlier in the day and despite what his journalist said was saying….it probably wasn’t that farfetched to believe. “Alright...alright… but somebody has to stay and watch over him,” Frank said while motioning towards Burt, “He’ll be alright but he can’t go back out there.” “Alright” Applejack replied before walking over to the green cushions and sitting on her hunches, “I’ll keep watch of him.” “We best get going,” Otis commented as he and Frank moved towards the door to head for the vent, “We’ll have some time of light in the mall after sunset, but the things are schedule to go out after a few hours.” Frank, with Otis by his side, made his way over to the vents and proceeded to climb into them. Frank took point this time around with Otis close behind as they dove once again into the dark depths of the vents. “Well shoot…” Applejack mumbled out as she sat on the cold floor. After the sounds of Frank and Otis leaving through the vents, as the two had called them, fade from her ear shot, she sat in a dead silence only broken when Burt drew in a heavy but almost silent breath and exhaling it out. Part of her was kicking herself for not going back out there as she thought of all the other… Humans. They do exist. “Guess I owe her 10 bits….” Applejack mumbled out to herself. Her thoughts revolved around the humans still left in the building to the zombies as part of her told her she should of went back in to help out and save any humans caught out there. However this side was calmed as she recalled how Frank and Otis had jumped in to save her and Burt. Telling her that though he wasn’t towards the idea in the beginning Frank would do something should he come across any human out there. As the calm setting to the room had started to set in, Applejack felt a wave of tiredness come over her as her eyes began to close. She forced them open but only for them to proceed to close again. It had been a long day and Applejack could tell Burt wouldn’t be waking up anytime soon. She titled her hat down to cover her eyes before they closed enveloping her sight in darkness. Applejack…. APPLEJACK… Wake up….please? Wake up darling… Wakey wakey… Applejack let out a loud gasp as her eyes shot open to be greeted with her hat. She pushed her hat quickly up with a hoof. She looked around the room which still had its dead silence despite her awakening….that’s what worried her. Her head went left and right from an empty cushion to a door jarred open. She got herself up onto her hooves and ran through the open door towards the vents. There was a panel jarred open on the vents and the sound of echoes coming from the very insides of it. Applejack leaped up and into the vents greeted with the darkness. She listened carefully hoping to hear Burt moving around in the vents and that she had only dozed off for a little while...or just enough to be close behind Burt. Unfortunately, there was no sound she’d hope for. She began to make her way around inside the vents. There was absolutely no light to help her see causing her to resort to her sense of touch to make way through the darkness. Consarnit, She thought to herself as she felt herself come to a fork in the vent, was it a left or a right we took to come here? She cursed herself for letting her first trip through the vents become faded in her mind. She turned her head only facing the darkness covering the two ways before heading off to the left. She proceed further into vents not being able to see her own hoof if she held in front of her face. She hoped Burt hadn’t gotten far and…. She turned her head to look back into the darkness behind her as if she hadn’t gotten anywhere or was walking in place. ….she let out a gulp hoping to Celestia that she wouldn’t get lost. “We’ve gotta keep moving,” Frank and Otis were making their way across the darkening park as their eye sight was slowly adjusting. Heading in the direction of the food court once again, they kept on their path only taking time to shove zombies out of the way. Frank and Otis had agreed to start searching around the food court given it was the first scene of the man from the roof attacking. Frank figured there had to be some place the man escaped to or a passageway around there leading to who knows where. Using the flash light to light the ground in front of them, they were just past the pond when they heard it. “SOMBODY HELP!” Frank’s eyes darted towards the direction he heard the scream come from as he made a snap decision. He ran off towards the cry for help with Otis right behind him as they weaved between zombies occasionally pushing them away. They kept their ears open hoping to get a better point of direction with another scream but it didn’t come. They traversed the park in limited light coming up on no innocent person being attack, but….the wrecked Humvee from earlier in the day. Still turned upside down against a tree, it was void of life as it had been just before. Frank and Otis approached the Humvee keeping the flash light trained on it. The blood had corroded staining the seats however….they saw something that hadn’t been there before. A corroded trail of blood… in a large mass... meaning… someone... or something… “FUCKERS!” Frank and Otis turned around quickly causing the flashlight to go from the Humvee to a man...dressed in orange holding a young woman in a pink shirt and blue shorts with her hands behind her back. The woman had no visible sign of injury but the man however was in poor condition. He appeared to have a broken lower leg that he was managing to stand up on despite the obvious pain. He had a tear in the skin on his forward head that appeared to have been bleeding for a while. He appeared to have a broken rib protruding out his torso alongside with his shoulder appearing to be dislocated. Frank questioned how any man had the will power to even move with his injuries but reality was playing out as it was. “You two…fuckers…are gonna….” The man mumbled out drawing in breaths while wincing in pain every time he did as his already pale face was getting slowly paler…and paler, “get me…a ride…out….or the bitch…dies….” Frank and Otis stood silent as both tried to think of a way around the situation as the moaning around them go louder and louder. In the distant faded light over the man and woman, a pair of decayed arms shot out and wrapped around the man pull him back as he let out a scream in pain while pulling the woman with him, who also let out loud scream. Frank and Otis dashed forward towards the attack keeping the light trained on the three in front of them. Frank shot a hand forward grabbing the shoulder of the man before planting his foot against the zombie and shoving it away with a strong push. He turned to help Otis wrench the woman from the man’s grip before letting the man fall to the ground. The man let out a yelp in pain as he slammed down right on his back. Frank found the woman hugging him while crying and repeatedly thanking him. Frank had his view trained on the man who was making no effort to get up as the zombies came right up on him. One single zombie lowered itself right down to the man before taking a large bite…right at his throat. His screams were replaced with a loud gurgle that muffled any attempts of words just as the other zombies began to feast on him. Clawing at him and biting chunks of flesh right off just a loud ring was heard throughout the park. Just as the ringing continued to sound out in a distinct one by one pattern, the zombies had torn open the man’s torso and began ripping at the muscles lying underneath. Frank could feel the urge to vomit rising but he kept the feeling at bay. Just then the first zombie to feast on the man raised itself showing its face to the light just as the last ring sounded. Its eyes were now a glowing red much like a demon’s eyes. It let out a loud moan, lounder than previous zombies, almost like a growl as Frank got the sudden feeling of being surrounded… He, Otis, and the woman looked around themselves with wide eyes at the sight of zombies all around... slowly lumbering towards them... “Frank…” Otis said with fear reeling in him. “Way ahead of you, Otis,” Frank replied. All three of them made a run for their lives weaving between zombies in their way; however the zombies seemed more…aggressive now. Frank could now feel the wind rushing when a zombie would take a swipe at him and the moment to weave out of danger's way seemed more rapid. They made their way back past the pond and towards the entrance to the paradise plaza. It was still teeming with light like a light house to sailors at sea. They managed to get back to the entrance and proceeded through the doors leaving the dark park behind them. Frank took in a deep breath as his attention fell onto the zombies in the plaza…they too were sporting the red glowing eyes…like their undead comrades outside. “Tomorrow will be best for searching around,” Otis said as he scanned the now red eyed zombies, “Let’s get her back to the monitor room.” Frank nodded while the woman was shaking in fear at the sight of the zombies before them. “Don’t worry. We’ve gotten past these things before,” Otis told her, “You’ll be safe back at the…” In that same moment, there was a flash of the lights in the plaza growing brighter for a split second before fading quickly and leaving nothing but darkness. Author's Note The beginning of this chapter took a while. Mostly due to writer's block but strange thing...writing this chapter got easier not just for Frank or Applejack's parts, but the entirety. It all became easier to write once I started listening to Creepypasta readers like MrCreepyPasta. Either way, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please leave your feedback in the comments below. Case 2-2: Lost and FoundThis just has to end somewhere…just has to…. OOF! Applejack took a step back after colliding into another dead end wall of the vents as she used a hoof to rub her head. She turned herself around to walk back the way she came. Her use of her front hooves to feel her away was fading in reliability as she tried to find the turn she had made. The low noises echoing through the vents were the only thing filling her ears as she felt herself come to another intersection. This time she made sure to remember which way she had come from just as …. a loud squeek suddenly filled her ears. Just as she heard that noise, she felt one of her hooves sink with a piece of the vent. She gave the section a bit more pressure with her hoof resulting in the same squeaking sound just as she heard something bang against the walls inside the vents. She turned off in the direction she heard it come from as it echoed throughout and both her back legs ended up on the squeaking section. “hello?” Applejack whispered into the darkness. She awaited a response from whomever or…whatever was in the vents but only received another loud bang echoing once again. She slowly began to move herself backwards… with the squeaking becoming more drawn out… In that same moment, Applejack felt herself drop like a rock. In quick secession, she flung her front hooves out and managed to grip the edge of the vents with her upper torso and front legs. She kicked her hind legs forward trying to get against the vent’s exterior and hopefully push herself back up. However any time she managed to get one hoof against the outside of the vent it slipped. Her weight pivoted her backwards from a few tries before she felt her make shift grip loosen. “WOAH!” Applejack yelped out as she plummeted towards the ground her mind quickly flashing the fate that awaited her. She collided with several objects that easily collapsed under her but ultimately broke part of her fall. She finally hit the ground with several objects falling ontop her. She laid still till the commotion had ceased before she got herself up onto her hooves causing the objects on her to fall right off. From the sound of them falling onto the floor and how light they were, she finally made out that they were boxes and she was in a small room however it wasn’t nearly as dark as the vents. There was only one doorway out of the windowless room that seemed slightly brighter but not by much. Applejack made her way over towards the doorway past the discarded boxes and went around the corner. She was greeted with a large equally dim room with several counters and various objects on them that were indistinguishable. At the front of the room, there was another doorway with large glass windows on each side of it. Applejack proceeded towards the doorway finding she was on the upper level of the first area to be taken over by the zombies as she exited the room. She walked right up to the edge of the level blocked off by bars to be greeted with a familiar sight down below… “Well shoot…” She whispered to herself as she eyed the feasting zombies from above. Tearing her gaze from the sight below as it adjusted slowly, she turned to her right spotting a set of stairs on the other end of the level. The path…was covered in scattered… motionless corpses. Applejack kept her sight trained on the stairs resisting any urge to look at one of the corpses anytime a hoof brushed by one. Unfortunately curiosity got the better of her, she quickly glanced down at the zombie next to her. Their grotesque appearance’s initial affect had worn off not long ago, but… her pace slowed as she saw a hole directly in the side of the fallen zombie’s head. Small but…direct and whatever had caused it had made precise penetration. Same with the next zombie corpse….and the next one…and the next... a less decayed corpse dressed in a red shirt… with more life present in the skin, but was slowly fading…with the same precise hole in the head… Applejack felt a rush of fear alongside realization come over her as she slowly turned her head to scan the area excepting to see….. She was greeted with the same upper level bayed in moonlight from above. The only sounds she could hear were the moans from below the level as she found herself expecting… Applejack held her breath not wanting to make a single sound as she focused back on the stairs and approached them keeping her hoof steps quiet. She had just descended the first top one.. A loud clang… Applejack nearly yelped, but forced herself to keep silent, as her eyes went wide and she quickly descended the stairs. She made a hard left but came to a sudden stop seeing the gate from earlier in the day still shut. She turned around and proceeded down the familiar path in hast like she had done before. She raised her gaze upwards towards the upper level as the bars of the ledges slide in front of the walls as she moved. At one point she could have sworn she saw something move…but quickly dismissed it was her eyes playing tricks on her…however…she wasn’t finding the thought too far-fetched. No…he wouldn’t be that stupid… Applejack went even wider in the eyes as sudden realization that reality was giving her pulled her back to her main concern tearing her away from her wave of fear from the… Applejack focused on the doors at the end of corridor hoping…just hoping… Frank was the first one to burst into the monitor room. He let out a sigh welcoming the sense of safety back as Otis and the woman from the park followed right behind him. He could recall the dark trip through the Paradise Plaza and its limitations. The darkness had deemed attacking unless with the limited light that could have been produced with the flashlight, which Frank now held in his right hand, and adjusting eyesight was even more unreliable at the time. However his mind was torn from the plaza, when he took quick notice to the empty green cushions… He quickly blinked hoping he was just seeing things before heading to the door in the back of the monitor room and bursting through it. He checked the through the windows of the various sections of the back room…coming up dry in his search. He went back into the monitor room focusing up on the screens overhead. He scanned hoping to catch a glimpse of Burt or Applejack but came up dry once again… “What’s going on?” The woman asked. “Don’t worry about it,” Frank heard Otis say, “Just rest here. Frank… you spot them yet?” Frank scanned the monitors once more coming up dry…. His eyes fell upon one monitor viewing an upper view of a pair of horizontal moving floors. Zombies were lumbering around them…but he picked out a certain figure moving about them…surprisingly without much trouble as he was simple shoving the zombies aside. Fat...Supermarket...fuck… “Oh crap…” Frank heard Otis say before going wide eyed. Frank tore his gaze from the monitors to the vents but knew at this rate… He turned his gaze quickly to the desk spying a microphone propped up on the desk. In a split second, he reached for the microphone and pressed down on the transceiver button. “Burt! Don’t do it!” He returned his gaze to the single monitor only to find Burt still moving towards the supermarket in the distance. He clenched his teeth as a way of helplessness rushed over him and trying to pick from the remaining options… His gaze switched to the monitor beside the one that held his attention. It was off the food court and making its way across the main center of it… “Applejack! Hurry! Burt’s almost at the supermarket!” Frank saw the pony whip its head around while keeping her pace. He saw her appear to kick it into high gear and quickly make her way towards the corridor to the Wonderland Plaza. Frank went back to the monitor with Burt who was almost out of view. The options now exhausted. He just stood there… gazing at the monitors. Burt limped his way towards his goal…the green doors of the supermarket…knowing well what he came for. His trip had been a long one…but he could only remember fragments of it… A dark narrow opening….falling down…adjusting eyesight…the food court….the upper level of the wonderland plaza…now… Summoning up the needed strength, he shoved another zombie out of his way. He saw no need to dispatch them like before. The only thing he could think about besides his goal…was the luck that had followed him like a parrot on his shoulder…just hoping every time he encounter zombies…it wouldn’t fly away. He proceeded towards the doors while reaching out a single hand to grab a handle. He paused only for a moment as he looked at the familiar interior through the glass but now in darkness. The same his eyes had accustomed to during his trip. An inner flame flared up as he spotted…right near a food stand… Burt clenched his teeth while letting out a low growl through them as he pulled the door open and walked in. Greeted with silence…dead silence… he walked forward towards the corpse of his late friend….who still looked the same as he had left him… Burt felt a wave of emotion crashing on him as he kneeled down despite the pain. He drew in a breath trying to hold back the… “Where are you?” Burt mumbled hoping his voice would carry throughout the store as he got onto his feet once more, “Where are you hiding?” He walked around his friend towards the back of the supermarket and peaking around the corner of an aisle…coming across nothing but food and more food. He proceeded from cover and began walking towards the side of the supermarket close to the pharmacy. Then came the distinct sound…rattling metal followed by a metallic screech. Burt jerked his head towards the direction the sound came from….near Aaron’s now… Burt retreated and put himself flat against the short edge of the last aisle closest to Aaron before peaking around the corner. “good for nothin’ employees…leave the manager to clean up….see how your next payment is…” The fat man commented to himself as Burt watched him start moping around Aaron’s corpse with a handy mop. Burt took notice to the manger’s weaponized kart separated just a few steps away from the psychopath as he tended to the ‘mess’. Burt drew in a deep breath as he slowly exited his cover when he was sure the manager had his back turned. He took great strides to make sure his sneakers didn’t make any noise. His eyes looked over the various tools protruding out of the kart. Remembering the shotgun…and another thing… he tried to see if it was there. However taking a glance at the manager, it was in the psycho’s left hand while the other held the mop. Burt looked over the kart once more before settling on a pitchfork. Burt kept his approach at a snail’s pace only hearing the manager ramble on and on using the mop to slowly move Aaron’s corpse across the floor leaving more blood to be cleaned. Burt reached out a hand towards the pitchfork griping the shaft and began to pull it out. Just as he managed to get the pitchfork from the kart, he heard the sound of the one of the entrance doors opening. “Burt! Egh….oh no…” Burt jerked his head to the manager whom had taken his attention from the ‘mess’ before he letting out a bellowing roar very familiar of the previous encounter. He saw him drop the mop and grab the shotgun with newly freed hand. Burt, with the pitchfork still in hand, made a grab for the handle bar of the kart and forced the kart’s point of direction towards the manager who was starting to take aim. Applejack stood near the entrance to the supermarket as the insane human wielding the metallic object aimed directly at her. Just as she was about to make a run and dodge.. “NOT ON YOUR LIFE!” Applejack saw the human lose its concentration as her ears were filled with the rattling of metal as the weaponized kart came charging in. The human sidestepped the kart with ease before its attention was focused behind him. Applejack caught sight of Burt, immediately thanking Celestia he was alright, wielding a pitchfork with…almost the same intensity in his face as the insane human had exhibited…and was still exhibiting. “Don’t you know…when management… asks you to leave…..you…LEAVE!!!” The human roared before aiming right at Burt. Applejack saw Burt take a dive behind a stand just as the flare of light appeared at the end of the object and another loud bang. Applejack got herself moving just as the human turned his aim onto her. She dove behind a stand nearest to her just as the loud bang was heard again and something struck violently near her. “I HAVE THE RIGHT TO DENY YOU SERVICE AND GOD DAMMINT I WILL EXERCISE THAT RIGHT!” Applejack drew in a breath as she peaked around the corner of the stand to see the human making its way towards the weaponized kart just near the first counter by the front of the supermarket. She broke away from her cover with adrenaline coursing like a violent river. “YEEEHAAAAAAAW!!” Applejack charged forward letting out a shout at the top of her lungs with her head titled down. She gave it everything she had with full intent on collision. She felt the top of her head make full collision with the human sending it off balance. She didn’t get a chance to make any move before feeling something grip her forcefully by the throat and lift her up. She heard another fury filled roar as she felt the grip pull her quickly before letting go. She felt herself being air born for a few seconds before colliding into the ground head first. Her vision and hearing came in bits before fading. The human aiming that metallic object at her…. The sound of Burt letting out a yell…. Burt and the human in a stalemate with the pitchfork… The sound of Burt letting out a yelp… Applejack, once her vision returned again for a moment, began to get herself to her feet taking particular notice to the kart…the side with no tools poking out was facing her and pointed right at the human who was now towering over Burt with the metallic object in both hands. “THANK YOU… AND DON’T….COME…” Applejack let out a scream as she ran forward with her returning vision. She turned herself around and gave the kart a powerful buck kick. The sound of fast rattling metal filled her ears… “AGAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNN!” She heard the blood curdling scream sound throughout the market before something slumped over onto the ground before she turned to see. The human was on the ground…in pool of its own blood. The tools on the left side of the kart were now painted with blood… Applejack stood her ground as she regained her breath as she shook from the rush of adrenaline. She saw Burt get up into a sitting position and take a good look at the dying human in front of him. She saw him quickly eye the discarded metallic object on the ground… before reaching out for it and trying to get to his feet. “Burt! Wait!” Applejack dashed towards Burt as he got to his feet and immediately aiming the metallic object right at the dying human before…the loud bang…along with the bright flare. Author's Note Another chapter for you all. Hope you enjoy this one and are enjoying the story. Please leave your feedback in the comments below and Happy Easter everyone. Case 2-3: Closing TimeApplejack stood frozen in place….mouth agape….trying to process the sight before her. She watched as Burt kept his aim with the metallic object in his grip while breathing heavily and his eyes locked on the deceased human. She tried to find words to break the unnerving silence that had settled amongst the supermarket alongside the growing smell of death… A zombie maybe…but another huma… The notion jumped around Applejack’s head as part of her was mortified that Burt was able to…but another took in account the insanity…another reminded her that she herself had a hoof in the human’s… She found her gaze lock with Burt’s who kept silent for the longest time. In between one of his breaths he nodded and Applejack nodded back as the matter became of what to… “Ok…Hurry back to the vent on the roof…” The sound of Frank’s voice said from nowhere over the silence in the market as it had when Applejack was in the food court, “Otis and I will be right there…Just watch yourselves out there” There was the sound of a loud click was heard once Frank stopped talking and the silence of the supermarket returned. Applejack slowly preceded towards the doors to leave but stopped when she found Burt wasn’t following. She turned to see him slowly walking over to…Aaron’s corpse. She watched him kneel down and stay there for the longest time. She caught the faint sound of…crying…coming right from Burt. Applejack used single hoof to take her hat off in respect allowing Burt to have his moment…in somewhat peace. She had the image of Aaron’s death flash in her mind…the kart colliding into him…the scream… “Come on…let’s go…” She heard Burt say while drawing in a breath and choking back a sob. She put her hat back on as she saw Burt get up from his kneel and walk right over to her. She pushed the door open for Burt as they exited the supermarket…hopefully for the last time… Frank set the microphone down as he watched Burt and Applejack exit the supermarket. He sat himself down on the rolling chair next to desk still thinking about the sight he had witnessed. The woman he and Otis had saved was resting on the green cushions while Otis was keeping an eye on the duo in the mall but seemed to have something on his mind. “Frank…” He said finally breaking the silence while keeping his sight on the monitors, “What’s the plan?” “Once daylight hits, we’re heading back in there,” Frank began while pointing to the vents before he saw Otis turn towards him. “No I know that but…how are we going to get out of here?” Otis finished with an uneasy look on his face, “No way are we gonna be able to walk out the front doors like regular customers.” Don’t forget to come back for me… Frank’s mind remembered the conversation he had with Ed Deluca and one particular part just before he made his leap of faith earlier in the day. The one part that stuck out was the…three days part... “By helicopter,” Frank stated bluntly, “I came in with a hired pilot and told him to come back for me in three days.” “Well that fixes that,” Otis began, “Also, tomorrow while you’re on your search for this guy. We’ll have to get supplies from some of the stores…if we plan to hold out.” “Don’t worry, we will get him...” Frank said as he got up from the chair, “I better go wait outside for them.” “Don’t go wanderin’ off now,” Otis called out as Frank exited the monitor room. Frank let out a sigh as he exited the monitor room and proceeded towards the vents. He climbed into the entrance remembering the correct route like the back of his hand. During his crawl, he began to give the matter more serious thought. Being he was hell bent on finding the man from the roof, his mind was rushing with thoughts of determination on getting the man but…. He stopped for a moment remembering how big the mall was... He began to question the chance of catching the… “No...” Frank muttered to himself before continuing into the vents, “I’ll find him. I’ll find him.” Shoving his thoughts aside, he pressed on into the vents with determination floating about his mind. He would catch the guy and find out what he knew. He would find out what caused this outbreak. He would…find the story to this madness… Applejack and Burt kept silent the whole way during their trip in park. Their eyesight, adjusting to the darkness thanks to the moonlight from above, proved somewhat reliable, but only enough to get them where they were going. They approached a familiar set of doors which they proceeded through after maneuvering through a crowd of zombies. They were greeted with a familiar area that once been filled with light but now the only light was from the moon shining through the windows that made up a portion of the wall on their right. Applejack kept her focus on getting back to Frank and Otis with Burt all in one piece. Once they made it safely across the zombie infested area, Burt was the one to hold the door this time as they entered another familiar narrow corridor that lead to the room with the two panels that slide apart. They both made their way down the corridor seeing the familiar sight of zombies and walking into the familiar area full of crates and boxes. They weaved through the maze created by the structures holding those items, and the scattered zombies about the area, before coming up on the two large panels. Burt pressed the same thing Frank and Otis had on a smaller panel off to the side. “Look…I know what you’re thinking,” Burt began breaking the silence between them as they waited for the panels to slide apart, “You don’t need to dwell on it. I blew his brains out. End of story.” “…but I kicked the kart at him...” Applejack replied nervously as the memory flashed in her head, “I have part of the…” “I said don’t dwell on it…this place is already a big enough hell hole as is.” Burt interrupted while turning towards her speaking in a tone that hinted he was trying to cap off his temper before turning away. Just as he finished, there was a ding sound before the two large panels separated and revealed the same windowless room. Applejack and Burt walked in and Burt pressed something on the other smaller panel inside before the two panels slide together. The room shook a bit leading into its ascension just as Applejack and Burt returned to their silence. Applejack kept to herself for the duration of the time in the room before it came to a shaking halt, another ding sound was heard, and the panels slide apart once again. Applejack followed behind Burt as they entered the moonlight engulfed roof taking a left once clearing the panels. “Hey,” A voice called out them over their silence. Applejack and Burt directed their attention to where the voice came from to see…Frank over by a step in the floor next to a section of the vents. Frank started to approach them with a slight frown as if he was going to say something to the both of them but not entirely angry though. “Here you go,” Burt said while handing out the metallic object to Frank before he could say a single word. Applejack stopped in her tracks as Burt walked past Frank towards the entrance to the vents after going over the step up to it. “Don’t give him a hard time,” Applejack said to Frank keeping her voice quiet so Burt didn’t hear and become more agitated, “He lost a friend in there…” “I can understand, but it’s not an excuse for going back in in there with that injury of his,” Frank explained while look in back at Applejack before turning back to see Burt climbing into the vents, “But…he’s in one piece still. Best thing to count on now.” Applejack nodded in agreement before she and Frank started to walk towards the vents and retire for the night. Applejack was the first to hop onto the step up while Frank followed in suit. “Listen…” She heard him say as he climbed the step, “In case you don’t get back to this…Ponyville…” Applejack stop right in front of the entrance to the vents and turned to Frank with a frown but keeping silent. “I have someone coming for us in three days,” Frank explained, “If it comes to it. It’d best for you to come along.” Applejack's mind was wirling at the idea. She knew she'd have no other choice if what Frank was saying happened, but….wouldn’t Twilight come up with something….wouldn’t she get back…. “Ah’m mighty thankful, Frank.” Applejack said with a tip of her hat and a small smile as she tried to subside her wondering thoughts. Then she and Frank entered the vents right behind Burt, whom was waiting patiently for them. The trio proceeded into the vents with Frank giving the directions every time Burt stopped and wasn’t sure which way to go. During the whole time in the vents, Applejack made a mental note of the ways and turns they took for future use. They came up on a familiar open section of the vent on the left side with bright light pouring right in. Burt was the first too exit followed by Applejack and Frank as they arrived back in the room containing another section of the vents and were greeted with Otis. Applejack let out a sigh of relief knowing she would be able to get some sleep after a very long day. Burt, however, took off into the back room as if to be alone. Applejack knew it was better not to bother him…considering what he had gone through. After entering through a door to leave the vent room, Applejack sat back down on her haunches ready to catch some sleep right next to the green cushions, which now home to a human whom appeared to be already asleep. “You might want to go back there,” Otis suggested while pointing to the door Burt had gone through to the back room as he closed the door to the vent room, “We don’t want her freaking out in case she’s a little over the edge considering the circumstances...” “Understood partner,” Applejack said while nodding and getting up onto her hooves. She made her way over to the door with Otis, whom opened the door for her. Stepping past the door frame, she turned to look back, Frank was sitting in a chair in deep thought and at points seemed to be on the verge of slipping into sleep while Otis was walking away from the door leaving it open and sitting down with his back against the door to the vent room. “Goodnight, you two,” Applejack said before going further into the back room. “Goodnight.” She heard them reply as she continued into the back room. She came up on a corner and around it was another set of green cushions but more separated from the floor thane the others. On these ones however was Burt, whom shifted a bit to come in eye contact with Applejack. His face bore a frown and lowered eyebrows further implying had intentions of isolation for the night. Applejack kept silent with her gaze locked with Burt’s however it didn’t last long. Burt closed his eyes and returned to his sleep without a single word. Applejack let out a sigh before lying herself down and curling up in a comfortable position on the floor. Closing her eyes, she hoped to quickly drift off into the realm of sleep and momentary toss her concerns aside for a needed period of rest from the events of the daytime... Author's Note Hello again everyone. I hope you’re enjoying the story. Remember to leave your feedback in the comments below and also now that this chapter is up. I'll be finishing up another chapter for Equestria, Sweet Equestria. So be on the lookout for that and as always. Have a good day everyone. Case 3-1: Dawn of a New Day“Up and at em’.” Applejack found her eyes slowly opening as she felt herself being shaken lightly. She let out a yawn knowing well her time for sleep had passed for now. Getting up onto her hooves, she was greeted with a wide awake Otis. “Mornin’,” Applejack said with a nod. Applejack gave quick shake of her head ridding herself of any notion of still being tired, however during which she took notice that Burt was still lying on the cushions fast asleep. She tore her attention from Burt and followed behind Otis ready for the day leaving the snoring human to his rest. “Frank already went back into that forsaken mall,” Otis explained as they walked towards and through the door to the vent room. “Alone?” Applejack asked feeling a sense of worry come over her as they passed through the door to the vent room. “Don’t you worry about him, Frank’s a smart guy… a little crazy, but he’s smart,” Otis said while stopping next to the entrance to the vents and showing the yellow object he held, “And besides, we’ll be in contact with him.” “But what about her,” Applejack turned back and motioned to the female human lying on the green cushion in the room Otis and Frank had slept in. She was still asleep much Burt was and in a fine moment of peace, but without the snoring. “Well…after yesterday…I think the last thing she wants to do is go back into the mall,” Otis said with a sigh and began climbing into the vents, “Well, we best get goin’.” “What’s going on?” Applejack asked while climbing up into the vents right behind Otis whom lead once they started on their way. “While Frank’s on his search you and I are gonna go searching for supplies,” Otis explained as he crawled forward, “If we’re gonna last the next few days will need the stuff to do so.” They proceeded further in the vents. Taking a left and right here and then long straight forward portions, they went a ways before coming up to another familiar opening the vents. Applejack climbed out of the vents behind Otis and was greeted with the roof of the mall, as Otis had put it. Applejack felt a slight chill come over her as she took notice to the sun. The large orange orb, with specks of red fading out, was sitting over on the horizon ready to rise up and bring its warmth along for the ride. Despite the chill in the air, Applejack was ready to help out anyway she could. The temporary silence that had settled between Applejack and Otis was suddenly broken when there came a sudden static from the object Otis held. “Otis…Otis… can you hear me?” Frank’s voice said from the object. “Loud and clear Frank,” Otis responded bring the object close to his mouth as they moved towards the two large panels not far off, “Applejack and I are headin’ out for supplies. Where you at?” “Hold on a second…ERAH!” Frank’s voice replied before the sound of something colliding with something else followed a moan that faded quickly, “…jeez…um...I’m at the park and heading for the food court.” “Alright, be careful out there Frank,” Applejack heard Otis say as they both arrived at the two large panels. Otis pressed the same thing as before on the smaller panel nearby. The two waited patiently before the two large panels slide apart at the ding sound allowing them to enter the room inside. Otis pressed a similar thing on the smaller panel inside and the large panels slide shut before the room felt like it was descending. Applejack suddenly felt a sensation in her stomach as a light churn sound broke the silence in the room. “Pardon me,” She said as she put a hoof to her stomach. “We’ll have to find somethin’ for you to snack on in the Paradise Plaza while we’re gatherin’ supplies” Otis commented while turning to her while getting a bit nervous look on his face, “And given the facts and what I can guess….you most likely not a fan of meat.” Applejack gave a nod as her stomach ached more for nourishment more intensely at the sound of the phrase ‘snack on’. Just as she shoved off the ach once more, the room shook in a stop of its descent. The two large panels slide apart once more as Applejack followed Otis ready for the day ahead. “If I were someone wanting to get away,” Frank made efforts to shift his perspective in hopes of furthering his investigation as he held his camera up to his face with the shotgun he had received from Burt lying on the ground next to him. Standing by the doors from the park which were still completely destroyed as he had remembered, he was able to get a good shot of the food court. During his trip over, he had taken a few pictures of zombies in the Paradise plaza and the park fulfilling the other aspect that came with his job. He kept his perspective shifted once he was done snapping the picture as he picked up the gun and began to walk towards the western structure of the food court, particularly the stairs under the giant banner logo. He looked to his left eyeing…a familiar corpse for a moment before turning his attention back to his work and on the zombies about the area. Scanning around once more, he eyed no conceivable way anyone could have left the area without using the two corridors or the park doors. He moved towards the area of wooden tables as his mind recalled…Burt’s description of his encounter with the man…particular the comment that the man had been attacking from overhead… before eyeing a stack of boxes next to a platform of the balcony above. Frank climbed up onto the boxes with the platform a few feet above his head. He threw up his arms while jumping and managed to get a good hold even with the shotgun held in one hand. Hosting himself up and getting a leg onto the platform, he was up on his feet before leaning the shotgun up against a wall and getting his camera ready before making his way towards the balcony taking in the new bird’s eye view of the ground below. “If he was up here,” Frank mumbled out to himself while taking a look to his right seeing a dead end to the balcony, but when he turned to his left… The balcony continued to a dead end like the right side but…off the left of the dead end was a small platform. After retrieving the gun, Frank walked towards the corner peaking around it to see the platform jut out over the stairs on the right side of the entire structure and towards one of the overheads of the food stands below. He walked over the jutting platform towards the overhead with the feeling in his gut encouraging him to venture father. He adjusted his balance slightly to compensate for the over head’s tilt once he was on it and found himself walking behind various logos and names while looking for…something…but… Nothing… He let out a sigh proceeding forward on the overheads with a quickened pace searching… “Hey old timer,” Frank came to a sudden halt at the voice breaking his concentration with…a voice his mind recalled very quickly…one drenched in ego… “Hey down here!” Frank turned his attention to the….over energetic Kent Swanson down below armed with all his camera equipment and…that same cocky grin. “So how’s your quest for the truth?” Frank saw Kent say with a light chuckle. Frank gave the area around him another look…hoping to find something and leave the cocky artsy photographer behind….but nothing…again… “I have a lead,” Frank said bluntly not wanting to fuel the fire. “A lead eh…well that’s fine and all,” Frank let out a sigh returning his attention to the photographer whom in the middle of his pause… turned and leaped towards an oncoming zombie and swung one of his legs out. Frank watched as Kent’s foot made contact with the zombie’s torso and sent it flying back. Kent proceeded to draw out his pistol and plant one bullet in the zombie before it fell to the ground motionless. Frank began to walk back the way he came hoping to avoid the next part of Kent’s egoistical speech but found his footsteps still in well enough ear shot. “But you’re up river without a paddle, grandpa,” He heard Kent continue while coming up on the platform suspended over the stairs. Frank looked to his right and saw Kent change his direction towards the dining area of the food court. Frank began running through the options…before the feeling that been building began in the pit of his stomach. He kept moving forward figuring he would grab something from one of the stands, but the sound of Kent climbing his way up drowned out his stomach’s aches as he came up on the various platforms over the middle set of stairs. Kent was up on the platform blocking Frank’s way down to the boxes below, excluding the other more risky ways of getting off the balcony. “Hey stay for a bit gramps,” Kent insisted, “How ‘bout we compare stills? I’ve got time.” Frank just stared at Kent coldly as his mind recalled the first time he had heard that phrase from him. His mind was convincing him he had now every right to tell the young photographer to forget it and then be on his merry way, but… Frank recalled the headshot Kent had pulled off in the Paradise plaza….and the smile…not cocky…but… Frank drew from his cold stare and let out a small sigh before taking his camera from around his neck and handing it over. Kent tossed the camera that had been around his neck to Frank before the two began looking through the stored photos. The first few photos Frank saw were of what he recognized as the streets of Willamette while recalling his trip on the helicopter. There was one showcasing the Willamette Mall in a very wide shot. Like the other street pictures, the grounds were littered with wandering zombies. “Heh…nice explosion grandpa,” He heard Kent commented, enviousness slowly fading into his voice, “nice composition…for a bird eye shoot… I would have gotten it from the ground up close.” Frank held back the irritation as he continued viewing the photos. The next series…was of the entrance plaza... capturing the scenes of zombies devouring those that had been left behind. Checking the time stamp on the photo and recalling the event itself…. the pictures had been taken just mere minutes after Frank had escaped. Clicking through the next few photos, Frank eyed pictures of more zombies noting a few places in the background and checking the time stamp for further reference. Then he came across one picture…a bird’s eye view of what Frank identified as the North Plaza but what caught his attention was the person in it….a man with long black hair and a white long sleeved shirt wielding heading for the supermarket... Frank felt a wave of hope come over him as he checked the time stamp to see…it had been taken recently. Instinct told him to take off but upon clicking to another picture in hopes Kent had taken another picture of the scene….the following picture however….caught him off guard and held his gaze longer than the rest. It was a woman. She was dressed in a green coat…being ripped open by several zombies. Frank took notice to the expression on the woman’s face…one of pure terror….and in her hand…she gripped what looked like….a pacifier. The sudden realization came over Frank in a chill running every inch of his body….just as he took notice to the angle of the shot….it was up close, but from a height only a…human had….Kent had… Frank was brought back to reality at the sound of Kent’s laughter reaching his ears. “Uh…gramps,” He heard Kent begin with a chuckle, “What the hell is this?” Frank turned his attention to Kent who was holding the camera with one hand in such a way Frank could see the picture being viewed...consisting of orange… Frank moved towards Kent shoving the camera to him before taking his camera back. Frank stormed past Kent and began to lower himself down over the edge of the platform. “Ok, Mr. High and Mighty,” He heard Kent call out to him, “Go find your story, but art wise… You’ve got nothing! NOTHING!” Frank had irritation come over fully as he hurried down the middle set of stairs before taking a left at the foot of them. He kept the way towards the Wonderland plaza in sight as he put the camera back around his neck. He shoved the cocky Kent out of his mind and focused his original goal once more. As his mind locked on with determination, he gripped the shot gun in his hand even tighter as he quickened his pace into a run…the sooner he caught this guy…the better. Author's Note Hello again everyone. Like before, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and you're enjoying the story so far. Also I want to apologize that this one took a while longer to get out and be sure to leave your feedback in the comments below. Finally, have a good day everyone. Case 3-2: Scavenging and Halls in the North“How long do you think this will last us?” Applejack was walking around a restaurant looking for any food to scavenge while Otis pushed a kart and did the same. The aching in her stomach had faded as it was dealing with a snack Otis had saved for her during their scavenging. However, it had been a slow process to begin with. After crossing the sea of zombies, the two had to secure a kart, which had been the only easy part of the job, and start at the restaurant on the first level of the plaza with the wide opening and the large banner reading Jill’s Sandwiches. The place had a look that said it had been gone through already, but there was a faint aroma of food about the place. Despite the appearance, Applejack and Otis had been able to scrape up a few food items here and there. Most of it was found behind the counter of the restaurant in some of the cupboards. “As long as we ration out the stuff,” Otis began as he reached down for something. Applejack continued her search while Otis placed the carton he held in the kart alongside the rest of the food. “That makes 2 orange juices, a few baguettes, and some pies,” Otis sounded off as Applejack turned her attention to him, “A good haul for breakfast, but we’re gonna have to come back for more.” Directing their attention back to the entrance of the restaurant, they started to make their way back. They rounded the corner of the entrance coming face to face with the zombies before readying themselves. Otis lead the charge as he pushed the kart shoving the zombies in his path away as Applejack followed close behind. Applejack kept up her pace as the kart parted the sea of undead allowing further progress across the plaza. Continuing their charge till they reached the other side, they drew out of their charge as they came up on the door to the narrow corridor leaving the plaza behind them. Otis parted from the kart and pushed the door open while Applejack kept guard for the moment. Once Otis had the door fully open, Applejack went over and placed herself against the door keeping it open as Otis then pushed the kart through. Once Otis had cleared the way, Applejack went up and quickly pushed the door shut. “Well…that was good for a first go,” Otis commented with a sigh as he began to push the kart down the corridor, “We best hurry. Those two are probably starving.” Applejack left the closed the door and proceeded down the corridor with Otis with a more apparent aroma of food lingering into her nose. “They’re in for somethin’ I can say,” Applejack commented as the exited the corridor into the room with the boxes on structures, “Reminds me of Granny Smith’s apple pie.” Applejack let her mind wander back to the dinners on the farm. She remembered the smell and taste of fresh baked apples. The coziness of the Apple family home and the company of Big Macintosh, Applebloom, and Granny Smith… “Hold up,” Applejack drew herself from her memories as she and Otis came to a stop in the middle of the room with zombies about it. “Uh Applejack…” Otis said, urgency overtaking his voice. “Sh!” Applejack whipped her head from left to right only seeing the zombies about the area. She could have sworn…a loud buzzing came right up past her left ear. She whipped her head towards the noise and with a squint of her eyes…it was a small bug. A yellow wasp...with a pair of red glowing eyes. Applejack dodged to the side as the wasp flew right at her. She ducked once it made another attempt at her. It soared right past and close to Otis who took a try at swatting it away. “Damn things, we had a guy go to the hospital once because of these,” Otis said with aggravation as he turned to continue swatting. “OTIS!” Immediately as Otis had turned around, a zombie had come up right on him and now had a firm dead grip. Otis ceased his swatting and tried to pry himself free as Applejack ran up to save him. It happened in quick succession. Applejack saw the wasp hovering over Otis and the zombie in their stalemate. Then in a split second... it soared right at the zombie’s decaying head and penetrated right through into the skull. The zombie froze in place before letting go of Otis and slowly swatting around its own head. The zombie stumbled away still swatting slowly at its head. Without a single word, Applejack and Otis quickly went on their way as the other zombies were, strangely, focusing on the swatting zombie. The made their way towards the two large panels just a static screech filled their ears. “Ot--...Otis…you there?” They stopped right in front of the panels as Otis reached for the yellow object and bringing it up to his face. “Right here,” Otis replied while turning as the sounds of zombie moans drifted to his and Applejack’s ears, “You ok there Frank?” “Yeah. I’m at the stairs to the North Plaza,” Frank’s voice said, “I’m on the guy’s trail if he’s still here.” “We’re coming back to the security room from a first food run,” Otis explained while turning to Applejack, “We’ll be sure to save you something.” “Maybe a while till I get--” Frank’s voice said before being cut out by a loud banging noise erupting from the object. “Frank!” . . . “Frank,” Otis shouted into the object with a look of dread coming over his face, “Can you hear me?” Silence…dead silence… “Shit… I’m ok…we’ve got a problem here,” Frank’s voice said with obvious shock in his voice, “… I don’t think whoever is shooting saw me… I’m gonna try and get closer…” “Frank! Don’t do it!” Otis shouted into the object but received no response, “Damnit!” “That’s it,” Applejack shouted while titling her hat down before taking off back the way they had come, “I’m goin’ to help him.” Applejack hadn’t gotten a ways away before she felt her tail getting pulled causing her to cease her run. She whipped her head around to see Otis holding her tail with slight irritation engulfing his face. “But…errr,” Otis got out before letting go of her tail and trying to put the words correctly out…before letting out a sigh, “Be careful and hurry!” Without any further encouragement, Applejack took off back the way she and Otis had come knowing well where she was going. She rounded the corners of the structures passing the mob of zombies still converging on that one with… the wasp in its skull... “Go through the entrance in the park!” She heard Otis shout to her, “Up on the stairs on the far right!” Applejack kicked it into high gear as she dashed down the corridor coming right up on the door back to the Paradise Plaza. Frank gripped the walkie talkie in his hand tightly as his heart raced rapidly. He made ever so sure his steps were silent, but quick enough to move around the zombies crowding the area. The loud gunshot he had heard was fading from a ringing in his ears as he pinpointed it to be coming from in the belly of the North Plaza. His mind drifted back to the photo from Kent’s camera as his already high determination came over. It was now or never… As he approached the open area of the North Plaza near the supermarket, he could faintly hear…several people talking quietly over the sound of moaning zombies. “Keep your eyes peeled boys.” “He isn’t getting away from me, dad.” Frank kept his pace as he quickly silenced the walkie talkie before placing it in the pocket of his jacket. “Son of a…quit hiding!” Frank proceed forward pinpointing the voices somewhere in the area but not exact. Upon getting closer, he took notice to something new about the area. Amongst the familiar structures, the zombies that had been moving about the place…where now on the ground motionless… Frank crept forward till he was at the foot of the area with a good view about it. In a split second, Frank came to a stop and tried to pinpoint where the voices had come from when a piercing noise roared in his ears followed by the sound of shattering glass. He immediately identified it as… a high powered rifle…just as he had with the first shot he heard. “THOMAS! ...How many times have I told you….don’t shoot unless you know you’re gonna hit.” Frank froze right in place as he slowly titled his head up…. Above his head, he eyed a part of the structures in the area with the flat board floor across them. Through the space of the placed boards, Frank could see…at least three people above him. From what he could tell, they were facing the supermarket and taking the gunshots into account…they were armed. “Alright boys, speared out on this thing. We’ll pin him from all sides.” Frank heard the sound of a pair of footsteps going in opposite directions. He immediately moved to his right and pressed himself against the wall while crouching and hoping he was out of sight. As he crept against the wall, he tried thinking what options he had. His mind went to the shotgun he held in his hands…but knew well enough it wouldn’t be much unless he was close enough. The option of sneaking around their view towards the supermarket was one that quickly died as the situation carried out. Part of him crept to the thought of going back the way he came, but determination said he had come too far to go back… Then there was the sound of rapid gunshots, which Frank pinpointed to the supermarket. Just as the barrage of bullets stopped there were two more shots in a single succession before a silence of gun fire. “Thomas! You had the shot.” “But daddy… I ….uh….” “No buts boy. Some bastard tries to gun us down… We return in kind.” Frank drew in a breath as his mind formulated…somewhat of a plan. If somehow… he could distract the three above…give the man in the supermarket some time to get away….then Frank could maybe…just maybe… A low moan filled Frank’s ears that he hadn’t moments before. Turning around he came face to face with a single zombie coming up on him. He pushed his hands forward with the shotgun in both shoving most of the gun right into the zombie. However, the zombie didn’t stumble back but rather leaned back before it lunged forward snagging Frank by the shoulders of his jacket. Frank gave another attempt to shove the zombie away but found it was a useless try. However, he immediately started rocking from side to side gaining momentum before pushing everything into a rock towards the outside of his cover. He felt the zombie let go of his jacket but found himself stumbling out of cover as well. “…D-d-dad!” Frank froze for a second at the shout, feeling all eyes from above on him. “Thomas. Jack. Keep an eye on the doors.” Frank turned to where the voice came from and saw a man in his early 40’s climbing down from the structures walkway and grabbing onto one of the metal support bars. He lowered himself slowly before dropping safely with a sniper rifle slung on his shoulder. Once he had returned to a balance on his feet, he returned the rifle to his hands and slowly approached Frank. Once the man was close enough and before Frank could even find something to say, the man moved and slammed the butt of his rifle right into the skull of the fallen zombie. He repeated this several times before finally turning his attention onto Frank. “Alright…now just who are you?” The man demanded with a gruff but slightly irritated tone while giving Frank an almost a death stare. “Look… I don’t want trouble…” Frank began to say as he lifted his hands with the shotgun still held in one. He rolled the idea of saying he was hoping to catch the guy in the supermarket around, but the look on the man’s face and his actions only side his boys told him…they were gunning to kill... “Well, you’re gonna have trouble unless you get you and your camera out of here,” The man said interrupting Frank’s thoughts, “And if you see that other photographer, tell him to stay out of our business with his pictures.” Frank’s mind flashed an image of Kent...and his cocky grin…. “Look…I’m here to find out what the hell is going on,” Frank said finding his voice with more confidence, “I’m a photojournalist.” “Well, either way, to me you’re both crazy,” The man commented, “Now I’m not gonna tell you--” “Dad!... I hear somethin’!” The man directed his attention towards his son up near the hallway towards the rest of the North Plaza. Frank directed his attention as well. The boy, dressed in a light and dark green coat, had his attention away from the supermarket and appeared to be trying to look down the hallway. There was the sound….of rapid steps slowly getting louder….becoming more audible to where Frank could identify them as more then steps but rather… “What.. the faaa?” Frank heard the other boy exclaim as Frank caught sight of…orange. Before Frank or any of the three could react….there was sudden gun fire followed by a blood curdling scream. Frank and the man whipped their heads around… “JACK! NOOOO!” Frank found himself being shoved away as the man swung his arms into a firing position and began firing rounds that kept missing…the man from the roof who was now making his escape. Applejack hadn’t arrived and been in the area by the supermarket for a second before… a loud familiar pattern of noise rang out and seeing…that human from the roof running right towards her. She lowered her eyebrows before charging right at the human with full speed and leaping right at him. The collision she had hoped for didn’t happen, but found something striking her in the side. She felt the wind get knocked out of her before she found herself quickly falling onto the ground with rage engulfing her from the pain. “Applejack!” Applejack lifted her head quickly seeing Frank running up to her with the metallic object. She felt herself being lifted up and onto her hooves. “Come on!” She heard Frank say before hearing him take off down the hallway. Applejack turned and ran after Frank ignoring the pain from the aftermath of the fall. She managed to catch up with Frank and was quickly outrunning him with the escaping human not far ahead. She immediately ran over towards the ramp up onto the structure running the wall of the hallway keeping her focus on the fleeing human. During her run, she caught the sound of a loud noise piercing her ears which only made her cringe slightly as she kept her pace up. She was quickly catching up as she saw the human heading in the direction towards the area she had entered through. She gritted her teeth as she pushed herself forward focusing on the human, whom was now looking over its shoulder at her. As if taking it as her cue, Applejack adjusted her direction and leaped off the structure. She came right up on the human, whom moved to protect itself, as she shut her eyes and waited. She felt herself make contact as she wrapped her forelegs around the human and held on taking it onto the ground with her. Once they had made contact with the ground, she felt her grip slip before sliding across the ground. She quickly opened her eyes to see the human starting to come to and reaching for a metallic object on the floor one a few inches away. Applejack moved quickly using her front hooves and moved the object away from the human’s reach. She immediately felt something grab her by the mane and pull her back. Letting out a yelp as she found herself tossed and on the ground once more. She wasted no time and got back up onto her hooves to see the human slowly getting up and reaching for… “EeeAH!!” Applejack saw Frank come right up and deliver a solid kick into the human’s back. The human buckled over onto the ground, but then swung a leg out taking Frank off his feet. Applejack leapt forward diving towards the human that was trying once more to get up. Applejack found her forelegs make contact with the ground as she used the new found pivot to turn herself and was ready to deliver a kick when she found something suddenly jabbing into her stomach. She found her hooves leaving the ground and herself going face first onto the ground. Applejack quickly came to her sense and got up onto her hooves to see Frank in a stalemate between him and the human. She was about to charge in and help when she saw the human use a single foot and push Frank away with all of its might. She saw Frank’s grip on the human slip and fall backwards into…the forming crowd of zombies. “FRAANK!” Applejack dove into the crowd shoving aside zombies and kicking ones getting too close to taking a bite out of Frank. During her struggle, she looked out of the massing zombies to see…the human picking up his metallic object along with the one Frank had been holding…walking away but only taking a moment to look back with lowered eyebrows. Applejack returned with a look of anger now engulfing her face before quickly returning to the matter at hand as she shoved another zombie away as the human made its escape… Author's Note First off, I want apologize again for this one taking a while and for any future chapters that that a while. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and are enjoying the story so far. Please leave your feedback in the comments below and have a great day everyone. Case 3-3: Sniper Pursuit“Frank, you ok?” Burt sat in a green swivel chair in the monitor room as Otis sat in the chair by the desk talking into a yellow walkie talkie. Burt had been up for a while, but only because his stomach’s growling had become a bit much to bear. Now he was taking slow bites out of his slice of pie for breakfast quenching that growling, with Otis and some girl he met after waking up. He didn’t make much talk to her before Otis had shown up with food but did find out her name was Kay. At one point, he had the feeling he had seen Kay somewhere before….but shoved the thought away deeming it unnecessary to dwell on. “…I’m here. Applejack’s here too...” Frank’s voice said from the device. Burt turned to look at Kay the moment Applejack was mentioned on the transmission seeing her puzzled look. She looked at Otis and then him as if she had a question on her mind, but didn’t know how to say it. Burt shook his head while motioning with his hand telling her not to as he and she returned to their food. “Good to hear you, Frank,” Otis replied happily with the walkie talkie up to his face, “We’ll be savin’ you both a piece of pie.” “Sorry Otis…I’m going to keep looking,” Frank’s voice replied, with a hint of drag in his tone, “You save those slices. We’ll be back later…” The walkie talkie emitted a beep before going silent as Burt watched Otis put it into his coat pocket. “Well that can only mean one thing…,” Otis commented with a sigh before looking up at Kay and Burt, “Eat up you two.” Burt took a few more bites of the pie he had before setting it down on his lap with his hunger quenched for the moment. His eyes wondered to the monitors above Otis before looking around the room as he let out a quiet sigh. “Why was he out there anyways?” Burt asked looking back at Otis. “Looking for the fella you described when we brought you in,” Otis explained, “Apparently, Frank saw this guy on the roof and he gave off a suspicious vibe.” Burt recalled his encounter with the man in question as clear as day….then the drunken man…then the supermarket… He shut his eyes and batted the memory away while taking a breath hoping to keep himself under control. However his thoughts drifted slowly before focusing on…before he heard Otis sigh. “You gonna be alright, son?” “I will…” Burt claimed with a hint of temper trying to be contained from his tone with one hand clenched tightly in a fist, “somehow…I will.” “Well…make sure you eat up,” He heard Otis say with hesitation present in his voice; “You’re going to need your strength these next few days.” Burt opened his eyes while letting out a breath through his nose. He picked up his piece of pie and proceeded to take a single bite out of it. Right when he was about to put the piece in his mouth, he took notice to something on the monitors. The one he was viewing was facing the… “Hey Otis….” Burt began not taking his eyes from the monitor, “is that kiddy coaster suppose to be going that fast…?” Frank rushed around the unfilled fountain in the North Plaza with Applejack close by avoiding the zombies about the area while looking for any sign of the man from the roof…but like the food court…the search came up dry. With determination coursing through him, hunger being far from his mind, and the thought of how close he was to catching the man present in his mind, he frantically searched around the area coming across two separate stores, one he saw was a photo shop and the other one appeared to be a warehouse supply shop. Part of Frank judgment wanted him to check each one while another argued the man wouldn’t have stuck around if he was being chased. He stopped for a moment looking around as he felt a sense of dread coming over him as third part began to suggest the possibility of… "Frank..." He heard Applejack say interrupting his thoughts as he turned to her, "You ain't thinkin' of givin' up are ya?" He shook his head assuring her and himself it was the farthest thing from his mind before slowly going back to his thoughts….which were immediately interrupted when a loud gun shot rang out. He quickly turned around expecting to see the father from the trio of snipers coming at them but was greeted with… “GANG WAY GRAMPS!” Frank backed up out of the way as Kent came running by him and Applejack towards the doors to the park moving past the zombies and shoving a few out of the way. “HE’S PISSED!” Frank heard Kent shout before looking back once more. Frank immediately went wide eyed as this time he DID see the father from the trio of snipers coming towards him with full titled rage. “Ohhh shi-” Frank began as he saw the man begin to cock the rifle. “Frank, run!” He heard Applejack shout. Without any more encouragement, Frank turned tail and ran for his life pushing himself with all his will to get out of there as quickly as possible. Shoving zombies away and weaving between them, Frank quickly came up on the doors with Applejack by his side. He shoved a pair of the doors open allowing Applejack enough room to exit alongside him. The moment they began to descend the stairs the sound of shattering glass filled their ears. Frank dropped down having the edges of the stairs jab him in the back only to find himself knocking a zombie that had been standing nearby off its feet and onto him. Frank gripped the zombie’s shoulders and began to push it off him just as it began to try and… Frank felt the zombie’s shoulder slip from his grip as it went to the side slamming head first into the railing beside him with enough force that Frank could of swore he heard a bone crack before the zombie dropped to the ground lifeless. “Thanks.” Frank said as he saw Applejack coming back from her kick. “Don’t mention it, partner,” “Hey, psst gramps!” Frank whipped his head to see Kent crouching behind the short side of the stairs motioning towards where he was. Against the part of his mind telling him to stay away from Kent with the revelation from the food court coming back into his thoughts, Frank made sure he was down the stairs far enough to where he wouldn’t be in the father’s line of sight for a while before getting to his feet and descended the rest of the stairs. He quickly moved to a crouch joining Kent behind cover, but stopped short of his destination motioning for Applejack to go ahead keeping watch of the doors. Once she was behind cover, Frank retreated into cover as well keeping as low as possible just as he heard the one of the doors above quickly open. “Frank... you there…” Otis’s voice erupted from the walkie talkie before Frank quickly silenced it and shoved it into a pocket of his jacket. “Good plan gramps, let him know where we are and I’ll show him some pictures,” Kent whispered cynically looking directly at Frank before pausing a moment and blinking a few times, “…it’s real?” Frank looked to see Kent was gazing at Applejack whom was keeping low just as they were. “Looks you’re not far off your rocker as I thought, old timer,” Kent added before Frank shot him a small irritated look before another gunshot rang out. “Thomas…Thomas!” Frank heard the father yell from above before another gun shot was heard, “Hurry up boy!” Frank caught the sound of the one of the doors being slowly opened and a familiar voice joining the father. “Daddy…what are we going to do?” “We’re gonna get out of here and…Thomas!” The father shouted again, “Put Jack down and help me shoot!” “You got a plan partner?” Frank turned his attention from listening to the father and son back to Applejack who had an unsure look on her face. “…and it can talk?” Kent whispered with slight amazement. Frank looked out into the park trying to find a way to escape, but knew the moment they got out from behind cover they’d be done for. More gun shots rang out followed by the sound of corpses falling down and gushing blood as Frank continued to search for a way out. He eyed a corner formed by the walls of the park just when…he got an idea. “Alright, when I say go, run for cover,” Frank explained pointing off to the corner in question, “Got it?” Frank looked to Kent whom responded with a small nod before feeling something tap his arm. He turned to Applejack whom still had her unsure look and looked as if she was about to say something, but ultimately lowered her eyebrows with a small smile before giving a nod. Frank then proceeded to fake a rather loud cough… “Thomas… keep firin’…” Frank readied himself as he heard the father’s approaching footsteps as the gunshots continued. He drew in a deep breath just before he saw the barrel of a rifle coming into his view. “GO!” Frank shot his hands up gripping the rifle by the barrel, feeling his palm become suddenly heated, and by the wooden grip. He gripped both parts hard and pulled the rifle violently taking the father with it. Frank pulled the gun until he felt the father's grip loosen and hearing him fall onto the grassy grounds before tossing the gun away. He clenched his stinging hand into a tight fist not wasting any time in running for his life with Applejack and Kent just up ahead. “THOMAS! SHOOT THEM!” Frank pushed himself with all his might remembering how Thomas had hesitated back at the North Plaza and hoped that… Frank felt his heart racing as he rounded the corner and planted himself against the wall with a small sense of relief. “Come on Frank!” He looked to see Applejack and Kent heading for the other corner not far from him and followed right behind them. Upon rounding the next corner, he saw another one just up ahead but he spotted a metal pair of doors on the wall to his left. Figuring it was an access for mall employees, Frank continued forward and saw Applejack was still running, but no sign of… “Sorry gramps,” Frank felt something strike him in the side of the head before feeling a foot slam into his back. He fell onto the ground just as another foot jab him right in the side and continued several times. “Frank!” Frank looked to see Applejack charging at Kent with anger engulfing her face. Kent swung a single leg planting a solid kick into the side of Applejack’s head before slamming a foot down on her side several times as well. Frank moved to get up on his feet… “This is how the professional world…” He heard Kent begin before feeling a foot make contact with his gut causing him to drop onto the ground again, “Works, grandpa.” Frank laid there on the ground with an aching head, stinging palm, and hurting gut as he felt more kicks to his sides before he heard Kent kicking into Applejack. Frank slowly looked up to see Kent turn to him towering over before lifting a single foot up. Frank braced himself as he felt the bottom of Kent’s shoe make contact and pain immediately engulfing his face before he blacked out… As his vision slowly came back he heard the sound of moaning and….the sound of a metal door opening. He slowly lifted his head to see no sign of Kent, but to see the pair of metal doors opening and…. several figures in yellow walking slowly out into the park… As he faded into darkness, he saw the group of figures turn their attention to him and Applejack seeing their….green soulless masked faces….slowly approaching... “Frank. Frank!?” Otis held the walkie talkie awaiting a response as he stood in the men’s restroom of the Paradise plaza with a flashlight in his free hand. He had arrived to see that the place was vacant of any zombies, even the stalls, before trying for Frank once more. “Damn…” Otis whispered as he looked towards the sinks in the restroom, “…ok Otis….Greg always said it was in this one…” Otis lifted his gaze towards the ceiling remembering the words of his co-worker when he spotted it… a square hatch in the ceiling right next to the corner above the sink with a small handle. Otis climbed onto the sink suspended in front of the large mirror. Making sure his feet wouldn’t fall and get stuck in the sinks; he put the walkie talkie and flashlight into his jacket pockets and reached up towards the hatch. He gripped the handle and slide the hatch open being greeted with the dark interior of the vents above. He reached into his pockets and pulled out the walkie talkie and flash light before switching the light on. “Frank, if you can hear me,” He said with the walkie talkie by his face as he shined the flashlight up towards the hatch, “The coaster in the Wonderland Plaza is out of control. I’m going to go check it out and see what's going on.” Otis looked up into the vents once more hoping whatever was keeping Frank...it wasn't trouble. “Don’t worry about me and you go get that fella alright?” Otis added before putting the walkie talkie and flashlight back into his pockets before reaching his arms up. As he managed to lift himself up into the vents using his feet to grip the wall for a foothold, his thoughts went back to the monitor room and seeing the footage of the coaster going around and around at a very fast pace. However... he could remember at one point…he could have sworn... he saw someone…on it…. Author's Note Hey everyone! I'm glad I was able to get this up before I went to camp next week. So I had to power drive this thing, even staying up till the early morning while giving this chapter a good look over making sure it didn't seem rushed to you guys. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and are enjoying the story so far. Leave your feedback in the comments below and lastly, have a great day everyone Case 3-4: Maintenance/Memories“Applejack!” “AJ!” “You must get up!” “…please..?” “You have to come home…” “Come on!” Darkness…a familiar sight... this greeted Applejack as she began to regain consciousness. She shot her eyes open as she remembered what had happened before she blacked out. Once her body began to respond, she got to her hooves before finally taking in her surroundings. Whipping her heard quickly from left to right, she was greeted with a poorly lit room that even with squinting her eyes, she couldn’t make out anything in it…however…upon looking some more she noticed a spot just off to her left…brightly lit from the rest of the darkness. The light shined over a large piece of fabric held up showing a weird design of…an eye. At the foot of the fabric where it met the ground….was Frank…sitting there bathed in light missing his clothes, but there was a piece of cloething still on him around where his torso met his legs…his hands bounded together… “Frank,” Applejack called out as she began to move forward. However she felt something clench her throat suddenly, restricting her from moving any further. She took a step back and tried again before putting a hoof up to her neck. She felt…a secure collar around it. As she felt around it, she touched what seemed to be a metal chain and as she moved her hoof more she felt another…and another… and another... “Frank, come on, get up,” Applejack called out once again taking her hoof from the chain. That’s when it finally entered her ears….slow... heavy breathing… coming right from Frank. “Frank….” Just as she was about to call out once more, a loud creek cut her off and drowned out Frank’s breathing. Applejack turned to see a door on the other side of the room from her swing open allowing light to shine into the dark room momentarily blinding her. She brought a leg up to cover her eyes just as she heard multiple voices coming into earshot. As her eyes began to adjust to the light, she brought her leg down and saw several figures entering the room. She watched as the figures began to move towards her, their… green almost soulless faces coming into the dim back rays from the lights bathing Frank. However, there was one figure in particular who seemed to stand out amongst the rest. It was an elderly looking human dressed in a long white robe of sorts. Applejack flinched at the sound of a loud slam as the light from before disappeared and only darkness remained. She kept silent as the old human looked slowly from her to Frank as an uneasy silence settled, despite a few a murmurs from the green faced crowd and Frank’s breathing. She saw the human took one last look at her before turning to the crowd. “These…sinners, like the others, have chosen to reject salvation’s open arms,” The human boomed with a commanding tone, “and frolic in the land walked by the spawns of evil.” Applejack heard the crowd of green faces start to mutter some incoherent chant in a low tone. She looked over to Frank only to see him still there breathing slowly… as if he hadn’t seen the group come in. “Prepare yourselves,” The human exclaimed drawing Applejack’s attention back, “For the purging of these two from the earth that they walk with their sin covered souls.” Applejack watched the crowd begin to disperse still muttering their chant continuously. Then with a small hiss, she saw a few light what appeared to be candles held up on long poles which started to slowly rid the room of its darkness. She watched as the rest began to divide between her and Frank moving closer and closer... “Frank,” Applejack called out, “Snap out of it!” She didn’t get a moment to wait for a response, if any, before she felt something strike her in the side of the face and pain immediately engulfing it. She whipped her head around to see the elderly human looking directly at her. “Silence,” He ordered with the commanding tone still present, “Nothing can save you from judgment.” “Horse apples!” Applejack shouted before lunging forward driving her head into the elderly human's gut, “FRANK! Git up!” She didn’t waste a second before turning quickly and kicking at the nearest green faced human surrounding her. Once she felt her hooves make contact, she saw the others quickly moving in on her. She lunged forward driving her head into the gut of the closet green face human and landing on her hooves quickly delivering a kick to another. “Get away from me!” She exclaimed as she proceed to lash at the others advancing on her. Right as she was about to deliver another kick, she felt the collar on her neck suddenly tighten as her hooves left the ground. She found herself back on her hunches and before she even had a moment to regain herself, she felt something wrap around her and begin to weigh her down. She immediately tried to get up on her hooves while attempting to push the green face human away but its grip held. “Dangnabit!” Applejack shouted, wrestling to free herself as another green face human grabbed her, “Let me go!” She found her efforts quickly become exhausted but kept trying to slip free just as she felt something cold press against the bottom of her chin. She first saw the elderly human towering over her with a glare directed right at her…then the sword it now held ever so close to her throat causing her to immediately cease her efforts and just stare back silently. “You will be the first to be sacrificed,” The human announced, retreating the sword, “For sin has made you embedded in the realms of ignorance beyond the point of return.” Applejack immediately retried at her efforts as she heard a click of metal and the rattling of chain as she found herself being lifted up off the ground with little success of escape. She looked to Frank in hopes he had finally come to his sense, but only saw him being forced up onto his feet by several members of the crowd... with no sign of a fight… “Frank! Snap out of it!” Applejack shouted as she found herself being carried to where Frank had once been, “FRANK!” She suddenly felt the grips on her quickly loosen and found herself falling onto the ground. Once she felt free, she moved to get to her hooves but felt the collar tighten around her neck once more pulling her onto her back as she heard another metal click. She tried once more at getting to her hooves finding herself successful, but upon moving forward… the collar tightened again... “Prepare for another,” She saw the elderly human announce in a booming voice, “Another sacrifice of the unholy. The ungodly. The heretics of the world!” The crowd of green faces erupted in their chant as the elderly human walked off to a part of the room. Applejack turned back to see Frank sitting where she had been not too long ago with his head still lowered… “Frank, if you can hear me, I made it to the wonderland plaza,” Otis stood just outside the hall leading to the restrooms as he looked up towards the coaster, which was still in its furious loop. He held onto the walkie talkie and flashlight as he began to head for a flight of stairs up towards the upper level moving around the zombies in his path. Once up the stairs, he proceeded cautiously towards the coaster taking notice to…the lack of zombies around it. As he approached and walked up the small flight of stairs onto the loading platform, he felt the rush of wind as the single coaster kart came zooming by. “Alright,” Otis said as he put the flashlight and walkie talkie away and moved towards the control panel, “Switch for the ride should be right…here.” Before Otis even laid a finger on the panel, his ears were suddenly filled by a loud revving sound followed by... high pitched laughter. Otis turned from the controls as the kart went flying by once more to see…a clown juggling two chainsaws and looked…familiar as Otis took in the situation. “Adam?” Otis asked as he recalled meeting the children performer the day he was employed at the mall, “What happened to you?” “...You remember it…don’t you Otis,” Adam said as he stopped juggling, “the children…the laughter…the smiles...” Otis felt a wave of nervousness come over him as he stood there watching Adam slowly slip into sobbing as the blades of the chainsaws kept on spinning. “Because of me… I made all the people happy…” Adam continued letting out a chuckle before sniffling, “But then….” “The zombies...” Otis finished hesitantly. “And…you know…” Adam began nodding his painted head, “What happened when they came….everyone…died.” Otis cringed as Adam let out a laugh only a manic would be capable of, but had a hint of sadness hidden in it. Otis took a step back as Adam began to juggle the chainsaws once more humming a tune. “..Uh...Adam,” Otis managed to get out trying to remain calm, “Where did you...get those chainsaws from?” “Mr. Hudson’s store of course. He wasn’t in so I decided to borrow them,” Adam replied in a cheerful tone, but rather too cheerful, “Like I always tell the kids, its ok to borrow something as long as you bring it back.” Otis cringed once again as Adam let out that same laugh as he watched him toss both chainsaws into the air and roll forward. Otis quickly side stepped from the controls as he saw Adam catch each chainsaw by the handle and give a preforming bow balancing each saw expertly in his hands. “They hate the noise, Otis,” Adam said getting up on both of his feet, “But not the children, or anyone else. So I thought I would give everyone a nice happy ride.” Otis turned to see the kart come soaring past once again, but this time, he could see…someone on it. “Adam, I think you should let whoever is on get off right now and..,” Otis began slowly trying to think of the right words while turning to face the on edge performer, “….and let…others get on. Wasn’t that something you taught the kids? Taking turns?” Otis watched, praying what he said would work, as Adam seem to ponder this for a moment not lowering the chainsaws one bit. “I did,” Adam said before going to a tone of fear, “But the noise, its keeps them away… The ride… can’t stop...” “Just for a moment,” Otis insisted, “Then you can start it right back up.” Otis watched as Adam ponder this for another moment, before setting down one of his chainsaws and begin to fiddle with the control panel. Otis heard the gears of the coaster shutter for a moment as he looked to see the kart slowing down. It pulled into the loading area with ease before coming to a complete stop, only to confirm Otis’s fears. “Greg,” Otis said as he rushed towards the kart, “You ok?” Otis looked upon the fellow employee who seemed barely conscious; however, he saw Greg's eyes suddenly shoot open and begin to breath fast and tremble in the kart. “Greg! Greg, it’s me, Otis,” Otis exclaimed grabbing Greg’s shoulder to stabilize him, “You’re ok. Just remain calm.” “Ok kiddies!” Adam’s voice announced, “It’s time to get off the ride for now. Let’s give someone else a turn.” Otis looked towards Adam to see him reaching into the front of the kart and pulling out…two blood covered dolls and tossing them away. Otis turned back to face Greg who was now taking deeper breaths, but still shaking... “Come on! Who’s next in line!?” “Come on Greg,” Otis said as he began to help the fellow employee out of the coaster, “Let’s get you out of here.” That’s when he heard the loud revving of the chainsaws drawing Otis’s attention from Greg back to Adam who was now back wielding both chainsaws, but...with a frown on his face this time. “He can’t leave,” Adam said as he cornered Otis, “He tried to stop the ride...” “Adam, look at him,” Otis pleaded while motioning to Greg, “The man probably can’t stand…” Otis found his words fail him as he found himself in a cold…death like stare with Adam as the chainsaw revved loudly with each passing moment. Suddenly, Adam dropped the chainsaws and immediately grabbed Otis pinning his arms to the side in a death grip hug. “Alright kiddies, the ride is full. You’ll have to wait,” Adam announced back in his cheerful tone as he carried Otis to the free seat in the coaster, “Please keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times.” Otis heard Adam let out that same cringe worthy laugh as he found himself in the front seat of the coaster. Before he could even attempt to escape, he found the restraint of the coaster pulled over him tightly pinning him down. “ADAM!” Otis only got a response in a high pitched laugh as he felt the coaster jerk a bit before slowly moving forward. He quickly removed the restraints on him only to find the coaster had cleared the loading area and was quickly gaining speed. Otis put the restraints back on before reaching into his pocket and pulling out the walkie talkie. "Frank, can you hear me?" Otis called out into the device as the coaster began its first turn, "Frank!" Frank stared off into space as his senses begged for him to come back…or at least…he thought it was his senses. He looked down at his bounded hands eyeing the cable tie wrapped around the outside of his wrists. He could hear the sound of voices chanting something he couldn’t make out and the sound of his own breathing. Then he began to hear….the steady beat of…a camera clicking as if it were taking a picture. He closed his eyes trying to shake the noises from his head as he heard a commanding voice begin to chant as the camera beat became faster and faster. Frank! Git up! Gramps. Go get that fella alright? As long as you aren’t dead, Fred. Get down Mr. West! You’re lucky the general is allowing a photographer on the base. The name’s Frank. Frank west….west…west…west… Frank had his eyes wide open as he looked in his peripheral vision to see… Applejack chained by the neck with red on her face... An elderly man chanting something while making gestures with one hand while the other held a sword... A large group of people dressed in yellow coats…wearing green soulless masks.... His eyes drifted downwards to his hands to see the point where the two ends of the cable wire met was pressed against the outside of his right wrist. Frank took one more look up before his breathing began to increase…. ...as he felt the space between the outside of his wrists and the cable wire begin to tighten…and tighten...and tighten... Author's Note Hello again everyone. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and are enjoying the story so far. Sorry this one taking a while, I had to work on a wedding video for a friend of mine's older brother while doing this but either way. Leave your feedback in the comments below and have a great day everyone. Case 3-5: The Light/Man in the MonitorApplejack’s heart raced uncontrollably as she stared into her reflection’s frightened eyes for a brief moment while she watched the elderly human raise the sword up. The green face crowd kept chanting, quickly getting louder as the human held the sword over his head. The chanting was getting faster and faster coming closer to a climax of noise. She tried once more at escaping but immediately found herself restricted. The world around her began to spin as she found herself shaking and unable to control her breathing…the thoughts of home coming back to her… “ERAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Applejack found her breathing suddenly back under her control as the world came back into focus. She saw the elderly human begin to sport a look of slight confusion and start to turn away while lowering the sword. She heard the yell continue, drowning out the chanting as she saw the elderly human take a step back coming ever so closer. “Seize him!” She heard him shout to the crowd as she felt her heart beat faster. She looked to where his legs were underneath the robe, now taking in slow breathes as she lowered her eyebrows, just as everything seemed to slow down. Looking past the human, she saw the crowd begin to direct its attention of somewhere else. She pulled her attention back, seeing the elderly human take another step back into some sort of fighting stance as the sounds of a struggle filled her ears. Applejack found herself focusing on the bent knees as she clenched her teeth and her breathing slowly becoming deep. Drawing in a breath and holding it, Applejack turned with a jump and landed on her front legs drawing her hind legs back keeping them close together. She thrust them out finding her hoofs quickly make contact before hearing the elderly human let out a yelp. She turned quickly to see the elderly human falling over as the sword dropped onto the ground with a loud clang. She let out the breath she held as she saw him start to blindly reach for the sword. “You dare…defy the...” The human muttered with the pain obvious in his voice, “the loving arms of…” Applejack quickly drew in another breath and leaped forward within her available range. She raised her right front leg and brought her hoof down hard. She was greeted with the sound of snapping bone and a loud scream erupting in the room. She looked up to see Frank with a face full of rage coming through the crowd as she brought her hoof up momentarily. “HETHEN!” Applejack suddenly felt something press against her chest and begin to push her off her hooves. In that moment, she found herself flying back, right into the held up fabric behind her, causing it to come off its support and fall on top of her. She dropped to floor but quickly tried to get up, pushing the fabric off her head. She came from under to see the elderly human, holding a hand close to its body, picking up the sword, now steaming mad. She backed up letting him come closer before crouching, ready to move. “My soul will not rest till every damn sinful creature is exiled from this earth!” The human yelled while moving forward, “And you will not stand in my wa-” “REEAHH!” Applejack looked to see Frank barrel right into the elderly human from behind. She saw the human stumble forward and quickly delivered another kick sending the human off in the other direction. She turned around to see him fall onto the ground past the light posts by the fabric and collide with one of the nearby candle posts, causing the lit candle to topple over. Applejack saw the hot liquid wax fall onto the human’s face and robe as the rest of the candle landed on the ground and rolled away. She watched as the human let out a cry in agony before dropping the sword and frantically ripping the wax droplets off. She saw him begin to crawl away letting out a ‘gah’ before collapsing to the ground…now breathing heavily. Applejack turned her attention away for a moment, seeing the crowd of green faces…just standing there… “Salvation,” The elderly human finally muttered, bringing Applejack’s attention back. “will always...triumph over sin.” Applejack kept her breathing silent as she watched along with Frank while the elderly human looked back at her and him before slowly reaching for the sword. She watched as his body stretched out further…part of his robe coming ever so close to… “It awaits you….all of you…” The elderly human growled, starting to rise as the flames followed in suit, “With open…. arms…” Then the human was standing once again, Applejack felt her anger lift for a moment as she went wide eyed. She watched him bring up the sword, managing to use his broken hand and not registering at once the flames that were slowly creeping up the robe. She turned to look at Frank, who had a look of shock start to come over him, before turning back and readying herself as the elderly human began to let out a yell at the top of his lungs, before charging forward with the sword raised high above his head. “APPLEJACK!” Letting instinct kick in, Applejack quickly dodged to the left in her available range as she heard the sword strike the floor. She turned back to see the elderly human falling onto the ground towards the fabric with the flames quickly rising up the robe. She stood there, frozen stiff and wide eyed as she felt the heat radiating from the flames just as the yell turned into an equally loud scream. Applejack watched the flames begin to engulf the flailing human, as the fabric began to catch as well. She looked up over the flames to see Frank pulling a piece of the fabric that hadn't caught yet and tossing it over the flames. The fabric lowered and smothered part of it, but the ones not covered began to catch on the fresh piece of fabric. She watched Frank back away still staring at the blaze as the flames continued raging… The screaming eventually stopped abruptly…as did the flaying… Applejack watched as the flames engulfed the entirety of the fabric causing it to curl in on itself. She remained silent just staring at the burning pile taking a bit of the accumulating smoke in with each breath… The sound of something shuffling of to her left caught her attention. She turned and saw Frank rummaging through a few items on a shelf by a corner of the room. She saw him pick up what looked like a red cylinder with a white stripe on it before seeing him pull something off and fling it away. She backed up a bit as he advanced towards the flames. She then saw him direct a funnel towards the fire before a stream of white smoke came rushing out along with a gushing sound. Applejack watched as the fire was smothered by the invasion of the smoke as the radiating heat began to fade away. She saw Frank hold the smoke trail on the flames before directing it upwards and spraying at the accumulating smoke overhead. The flames were soon gone before Frank set the red cylinder down as Applejack got a good look. Most of the fabric was now ash as well as the robe. The human’s body was severely burned… with large portions of the skin was swelling red or charred black... piled together boils with some popped…white and black swollen blisters… some with large open gashes showing the insides just below or other pieces of dead skin. She could see the human’s face…or what was left of it…the lifeless look embedded on it… the lights gone from his eyes. “Applejack…” Applejack tore her gaze from the body to see Frank looking off towards the green face crowd...there was a barely audible murmur going through the crowd and after a while…one of them slowly walked forward. She got herself ready for anything but saw the green faced figure stop and look at the body in front of her. She lowered her gaze for a moment further imprinting the image of the body in her mind before looking back up at the figure. She saw two more approaching as well but…they were carrying a box that they set down near the body before returning to the crowd. “Thank...you…” The lone green face whispered with a bit of anguish, before turning and walking away. Applejack looked to Frank only to see him return a confused look before focusing their attention on the box. She tried to walk forward, but quickly remembered the collar just as Frank took notice. Soon she felt the collar come off her neck, before walking around the burnt body and coming up to the box with Frank by her side. She took a step back as Frank moved forward and threw open the top lid before taking a look inside. She saw him start to rummage through it and begin to pull something out. Applejack walked forward to have a look for herself, but the sound of something suddenly smashing caught her attention. She looked and saw the crowd starting to leave however several members were tossing some sort of equipment onto the floor that shattered to pieces when it made contact. “Hey!” Applejack saw the group be startled for a moment before turning tail and running for the door to leave along with the others. She abandoned the box and ran after them just as they had all exited. She caught the door right before it closed only to see the few she had been chasing mix back into their identical comrades ultimately losing sight of them. She watched the group scatter into the park past the zombies, with a few rounding a corner visible from the doorway and some heading off towards the other side of the park. “Drat,” Applejack muttered to herself as she watched the crowd disappear from view. She retreated from the door and walked back over to Frank to see him tossing various pieces of clothing out of the box. She stood waiting patiently as Frank soon pulled out his clothing which appeared to be in decent condition. She saw him look at her sporting a look of minor concern as he began to dress himself. “You alright?” He asked, breaking his silence as he finished putting on his pants and started on his shirt, “Applejack?” APPLEJACK…! Applejack felt her heart sink in an instant as a cold chill run over her. She remembered clearly her name being yelled during the confrontation with the elderly human…but also remembered…not hearing Frank’s voice… “Who the hell are these guys?” Kay awoke from her nap at the sound of Burt’s voice and looked up to see him still observing the monitors, but now was standing up from his chair focusing on one screen in particular. Kay sat up from her lying position and sat on the edge of the green cushions. “What is it?” She asked as she watched Burt continue to scan the monitor. Her only response was Burt pointing to the monitor holding his attention as her eyes followed in suit. She got up from the cushion and walk over to have a better look. At first, she saw nothing but zombies in an area she recognized as the food court. However… upon taking a better look, she noticed a group of figures that were bunched together and standing completely amongst the undead. Looking for a bit longer, she noticed they seem to be wearing the same clothes, despite the quality of the feed. “Zombies are just walking past them,” Burt commented as Kay looked once more. Upon giving it another look, she saw he was right. Multiple zombies were stumbling past the group of figures as if they weren't even there. “Why would they be out there like that?” Kay asked as she kept her eyes on the monitor. “Not sure,” She heard Burt reply, before he pausing for a moment, “huh, but they’re now running for their lives apparently,” Kay turned to Burt and then back to the monitor trying to process what he had said, before seeing him point to a different monitor. She was greeted with overhead view of the Paradise Plaza and its assortment of zombies. However, she took notice to familiar figures running through the area in a panic and this time, the zombies were taking notice. Kay then took notice to a man suddenly coming from the lower left of the screen. She watched him walk towards the incoming figures and zombies with what looked like a jar and…a gun in hand. “Who is that?” Kay asked pointing to the monitor… The only response she got was hearing Burt's breathing become slow and deep... “That's him...son of a bitch who nicked,” Kay looked at Burt and then back to the monitor to see the figures passing the man as the zombies began to focus on him. She saw the man raise the gun and begin to fire at the undead crowd. The zombies closing in on the man fell to the ground as the next wave was slowly moving to take their place. Kay saw the man fiddle with the jar as the zombies closed in before swatting at the air while turning in a circle for a moment. She saw him stop swatting quickly put the lid back on the jar before raising the gun and firing at the zombies once more. “Where the fuck is Frank? The bastard's right here...” Frank stood silent in the candle lit room as he examined the broken piece of film equipment in his hand. After having found and put his clothes back on while securing his camera, he had tried to see if anything could be salvageable from the mess of broken equipment, but the bits of microchips, shattered lens, and overall broken component he now held said otherwise. He turned to look at Applejack and let out a sigh before tossing the now piece of junk away while shaking his head. Almost as if…everyone’s already dead… Frank drew in a breath as the voice echoed in his head. He looked towards the doors to leave before looking back at Applejack. He let out the breath he held and gave her a small nod as she gave one in return before turning around and walking towards the door just as he recalled… “Hold on,” Frank turned towards the open box hearing Applejack stop in her tracks as he did. He reached into the almost empty box and rummaged around a few other pieces of clothing before pulling out a brown cowboy hat. He walked over and crouched in front of Applejack before handing her the hat. “Thanks, partner,” She said with a small smile, before taking the hat in her mouth and flipping it onto her head. Frank returned the smile with a nod before the two of them began to walk away, but… He stopped for a moment and found himself turning to look at the burnt corpse once again. He walked forward bringing the camera up to his face as he heard the doors to the room begin to open. He zoomed in focusing on the area of the corpse, the light posts, and where the fabric was once held up. He snapped a picture before zooming up on just the corpse and snapping another picture. “Ya’ll ready to go..?" Frank brought the camera away from his face before turning and giving a nod to Applejack before taking one last look and turning away towards the door. “Yeah, let’s go.” Author's Note Hello everyone, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and are enjoying the story so far. First off, I want to apologize for the chapter taking a while. I also want to clear up why the chapter changed from 4-1 to 3-5 on my user page. That was a title mistake on my part which I noticed when this chapter was being finished up. 4-1 will be the next chapter. Anyway, be sure to leave your feedback in the comments below and once again. Have a great day everyone Case 4-1: Performance Confrontation Case 4-1: Performance Confrontation Frank stepped out into the park with Applejack by his side. His sight was blinded for a moment before adjusting to the sunlight. As he heard the door slam shut behind him, he and Applejack began to walk away. He looked down to see her using a single hoof to wipe the ceremonial paint from her face and crouched down to lend a hand, but… paused and found himself staring off into space…he couldn't help but feel something clawing at the back of his head though he couldn't put his finger on it. “Frank…?” He heard Applejack ask as he continued to stare off, “What is it..?” Frank found no words to reply as he quickly reached into his coat pocket while standing up. He pulled out the walkie talkie, quickly turning it on and bringing it up to his face. “Otis, can you hear me?” There was no immediate response, however, Frank was greeted with the sound of static combined with what sounded like rushing wind and gears rapidly turning, erupting from the speaker. “Frank! I’m in the wonderland plaza.” Otis’s voice exclaimed from the speaker as Frank heard him let out a grunt, “..damn…the coaster’s speeding out of control…you gotta hurry…Greg’s getting worse…” As Otis’s voice cut out, Frank clenched the walkie talkie in his hand and immediately took off towards the food court with Applejack not far behind. Before he had even covered several feet of ground, the sound of muffled gun shots crept into his ears. He came to a stop in his tracks and turned to look back towards the Paradise plaza. Frank bought the walkie talkie up as another ray of shots rang out… all in rapid succession… JACK! NOOOOO! Frank clenched the walkie talkie tighter, his knuckles starting to go white as he started to walk forward. He quickly shoved the device into his pocket before reaching for his camera; he brought it up to his face and zoomed in on the windows. He saw nothing but the zombies...and a lone figure making its way through the crowds. The split second the figure was in frame Frank snapped a picture in reflex before he moved to keep the figure in view. However, he lost it quickly as he saw it. “Frank….?” He heard Applejack ask as another round of shots was heard, “…is it him?” Frank continued to stare at the plaza as he slowly lowered his camera. He only gave a silent nod to Applejack as he began to walk forward while the situation began to settle in... “Frank...” Otis’s voice exclaimed from the speaker drawing Frank’s attention back as he stopped walking, “…be careful…Adam’s guarding the controls…” There was another beep and Otis’s voice was gone. Frank immediately pressed the button the on the walkie talkie as he brought it to his face. “Who? Otis, who..” His mind now racing for a decision, the sound of another round of muffled shots caught his attention as his finger came off the button. That’s when he heard it…a high pitched laugh erupted from the speaker and faded just as soon as it had started. Frank felt a chill run through his body… He turned and looked towards the far off windows of the Wonderland Plaza and then back to the Paradise Plaza windows... back and forth....back and forth as his gut violently tightened before lowering his gaze back to the walkie talkie in his hand. “I’ll go get him,” Frank looked up only to stare back at Applejack whom had a determined look on her face. He quickly found the urge to argue as his gut began to tear between... “Be careful, Applejack,” He said giving her a nod as his gut feeling was still present. He saw her return the nod before immediately taking off. He stood there and watched her run off towards the Wonderland Plaza while taking one more look at its windows. Catching a far glimpse of something moving quickly into view before quickly going out, Frank turned back to the Paradise Plaza while drawing in a breath and began to run. He weaved and shoved his way through the crowd of zombies as he came up on the doors to the plaza and swung a single one open. He slammed the door shut at the same time another round of shots rang out and drowned out the noise. Frank quickly crouched behind a small jut up filled with flowers as the shots faded from his ears. He took hold of his camera and peaked around the corner. Looking through the view finder he saw…the man from the roof welding a gun with multiple zombies on the ground. They were all motionless while the rest continued to converge on him as he…swiped at the air with a glass jar… “What the…” Frank whispered under his breath lowering the camera for a moment.. Frank ducked behind cover once again and saw the few straggling zombies now had their attention on him. He peaked around the corner seeing the man still concerned with the other zombies but still had his back to Frank. Frank looked back towards the straggling zombies and saw they were getting closer. He waited for another round, but it never came. He quickly peaked around the corner to see the man fidgeting with the jar…with the gun now holster on his shoulder and barely any zombies close by. Quickly judging the distance, he drew in a breath and began to rise from the ground, just as a single zombie was upon him. As he rose from cover, Frank shot out his hands and gripped the zombie by the torso and shoved it away before quickly transitioning into a run. Giving it his all, he kept his eyes locked on the man as he threw caution to the wind. “REEAAAAAH!” He bent down, curling his right arm across his chest just as the man began to turn around. He slammed violently into the back of the man and swung his arm, pushing the man further and throwing him off. Frank quickly reached out and secured a grip on the holstered gun as he heard the sound of glass shattering. He pulled at the gun causing the man’s arm to be pulled, but Frank saw the man turn with the pull and kick out a leg. Frank felt a foot make contact with his stomach as his fingers slipped from the gun before stumbling backwards. He quickly regained his balance and noticed the man was beginning to un-holster the gun. Frank lunged forward, spreading his arms out and managed to wrap them around the man’s mid-section. Frank heard the man let out a ‘gah’ before the two fell onto the ground. He looked up and saw the gun was now free of the man’s shoulder and lying near them. He quickly let go and reached towards the gun, but felt the man grip his jacket by the sleeve and pull. Frank kept trying to reach forward, but then slammed his elbow back making contact with the man’s face. He threw his arm forward but found the man’s hold on his sleeve still present. Frank tried with his elbow again but found no contact this time before giving his all into reaching forward. His body was racing with adrenaline as his next attempt fell short. Clenching his teeth together, he felt his other hand begin to curl up. Frank pulled his reaching hand back, but turned his body with it and saw the man’s face in clear sight. He raised his clenched fist and instantly brought it down, socking the man right in the side of the face. Frank brought his fist up and brought it back down several times before pausing as the man's face contorted in pain. “Now, you’re going to tell me, what you know,” The man's eyes shot open as his eyebrows lowered in rage. Frank raised his fist up higher, threatening to bring it down once more. Suddenly, Frank saw the man thrust his arms out and grab him by the collar. Immediately, Frank tried to bring his fist down but felt his collar be pulled violently. He found his forehead make clear contact with the man's and the pain immediately engulfed it. Then, in a split second, he felt a cool rush of air on the back of his neck before it was suddenly engulfed in excruciating pain. Instinctively, he opened his mouth to let out a scream before his throat fell short of voice, as he moved his gripping hand to his neck. He had only managed to feel a small bump, before he felt something push him away. He found himself falling onto his back, letting out a ‘ga-’ as the back of his neck continued to burn. Frank tried leaning up but only managed to curl up his body as he let out another incomplete ‘gah’. He tried looking around but found eyesight going hazy as he turned over to his front as he heard the man picking up something… In single moment, Frank saw, through his hazy vision, scatter points of reflecting light nearby, before feeling all his muscles go completely numb as he found himself falling down into darkness… Applejack quickly made her way up a flight of stairs towards the upper level of the area with the childish like center. While ascending, she took notice to the speeding object suspended by a metal rail towards the center of the area. She picked up the speed as she reached the top of the stairs, seeing the metal rail was attached to a blue hollowed out structure. As she approached, she took notice to the lack of zombies on her way towards the structure, but dismissed the thought as she went up another small set of stairs. She paused for a moment as she felt a hoof brush by something on the ground. Looking down she saw…a blood covered plush doll of sorts lying discard on the ground. She looked back to the structure and drew in another breath before continuing on her way. The object came soaring by, creating a rush of air that hit Applejack as she entered the structure. “Otis!?” She waited for a response as she looked around the area seeing not a single soul present. She turned back in time to see the object soar by once more.. “THE LEeeeveeer” Recognizing the fading voice, Applejack watched helplessly as the object soared by once again before she began to search around. Her eyes settled on a small stand right next to where the object had soared past. She upon further hurrying over to it, she noticed the distinct lever on top. She moved her front legs up onto the stand, keeping balance on her back ones, as she reached single hoof towards the lever. Wrapping part of her hoof around it, she gave it a good pull and it slammed into the down position as her ears were greeted with the sound of metal grinding and the release of air. “AHAHAaahahahaahahHAAaaaa!” Applejack immediately backed away from the stand as the laugh faded and turned to be greeted with…a large human in clown makeup, wielding what appeared to be sharp metal blades with moving pieces on the edge, as she took notice to the noise emitting from the blades. She just stared back into the imprinted smiling face, not saying a word. “Children! You have to keep track of your toys!” The clown yelled while turning to face away from Applejack, “Like I say. Clean up after yourselves!” The clown let out another manic laugh while turning back around now juggling the blades expertly. Applejack watched the clown turn around completely just as she heard another rattle of metal like a train pulling into a station. Applejack turned to see Otis and another human sitting in the stationary object, but she quickly noticed the straps around their bodies. “huuuuUUUUUUHHHH, NOOOOOO!” Applejack turned back to see the clown had dropped the spinning blades and was coming right at her. She ready for confrontation and once the clown was upon her, she saw him reach out towards her. She quickly jumped backwards and to the right just out of grabbing range, but the clown was quickly trying once more. Applejack dodged again, going to the left this time, but immediately felt her side bump into the stand nearby. She looked and saw the clown just within reach, but ducked down at the last second. However, she felt something forcefully grab her mane and pull. Her eyes slammed shut as she felt each hair pull at the base of her head as she felt herself being lift up and flung away with great force. Applejack could feel herself in air until she violently slammed into solid cold metal before falling down, letting out a ‘gah’ as she hit the floor. “Nononono! No! No! NOOO!” She heard the clown’s voice scream as she felt her body ach. She finally looked up to see the clown by the stand and saw him slam the lever into the up position as the rattling metal came again. She saw the object was starting to take off as the clown franticly looked around…with a look of fright on his face. “No, come back!” The clown shouted before heading to the entrance of the structure, the look of freight turning to one of sorrow “Children! The zombies will go away! Come back! Applejack quickly got to her hooves and looked towards the stand once more while trying to shake the pain away. “Wait…” She darted her sight to her left and saw the clown…staring directly at her. She watched him stifle a minor sniffle before frowning against his smile. “yoooouuu…..” Applejack watched as the clown reached down and retrieved one of the spinning blades. Suddenly, the clown charged forward, letting out a high pitched shriek. Applejack lunged forward as the clown swung at her, feeling the blade pass over her as she exited harm’s way. “No stopping! No zombies!” The clown yelled, while drawing in a breath after each shout as Applejack found herself on the stairs to the structure, “I won’t let you scare the children off!” Applejack saw the clown pick up the remaining spinning blade before raising them over his head as the rumbling noise escalated quickly to blaring drone. She drew in a breath as the clown charged at her, pointing both blades forward like a raging bull. As the clown was mere inches from her, she quickly leapt away back down the stairs only to stumble once her hooves made contact with the ground. She fell to the ground but quickly moved to get back up. She ran as she heard the clown let out another high pitched yell as the blaring noise was getting closer. She pushed herself back towards the balcony level of the area as she heard something strike the ground behind her, followed by a manic laugh, then… rhythmic humming… “…thought twas all in fun,” She head the clown recite to the tune of his previous humming as she ran down the way she had come. As she was running, Applejack heard something fly right by her and the shattering of glass. “POP GOES THE PONY!” Applejack looked back towards the clown with his head thrown back in a laughing fit, but also noticed…he had set the blades down once again. Lowering her eye brows and clenching her teeth, she stopped, sliding on the floor a bit, before quickly turning around and charging forward. Letting out a yell as she ran, Applejack leaped forward, turning to her left and driving her side into the clown’s stomach, she found her hooves on the ground once more as she heard the clown begin to fall. She backed away, only to see the clown, expertly go into a backwards roll and end up standing once again before reaching for something. Applejack watched as the clown let out another laugh before producing a knife and quickly throwing it. She pulled her head back at the last second, seeing the knife for a split second pass by her head. She followed the knife and saw it drop onto the ground with a clang before sliding across the floor. Her attention was drawn back as she heard the clown, exiting his laughing fit, start to yell. Applejack looked back to see the clown charging straight her. She quickly turned tail and ran, keeping her sights on the knife. As soon as she was upon it, she quickly leaned down and scooped the handle into her mouth. Applejack saw what looked like the glare of a blade out of the corner of her eye and leaped forward back into her run. She looked back, seeing the clown now holding both blades once again, before focusing on the interior of one of the stores on her right. She saw what appeared to be shelves stacked with various boxes behind several counters. With an idea forming in her head, Applejack turned sharply into the store opening. She ran past the counters and went down the first aisle she came to, still hearing the clown in pursuit. She came to a fork in the aisle and took a right, coming to a stop against the shelf. She kept her breathing quiet before lightly peaking around the corner. That’s when she heard it…a light chuckle from the front of the store. “Come out, come out, where ever you are,” The clown’s voice announced, coming from the front of the store, “The children want to play!” Applejack pulled back into cover, right as she heard a gasp… She turned to see a pair of humans cowering near where the shelves of boxes made a corner. One had bandages wrapped around its upper body and were stained with blood… Both were looking right at her with wide eyes. Applejack slowly put a hoof close to her mouth and gave shushing them both through her teeth clenched around the knife, just as she heard steps against the ground. She peaked slightly around the corner once more, expecting to see the clown coming down the aisle. However, she was greeted with an empty aisle, but the sound of steps on the floor continued, occasionally stopping for a short moment before starting up again. Author's Note I owe you guys a big apology and an explanation. Simply put, I was making progress, but something wasn't flowing. As I was trying to make it work, the file (i assume) corrupted. I tried rewriting but it wasn't coming out well since I was trying to recreate the first go through. However, by a stroke of luck I found another copy of the original file. Besides that, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and are enjoying the story so far. Please leave your feedback in the comments below and as always. Have a great day everyone. Case: 0: Welcome to Willamette“Thanks for yur help, Twi. Sure made this season a lot easier.” This is what Applejack said to Twilight as the two carried buckets of apples on their sides. They were in the vast array of apple trees belong to the Apple Family of Sweet Apple Acres. The farm was near the outskirts of Ponyville, one of the various towns in Equestria, and it was the time of year to harvest the apples once more. Applejack had lived in Ponyville from most of her life after finding her calling was going to be at the Apple family’s farm. She made friends along the way and even found her role as the Element of Honesty, one of the various elements of friendship spoken of in equestrian history. “You’re welcome, Applejack,” Twilight replied as they headed back to the Apple farm. “Hey. I need to ask. Could you help me out with an experiment of mine later?” “I’d love to Twi, but I’m havin’ the Cutie Mark Crusaders over,” Applejack said while letting out a sigh. “Rarity has some fashion show she’s stressin’ herself about.” “Well, she has told us these events are really important to her and we know how she can get during them,” Twilight said with a small giggle. “As for the crusaders, those fillies will learn one day, don’t worry Applejack,” “Hopefully,” Applejack said with a small chuckle. “Sorry for letting you down on this one sugar cube. You could get one of the others.” “That’s kinda why I hoped you’d be able to help,” Twilight replied, stopping for a moment, “Pinkie Pie is a bit busy helping out Mr. and Mrs. Cake, Rainbow Dash is taking the day for extensive training, and Fluttershy is caring for her animals, plus I doubt she would want to take part in the first place.” “I see…” Applejack said as she gave the matter some thought, “We’ll finish up here and I’ll help ya. I’ll just have Big Macintosh watch them for the time I’m gone.” “Thanks, Applejack,” Twilight said with delight, “I promise, you won’t be gone long.” "WoooooooHOOOO!" The date was September 19th around 11:56 in the afternoon and Frank West had just leaped from a helicopter. He was a freelance photographer at the prime age of 31 and dressed in a white button-up shirt with a black jacket over that, a pair of green pants, and brown shoes. In his leap, he was parting ways with his hired pilot, Ed Deluca, after getting him close to the roof of the mall in Willamette, Colorado. Being freelance, he had gotten the tip something big was going on from an acquaintance of his. Helicopter proved to be the best choice as he noticed a military blockade just outside the town. The ride through the main part of town was a rather...question raising one. He had seen what appeared to be rioters attacking a single man, a mass of people of had converged on a single school bus, a woman being pushed off a building along with a few other people, and a huge explosion at a gas station with several people...still walking while engulfed in flames. Things hadn't gotten easier when they arrived at the mall as three helicopters intercepted them and Frank was hell bent on getting onto the roof. He kept a hand over his camera as he felt himself start to fall towards the ground below. There was a moment he felt something blinding him but took it as a glare from something reflective on the roof. Once the glare was gone he felt himself collide with something in midair and throwing his descent off. He found himself going in a rough roll which took part of the impact off, but found himself tangling with something before finally coming to a stop. He felt his muscles aching where he made contact with the helipad as he got up to sitting position while rubbing his head with one hand as he felt something lodged near his feet. His vision returned and adjusted to see…an orange pony with a brown cowboy like hat lying unconscious. Darkness…that’s all that Applejack saw. She could remember exactly what had happened before going into darkness… She had arrived to helpTwilight with the experiment…something went hay wire…then nothing… She tried to shove it off as she found her vision returning. Daylight met her eyes and she quickly figured she was just waking up for the day after a night of a strange dream. However…she could feel herself caught on something. As her vision cleared, she was greeted with…a creature with a face of shock and disbelief. Applejack quickly moved to get away. She managed to get from the grip she was in and got in a stance ready to buck-kick the creature at a moments notice. She saw the creature rub its eyes not losing the look on its face. Applejack kept her doubts on the creature’s nature as she began to take in her environment. She had hoped in the back of her mind it was Sweet Apple Acres, but it was a barren looking place…not as lively as Ponyville or Equestria for that matter. “Where am I?” Applejack demanded as reality began to sink in, “And what in tarnation are you?!” The creature didn't reply right away, but rather moved cautiously towards her. Applejack tensed up as the creature was no more than a few inches away. She spun around and slammed her hind legs right into the creature’s chest. It sent the creature right onto his back while skidding a bit against the hard ground they were on. Applejack turned back around expecting a harsh retaliation, but found only the creature on the ground with his wind knock out. “I warned ya,” She stated while walking over to the creature moaning in pain. “Well…at least I KNOW I’m not dreaming….” The creature mumbled before getting up to a sitting position. “Now, Ah’m gonna ask again,” Applejack repeated as she glared at the creature, “Where am I?” Applejack watched the creature rub where she had kicked with a look of pain on his face. “Willamette, Colorado,” The creature answered as he got up, “Planet Earth.” Applejack only had more questions arise with the answer as she continued to watch the creature carefully. He towered over her easily by a several feet. Applejack watched as he reached for some object hanging around his neck and brought it up to his face. Applejack was ready to deliver another buck-kick before she heard a ‘click’ noise before the creature let the object hang from his neck once more. The creature didn't waste a second before walking off. “Hey!” Applejack shouted agitated while following the creature, “Where ya’ll think you’re going?” “Well, I’m going to find out what’s going on in this town,” The creature replied while keeping his attention from her, “And...” “So you both came by helicopter?” Applejack turned her attention with the creature over to another one with the same height of the first. This one, however, had a slightly darker coat (or lack of one) and a longer black mane then the first one. There was something rather…intimidating about him. “Well…” Applejack heard the first creature begin while motioning to her, “I don’t know about…her.” Applejack, knowing she wouldn't be an asset to the conversation, gave the first creature a glare before she trotted over to a jut up in the ground they were on as the two creatures conversed. She placed her front hooves on the top of the jut and hosted herself up to find it was a ledge to a building’s roof several feet off the ground. She got a good view of a nearby town, which reminded her of Manehattan somehow. However…it was less lively and every figure that she could make out seemed to be lumbering about aimlessly. She looked down towards the ground and saw a mass of them converging on something blocked by a wall of the building and that’s when the conversation of the creatures came to her ears with full attention. “It’s too quiet for civil disobedience,” She heard recognizing the voice of the first creature. “Almost as if,” The second creature’s voice said as Applejack was noticing the rather…mindless behavior of the figures in comparison to the ones she had met already, “Everyone’s already dead…” Applejack then heard the faint sound of….groans and moans coming from the figures below her as she gave a shiver at the statement from the second creature. She tore her attention from the view on the ledge to find the second creature leaning against a smaller building on the roof and the first one going through the door to it. “Hey, wait up!” Applejack shouted as she went into a full sprint towards the door. She butted it open with her head before turning towards a flight of stairs that the first creature was descending down. Letting out a sigh, she began to descend the stairs knowing getting home wasn't going to be easy. The clock had just hit 12:00pm as Frank West descended the stairs from the roof with a weird feeling in regards to what the man on the roof had said, combined with what he had witnessed on his helicopter ride in. Part of his mind was still processing the existence of that…pony. He figured it was some hallucination conjured up by the fall he had taken to the helipad, but he wasn't feeling any gash in his head and the man on the roof had seemed to register that there was an orange talking pony there. Speaking of which, Frank thought as he heard the sounds of steps coming down the stairs behind him. Frank turned his head to see the pony coming up along his side with her stern look still present. She seemed to have something on her mind to ask but didn't ask as they approached a door leading to a small control room filled with monitors. A thought finally crossed Frank’s mind as he stopped in the middle of the room and turned to the pony. “I would suggest you stay here,” He explained bluntly, “I don’t think everyone who may be here is ready to see a talking pony considering what may be going on here.” “If you’re expecting me to stay here and not try to find a way home,” The pony replied, in a country accent, “You're sadly mistaken….what in the name of Celestia?” Frank turned his attention to a single monitor showing…a woman being pried from a car by several people and one….biting into her neck and ripping a vein right out. Frank looked on in horror as the recent memories of the flight in and the words of the man from earlier snuck back in to his mind. He didn't wait another second as he turned toward the other door of the monitor room. He quickly entered the room to find part of the mall’s vent system, easily accessible to anyone. Ignoring the ventilation, Frank quickly moved to the metal door in the room and proceeded through it,finding a long corridor with various pipes running the length of it. He quickened his pace with the pony following despite what he had suggested. To him, as long as she didn't cause any trouble for him, it didn't matter despite the inevitable confusion and panic any folks left in the mall would have at the sight of her. At the end of corridor, he was greeted with another door as he began to hear the faint sounds of voices coming from the other side. He quickly opened the door and was greeted with the interior of the mall. He found he and the pony were on an upper level of the area and giving it a quick pan he was able to see various stores placed along the walls ranging from comestics to sporting goods. As he scanned the area from high up, Frank saw it was the main entrance of the mall as he recognized it from his helicopter flight by glass windows above the main doors. On the main level, there was a small group of people and a makeshift barricade at the entrance, which a few were assessing while… a group of those ‘people’ was behind the glass doors. Frank knew it was now or never to find out the truth as he began his descent down a curved set of stairs getting his camera turned on…with that pony following closely behind. Author's Note First off: I want to apologize for the commotion this fic started. I didn't intend for it to go the way it did, but the damage is done and I must learn from this. Thank you commenters for setting me straight in regards to the faults in how the fic was going and telling me what I shouldn’t do while telling how I could improve. Sorry for the trouble and thanks again. Case 1-2: Art or Story/Intoxicated Savior“Well time for some searching.” Otis said as he and Frank entered the paradise plaza. They were greeted with a wide range of stores at every point of the plaza. One section of the plaza was incased by a structure forming a second floor. Sections of vegetation were scattered on the main floor as well as some sections of water just ankle deep. Frank quickly snapped a wide shot of the plaza as the matter of searching came about. “If anyone’s here,” Otis began while pointing towards the other end of the plaza, “They probably barricaded themselves in Jill’s Sandwiches.” “Well that flashlight isn’t going to help…” Frank began as he turned to Otis. Coming up right behind Otis was a zombified security guard reaching right for him. Frank dashed forward and grabbed the zombie by its uniform tossing it towards the wall. It merely bumped into the wall before resuming… “Errah!” Frank watched as Otis gave a rather sloppy strike, but an effective one, to the zombie’s skull with the flashlight. The strike left a gash in the upper left portion of the zombie’s skull as blood began to trickle down the zombie’s face while giving a good sight to crushed gooey brain matter. “Heh…not bad for an old man, eh Frank?” Otis commented while giving a chuckle, “Grab that poor fella’s baton because here come more of them.” Frank turned to see the incoming zombies before crouching down to retrieve the baton attached to the fallen zombie’s belt. Gripping the baton firmly in his right hand and holding his camera in his left, he and Otis began a slow advancement towards Jill’s Sandwiches. They kept close while weaving between zombies only taking the time to dispatch one or a few if the situation was unavoidable. They were coming up on the fountain near the exit to the park and another set of stairs leading up to the second floor. Frank swung the baton striking a zombie with enough force to have part of its neck rip while Otis, who was fending for himself rather well, struck another zombie in the skull, but dead center this time. It was in that temporary moment of no immediate danger Frank got a good look at Jill’s Sandwiches. It had the standard large opening to accommodate the lines during a busy day, the registers at the counter, and various tables easily visible through the glass windows. However…there were no signs of anyone making an attempt to barricade or hold out in the restaurant… “There’s no one in there morons! Now would you kindly get out of my shot now!?” Frank and Otis turned their attention to sound of the voice, which lead their gazes to the second floor to see… a young man dressed in a blue collared shirt and a red vest with exaggerated erect brown hair. He appeared to be holding a camera as well with another hanging from his neck as well. Frank and Otis didn’t waste time as they made their way towards the stairs. They reached the foot of them and quickly made their way up as the zombies below staggered and tripped on their attempts to get up. They rounded a corner after traversing the stairs to be greeted with another restaurant. There were an array of tables and plastic chairs. The restaurant, including the surrounding area of the second level, seemed rather deserted of zombies, but distant moans made any hope of it staying that way diminish. The man in the vest was looking over the edge still while snapping a picture at the zombies below. As Frank and Otis approached him, he turned around only to stop dead in his track upon seeing them. “Good to see someone else alive around here,” Otis commented before extending a hand, “Glad we found you, stranger.” “Kent Swanson, photographer,” The man replied not shaking Otis’s hand and proceeding to walk around the two, “And if you excuse me, I’ve got some photos to take.” “Hold on buddy,” Otis said while putting a hand on the Kent’s shoulder, “It’d be in our best interest to stick together.” “Ha…. That’s a nice one old timer,” Kent said with a chuckle, “But why on earth would I stick with old geezers like you two?” “Ever heard of safety in numbers kid?” Frank asked with a frown, “Plus, we could figure out what caused this.” “Yeah, like anyone left in here is gonna know what caused this,” Kent replied with another chuckle, “Plus, the extra weight would slow me down.” Frank just stood there with Otis as the cocky photographer began to explain how he was there just to take pictures rather than discover anything. Just as Frank was about to give up on the guy, he noticed a zombie had made its way around the corner and was approaching Kent from behind. Its movements and noises were loud enough that he figured Kent could hear it... He made an effort to say something, but Kent cut him off by going on how he was going to be the best with his artsy photos. “And you know what separates me from the rest,” Kent asked as he waited for an answer. Frank was about to take the silence as a opportunity to say something about the zombie, but Kent in a swift motion produced a pistol from his pocket and pointed it behind him before pulling the trigger. The gun went off and in a split second the head of the zombie was in tack and then in the next... the head burst in to bits and pieces of flesh that scattered in all directions. The body fell to the ground reduced to nothing but a pile of rotten flesh as bits of its head splattered on the right side of Kent’s face. “Nothing stands in my way,” He said with a smile before holstering his pistol, “That’s what.” Frank could feel a wave of nervousness flow over him as he kept it from showing. “I could give you some pointers, old man,” Kent said as he wiped the pieces of flesh from his face while motioning to Frank and his camera, “I’ve got time.” Frank lowered his eyebrows as an annoyed look began to creep on his face and he was ready to storm off in more important matters. “Well we ain’t got time for no lessons,” Otis stated while Frank controlled his filling anger, “Have you seen any people around among the living?” Kent let out a sigh with a ‘tsk tsk’ as he pulled back on his ego for the moment. “If your so hell bent on finding someone then fine,” Kent said before moving past them towards the railing he had previously been at, “See the other end of the park?” Frank and Otis walked over to the railing and peered through the large glass windows far from them. They were able to see the park and the zombies occupying it. At the far end appeared to another section of the mall with a glass windows and door entrance. “I came from food court to here since the gate from the Entrance plaza is closed,” Kent explained, “It was completely clear of zombies. If anyone is alive…they’re probably cowering in there.” “Thanks…” Frank replied before he and Otis turned around to exit the restaurant, “Now if you excuse me, I’ve got a story to find out.” They rounded the same corner before coming face to face with zombies, whom had finally made up the stairs after their fallen comrade from not long ago. Frank and Otis got their melee weapons at the ready as the first zombie was in range. Frank swung his baton striking the zombie in the side of the head before shoving it towards the ground. Otis had struck one in the side of the knee causing it to falter and nearly fall over. Otis took the moment of temporary immobility and struck the zombie right in the temple. “Let’s take the stair well behind the sports shop,” Otis exclaimed as another zombie took the fallen one’s place, “Come on. We’re gonna get nowhere here.” Frank pushed aside an oncoming zombie before turning back to follow Otis. They passed the sports store in question seeing a hallway leading to the stairwell. Frank was eager to get a move on, but as he had made a ways down the hallway, he realized Otis wasn’t with him. He turned back to see Otis round the corner holding a baseball bat and a golf club in his hands. “Take this,” Otis said before tossing the bat to Frank, who caught in in a free hand, “It’ll do better than the baton.” Frank turned around to head for the stairwell while putting the baton under his belt. He noticed Otis fumbling with something in the pockets of his coat. He pulled a hand out along with a small white golf ball. “What?” Otis asked after noticing Frank’s look, “Never know when you need to practice your back swing.” They descended the stairwell before coming out near the bathrooms on the main floor. They kept close once again weaving through the zombies, but this time zombies were dispatched more effectively with the new found melee weapons. They were able to make their way towards the doors leading to the park leaving a trail of carnage behind them. Frank held the door open as Otis quickly exited the plaza while Frank moved for his camera. He placed his bat on the floor and quickly zoomed his camera up to Kent, whom was still standing by the railings. Frank focused in and quickly snapped the picture of Kent with a frown on his face. Frank proceeded to scope up the bat and exited the plaza himself. The situation hadn’t improved in the slightest for Applejack, Burt, or Aaron. They were still pinned down as their attacker didn’t let up an inch. “Alright…I’ve got an idea,” Burt announced after another pattern of the same noise rang out, “We need to get to the wonderland plaza, but we need some way to distract…” Right when Burt was about to finish his sentence, Applejack heard a groan followed by a belch. Their attention was turned to the counter in the middle of the section. They heard shuffling across the ground before another creature fell forward out from behind the counter right on his face. “If you need… a distraction…” The creature began with another belch, “Gil Jimenez…is your ma….an…” Applejack watched Gil try to get to his feet in a rather intoxicated manner, which reminded her of Big Macintosh when he had too much apple cider… “Get down you drunk...” Burt exclaimed loud enough for Gil to hear him, not wanting to draw any more attention than already present, “Don’t you hear that psycho taking shots at us?” Applejack just watched in amazement as the drunken Gil managed to get to a crouch before standing up. She also took notice to the green bottle he was holding. “Ahhhh….who harms a drunk….i’m shit for…*hic* use anyway,” Gil said as he started to move towards the stairs while taking a swig of the bottle, “If I die…I’m goin’ out drunk and singin’….” Applejack saw Gil disappear down the stairs and into the attacker’s view as she waited for the worst. She could hear Gil singing some tune through his belches that she made out to be: Down at the end of my bottle Down at the end of last call Slipping right off the throttle Singing my ode to beer and all. She had feeling in her gut it would soon be silenced…. . . . . . “….you gonna kill me?” She heard Gil’s drunken voice ask, “…i’m nothing but a drunk…come on…just shoot…am I not worth your time…” “Crazy drunk…” Burt commented before shifting himself to a crouch, “Come on. While we’ve got this opportunity. We'll cut across to that other restaurant and run like hell for the wonderland plaza.” Applejack followed Burt and Aaron over to another set of stairs still hearing Gil’s drunken ramblings as more belches started to overtake his voice with a mixture of sobs. They came right to the edge of the stairs with a good view of the other restaurant’s stairs. “Ready…?” Burt asked as it was now or never, “Go!” All three of them dashed from their hiding spot and ran for the Wonderland plaza, as Burt had put it. They kept their pace up weaving through the new restaurant before descending another set of stairs. They turned around the corner and rushed towards the open corridor in front of them. That’s when the pattern of noise rang out. They had just made it to an enormous area when Applejack heard Burt let out a violent scream. She came to halt to see Burt on the ground holding his leg with blood flowing right out. She rushed over with Aaron and quickly tried to help Burt up before…. “HEY! I’M TALKING TO YOU ASSHOLE!” Applejack turned to see Gil tossing his bottle right at the attacker which made direct contact despite his drunken state. Then it happened in a swift moment…. the pattern noise rang out and Gil was on the ground…lifeless… “Come on!” Applejack shouted as Aaron had finally gotten Burt up in support before they both made their way into the Wonderland plaza. Once they were out of danger’s way, they didn’t have time to rest as the zombies had set their sights on them. Aaron was helping Burt apply pressure to the bleeding wound as the situation grew worse. “Hey, take the bat,” Applejack heard Burt mumble out while holding the bat out to her, “you’re gonna have to take care of these things…kicking them won’t get us much farther.” Applejack bit down on the grip holding the bat in her mouth as she started to wonder… “Ehhh…damnit,” Burt mumbled again, “What the hell was I thinking?” It was about that time a zombie had made its way over to the trio. Applejack didn’t show any hesitation as she tossed the bat up with her mouth while getting up on her hind legs. She used her front hooves to grip the bat as she moved into a back swing then right into a forward. The bat made contact with the zombie’s side sending it onto the ground before sliding across leaving a trail of blood. “Not bad for a farm pony,” Applejack asked with a smirk. “Not bad…” Burt commented before frowning, “So how are you gonna get past all those others coming this way?” Applejack quickly scanned the area taking Burt’s words to thought hoping to find something of use. “Wait here,” Applejack said before pushing the bat over to Aaron before taking off further in the zombie infected plaza. Weaving in and out of zombies, she passed several stores and a play area filled with toys. She stopped in place once she caught sight of a light blue cart being pushed by a large zombie. She was about to buck kick the thing when she noticed pipe…a lead one at that. It was stuck in the various holes of the cart as Applejack formed a daring idea. Normally she wouldn’t even think of killing anything let alone another pony, but given the circumstances…. She ran up on the zombie and kart’s right side taking one of the pipe’s ends in her mouth and pulled the pipe out of the cart. It was just about the length of the baseball bat but slightly heavier with a portion protruding towards her right. She dashed forward before spinning and driving the end of the pipe right into the back of the zombie. The end penetrated the skin and exited through the other side going through one of the holes in the kart. She retracted the pipe quickly before turning her head to drive the pipe into the side of the zombie. She used the new found connection to pull the zombie away from the kart and toss it away letting the pipe slip right out now blood covered. She gave the kart a good buck kick sending it back the way she came. She spun around and took off after the kart. As the kart started to loose momentum, she spun around in a leap while giving it another kick before returning to her run. A zombie eventually got in her way on her pursuing in which she turned her head while keeping her pace. She felt the end of the pipe make contact and dig into the zombie taking it off its leg but slowing her pace. She swung her head around giving the zombie enough momentum to slide right off. She kept the kart on a roll before giving it a good kick towards Burt and Aaron. “Heads up partners!” She mumbled through her clenched teeth as the kart made contact with the wall. “Alright…we can work with this… Aaron,” Burt said while taking the bat from him, “Set me in the kart.” Applejack turned around ready to dispatch any oncoming zombies as Aaron worked to get Burt into the bed of the kart. “Alright let’s get this freak show on the road then…” Burt said as he kept the bat close and elevated his injured leg onto the front side of the kart, “Aaron, you push…you pony... keep those things off Aaron.” “Sure thing partner…” Applejack mumbled through her clenched teeth, “You know where you’re going?” “Well there’s a pharmacy in the supermarket of the north plaza….over there” Burt said while pointing to the other side of the plaza as Aaron got the kart moving towards the zombies, “We’re gonna need to take care of this wound. Bastard nicked me good; fortunately I’ve managed to control the bleeding…infection however…er…is another story.” Applejack nodded as she kept alongside the kart for the run towards the other side of the plaza. They passed the rest of the stores and the play area Applejack had seen earlier while dodging or dispatching zombies along the way before passing a giant pink bunny statue. Just past that was a large corridor with stairs leading up into another area. Knowing the kart wasn’t going to make it up the stairs, they stopped at the foot of them and Applejack took guard as Aaron got Burt out. Aaron proceeded to give Burt support off his leg before they were clear to start up the stairs. The ascent was painfully slow as Aaron put more effort into his climb with the added weight just to keep up with Applejack. Once they reached the top they were greeted with more zombies in a narrow corridor leading to what appeared to be another open area. There also appeared to be another entrance in the farthest part of the area. “Damnit….Aaron… quickly get the kart,” Burt ordered with dread in his voice at the sight before them. Applejack scanned the area in front of them noticing a zombie chowing down on a dismembered leg. An idea popped into her mind before she dashed forward while turning her head in a way that aimed the end of the pipe towards that leg. The pipe’s end pierced through the dismembered leg like a pitchfork as Applejack yanked the feast right from the zombie’s mindless attention. “Dinner’s served!” Applejack tried to shout but came out as a mumbled before charging into the zombies catching their attention. Just as she had hopped, most of them were following her and the food on a leash drawing closer to the open area and clearing the way. She took notice of structures of metal with stacks of wood on them much like walk ways. She noticed a portion of it suspended high above the floor as she directed herself towards it. She titled her head leaning the end of the pipe onto the ground as she used a hind leg to scrap the bloody limb off the end as she eyed another one. She proceeded in the same manner of sticking the limb and returning to the same spot. After several trips, she had formed a small pile of limbs which was drawing a crowd of zombies from all directions. She waited near the pile with the pipe as the zombies drew ever so closer and closer… The moment they were upon her, she broke out moving towards the closet part of the structure getting on top of the wooden walk way. She moved up it before leaping up to another level of the structure before getting to the portion just above the pile of flesh. She set the pipe down before using her front hooves to push the piece of wood next to the one she was on forward. She managed to slide it off the structure a ways before gravity took control. The wood titled forward and tumbled to the ground slamming into the heads of the zombies below while crushing a few beneath its weight added with the fall. She turned her head to see Aaron supporting Burt as they were making their way into the area. Applejack picked up the pipe once again and descended the structure in the same manner as she had gotten up. Once on the ground, she ran over to join Aaron and Burt while defending them as they were making their way over to the green entrance of the supermarket, as Burt had mentioned before. Aaron was the one to get the door this time for them enter. “Pharmacy door… should be over there,” Burt mumbled as tried to keep off his injured leg. The interior of the supermarket was composed of several aisles of food and stands with baskets filled to the brim. The floor was a black and white diamond pattern and reflected the light shining from above. The trio made their way across the supermarket taking notice of the absence…of zombies… They didn’t trust the situation for its face value, but Burt’s injury was in top priority. They passed the row of aisles and several stands before coming to a pair of metal doors. “Hopefully these are unlocked,” Burt said as Aaron used a free hand to give the doors a push finding they were, “Come on.” Applejack followed the two through the doors to a very narrow corridor that made a sharp turn to the left. Just as she heard the doors close behind her, she heard something...the sound of something… metal…rattling close by and then fading out. Author's Note I was hoping to get this chapter up early this week, but hopefully to eliminate any grammar mistakes. I took a few days to go over the chapter before posting it. Hopefully a majority of the mistakes have been dealt with, but if there are any still in there. I'll take care of them when I notice them during touch up or if made mentioned in the comments. Also thanks for reading everyone. Case 1-3: Rules of the Store/Off the chain“Ok, Aaron… wipe the tweezers off with the alcohol pad,” This is what Applejack head Burt instruct Aaron to do now that they were in the pharmacy, as Burt had put it earlier. She couldn’t get her mind off the sound from earlier, but kept her attention on Burt. “The bullet….its acting a cork right now…” Burt said, “You’re gonna have to pry it out…make sure you have the bandages and are ready to clean the wound…” Applejack watched as Aaron took a metal tool, apparently called tweezers, and move one of the ends towards the wound in Burt’s lower leg. Aaron dug the end into the wound and he speared tweezers a bit before pressing them together. That’s when Applejack heard…the rattling metal once again. She turned to the windows of the pharmacy to see nothing except the market on the other side. “Ya’ll hear that?” She asked not taking her attention from the window in hopes to see what was causing the sound. “It’s probably a fuckin’ zombie pushing a kart….seen a few already…er,” Burt began as he returned to the urgent matter, “Just get this bullet out…” Applejack however questioned it. The rattling seemed to fast…for a zombie. She heard Burt let out a ‘gah’ before turning her attention back to him. Aaron was attempting to pull something right out of Burt’s leg. She saw Aaron breathe in before giving another pull. Something gave way and the tweezers’ end came right out of the wound clutching a small metal object. Aaron proceeded to take a cloth and deal with the wound as it was starting to bleed. She saw Burt give a look reflecting stinging pain as she heard the rattling metal again….but much louder. “Ah’m gonna have a look,” She stated before moving towards the door to exit the pharmacy. “Don’t wonder off...ERrrrrr…” She heard Burt say as Aaron proceeded to aid him, “Alright Aaron, wrap the bandages…need to stop this new bleeding…” Applejack proceeded down the corridor from before and exited to the two metal doors. She was greeted once again with the interior of the supermarket as she began searching around. Passing several stands letting the aroma of food envelop her, she came across nothing… Just an empty and lifeless market. She gave up on her search before heading back to the two metals doors to check up on Burt and Aaron….as she heard a screech of metal making her freeze in place. She turned around slowly coming to face… a creature, whose apron was drenched in blood. “NO PETS IN MY STOOOOOOOOOORE!” The creature yelled in a booming voice much like Princess Luna's. The creature’s face was showing complete rage. He was holding onto a kart that contained several sharp tools protruding out towards the front. “Your owner….is going to pay…” The creature said as if he had to process the next part after another, “OUT OF THE PHARMACY!!!!” Applejack flinched at the sudden outburst realizing how long this creature had been around. “I know you’re in there!” The creature roared while motioning to the windows of the pharmacy, “I WON’T STAND FOR LOOTERS!” “Someone’s hurt,” Applejack said finally finding a moment of silence, “He got nicked in the…” “RAAAAAAHH!” The creature shouted before moving the kart to where it and its sharp tools were pointing directly at Applejack. “APPLE...ack…er PONY!” Applejack wiped her head to the right to see Burt and Aaron at the windows of the pharmacy taking note of the scene before them. “HE’S OFF THE DEEP END!” She saw Burt shout, “RUN!” “I. will not. have my store. LOOTED… BY A FUCKING POONNNNNY!” Applejack heard the insane creature shout before drawing in a breath. It pushed the kart forward in a rage filled dash with an understood intention of killing. Applejack didn’t waste any time and took off out of the way danger weaving around the various sections of food. She turned to see the creature come to screeching halt and violently turn the kart around facing her once again. The creature made several attempts to properly maneuver the kart quickly but to no real avail. She saw the creature pull a metal object out from the kart and take it in hands much like the object used by the creature in the food court. Applejack dashed for cover behind one of the aisles as she heard a loud blast. “GET BACK HERE!!” Applejack ran down the aisle as she heard the creature moving the kart in pursuit. “YOU CAN’T HIDE FROM ME IN MY STOOOORE!” She came up on the end of the aisle only to be greeted with a loud screeching of metal as the creature blocked her path. She turned herself around as the creature maneuvered the kart into the aisle before perusing once more. Applejack came up on the end of the aisle trying to figure a way to deal with the crazed creature. She noticed several counters with equal space between them right in front of her. She had an idea form recalling how the sharp tools were projecting out of the kart. “Giddy up partner!” She shouted to the creature as she pushed herself towards one of the gaps between the counters. Once she had cleared the space, she heard the kart make contact before taking a look back. The kart would have made it through but one of the various tools snagged on one of the counters inhibiting movement. Applejack saw the creature draw for the metallic object once again as she made a dash for cover. She managed to get behind one of the counters as the loud blast came once again. She heard something make contact with the counter before the creature let out another roar. “LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DOOO!” Applejack looked over to the two metal doors to see Aaron and Burt exiting the doors. “I’ll keep him busy fellas!” She shouted to them as she heard the kart screeching once again, “JUST GET OUT OF HERE!” Applejack ran from cover back the way she came to be greeted with the mad creature charging at her. She veered off to the right and came around the kart. She heard the creature turn the kart around taking his attention from Burt and Aaron. She ran towards the stands of various foods as an idea formed. She gave the nearest one a kick sending several pieces of the food onto the ground. She heard some make a ‘splat’ once they hit the ground before being drowned out. “NO! NO! NO! NOOOOOO!!!! MY STOOOOREE! YOU’LL PAY! YOU’LL PAY!” That’s when Applejack heard it, the sound of the kart screeching once again and the sound of its rattle fading away. She turned to see the creature going back behind the aisles in the direction towards the pharmacy. She went after him knowing well who he was shifting his rage towards. “HEAD FOR THE DOOR!” She came to a halt and whipped her head around to see Burt and Aaron rounding a corner of the aisle near the stands of food. Applejack was in mid turn for the main entrance… “BURT!” She turned to see Aaron pushing Burt away causing him to fall onto the ground without the support…the creature came right out of nowhere and rammed his weaponized kart into Aaron. Applejack saw several of the sharp tools tear right into Aaron’s torso ripping the flesh right off him and causing blood to fly onto various foods nearby. The creature pulled his kart to a stop and pulled back quickly causing Aaron to slide right off the impaling tools and fall onto the ground…lifeless…like Gil. “AARON!” She heard Burt’s voice yell at the top of his lungs. Applejack watched as the creature pulled the same metallic object from before and walk right over to where Aaron’s lifeless body rested. Burt was moving himself backwards on the ground towards Applejack as she saw the creature reach down and pick up Aaron’s body before tossing it over a stand. The body landed right near Burt causing him to let out a scream as the sight of his friend. Applejack noticed the creature aiming the object right at Burt with the sadistic smile curled on his face. It was in a split second the creature adjusted his aim and the loud blast was heard once more accompanied with a flash of light from the object. In that same second, Applejack saw Aaron’s head exploded in a bloody mess with chunks of flesh scattering. Bits of the flesh found itself on Burt’s face, which let out another scream as his frantic backwards crawl had him arrive near Applejack. “GET….OOOOOOOUUUUUUTTTT!” The creature shouted with full body rage. Applejack helped Burt as she could to his feet as they made their way quickly, despite Burt’s newly wrapped injury, towards the entrance of the supermarket as they both heard it. “CLEAN UP! ASILE ONE!” Applejack let out a sigh as she and Burt exited the supermarket reentering the North Plaza, as Burt had called it. She couldn’t get the image of Aaron’s death out knowing well Burt had seen it close up. “He’s dead…..fuckin’…he was…gonna live,” She heard Burt exclaim in his state of shock, “didn’t deserve that….” Applejack felt a wave of uneasiness come over here as she scanned the area of the plaza. It was still filled with zombies that were no making their way towards them. She knew they would have to make a run for it but Burt’s injury limited that possibility and his state of mentality wasn’t helping. “I get to live while he gets a fuckin’ buckshot to the face….” She heard Burt say sensing the anger rising, “I mean... WHAT THE FUCK!?” “Burt!” Applejack shouted gathering his attention, “You’ve gotta pull yurself together. We need a way out of here.” “Errrr….fine…” Burt grunted out before a sob came over his voice, “But why…why him…why the fuck him….” “Ah’m gonna getcha out of this place,” Applejack insisted, “Aaron would of wanted that…BURT!” Applejack saw Burt start to make his way down the other corridor of the North Plaza. He was making a decent pace as the zombies were starting to follow him. Applejack quickly caught up with him as they were closing in on a large group of zombies. “What in tarnation are you doing!?” Applejack shouted trying to get Burt to stop his suicidal advancement. “We can’t go back the other way…” Burt explained in a tone of lost hope, “…the park is our best bet for now…” “But don’t you see the…er never mind,” Applejack started before shoving the matter aside and proceeded to buck kick at the zombies obstructing Burt’s path. She quickly looked around to find something of use as her sight came across…another structure much like the one near the supermarket. However this one ran the length of the left wall just over the zombies’ heads. “Get up on there if you insist...” Applejack said as she motioned to the structure with one of her hooves. Frank and Otis were making their way across the wide park. It stretched all over the area incased by the walls of the mall and had several pathways strewed about it. Trees were scattered about and the area was well accommodated with zombies wandering around. However unlike the inside of the mall, the zombies were more dispersed in the park aside from the crowds of them by the entrance to the Food Court. Frank and Otis were able to make their way to the food court at a steady pace with longer moments of not having to deal with zombies. However, they kept their weapons at the ready when the situation did arise. “Looks like the only thing safe here is the fishes,” Otis commented as they passed the park’s pond. They saw zombies moving about the water as the fishes darted in one direction and then the next in a matter of seconds. “Let’s just hope someone is alive over there,” Frank replied with his attention still on the entrance to the food court in the distance. “Well. We’re gonna have to clear the entrance or lure them away,” Otis said as they were past the pond and ever so closer to the food court as he took notice to something, “Well I’ll be…” Frank shifted his attention to what Otis had noticed. Right next to the entrance and mass of zombies was… a lawnmower. “Hmm...” Frank muttered as he began to form an idea, “Otis. Could you draw their attention?” Otis only gave a nod as he parted from Frank to focus his path towards the group as Frank quickened his pace towards the lawnmower. He came up on it just as Otis had started to make a ruckus to get the group’s attention. He reached down and was about to pull the cord when something in the corner of his eye caught his attention. He could of sworn he saw something orange speeding past trees. He proceeded to pull the cord while shoving the sight off as nothing, before the roar of the lawnmower ringed in his ears. He gripped the handle bar and pushed the front towards the slowly moving zombies. He heard the gears grinding as the mower took in a zombie’s leg resulting in a splurge of blood and the sound of cracking bone. Frank kept pushing forward as the blood was flying out from the gears like a person gargling out water. He notice Otis making his way towards the entrance while keeping his mowing frenzy up just long enough to give some leeway. Turning his head to see Otis entering the food court, Frank gave the lawnmower one last push before rushing for the food court. He swung one door open and pulled it shut before finding time to let out a sigh. Turning away, he and Otis were greeted with the food court absent with zombies, but they could hear the moaning off to the right. They preceded forward coming to the center of the area before looking to their right. There was a corridor leading towards another section of the mall with zombies slowly making their way across towards the food court. “Anyone in here!?” Frank shouted tearing his sight from the oncoming zombies, “Hello!?” “Frank…look.” He heard Otis say before feeling a tap on his shoulder. Frank turned with the hope that Otis had seen someone…well he had… Lying on the floor with no sign of life was a man, who appeared to be in his late 30’s, dressed in a rugged black coat and pants. As Frank and Otis approached him, they could see his clothes were drenched in blood that seemed to originate from several wounds in his body. “Dear lord…” Otis said they both noticed the wound directly in the middle of the man’s forehead. Frank and Otis then noticed the smell radiating from the man and the bloodshot appearance of his lifeless eyes. “Must have been drunk and wandered into cross fire,” Frank commented as his mind began to ask, “But between who--” “Frank…” Otis said silencing Frank’s question, “You hearin’ that or is it just my hearing?” Frank tore his mind from his thought as he listened….it was muffled but he could tell it was...the sound of loud bass… It appeared to be coming from out in the park. “No...I’m hearing it too,” Frank replied as he took one look back at the dead body before kneeling down and closing the bloodshot eyes with one hand, “Think it’s the speakers?” “No, we never play stuff like that here,” Otis answered as they moved towards the entrance to get a good look. They were greeted with the same zombie filled park as the bass was still muffled. Frank scanned the park from their position as he began to recall... “Sounds like its coming from the parking lot near the entrance to the roads under the mall.” Otis commented while looking towards an edge of the park. Giving it another close listen, it seemed to be…getting louder at a rapid pace. In a second they saw a heard the noise come to full volume and vocals were heard. In that same second a green vehicle which Frank identified as a military Humvee came charging into view. There were three people in it. One was operating the steering wheel, another in the passenger seat, and the third operating the 50. Cal mounted machine gun. Frank took notice they were wearing the same...orange uniform. “What the?” Otis asked as they saw the Humvee come to a sudden stop as the three riding it started to laugh like a bunch of maniacs, “How in the world did they get that in here?” Frank watched as the men in the Humvee calm their laughter as one looked over to the food court before motioning to his two companions. Then in a swift motion, the one on the mounted gun produced a small cylinder object from a bag by his feet before tossing it towards the entrance. “LOOK OUT!” As Frank and Otis retreated from the doors in a rush, before diving towards the floor as the sound of an explosion and shattering glass filled their ears. As soon as the noise had faded, it was replaced by the sounds of three pairs of voices laughing above blaring music. “Fire in the hole, motherfuckas!” “Hey let’s hit the one over there man,” “I’m on it!” The sound of an engine veering and tires ripping into dirt filled Frank’s ears. He got to his feet as he felt bits of glass slide of him as he turned and saw the entrance of the food court now destroyed with shattered glass on the floor. There were traces of blood and the flesh of zombies mixed in the mess. Frank heard Otis start to shuffle a bit before kneeling down and helping him up. Once Otis was on his feet and he and Frank carefully made their way across the sea of glass before having a good view of the three men taking off in the Humvee. “Best avoid the park for now…” Otis commented at the sight, “Those entrances are going to be like fish in a barrel for them.” Frank grabbed his camera and, once again using the viewfinder, zoomed up on the men in the Humvee. He shifted his view higher coming across an entrance to another part of the mall. This one however had a flight of stairs leading to it….as well as someone coming out the doors along with a…orange figure. “Oh no…..” Author's Note This one took a while longer then I had hoped. School has been kicking in high gear recently so I've been more focused on studies and occasionally getting some time to write, but either way. Hope you enjoy and thanks for reading.
Case 1-1: Zombies...?Applejack followed the creature down the curved flight of stairs in the brightly light area. She admired the size of the place and was reminded of the Canterlot Castle, but less formal in appearance. Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, they were greeted with the sight of a creature, a female, scurrying around the area like she was looking for something. There were several others over by some plants in the back of the area. Applejack found the first creature she encountered walking away from her and taking the object hanging from his neck in grip. Applejack let out a breath through her nose in a huff before taking off to explore for herself. She past several stores which reminded her of the ones in Ponyville to some extent, but the thought of that reminded her of home. She began to think of her actual chances finding something to get her home… Well. Best hope Twilight can come up with something, She thought to herself as she kept walking past the various stores. “Oofff!” Applejack felt her face collide into something metal causing her to fall back a bit onto her rump. She shook her head bringing her back to reality and cursed herself for her lack of attention to where she was going. She looked to see she had run into a metal gate blocking off the further back parts of the area. She heard the sounds of 'somepony' gasping as she turned to see two creatures, one of them with bandages on her forehead, backing away slowly. Applejack let out a sigh before turning around and walking back towards the stairs. She stopped for a moment and turned back towards the gate to see the first creature conversing with an elderly looking one. She figured she should rejoin the first one, but heard the sound of commotion coming from behind her. “I CAN’T TAKE IT!” Shouted a panicking creature who appeared to be moving furniture in order to get through the glass doors but found himself interrupted by several others, whom he shoved away in hast, “We’re going to die either way!” It all played out in a matter of seconds. The large mass of creatures from outside was slowly moving inside and…devouring on the skin of those nearby. Applejack watched in horror as the aimless creatures tore internal organs right out of the other creatures as if they were a batch of cupcakes. Her mind raced back to the day in Ponyville when Spike was mentioning some creature that Twilight had assured was just a myth…a creature that devoured flesh and was of…the dead…. Sweet Celestia….this all can’t be….. “ZOMBIES!” She heard a creature exclaim finishing her thought. “RUN! GET TO THE STAIRS!” Another shouted. Before Applejack knew it, she saw the first creature running over to her with a look that equaled hers at the scene before them. “Come on!” He shouted at her before they both made their way up the stairs. “Wait! We need to help them!” Applejack exclaimed as she stopped and looked back to the innocent creatures being attacked by the ever so slow and massing…zombies… “There’s nothing we can do,” The creature insisted while motioning to the zombies below. Applejack took notice to the creatures cowering in fear as the mass of zombies converged on them. She turned to the stairs for a bit of hope of getting past to save the innocent creatures but the stairs were starting to be over massed with zombie, however Applejack wasn’t budging. “Fine, if you want to die,” The creature said angrily while moving towards the door, “Don’t blame me!” Applejack turned towards the stairs hearing the creature shut the door leaving her in the zombie infested area. One zombie had made its way successfully up the stairs and was slowly lumbering over to Applejack. She didn’t waste any time in buck-kicking the thing right back down the stairs. The force from the kick caused the zombie to collide with the others coming up the stairs knocking them down, but to Applejack’s horror they were getting right back up. She took off running towards the back of the area on the upper ledge as she looked back at the carnage of below. Organs being ripped right out...and blood spewing everywhere…Applejack felt the urge to throw up manifest, but managed to hold back as she ran into unexplored territory. Frank burst into the monitor room while letting out a sigh in temporary relief. His mind was racing as morals collided with the need of survival. His thoughts rushed from the people left out in the slaughter and...the pony. He turned back to the door only to assure himself she hadn't followed, much to the dismay of his mind. As he worked his thoughts, his freelance photographer side kicked in, telling him he needed to figure the ultimate question of how the dead were now walking around in this town while another… “Well at least someone made it out alive,” A rather raspy voice said. Frank turned to see a man, who looked like he was in his mid-60’s, sitting on a space of green cushions near a corner of the room. He was dressed in a blue long sleeved jacket with a furred collar, a pair of kaki jeans, and brown boots. His white and graying hair was only existent on the sides of his head, which was connected to a full grown beard by his equally gray sideburns. “Glad to see someone alive after what’s come over this town,” The elderly man explained while getting to his feet and extending a hand, “Name’s Otis. Otis Washington.” “Frank... Frank West,” Frank replied in suit with extending his own hand and shaking Otis’s. “What brings you to Willamette, Frank?” Ottis asked while walking over to the monitors. “I’m a photojournalist,” Frank explained as his mind kept reminding him of his goal and the…, “I got a tip something was going on…but nothing like this.” “Well, it’s a pickle for sure,” Otis commented while eyeing the screens, which were showing feeds from all over the mall, “Damn things are spreading like wild fire. Hopefully anyone left out there managed to barricade themselves.” “Those…things couldn't have covered the whole mall by now,” Frank said as his morals picked at the back of his senses. “Check again, Frank,” Otis said while pointing to a single monitor. The screen showed a wide view of the park area in the center of the mall, which Frank had gotten a quick look at during his helicopter ride. He was greeted with the sight of….a mass amount of zombies lumbering around the park… “And that’s just the park,” Otis explained while pointing to another screen, “The roadways under the entire mail are flooding with these things.” “…How well do you know the vent system of this place?” Frank asked as he torn his eyes away from the screens and looked through the window in front of them. Frank proceeded into the room with part of the vent system and began to investigate it. “Whole thing runs the course of the mall,” Otis stated as Frank searched around, “Except a few paths are inaccessible by fans….you aren’t thinkin’ of going out there are you?” “Well, I came here to find out what’s going on,” Frank answered as he noticed a door panel on the side of the vent, “Maybe there’s someone out there who can tell me something.” Frank grabbed the handle and pried the door open, which gave with a screech of grinding metal. Frank could hear the rotating fans echo through the vents like distant voices in a long barren cave. “How far is the nearest panel of the vents from here?” Frank asked turning his attention back to Otis. “Best I show you,” Otis replied with a sigh as he walked over before turning to the door leading in from the corridor, “But first, let me lock this door. Fate may have one of those things wander right up here.” Otis produced a sliver key and jammed it into the lock of the push door. He turned it clockwise before hearing the sound of a dead bolt moving. “Are you sure you wanna come along,” Frank asked remember what Otis had said about finding a way out. “Heh. Beats sitting around here all alone,” Otis replied, while walking back to the door to the monitor room. He opened the door a bit and reached in before pulling his hand back out, with a flashlight. “I’ll take point. There’s a panel to one part of the roof that can get us close to the Paradise Plaza,” Otis continued as he started to climb into the vents, “In case we need to get back here, we’ll use this route.” Frank hoisted himself through the small metal entrance and followed Otis into the dimly lit vents just above the mall. Applejack charged forward while weaving between zombies. She was in another section of the massive building that was outside, but with tall walls and various shops lining it like an alleyway. It was packed with zombies just wandering aimlessly, but turning to pursue her as she passed them. It had been her only real choice of a route to take as she had come to two ways to exit the previous area on the lower level, but unfortunately one of them was closed off by metal gate. She kept her pace up with only the sound of her breathing and moaning zombies in her ears. She came to a set of glass doors in her path after passing a pair of benches. Through the glass she could see another large area on the inside and could smell the faint aroma….of food…not sure what kind, but food none the less. She quickly went up on her hind legs and used one of her front legs to wrap around the handle. She had just gotten it open… “Damint, Aaron! Get back!!” Applejack wiped her head back to the sight of a pack of zombies slowly advancing on her. Through the crowd, she saw what looked like a makeshift barricade of furniture, but it appeared to have been broken through. She let go of the door and gave a solid buck kick to a zombie that got too close. It fell backwards slamming into a few other zombies opening Applejack a path. She took it without hesitation. “Hold on there!” She shouted while sprinting towards the barricade She recalled that the first creature she met said it wasn’t a good idea for others to see her, but the thought was pushed out as she heard more commotion of distress. She quickened her pace before hoping over some fallen furniture and entering a room with gray walls, a few shelves on the side and a pack of zombies in the middle. Applejack leapt into action and she rushed a zombie, who had its back turned, and gave it a solid buck kick. The zombie went forward taking several of his undead friends down. “Yeah! Keep it up over there!” A voiced shouted over the commotion. Applejack proceeded in her bucking frenzy without the needed encouragement. She concentrated on the ones still standing while taking the occasion to buck one that was getting up. It was a matter of minutes before the pack was cleared and a temporary peace had settled in the room. Applejack then took noticed to a creature cowering in a corner while another was…beating a zombie’s head in with a stick. “And stay dead!” The creature shouted before stopping to catch his breath, “Thanks for the…” Applejack saw the creature turn to her before freezing in place. There was an awkward pause for a moment before the creature rubbed his eyes. “Aaron…Aaron!” The creature shouted to the other, “You seeing this?” Applejack saw the other creature, apparently known as Aaron, retreat from his cowering and look at her. “Yeah….” Aaron replied hesitantly, “What’s a pony doing here?” “For whatever reason,” The creature with the stick replied, “Saved our sorry asses.” “No problem partner,” Applejack replied while titling her hat, “Name’s App---“ “Burt….did…it….” Aaron stuttered out with a look of surprise on its face,. “Zombies….now a fuckin’ talking pony?” The creature with the stick, Burt, asked out loud, "Is this day just gonna get more crazy?" “Yur welcome then,” Applejack said with a frown. Applejack turned to face the doorway leading in to see more zombies piling in. Aaron let out a scream at the sight as Burt ready his stick. “Damn barricade,” Burt mumbled to himself. “Well if you two are done yappin’ and cryin’, we’ve gotta get movin’” Applejack stated. “Beats staying here,” Applejack took that as a ‘yes’ and charged right at the closest zombie with her head lowered. She felt the top of her head make contact as she thrust it up in turn tossing the zombie forward. She kept herself moving forward as the zombie collided with the others causing some of them to fall down. She turned suddenly and went on her front hooves before delivering another buck kick causing more of the zombies to fall to the ground. “Just get past them!” Applejack shouted back to Burt and Aaron as she went back into her run, “and stay close fellas!” She leaped over the pile of fallen zombies as Burt and Aaron followed in suit. She turned sharply and set her sights back on the door from earlier. She weaved herself the oncoming zombies before getting up on her hind legs as she neared the door. She pulled the door open before using herself to keep it open as the Burt and Aaron rushed through. Once they were safely in Applejack got herself inside letting the door shut behind her. She got a good view of the new area as well a good smell of the aroma. Just ahead on the left was a wooden structure with several barrels here and there. The structure itself had two noticeable floors and banners hanging from it. Applejack couldn’t help but be reminded of Appaloosa back in Equestria. On the right were two sections blocked off by short walls and the only way to get in were a short flight of stairs. Surrounding those walls were small sections with several small plants. “The food court…out of all the places these things not to be in,” Burt commented while letting out a sigh, “Either way, thanks for the help back there. Name’s Burt. That’s Aaron.” “Name’s Applejack, yur welcome again,” Applejack replied as she relaxed now being out of immediate danger, “So how did you and your friend end up there?” “Well, Aaron and I came to the mall to hang out,” Burt explained before taking a seat on the edge of the plant patch, “Got here early like always, but we noticed something on the way in. Town seemed barren…now I can see why.” “At least it’s safe and quiet in here,” Aaron commented as he let out a sigh. Applejack gave the area another look taking what Aaron had said into account. Her attention focused on the upper level to the wooden structure as she saw…. a figure pass one of the various windows to it. “Yeah…too quiet...” Applejack replied as she saw the figure stop at one of the windows. Then there came a distinct metal click that caught the attention of all three of them, but to a more severe degree with Burt. “LOOK OUT!” Applejack heard a pattern of noise ring out as Burt and Aaron dove towards one of the stairs of the two sections. Applejack knew in an instance it wasn’t in her best interest to stay where she was as she quickly made her way over there as well. She heard several objects strike the walls as she felt her heart race and the adrenaline rush through her. “Fuckin’ psycho!” She watched Burt shout towards the attacker, “We’re alive!” Applejack poked her head around from the cover slightly to get a good look and saw…the creature from the roof wielding some metallic object. Author's Note (Sorry about that. I got confused about when I had made the apology [after going through chapters to edit] but despite that I still am sorry about the commotion.) I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far. Please leave your feedback in the comments below and have a great day everyone.
Case 1-4: Crossing Ways and Formal Greetings“oh just fuckin great…” Applejack had just exited the doors to the park with Burt as they were greeted with zombies. They were set up on a flight of stairs descending to the grass and trails below with zombies scattered about them. The only thing that remotely seemed off was the presence of a loud blaring noise that only seemed to be getting louder drowning out the moans of the zombies below. “What in tarnation..?” Approaching at a rapid pace was a large metallic machine on four wheels with three creatures dressed in the same orange clothes. The machine came to screeching halt as Applejack found the gazes of the three creatures upon her and Burt. “ah crap...” Burt mumbled out with much dismay. “We’ve got us some live ones!” One of the creatures shouted. “Wanna riddle them up!?” Another asked “Nah man, we gonna need that for the military. Let’s blow their asses sky high,” The third one answered as it tossed a cylinder looking object towards Applejack and Burt. Applejack found her mind racing with questions as the object fell right behind her and Burt. She was about to turn and see what it was up close but Burt, as if finding some sudden energy, pushed her forward while lunging down the stairs. There came the sound of a loud explosion that blared in Applejack’s ears as she felt herself tumble down the stairs. She came to a stop face first into the ground as every muscle in her body ached. There was a loud ringing in her ears as she started to find her sight returning. While the ringing began to slowly fade, she could barely make out the sound of shouting... “pair of dumbasses!” “nothin’ but speed bumps!” “zombie chow if you ask me!” She could hear the machine let out a roar as instinct told her to get up. She was just pushing herself up as her aching muscles begged for her not to when she felt something wrap around her and pull her off the ground. She felt herself be pulled a ways before the grip loosened and she was on the ground once more. With new found adrenaline, she got herself up on her hooves and whipped her head around to see Burt was getting up from a lying position as the three creatures took off in their large machine. She took note of the zombies slowly advancing on them as the machine went on its way knocking down and ripping apart any zombie in its path. Applejack tore her attention away from it as she helped Burt get up as she took notice to the...blood staining his bandages. “Gotta keep…moving…” Applejack said once Burt was able to walk. However, Burt was now going a snail’s pace as he winced in pain every time he took a good step forward. The zombies were slowly coming up on them as Applejack looked around for something of use. She spied a rock near a tree and figured it would have to do. She ran over to it and grabbed it between her front hooves. Using her back legs as a pivot, she lifted the rock up and turned to face towards Burt. She saw a zombie coming right up on him as she swung her front legs and letting the rock soar out of her grip. The rock flew right at the zombie digging into its neck and causing it to stumble off to the side rendering a delay in its pursuit on Burt. She quickly looked around in hopes of another rock but came up dry as she saw Burt fall to the ground. She ran over to him while shoving herself into the side of a zombie sending it off its course. She tried to help Burt get to his feet but he wasn’t budging. “Come on get up partner,” Applejack begged with dread over coming her voice as the zombies closed in on her, “GET UP!” Burt made an attempt to get up but ended up on the ground once again as the moans of zombies filled both their ears. “HEY!” Applejack whipped her head around at the sound of a familiar voice as she was greeted with…the first creature she met rushing towards her along with another creature. Applejack felt a moment of hope come over here as she turned back to Burt just as a zombie was leaning down with its decayed and blood dripping mouth open. Drawing in a breath as her expression turned to one of anger, she immediately turned and got on her front legs before delivering a solid buck kick right to the lowering zombie’s head. She heard the sound of ripping flesh and something falling onto the ground. She turned around to help Burt once again seeing the zombie’s head rolling across the ground with the rest of its body lying on Burt’s back. Applejack shoved the lifeless body off Burt before trying again to help him up. “rraAAH!” Applejack watched as the first creature she met ran in while swinging back a baseball bat in his grip before swinging forward and making contact with a single zombie’s skull. The creature pulled the bat in a quick back swing hitting another nearby zombie. The creature proceeded in a swinging frenzy at the surrounding zombies with the sound of the bat breaking into skulls and ripping flesh filling Applejack’s ears. “FOUR!” Applejack whipped her head around to see the second creature swinging a thin metal object with a wide club end to it. The club head made contact with a small white ball on the grass as it zipped with great speed right into a zombie’s torso. Applejack made a dash for the rock from earlier right near a zombie. She gripped it between her front hooves before delivering a kick to the zombie and letting it fall to the ground. She brought herself forward and lifted the rock over her head quickly before slamming it down on the zombie’s moaning head. She felt the rock slip from her grip before she heard the sound of ripping flesh and contact with bone. Once she heard the moaning subside, she took in heavy breaths to regain to herself while looking around. The zombies that had been surrounding her and Burt were now on the ground with torn flesh and immobility. The creature she meet at the beginning of all the confusion was breathing heavily with the bat still in his grip. She saw him turn his head towards her as they locked eyesight. Applejack began to recall what the very creature had said… “Hi…” The creature said while letting out a breath before taking another in. “Howdy…” Applejack replied as she decided not to recall, “…thanks partner…” “..Don’t mention it...” The creature said while moving over to Applejack, “How bout we get you and your friend out of here?” “I’d reckon that be best,” Applejack replied as she took notice to the zombies slowly advancing on them to replace their fallen comrades, “Also…you got a name?” “You can call me Frank,” The creature replied as he proceeded to help Burt up, “How about you?” “Applejack,” “If you two are done talking let’s get moving,” The second creature commented as he swung the metal club once again sending a white ball towards an incoming zombie. Applejack turned her attention towards the second creature was she noticed…the green machine and the sound of that blaring noise from earlier rapidly getting louder. “OTIS, LOOK OUT!” Applejack saw the creature, apparently known as Otis whip his head towards the incoming machine before getting out of the way just as the machine was about to collide. However there came the sound of a collision that filled Applejack’s ears as she saw the machine had made head on contact with a tree denting its front. The three creatures dressed in orange were in their hopping and hollering fit as if they found joy in crashing while the one manning a swiveling object began to aim… “RUN!” Applejack heard Frank’s voice shout. Applejack ran forward towards the three creatures hoping to catch their attention. She made a jump onto the back of the machine right just as the creature manning the swiveling object had started to attack and a pattern of noise was heard. Once Applejack found her hooves on a solid surface, she crouched back and leaped forward charging her head right into creature. The impact threw its aim off as she felt the machine begin to move suddenly just as she came back down onto it. “What the hell!?” Applejack whipped her head to see the other two creatures with one of them looking back at her. It was wielding a baseball bat and getting ready to swing from its position. Applejack moved towards the creature before ducking as it took a swing at her. Just as the bat cleared striking distance, Applejack rose up before reeling back and slamming her head forward striking the creature. The force sent the creature head first into glass in a frame of the machine. The creature came back from the hit swinging the bat back around as Applejack ducked causing the bat to swing right into the back of the other creature’s head. The creature slumped forward just before the machine took a violent turn throwing Applejack off and onto the ground. She felt herself roll on the ground before coming to stop as she heard a loud crash alongside several screams and the sound of metal colliding with the ground before it finally… stopped. Applejack got up on her hooves to see the machine overturned alongside a tree with what appeared to be shattered glass on the ground. Settling on the ground just near the glass was a small pool of blood… “Come on let’s get going,” She heard Frank say before they all turned away from the wreckage and started to head for another part of the park. Applejack followed Frank and Otis towards another set of doors leading to another area of the entire building and it came to no surprise when she saw it was filled with zombies as well. They entered the area and proceeded towards the other end as they dealt with the zombies in their way. Applejack and Otis kept the fighting close to Frank as they all helped Burt make it across the sea of zombies. Applejack noticed a zombie dropping a sharp knife onto the ground as she formed an idea. She broke from the perimeter and ran over scooping the handle into her mouth with the blade pointing to the side. Diving into a group of zombies, she clenched her teeth tighter on the grip as she jumped while spinning herself. She heard the sound of the knife ripping into flesh before her hooves came back onto the ground. She moved her efforts closer to Frank as they were coming up on a door after passing several patches of grass elevated from the ground. Otis ran forward towards the door pushing aside a zombie in his way as Applejack kept dealing with zombies around her and Frank. Applejack focused her attention towards the door while making sure Frank was able to make it. She found herself in a narrow hallway before hearing the door shut behind her accompanied by a few sighs. Applejack turned to see Frank taking a few breathes with Burt hunched over his back while Otis held the door shut. There was barely any time to rest before Applejack found herself following Frank and Otis down the hall and into a another area of the building with large structures towering over her. She followed the two between two the structures in a manner of a maze past all the zombies lumbering around. After making several turns around the structures, they came up on a wall with what appeared to be two panels side by side only separated by a small crack between them. Applejack watched Otis walk towards a small rectangle panel right before pressing something. After a while, there came a ding and the two panels slid apart revealing a small room. Applejack entered along with Frank and Otis, who pushed something on another panel inside the room before the two large panels shut. She felt the room shift a bit as if it were ascending just as Frank slowly set Burt on the floor. “Fat...Supermarket...fuck…” Applejack heard Burt mutter out. “Hey, stay with me buddy,” Frank said while crouching down, “You’re safe now. Tell me what happened?” Applejack turned from Burt as he began to describe the events to face Otis who was still standing by the small panel. “Ah’m mighty thankful of yur help back there, partner,” Applejack said with a smile before titling her hat, “Name’s Applejack.” She didn’t get a response back as she noticed a bit of hesitance in Otis’s face before he let out a small chuckle and a sigh. “Sorry…uh…hard time believin’ you’re a talking pony and that you’re here, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t conk my head on anything...” Otis explained before giving a smile back, “You can call me Otis.” “Did you get a good look at the guy who attacked you in the food court?” The two of them heard Frank ask Burt just as a loud ding was heard. “I did...” They heard Burt mumble out. The two panels of the room slid apart revealing a sunlit area; however it seemed that the sun was going to set soon. Applejack was ready to exit the small room as she heard the description given by Burt. She froze in place just as a chill came over her as she recalled meeting the creature on the roof and in the building earlier. The intimidation she felt then creped right onto her… She turned back to look at Frank and could tell…he was recalling the same thing... Author's Note Hope you enjoyed the chapter and the story so far everyone. Be sure to leave feedback in the comments below and have a good day.
Case 2-1: Darkness Falls...“You get some rest,” Frank said to Burt as he sat him down on a green cushion in the monitor room. Rolling his shoulders to subside the ach on his upper back, Frank stood up and turned towards the monitors, which were still reeling the playback in a poor quality black and white. Panning his eyes from screen to screen seeing nothing new from the sights of earlier, Frank tore his gaze from the monitors towards the vent in the other room. His mind flashed the images of rotting corpse and the sounds of people screaming as their guts were chewed and ripped right out echoed slowly… “So what’s the plan now?” He heard Otis ask while coming up next to him. “I’ve gotta find this guy, whoever he is,” Frank said bluntly knowing well of awaited him back inside the mall, “Only lead as of now and seemed more calm about the zombies before… this all started.” “But he could be anywhere,” Otis commented while motioning to the monitors, “With the entirety of the mall, there are over a hundred places for him to hide.” “Exactly why we need to find him,” Frank asked while turning towards Otis, “Why is he hiding...better yet…why is he still here if he caused this?” “Well….” Otis began as if collecting his thoughts, “Won’t argue with you on that.” “If yur going back out there,” Frank heard Applejack say while walking towards him, “I’m comin’ too. Might as well make myself useful while I wait for help…not much I can do at this point for that.” “Wait for help?” Frank heard Otis ask as they both had confusion fall upon them. “Yeah…only way home for me is for my friend Twilight to use a spell to...” Applejack began as Frank became even more confused. “Wait…wait…spell?” Frank asked as a chuckle almost took over his voice, “Ok….where exactly did you come from?” Frank knew it wasn’t priority at the moment, as the journalist part of his mind told him the man from the roof was the top thing to be concerned with, but another part having been aching with curiosity from his initial meeting with Applejack finally made its presence dominate in his mind. “From mah hometown, Ponyville, in Equ--” Applejack began as Frank found himself even more confused. He quickly recalled what he had been through earlier in the day and despite what his journalist said was saying….it probably wasn’t that farfetched to believe. “Alright...alright… but somebody has to stay and watch over him,” Frank said while motioning towards Burt, “He’ll be alright but he can’t go back out there.” “Alright” Applejack replied before walking over to the green cushions and sitting on her hunches, “I’ll keep watch of him.” “We best get going,” Otis commented as he and Frank moved towards the door to head for the vent, “We’ll have some time of light in the mall after sunset, but the things are schedule to go out after a few hours.” Frank, with Otis by his side, made his way over to the vents and proceeded to climb into them. Frank took point this time around with Otis close behind as they dove once again into the dark depths of the vents. “Well shoot…” Applejack mumbled out as she sat on the cold floor. After the sounds of Frank and Otis leaving through the vents, as the two had called them, fade from her ear shot, she sat in a dead silence only broken when Burt drew in a heavy but almost silent breath and exhaling it out. Part of her was kicking herself for not going back out there as she thought of all the other… Humans. They do exist. “Guess I owe her 10 bits….” Applejack mumbled out to herself. Her thoughts revolved around the humans still left in the building to the zombies as part of her told her she should of went back in to help out and save any humans caught out there. However this side was calmed as she recalled how Frank and Otis had jumped in to save her and Burt. Telling her that though he wasn’t towards the idea in the beginning Frank would do something should he come across any human out there. As the calm setting to the room had started to set in, Applejack felt a wave of tiredness come over her as her eyes began to close. She forced them open but only for them to proceed to close again. It had been a long day and Applejack could tell Burt wouldn’t be waking up anytime soon. She titled her hat down to cover her eyes before they closed enveloping her sight in darkness. Applejack…. APPLEJACK… Wake up….please? Wake up darling… Wakey wakey… Applejack let out a loud gasp as her eyes shot open to be greeted with her hat. She pushed her hat quickly up with a hoof. She looked around the room which still had its dead silence despite her awakening….that’s what worried her. Her head went left and right from an empty cushion to a door jarred open. She got herself up onto her hooves and ran through the open door towards the vents. There was a panel jarred open on the vents and the sound of echoes coming from the very insides of it. Applejack leaped up and into the vents greeted with the darkness. She listened carefully hoping to hear Burt moving around in the vents and that she had only dozed off for a little while...or just enough to be close behind Burt. Unfortunately, there was no sound she’d hope for. She began to make her way around inside the vents. There was absolutely no light to help her see causing her to resort to her sense of touch to make way through the darkness. Consarnit, She thought to herself as she felt herself come to a fork in the vent, was it a left or a right we took to come here? She cursed herself for letting her first trip through the vents become faded in her mind. She turned her head only facing the darkness covering the two ways before heading off to the left. She proceed further into vents not being able to see her own hoof if she held in front of her face. She hoped Burt hadn’t gotten far and…. She turned her head to look back into the darkness behind her as if she hadn’t gotten anywhere or was walking in place. ….she let out a gulp hoping to Celestia that she wouldn’t get lost. “We’ve gotta keep moving,” Frank and Otis were making their way across the darkening park as their eye sight was slowly adjusting. Heading in the direction of the food court once again, they kept on their path only taking time to shove zombies out of the way. Frank and Otis had agreed to start searching around the food court given it was the first scene of the man from the roof attacking. Frank figured there had to be some place the man escaped to or a passageway around there leading to who knows where. Using the flash light to light the ground in front of them, they were just past the pond when they heard it. “SOMBODY HELP!” Frank’s eyes darted towards the direction he heard the scream come from as he made a snap decision. He ran off towards the cry for help with Otis right behind him as they weaved between zombies occasionally pushing them away. They kept their ears open hoping to get a better point of direction with another scream but it didn’t come. They traversed the park in limited light coming up on no innocent person being attack, but….the wrecked Humvee from earlier in the day. Still turned upside down against a tree, it was void of life as it had been just before. Frank and Otis approached the Humvee keeping the flash light trained on it. The blood had corroded staining the seats however….they saw something that hadn’t been there before. A corroded trail of blood… in a large mass... meaning… someone... or something… “FUCKERS!” Frank and Otis turned around quickly causing the flashlight to go from the Humvee to a man...dressed in orange holding a young woman in a pink shirt and blue shorts with her hands behind her back. The woman had no visible sign of injury but the man however was in poor condition. He appeared to have a broken lower leg that he was managing to stand up on despite the obvious pain. He had a tear in the skin on his forward head that appeared to have been bleeding for a while. He appeared to have a broken rib protruding out his torso alongside with his shoulder appearing to be dislocated. Frank questioned how any man had the will power to even move with his injuries but reality was playing out as it was. “You two…fuckers…are gonna….” The man mumbled out drawing in breaths while wincing in pain every time he did as his already pale face was getting slowly paler…and paler, “get me…a ride…out….or the bitch…dies….” Frank and Otis stood silent as both tried to think of a way around the situation as the moaning around them go louder and louder. In the distant faded light over the man and woman, a pair of decayed arms shot out and wrapped around the man pull him back as he let out a scream in pain while pulling the woman with him, who also let out loud scream. Frank and Otis dashed forward towards the attack keeping the light trained on the three in front of them. Frank shot a hand forward grabbing the shoulder of the man before planting his foot against the zombie and shoving it away with a strong push. He turned to help Otis wrench the woman from the man’s grip before letting the man fall to the ground. The man let out a yelp in pain as he slammed down right on his back. Frank found the woman hugging him while crying and repeatedly thanking him. Frank had his view trained on the man who was making no effort to get up as the zombies came right up on him. One single zombie lowered itself right down to the man before taking a large bite…right at his throat. His screams were replaced with a loud gurgle that muffled any attempts of words just as the other zombies began to feast on him. Clawing at him and biting chunks of flesh right off just a loud ring was heard throughout the park. Just as the ringing continued to sound out in a distinct one by one pattern, the zombies had torn open the man’s torso and began ripping at the muscles lying underneath. Frank could feel the urge to vomit rising but he kept the feeling at bay. Just then the first zombie to feast on the man raised itself showing its face to the light just as the last ring sounded. Its eyes were now a glowing red much like a demon’s eyes. It let out a loud moan, lounder than previous zombies, almost like a growl as Frank got the sudden feeling of being surrounded… He, Otis, and the woman looked around themselves with wide eyes at the sight of zombies all around... slowly lumbering towards them... “Frank…” Otis said with fear reeling in him. “Way ahead of you, Otis,” Frank replied. All three of them made a run for their lives weaving between zombies in their way; however the zombies seemed more…aggressive now. Frank could now feel the wind rushing when a zombie would take a swipe at him and the moment to weave out of danger's way seemed more rapid. They made their way back past the pond and towards the entrance to the paradise plaza. It was still teeming with light like a light house to sailors at sea. They managed to get back to the entrance and proceeded through the doors leaving the dark park behind them. Frank took in a deep breath as his attention fell onto the zombies in the plaza…they too were sporting the red glowing eyes…like their undead comrades outside. “Tomorrow will be best for searching around,” Otis said as he scanned the now red eyed zombies, “Let’s get her back to the monitor room.” Frank nodded while the woman was shaking in fear at the sight of the zombies before them. “Don’t worry. We’ve gotten past these things before,” Otis told her, “You’ll be safe back at the…” In that same moment, there was a flash of the lights in the plaza growing brighter for a split second before fading quickly and leaving nothing but darkness. Author's Note The beginning of this chapter took a while. Mostly due to writer's block but strange thing...writing this chapter got easier not just for Frank or Applejack's parts, but the entirety. It all became easier to write once I started listening to Creepypasta readers like MrCreepyPasta. Either way, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please leave your feedback in the comments below.
Case 2-2: Lost and FoundThis just has to end somewhere…just has to…. OOF! Applejack took a step back after colliding into another dead end wall of the vents as she used a hoof to rub her head. She turned herself around to walk back the way she came. Her use of her front hooves to feel her away was fading in reliability as she tried to find the turn she had made. The low noises echoing through the vents were the only thing filling her ears as she felt herself come to another intersection. This time she made sure to remember which way she had come from just as …. a loud squeek suddenly filled her ears. Just as she heard that noise, she felt one of her hooves sink with a piece of the vent. She gave the section a bit more pressure with her hoof resulting in the same squeaking sound just as she heard something bang against the walls inside the vents. She turned off in the direction she heard it come from as it echoed throughout and both her back legs ended up on the squeaking section. “hello?” Applejack whispered into the darkness. She awaited a response from whomever or…whatever was in the vents but only received another loud bang echoing once again. She slowly began to move herself backwards… with the squeaking becoming more drawn out… In that same moment, Applejack felt herself drop like a rock. In quick secession, she flung her front hooves out and managed to grip the edge of the vents with her upper torso and front legs. She kicked her hind legs forward trying to get against the vent’s exterior and hopefully push herself back up. However any time she managed to get one hoof against the outside of the vent it slipped. Her weight pivoted her backwards from a few tries before she felt her make shift grip loosen. “WOAH!” Applejack yelped out as she plummeted towards the ground her mind quickly flashing the fate that awaited her. She collided with several objects that easily collapsed under her but ultimately broke part of her fall. She finally hit the ground with several objects falling ontop her. She laid still till the commotion had ceased before she got herself up onto her hooves causing the objects on her to fall right off. From the sound of them falling onto the floor and how light they were, she finally made out that they were boxes and she was in a small room however it wasn’t nearly as dark as the vents. There was only one doorway out of the windowless room that seemed slightly brighter but not by much. Applejack made her way over towards the doorway past the discarded boxes and went around the corner. She was greeted with a large equally dim room with several counters and various objects on them that were indistinguishable. At the front of the room, there was another doorway with large glass windows on each side of it. Applejack proceeded towards the doorway finding she was on the upper level of the first area to be taken over by the zombies as she exited the room. She walked right up to the edge of the level blocked off by bars to be greeted with a familiar sight down below… “Well shoot…” She whispered to herself as she eyed the feasting zombies from above. Tearing her gaze from the sight below as it adjusted slowly, she turned to her right spotting a set of stairs on the other end of the level. The path…was covered in scattered… motionless corpses. Applejack kept her sight trained on the stairs resisting any urge to look at one of the corpses anytime a hoof brushed by one. Unfortunately curiosity got the better of her, she quickly glanced down at the zombie next to her. Their grotesque appearance’s initial affect had worn off not long ago, but… her pace slowed as she saw a hole directly in the side of the fallen zombie’s head. Small but…direct and whatever had caused it had made precise penetration. Same with the next zombie corpse….and the next one…and the next... a less decayed corpse dressed in a red shirt… with more life present in the skin, but was slowly fading…with the same precise hole in the head… Applejack felt a rush of fear alongside realization come over her as she slowly turned her head to scan the area excepting to see….. She was greeted with the same upper level bayed in moonlight from above. The only sounds she could hear were the moans from below the level as she found herself expecting… Applejack held her breath not wanting to make a single sound as she focused back on the stairs and approached them keeping her hoof steps quiet. She had just descended the first top one.. A loud clang… Applejack nearly yelped, but forced herself to keep silent, as her eyes went wide and she quickly descended the stairs. She made a hard left but came to a sudden stop seeing the gate from earlier in the day still shut. She turned around and proceeded down the familiar path in hast like she had done before. She raised her gaze upwards towards the upper level as the bars of the ledges slide in front of the walls as she moved. At one point she could have sworn she saw something move…but quickly dismissed it was her eyes playing tricks on her…however…she wasn’t finding the thought too far-fetched. No…he wouldn’t be that stupid… Applejack went even wider in the eyes as sudden realization that reality was giving her pulled her back to her main concern tearing her away from her wave of fear from the… Applejack focused on the doors at the end of corridor hoping…just hoping… Frank was the first one to burst into the monitor room. He let out a sigh welcoming the sense of safety back as Otis and the woman from the park followed right behind him. He could recall the dark trip through the Paradise Plaza and its limitations. The darkness had deemed attacking unless with the limited light that could have been produced with the flashlight, which Frank now held in his right hand, and adjusting eyesight was even more unreliable at the time. However his mind was torn from the plaza, when he took quick notice to the empty green cushions… He quickly blinked hoping he was just seeing things before heading to the door in the back of the monitor room and bursting through it. He checked the through the windows of the various sections of the back room…coming up dry in his search. He went back into the monitor room focusing up on the screens overhead. He scanned hoping to catch a glimpse of Burt or Applejack but came up dry once again… “What’s going on?” The woman asked. “Don’t worry about it,” Frank heard Otis say, “Just rest here. Frank… you spot them yet?” Frank scanned the monitors once more coming up dry…. His eyes fell upon one monitor viewing an upper view of a pair of horizontal moving floors. Zombies were lumbering around them…but he picked out a certain figure moving about them…surprisingly without much trouble as he was simple shoving the zombies aside. Fat...Supermarket...fuck… “Oh crap…” Frank heard Otis say before going wide eyed. Frank tore his gaze from the monitors to the vents but knew at this rate… He turned his gaze quickly to the desk spying a microphone propped up on the desk. In a split second, he reached for the microphone and pressed down on the transceiver button. “Burt! Don’t do it!” He returned his gaze to the single monitor only to find Burt still moving towards the supermarket in the distance. He clenched his teeth as a way of helplessness rushed over him and trying to pick from the remaining options… His gaze switched to the monitor beside the one that held his attention. It was off the food court and making its way across the main center of it… “Applejack! Hurry! Burt’s almost at the supermarket!” Frank saw the pony whip its head around while keeping her pace. He saw her appear to kick it into high gear and quickly make her way towards the corridor to the Wonderland Plaza. Frank went back to the monitor with Burt who was almost out of view. The options now exhausted. He just stood there… gazing at the monitors. Burt limped his way towards his goal…the green doors of the supermarket…knowing well what he came for. His trip had been a long one…but he could only remember fragments of it… A dark narrow opening….falling down…adjusting eyesight…the food court….the upper level of the wonderland plaza…now… Summoning up the needed strength, he shoved another zombie out of his way. He saw no need to dispatch them like before. The only thing he could think about besides his goal…was the luck that had followed him like a parrot on his shoulder…just hoping every time he encounter zombies…it wouldn’t fly away. He proceeded towards the doors while reaching out a single hand to grab a handle. He paused only for a moment as he looked at the familiar interior through the glass but now in darkness. The same his eyes had accustomed to during his trip. An inner flame flared up as he spotted…right near a food stand… Burt clenched his teeth while letting out a low growl through them as he pulled the door open and walked in. Greeted with silence…dead silence… he walked forward towards the corpse of his late friend….who still looked the same as he had left him… Burt felt a wave of emotion crashing on him as he kneeled down despite the pain. He drew in a breath trying to hold back the… “Where are you?” Burt mumbled hoping his voice would carry throughout the store as he got onto his feet once more, “Where are you hiding?” He walked around his friend towards the back of the supermarket and peaking around the corner of an aisle…coming across nothing but food and more food. He proceeded from cover and began walking towards the side of the supermarket close to the pharmacy. Then came the distinct sound…rattling metal followed by a metallic screech. Burt jerked his head towards the direction the sound came from….near Aaron’s now… Burt retreated and put himself flat against the short edge of the last aisle closest to Aaron before peaking around the corner. “good for nothin’ employees…leave the manager to clean up….see how your next payment is…” The fat man commented to himself as Burt watched him start moping around Aaron’s corpse with a handy mop. Burt took notice to the manger’s weaponized kart separated just a few steps away from the psychopath as he tended to the ‘mess’. Burt drew in a deep breath as he slowly exited his cover when he was sure the manager had his back turned. He took great strides to make sure his sneakers didn’t make any noise. His eyes looked over the various tools protruding out of the kart. Remembering the shotgun…and another thing… he tried to see if it was there. However taking a glance at the manager, it was in the psycho’s left hand while the other held the mop. Burt looked over the kart once more before settling on a pitchfork. Burt kept his approach at a snail’s pace only hearing the manager ramble on and on using the mop to slowly move Aaron’s corpse across the floor leaving more blood to be cleaned. Burt reached out a hand towards the pitchfork griping the shaft and began to pull it out. Just as he managed to get the pitchfork from the kart, he heard the sound of the one of the entrance doors opening. “Burt! Egh….oh no…” Burt jerked his head to the manager whom had taken his attention from the ‘mess’ before he letting out a bellowing roar very familiar of the previous encounter. He saw him drop the mop and grab the shotgun with newly freed hand. Burt, with the pitchfork still in hand, made a grab for the handle bar of the kart and forced the kart’s point of direction towards the manager who was starting to take aim. Applejack stood near the entrance to the supermarket as the insane human wielding the metallic object aimed directly at her. Just as she was about to make a run and dodge.. “NOT ON YOUR LIFE!” Applejack saw the human lose its concentration as her ears were filled with the rattling of metal as the weaponized kart came charging in. The human sidestepped the kart with ease before its attention was focused behind him. Applejack caught sight of Burt, immediately thanking Celestia he was alright, wielding a pitchfork with…almost the same intensity in his face as the insane human had exhibited…and was still exhibiting. “Don’t you know…when management… asks you to leave…..you…LEAVE!!!” The human roared before aiming right at Burt. Applejack saw Burt take a dive behind a stand just as the flare of light appeared at the end of the object and another loud bang. Applejack got herself moving just as the human turned his aim onto her. She dove behind a stand nearest to her just as the loud bang was heard again and something struck violently near her. “I HAVE THE RIGHT TO DENY YOU SERVICE AND GOD DAMMINT I WILL EXERCISE THAT RIGHT!” Applejack drew in a breath as she peaked around the corner of the stand to see the human making its way towards the weaponized kart just near the first counter by the front of the supermarket. She broke away from her cover with adrenaline coursing like a violent river. “YEEEHAAAAAAAW!!” Applejack charged forward letting out a shout at the top of her lungs with her head titled down. She gave it everything she had with full intent on collision. She felt the top of her head make full collision with the human sending it off balance. She didn’t get a chance to make any move before feeling something grip her forcefully by the throat and lift her up. She heard another fury filled roar as she felt the grip pull her quickly before letting go. She felt herself being air born for a few seconds before colliding into the ground head first. Her vision and hearing came in bits before fading. The human aiming that metallic object at her…. The sound of Burt letting out a yell…. Burt and the human in a stalemate with the pitchfork… The sound of Burt letting out a yelp… Applejack, once her vision returned again for a moment, began to get herself to her feet taking particular notice to the kart…the side with no tools poking out was facing her and pointed right at the human who was now towering over Burt with the metallic object in both hands. “THANK YOU… AND DON’T….COME…” Applejack let out a scream as she ran forward with her returning vision. She turned herself around and gave the kart a powerful buck kick. The sound of fast rattling metal filled her ears… “AGAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNN!” She heard the blood curdling scream sound throughout the market before something slumped over onto the ground before she turned to see. The human was on the ground…in pool of its own blood. The tools on the left side of the kart were now painted with blood… Applejack stood her ground as she regained her breath as she shook from the rush of adrenaline. She saw Burt get up into a sitting position and take a good look at the dying human in front of him. She saw him quickly eye the discarded metallic object on the ground… before reaching out for it and trying to get to his feet. “Burt! Wait!” Applejack dashed towards Burt as he got to his feet and immediately aiming the metallic object right at the dying human before…the loud bang…along with the bright flare. Author's Note Another chapter for you all. Hope you enjoy this one and are enjoying the story. Please leave your feedback in the comments below and Happy Easter everyone.
Case 2-3: Closing TimeApplejack stood frozen in place….mouth agape….trying to process the sight before her. She watched as Burt kept his aim with the metallic object in his grip while breathing heavily and his eyes locked on the deceased human. She tried to find words to break the unnerving silence that had settled amongst the supermarket alongside the growing smell of death… A zombie maybe…but another huma… The notion jumped around Applejack’s head as part of her was mortified that Burt was able to…but another took in account the insanity…another reminded her that she herself had a hoof in the human’s… She found her gaze lock with Burt’s who kept silent for the longest time. In between one of his breaths he nodded and Applejack nodded back as the matter became of what to… “Ok…Hurry back to the vent on the roof…” The sound of Frank’s voice said from nowhere over the silence in the market as it had when Applejack was in the food court, “Otis and I will be right there…Just watch yourselves out there” There was the sound of a loud click was heard once Frank stopped talking and the silence of the supermarket returned. Applejack slowly preceded towards the doors to leave but stopped when she found Burt wasn’t following. She turned to see him slowly walking over to…Aaron’s corpse. She watched him kneel down and stay there for the longest time. She caught the faint sound of…crying…coming right from Burt. Applejack used single hoof to take her hat off in respect allowing Burt to have his moment…in somewhat peace. She had the image of Aaron’s death flash in her mind…the kart colliding into him…the scream… “Come on…let’s go…” She heard Burt say while drawing in a breath and choking back a sob. She put her hat back on as she saw Burt get up from his kneel and walk right over to her. She pushed the door open for Burt as they exited the supermarket…hopefully for the last time… Frank set the microphone down as he watched Burt and Applejack exit the supermarket. He sat himself down on the rolling chair next to desk still thinking about the sight he had witnessed. The woman he and Otis had saved was resting on the green cushions while Otis was keeping an eye on the duo in the mall but seemed to have something on his mind. “Frank…” He said finally breaking the silence while keeping his sight on the monitors, “What’s the plan?” “Once daylight hits, we’re heading back in there,” Frank began while pointing to the vents before he saw Otis turn towards him. “No I know that but…how are we going to get out of here?” Otis finished with an uneasy look on his face, “No way are we gonna be able to walk out the front doors like regular customers.” Don’t forget to come back for me… Frank’s mind remembered the conversation he had with Ed Deluca and one particular part just before he made his leap of faith earlier in the day. The one part that stuck out was the…three days part... “By helicopter,” Frank stated bluntly, “I came in with a hired pilot and told him to come back for me in three days.” “Well that fixes that,” Otis began, “Also, tomorrow while you’re on your search for this guy. We’ll have to get supplies from some of the stores…if we plan to hold out.” “Don’t worry, we will get him...” Frank said as he got up from the chair, “I better go wait outside for them.” “Don’t go wanderin’ off now,” Otis called out as Frank exited the monitor room. Frank let out a sigh as he exited the monitor room and proceeded towards the vents. He climbed into the entrance remembering the correct route like the back of his hand. During his crawl, he began to give the matter more serious thought. Being he was hell bent on finding the man from the roof, his mind was rushing with thoughts of determination on getting the man but…. He stopped for a moment remembering how big the mall was... He began to question the chance of catching the… “No...” Frank muttered to himself before continuing into the vents, “I’ll find him. I’ll find him.” Shoving his thoughts aside, he pressed on into the vents with determination floating about his mind. He would catch the guy and find out what he knew. He would find out what caused this outbreak. He would…find the story to this madness… Applejack and Burt kept silent the whole way during their trip in park. Their eyesight, adjusting to the darkness thanks to the moonlight from above, proved somewhat reliable, but only enough to get them where they were going. They approached a familiar set of doors which they proceeded through after maneuvering through a crowd of zombies. They were greeted with a familiar area that once been filled with light but now the only light was from the moon shining through the windows that made up a portion of the wall on their right. Applejack kept her focus on getting back to Frank and Otis with Burt all in one piece. Once they made it safely across the zombie infested area, Burt was the one to hold the door this time as they entered another familiar narrow corridor that lead to the room with the two panels that slide apart. They both made their way down the corridor seeing the familiar sight of zombies and walking into the familiar area full of crates and boxes. They weaved through the maze created by the structures holding those items, and the scattered zombies about the area, before coming up on the two large panels. Burt pressed the same thing Frank and Otis had on a smaller panel off to the side. “Look…I know what you’re thinking,” Burt began breaking the silence between them as they waited for the panels to slide apart, “You don’t need to dwell on it. I blew his brains out. End of story.” “…but I kicked the kart at him...” Applejack replied nervously as the memory flashed in her head, “I have part of the…” “I said don’t dwell on it…this place is already a big enough hell hole as is.” Burt interrupted while turning towards her speaking in a tone that hinted he was trying to cap off his temper before turning away. Just as he finished, there was a ding sound before the two large panels separated and revealed the same windowless room. Applejack and Burt walked in and Burt pressed something on the other smaller panel inside before the two panels slide together. The room shook a bit leading into its ascension just as Applejack and Burt returned to their silence. Applejack kept to herself for the duration of the time in the room before it came to a shaking halt, another ding sound was heard, and the panels slide apart once again. Applejack followed behind Burt as they entered the moonlight engulfed roof taking a left once clearing the panels. “Hey,” A voice called out them over their silence. Applejack and Burt directed their attention to where the voice came from to see…Frank over by a step in the floor next to a section of the vents. Frank started to approach them with a slight frown as if he was going to say something to the both of them but not entirely angry though. “Here you go,” Burt said while handing out the metallic object to Frank before he could say a single word. Applejack stopped in her tracks as Burt walked past Frank towards the entrance to the vents after going over the step up to it. “Don’t give him a hard time,” Applejack said to Frank keeping her voice quiet so Burt didn’t hear and become more agitated, “He lost a friend in there…” “I can understand, but it’s not an excuse for going back in in there with that injury of his,” Frank explained while look in back at Applejack before turning back to see Burt climbing into the vents, “But…he’s in one piece still. Best thing to count on now.” Applejack nodded in agreement before she and Frank started to walk towards the vents and retire for the night. Applejack was the first to hop onto the step up while Frank followed in suit. “Listen…” She heard him say as he climbed the step, “In case you don’t get back to this…Ponyville…” Applejack stop right in front of the entrance to the vents and turned to Frank with a frown but keeping silent. “I have someone coming for us in three days,” Frank explained, “If it comes to it. It’d best for you to come along.” Applejack's mind was wirling at the idea. She knew she'd have no other choice if what Frank was saying happened, but….wouldn’t Twilight come up with something….wouldn’t she get back…. “Ah’m mighty thankful, Frank.” Applejack said with a tip of her hat and a small smile as she tried to subside her wondering thoughts. Then she and Frank entered the vents right behind Burt, whom was waiting patiently for them. The trio proceeded into the vents with Frank giving the directions every time Burt stopped and wasn’t sure which way to go. During the whole time in the vents, Applejack made a mental note of the ways and turns they took for future use. They came up on a familiar open section of the vent on the left side with bright light pouring right in. Burt was the first too exit followed by Applejack and Frank as they arrived back in the room containing another section of the vents and were greeted with Otis. Applejack let out a sigh of relief knowing she would be able to get some sleep after a very long day. Burt, however, took off into the back room as if to be alone. Applejack knew it was better not to bother him…considering what he had gone through. After entering through a door to leave the vent room, Applejack sat back down on her haunches ready to catch some sleep right next to the green cushions, which now home to a human whom appeared to be already asleep. “You might want to go back there,” Otis suggested while pointing to the door Burt had gone through to the back room as he closed the door to the vent room, “We don’t want her freaking out in case she’s a little over the edge considering the circumstances...” “Understood partner,” Applejack said while nodding and getting up onto her hooves. She made her way over to the door with Otis, whom opened the door for her. Stepping past the door frame, she turned to look back, Frank was sitting in a chair in deep thought and at points seemed to be on the verge of slipping into sleep while Otis was walking away from the door leaving it open and sitting down with his back against the door to the vent room. “Goodnight, you two,” Applejack said before going further into the back room. “Goodnight.” She heard them reply as she continued into the back room. She came up on a corner and around it was another set of green cushions but more separated from the floor thane the others. On these ones however was Burt, whom shifted a bit to come in eye contact with Applejack. His face bore a frown and lowered eyebrows further implying had intentions of isolation for the night. Applejack kept silent with her gaze locked with Burt’s however it didn’t last long. Burt closed his eyes and returned to his sleep without a single word. Applejack let out a sigh before lying herself down and curling up in a comfortable position on the floor. Closing her eyes, she hoped to quickly drift off into the realm of sleep and momentary toss her concerns aside for a needed period of rest from the events of the daytime... Author's Note Hello again everyone. I hope you’re enjoying the story. Remember to leave your feedback in the comments below and also now that this chapter is up. I'll be finishing up another chapter for Equestria, Sweet Equestria. So be on the lookout for that and as always. Have a good day everyone.
Case 3-1: Dawn of a New Day“Up and at em’.” Applejack found her eyes slowly opening as she felt herself being shaken lightly. She let out a yawn knowing well her time for sleep had passed for now. Getting up onto her hooves, she was greeted with a wide awake Otis. “Mornin’,” Applejack said with a nod. Applejack gave quick shake of her head ridding herself of any notion of still being tired, however during which she took notice that Burt was still lying on the cushions fast asleep. She tore her attention from Burt and followed behind Otis ready for the day leaving the snoring human to his rest. “Frank already went back into that forsaken mall,” Otis explained as they walked towards and through the door to the vent room. “Alone?” Applejack asked feeling a sense of worry come over her as they passed through the door to the vent room. “Don’t you worry about him, Frank’s a smart guy… a little crazy, but he’s smart,” Otis said while stopping next to the entrance to the vents and showing the yellow object he held, “And besides, we’ll be in contact with him.” “But what about her,” Applejack turned back and motioned to the female human lying on the green cushion in the room Otis and Frank had slept in. She was still asleep much Burt was and in a fine moment of peace, but without the snoring. “Well…after yesterday…I think the last thing she wants to do is go back into the mall,” Otis said with a sigh and began climbing into the vents, “Well, we best get goin’.” “What’s going on?” Applejack asked while climbing up into the vents right behind Otis whom lead once they started on their way. “While Frank’s on his search you and I are gonna go searching for supplies,” Otis explained as he crawled forward, “If we’re gonna last the next few days will need the stuff to do so.” They proceeded further in the vents. Taking a left and right here and then long straight forward portions, they went a ways before coming up to another familiar opening the vents. Applejack climbed out of the vents behind Otis and was greeted with the roof of the mall, as Otis had put it. Applejack felt a slight chill come over her as she took notice to the sun. The large orange orb, with specks of red fading out, was sitting over on the horizon ready to rise up and bring its warmth along for the ride. Despite the chill in the air, Applejack was ready to help out anyway she could. The temporary silence that had settled between Applejack and Otis was suddenly broken when there came a sudden static from the object Otis held. “Otis…Otis… can you hear me?” Frank’s voice said from the object. “Loud and clear Frank,” Otis responded bring the object close to his mouth as they moved towards the two large panels not far off, “Applejack and I are headin’ out for supplies. Where you at?” “Hold on a second…ERAH!” Frank’s voice replied before the sound of something colliding with something else followed a moan that faded quickly, “…jeez…um...I’m at the park and heading for the food court.” “Alright, be careful out there Frank,” Applejack heard Otis say as they both arrived at the two large panels. Otis pressed the same thing as before on the smaller panel nearby. The two waited patiently before the two large panels slide apart at the ding sound allowing them to enter the room inside. Otis pressed a similar thing on the smaller panel inside and the large panels slide shut before the room felt like it was descending. Applejack suddenly felt a sensation in her stomach as a light churn sound broke the silence in the room. “Pardon me,” She said as she put a hoof to her stomach. “We’ll have to find somethin’ for you to snack on in the Paradise Plaza while we’re gatherin’ supplies” Otis commented while turning to her while getting a bit nervous look on his face, “And given the facts and what I can guess….you most likely not a fan of meat.” Applejack gave a nod as her stomach ached more for nourishment more intensely at the sound of the phrase ‘snack on’. Just as she shoved off the ach once more, the room shook in a stop of its descent. The two large panels slide apart once more as Applejack followed Otis ready for the day ahead. “If I were someone wanting to get away,” Frank made efforts to shift his perspective in hopes of furthering his investigation as he held his camera up to his face with the shotgun he had received from Burt lying on the ground next to him. Standing by the doors from the park which were still completely destroyed as he had remembered, he was able to get a good shot of the food court. During his trip over, he had taken a few pictures of zombies in the Paradise plaza and the park fulfilling the other aspect that came with his job. He kept his perspective shifted once he was done snapping the picture as he picked up the gun and began to walk towards the western structure of the food court, particularly the stairs under the giant banner logo. He looked to his left eyeing…a familiar corpse for a moment before turning his attention back to his work and on the zombies about the area. Scanning around once more, he eyed no conceivable way anyone could have left the area without using the two corridors or the park doors. He moved towards the area of wooden tables as his mind recalled…Burt’s description of his encounter with the man…particular the comment that the man had been attacking from overhead… before eyeing a stack of boxes next to a platform of the balcony above. Frank climbed up onto the boxes with the platform a few feet above his head. He threw up his arms while jumping and managed to get a good hold even with the shotgun held in one hand. Hosting himself up and getting a leg onto the platform, he was up on his feet before leaning the shotgun up against a wall and getting his camera ready before making his way towards the balcony taking in the new bird’s eye view of the ground below. “If he was up here,” Frank mumbled out to himself while taking a look to his right seeing a dead end to the balcony, but when he turned to his left… The balcony continued to a dead end like the right side but…off the left of the dead end was a small platform. After retrieving the gun, Frank walked towards the corner peaking around it to see the platform jut out over the stairs on the right side of the entire structure and towards one of the overheads of the food stands below. He walked over the jutting platform towards the overhead with the feeling in his gut encouraging him to venture father. He adjusted his balance slightly to compensate for the over head’s tilt once he was on it and found himself walking behind various logos and names while looking for…something…but… Nothing… He let out a sigh proceeding forward on the overheads with a quickened pace searching… “Hey old timer,” Frank came to a sudden halt at the voice breaking his concentration with…a voice his mind recalled very quickly…one drenched in ego… “Hey down here!” Frank turned his attention to the….over energetic Kent Swanson down below armed with all his camera equipment and…that same cocky grin. “So how’s your quest for the truth?” Frank saw Kent say with a light chuckle. Frank gave the area around him another look…hoping to find something and leave the cocky artsy photographer behind….but nothing…again… “I have a lead,” Frank said bluntly not wanting to fuel the fire. “A lead eh…well that’s fine and all,” Frank let out a sigh returning his attention to the photographer whom in the middle of his pause… turned and leaped towards an oncoming zombie and swung one of his legs out. Frank watched as Kent’s foot made contact with the zombie’s torso and sent it flying back. Kent proceeded to draw out his pistol and plant one bullet in the zombie before it fell to the ground motionless. Frank began to walk back the way he came hoping to avoid the next part of Kent’s egoistical speech but found his footsteps still in well enough ear shot. “But you’re up river without a paddle, grandpa,” He heard Kent continue while coming up on the platform suspended over the stairs. Frank looked to his right and saw Kent change his direction towards the dining area of the food court. Frank began running through the options…before the feeling that been building began in the pit of his stomach. He kept moving forward figuring he would grab something from one of the stands, but the sound of Kent climbing his way up drowned out his stomach’s aches as he came up on the various platforms over the middle set of stairs. Kent was up on the platform blocking Frank’s way down to the boxes below, excluding the other more risky ways of getting off the balcony. “Hey stay for a bit gramps,” Kent insisted, “How ‘bout we compare stills? I’ve got time.” Frank just stared at Kent coldly as his mind recalled the first time he had heard that phrase from him. His mind was convincing him he had now every right to tell the young photographer to forget it and then be on his merry way, but… Frank recalled the headshot Kent had pulled off in the Paradise plaza….and the smile…not cocky…but… Frank drew from his cold stare and let out a small sigh before taking his camera from around his neck and handing it over. Kent tossed the camera that had been around his neck to Frank before the two began looking through the stored photos. The first few photos Frank saw were of what he recognized as the streets of Willamette while recalling his trip on the helicopter. There was one showcasing the Willamette Mall in a very wide shot. Like the other street pictures, the grounds were littered with wandering zombies. “Heh…nice explosion grandpa,” He heard Kent commented, enviousness slowly fading into his voice, “nice composition…for a bird eye shoot… I would have gotten it from the ground up close.” Frank held back the irritation as he continued viewing the photos. The next series…was of the entrance plaza... capturing the scenes of zombies devouring those that had been left behind. Checking the time stamp on the photo and recalling the event itself…. the pictures had been taken just mere minutes after Frank had escaped. Clicking through the next few photos, Frank eyed pictures of more zombies noting a few places in the background and checking the time stamp for further reference. Then he came across one picture…a bird’s eye view of what Frank identified as the North Plaza but what caught his attention was the person in it….a man with long black hair and a white long sleeved shirt wielding heading for the supermarket... Frank felt a wave of hope come over him as he checked the time stamp to see…it had been taken recently. Instinct told him to take off but upon clicking to another picture in hopes Kent had taken another picture of the scene….the following picture however….caught him off guard and held his gaze longer than the rest. It was a woman. She was dressed in a green coat…being ripped open by several zombies. Frank took notice to the expression on the woman’s face…one of pure terror….and in her hand…she gripped what looked like….a pacifier. The sudden realization came over Frank in a chill running every inch of his body….just as he took notice to the angle of the shot….it was up close, but from a height only a…human had….Kent had… Frank was brought back to reality at the sound of Kent’s laughter reaching his ears. “Uh…gramps,” He heard Kent begin with a chuckle, “What the hell is this?” Frank turned his attention to Kent who was holding the camera with one hand in such a way Frank could see the picture being viewed...consisting of orange… Frank moved towards Kent shoving the camera to him before taking his camera back. Frank stormed past Kent and began to lower himself down over the edge of the platform. “Ok, Mr. High and Mighty,” He heard Kent call out to him, “Go find your story, but art wise… You’ve got nothing! NOTHING!” Frank had irritation come over fully as he hurried down the middle set of stairs before taking a left at the foot of them. He kept the way towards the Wonderland plaza in sight as he put the camera back around his neck. He shoved the cocky Kent out of his mind and focused his original goal once more. As his mind locked on with determination, he gripped the shot gun in his hand even tighter as he quickened his pace into a run…the sooner he caught this guy…the better. Author's Note Hello again everyone. Like before, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and you're enjoying the story so far. Also I want to apologize that this one took a while longer to get out and be sure to leave your feedback in the comments below. Finally, have a good day everyone.
Case 3-2: Scavenging and Halls in the North“How long do you think this will last us?” Applejack was walking around a restaurant looking for any food to scavenge while Otis pushed a kart and did the same. The aching in her stomach had faded as it was dealing with a snack Otis had saved for her during their scavenging. However, it had been a slow process to begin with. After crossing the sea of zombies, the two had to secure a kart, which had been the only easy part of the job, and start at the restaurant on the first level of the plaza with the wide opening and the large banner reading Jill’s Sandwiches. The place had a look that said it had been gone through already, but there was a faint aroma of food about the place. Despite the appearance, Applejack and Otis had been able to scrape up a few food items here and there. Most of it was found behind the counter of the restaurant in some of the cupboards. “As long as we ration out the stuff,” Otis began as he reached down for something. Applejack continued her search while Otis placed the carton he held in the kart alongside the rest of the food. “That makes 2 orange juices, a few baguettes, and some pies,” Otis sounded off as Applejack turned her attention to him, “A good haul for breakfast, but we’re gonna have to come back for more.” Directing their attention back to the entrance of the restaurant, they started to make their way back. They rounded the corner of the entrance coming face to face with the zombies before readying themselves. Otis lead the charge as he pushed the kart shoving the zombies in his path away as Applejack followed close behind. Applejack kept up her pace as the kart parted the sea of undead allowing further progress across the plaza. Continuing their charge till they reached the other side, they drew out of their charge as they came up on the door to the narrow corridor leaving the plaza behind them. Otis parted from the kart and pushed the door open while Applejack kept guard for the moment. Once Otis had the door fully open, Applejack went over and placed herself against the door keeping it open as Otis then pushed the kart through. Once Otis had cleared the way, Applejack went up and quickly pushed the door shut. “Well…that was good for a first go,” Otis commented with a sigh as he began to push the kart down the corridor, “We best hurry. Those two are probably starving.” Applejack left the closed the door and proceeded down the corridor with Otis with a more apparent aroma of food lingering into her nose. “They’re in for somethin’ I can say,” Applejack commented as the exited the corridor into the room with the boxes on structures, “Reminds me of Granny Smith’s apple pie.” Applejack let her mind wander back to the dinners on the farm. She remembered the smell and taste of fresh baked apples. The coziness of the Apple family home and the company of Big Macintosh, Applebloom, and Granny Smith… “Hold up,” Applejack drew herself from her memories as she and Otis came to a stop in the middle of the room with zombies about it. “Uh Applejack…” Otis said, urgency overtaking his voice. “Sh!” Applejack whipped her head from left to right only seeing the zombies about the area. She could have sworn…a loud buzzing came right up past her left ear. She whipped her head towards the noise and with a squint of her eyes…it was a small bug. A yellow wasp...with a pair of red glowing eyes. Applejack dodged to the side as the wasp flew right at her. She ducked once it made another attempt at her. It soared right past and close to Otis who took a try at swatting it away. “Damn things, we had a guy go to the hospital once because of these,” Otis said with aggravation as he turned to continue swatting. “OTIS!” Immediately as Otis had turned around, a zombie had come up right on him and now had a firm dead grip. Otis ceased his swatting and tried to pry himself free as Applejack ran up to save him. It happened in quick succession. Applejack saw the wasp hovering over Otis and the zombie in their stalemate. Then in a split second... it soared right at the zombie’s decaying head and penetrated right through into the skull. The zombie froze in place before letting go of Otis and slowly swatting around its own head. The zombie stumbled away still swatting slowly at its head. Without a single word, Applejack and Otis quickly went on their way as the other zombies were, strangely, focusing on the swatting zombie. The made their way towards the two large panels just a static screech filled their ears. “Ot--...Otis…you there?” They stopped right in front of the panels as Otis reached for the yellow object and bringing it up to his face. “Right here,” Otis replied while turning as the sounds of zombie moans drifted to his and Applejack’s ears, “You ok there Frank?” “Yeah. I’m at the stairs to the North Plaza,” Frank’s voice said, “I’m on the guy’s trail if he’s still here.” “We’re coming back to the security room from a first food run,” Otis explained while turning to Applejack, “We’ll be sure to save you something.” “Maybe a while till I get--” Frank’s voice said before being cut out by a loud banging noise erupting from the object. “Frank!” . . . “Frank,” Otis shouted into the object with a look of dread coming over his face, “Can you hear me?” Silence…dead silence… “Shit… I’m ok…we’ve got a problem here,” Frank’s voice said with obvious shock in his voice, “… I don’t think whoever is shooting saw me… I’m gonna try and get closer…” “Frank! Don’t do it!” Otis shouted into the object but received no response, “Damnit!” “That’s it,” Applejack shouted while titling her hat down before taking off back the way they had come, “I’m goin’ to help him.” Applejack hadn’t gotten a ways away before she felt her tail getting pulled causing her to cease her run. She whipped her head around to see Otis holding her tail with slight irritation engulfing his face. “But…errr,” Otis got out before letting go of her tail and trying to put the words correctly out…before letting out a sigh, “Be careful and hurry!” Without any further encouragement, Applejack took off back the way she and Otis had come knowing well where she was going. She rounded the corners of the structures passing the mob of zombies still converging on that one with… the wasp in its skull... “Go through the entrance in the park!” She heard Otis shout to her, “Up on the stairs on the far right!” Applejack kicked it into high gear as she dashed down the corridor coming right up on the door back to the Paradise Plaza. Frank gripped the walkie talkie in his hand tightly as his heart raced rapidly. He made ever so sure his steps were silent, but quick enough to move around the zombies crowding the area. The loud gunshot he had heard was fading from a ringing in his ears as he pinpointed it to be coming from in the belly of the North Plaza. His mind drifted back to the photo from Kent’s camera as his already high determination came over. It was now or never… As he approached the open area of the North Plaza near the supermarket, he could faintly hear…several people talking quietly over the sound of moaning zombies. “Keep your eyes peeled boys.” “He isn’t getting away from me, dad.” Frank kept his pace as he quickly silenced the walkie talkie before placing it in the pocket of his jacket. “Son of a…quit hiding!” Frank proceed forward pinpointing the voices somewhere in the area but not exact. Upon getting closer, he took notice to something new about the area. Amongst the familiar structures, the zombies that had been moving about the place…where now on the ground motionless… Frank crept forward till he was at the foot of the area with a good view about it. In a split second, Frank came to a stop and tried to pinpoint where the voices had come from when a piercing noise roared in his ears followed by the sound of shattering glass. He immediately identified it as… a high powered rifle…just as he had with the first shot he heard. “THOMAS! ...How many times have I told you….don’t shoot unless you know you’re gonna hit.” Frank froze right in place as he slowly titled his head up…. Above his head, he eyed a part of the structures in the area with the flat board floor across them. Through the space of the placed boards, Frank could see…at least three people above him. From what he could tell, they were facing the supermarket and taking the gunshots into account…they were armed. “Alright boys, speared out on this thing. We’ll pin him from all sides.” Frank heard the sound of a pair of footsteps going in opposite directions. He immediately moved to his right and pressed himself against the wall while crouching and hoping he was out of sight. As he crept against the wall, he tried thinking what options he had. His mind went to the shotgun he held in his hands…but knew well enough it wouldn’t be much unless he was close enough. The option of sneaking around their view towards the supermarket was one that quickly died as the situation carried out. Part of him crept to the thought of going back the way he came, but determination said he had come too far to go back… Then there was the sound of rapid gunshots, which Frank pinpointed to the supermarket. Just as the barrage of bullets stopped there were two more shots in a single succession before a silence of gun fire. “Thomas! You had the shot.” “But daddy… I ….uh….” “No buts boy. Some bastard tries to gun us down… We return in kind.” Frank drew in a breath as his mind formulated…somewhat of a plan. If somehow… he could distract the three above…give the man in the supermarket some time to get away….then Frank could maybe…just maybe… A low moan filled Frank’s ears that he hadn’t moments before. Turning around he came face to face with a single zombie coming up on him. He pushed his hands forward with the shotgun in both shoving most of the gun right into the zombie. However, the zombie didn’t stumble back but rather leaned back before it lunged forward snagging Frank by the shoulders of his jacket. Frank gave another attempt to shove the zombie away but found it was a useless try. However, he immediately started rocking from side to side gaining momentum before pushing everything into a rock towards the outside of his cover. He felt the zombie let go of his jacket but found himself stumbling out of cover as well. “…D-d-dad!” Frank froze for a second at the shout, feeling all eyes from above on him. “Thomas. Jack. Keep an eye on the doors.” Frank turned to where the voice came from and saw a man in his early 40’s climbing down from the structures walkway and grabbing onto one of the metal support bars. He lowered himself slowly before dropping safely with a sniper rifle slung on his shoulder. Once he had returned to a balance on his feet, he returned the rifle to his hands and slowly approached Frank. Once the man was close enough and before Frank could even find something to say, the man moved and slammed the butt of his rifle right into the skull of the fallen zombie. He repeated this several times before finally turning his attention onto Frank. “Alright…now just who are you?” The man demanded with a gruff but slightly irritated tone while giving Frank an almost a death stare. “Look… I don’t want trouble…” Frank began to say as he lifted his hands with the shotgun still held in one. He rolled the idea of saying he was hoping to catch the guy in the supermarket around, but the look on the man’s face and his actions only side his boys told him…they were gunning to kill... “Well, you’re gonna have trouble unless you get you and your camera out of here,” The man said interrupting Frank’s thoughts, “And if you see that other photographer, tell him to stay out of our business with his pictures.” Frank’s mind flashed an image of Kent...and his cocky grin…. “Look…I’m here to find out what the hell is going on,” Frank said finding his voice with more confidence, “I’m a photojournalist.” “Well, either way, to me you’re both crazy,” The man commented, “Now I’m not gonna tell you--” “Dad!... I hear somethin’!” The man directed his attention towards his son up near the hallway towards the rest of the North Plaza. Frank directed his attention as well. The boy, dressed in a light and dark green coat, had his attention away from the supermarket and appeared to be trying to look down the hallway. There was the sound….of rapid steps slowly getting louder….becoming more audible to where Frank could identify them as more then steps but rather… “What.. the faaa?” Frank heard the other boy exclaim as Frank caught sight of…orange. Before Frank or any of the three could react….there was sudden gun fire followed by a blood curdling scream. Frank and the man whipped their heads around… “JACK! NOOOO!” Frank found himself being shoved away as the man swung his arms into a firing position and began firing rounds that kept missing…the man from the roof who was now making his escape. Applejack hadn’t arrived and been in the area by the supermarket for a second before… a loud familiar pattern of noise rang out and seeing…that human from the roof running right towards her. She lowered her eyebrows before charging right at the human with full speed and leaping right at him. The collision she had hoped for didn’t happen, but found something striking her in the side. She felt the wind get knocked out of her before she found herself quickly falling onto the ground with rage engulfing her from the pain. “Applejack!” Applejack lifted her head quickly seeing Frank running up to her with the metallic object. She felt herself being lifted up and onto her hooves. “Come on!” She heard Frank say before hearing him take off down the hallway. Applejack turned and ran after Frank ignoring the pain from the aftermath of the fall. She managed to catch up with Frank and was quickly outrunning him with the escaping human not far ahead. She immediately ran over towards the ramp up onto the structure running the wall of the hallway keeping her focus on the fleeing human. During her run, she caught the sound of a loud noise piercing her ears which only made her cringe slightly as she kept her pace up. She was quickly catching up as she saw the human heading in the direction towards the area she had entered through. She gritted her teeth as she pushed herself forward focusing on the human, whom was now looking over its shoulder at her. As if taking it as her cue, Applejack adjusted her direction and leaped off the structure. She came right up on the human, whom moved to protect itself, as she shut her eyes and waited. She felt herself make contact as she wrapped her forelegs around the human and held on taking it onto the ground with her. Once they had made contact with the ground, she felt her grip slip before sliding across the ground. She quickly opened her eyes to see the human starting to come to and reaching for a metallic object on the floor one a few inches away. Applejack moved quickly using her front hooves and moved the object away from the human’s reach. She immediately felt something grab her by the mane and pull her back. Letting out a yelp as she found herself tossed and on the ground once more. She wasted no time and got back up onto her hooves to see the human slowly getting up and reaching for… “EeeAH!!” Applejack saw Frank come right up and deliver a solid kick into the human’s back. The human buckled over onto the ground, but then swung a leg out taking Frank off his feet. Applejack leapt forward diving towards the human that was trying once more to get up. Applejack found her forelegs make contact with the ground as she used the new found pivot to turn herself and was ready to deliver a kick when she found something suddenly jabbing into her stomach. She found her hooves leaving the ground and herself going face first onto the ground. Applejack quickly came to her sense and got up onto her hooves to see Frank in a stalemate between him and the human. She was about to charge in and help when she saw the human use a single foot and push Frank away with all of its might. She saw Frank’s grip on the human slip and fall backwards into…the forming crowd of zombies. “FRAANK!” Applejack dove into the crowd shoving aside zombies and kicking ones getting too close to taking a bite out of Frank. During her struggle, she looked out of the massing zombies to see…the human picking up his metallic object along with the one Frank had been holding…walking away but only taking a moment to look back with lowered eyebrows. Applejack returned with a look of anger now engulfing her face before quickly returning to the matter at hand as she shoved another zombie away as the human made its escape… Author's Note First off, I want apologize again for this one taking a while and for any future chapters that that a while. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and are enjoying the story so far. Please leave your feedback in the comments below and have a great day everyone.
Case 3-3: Sniper Pursuit“Frank, you ok?” Burt sat in a green swivel chair in the monitor room as Otis sat in the chair by the desk talking into a yellow walkie talkie. Burt had been up for a while, but only because his stomach’s growling had become a bit much to bear. Now he was taking slow bites out of his slice of pie for breakfast quenching that growling, with Otis and some girl he met after waking up. He didn’t make much talk to her before Otis had shown up with food but did find out her name was Kay. At one point, he had the feeling he had seen Kay somewhere before….but shoved the thought away deeming it unnecessary to dwell on. “…I’m here. Applejack’s here too...” Frank’s voice said from the device. Burt turned to look at Kay the moment Applejack was mentioned on the transmission seeing her puzzled look. She looked at Otis and then him as if she had a question on her mind, but didn’t know how to say it. Burt shook his head while motioning with his hand telling her not to as he and she returned to their food. “Good to hear you, Frank,” Otis replied happily with the walkie talkie up to his face, “We’ll be savin’ you both a piece of pie.” “Sorry Otis…I’m going to keep looking,” Frank’s voice replied, with a hint of drag in his tone, “You save those slices. We’ll be back later…” The walkie talkie emitted a beep before going silent as Burt watched Otis put it into his coat pocket. “Well that can only mean one thing…,” Otis commented with a sigh before looking up at Kay and Burt, “Eat up you two.” Burt took a few more bites of the pie he had before setting it down on his lap with his hunger quenched for the moment. His eyes wondered to the monitors above Otis before looking around the room as he let out a quiet sigh. “Why was he out there anyways?” Burt asked looking back at Otis. “Looking for the fella you described when we brought you in,” Otis explained, “Apparently, Frank saw this guy on the roof and he gave off a suspicious vibe.” Burt recalled his encounter with the man in question as clear as day….then the drunken man…then the supermarket… He shut his eyes and batted the memory away while taking a breath hoping to keep himself under control. However his thoughts drifted slowly before focusing on…before he heard Otis sigh. “You gonna be alright, son?” “I will…” Burt claimed with a hint of temper trying to be contained from his tone with one hand clenched tightly in a fist, “somehow…I will.” “Well…make sure you eat up,” He heard Otis say with hesitation present in his voice; “You’re going to need your strength these next few days.” Burt opened his eyes while letting out a breath through his nose. He picked up his piece of pie and proceeded to take a single bite out of it. Right when he was about to put the piece in his mouth, he took notice to something on the monitors. The one he was viewing was facing the… “Hey Otis….” Burt began not taking his eyes from the monitor, “is that kiddy coaster suppose to be going that fast…?” Frank rushed around the unfilled fountain in the North Plaza with Applejack close by avoiding the zombies about the area while looking for any sign of the man from the roof…but like the food court…the search came up dry. With determination coursing through him, hunger being far from his mind, and the thought of how close he was to catching the man present in his mind, he frantically searched around the area coming across two separate stores, one he saw was a photo shop and the other one appeared to be a warehouse supply shop. Part of Frank judgment wanted him to check each one while another argued the man wouldn’t have stuck around if he was being chased. He stopped for a moment looking around as he felt a sense of dread coming over him as third part began to suggest the possibility of… "Frank..." He heard Applejack say interrupting his thoughts as he turned to her, "You ain't thinkin' of givin' up are ya?" He shook his head assuring her and himself it was the farthest thing from his mind before slowly going back to his thoughts….which were immediately interrupted when a loud gun shot rang out. He quickly turned around expecting to see the father from the trio of snipers coming at them but was greeted with… “GANG WAY GRAMPS!” Frank backed up out of the way as Kent came running by him and Applejack towards the doors to the park moving past the zombies and shoving a few out of the way. “HE’S PISSED!” Frank heard Kent shout before looking back once more. Frank immediately went wide eyed as this time he DID see the father from the trio of snipers coming towards him with full titled rage. “Ohhh shi-” Frank began as he saw the man begin to cock the rifle. “Frank, run!” He heard Applejack shout. Without any more encouragement, Frank turned tail and ran for his life pushing himself with all his will to get out of there as quickly as possible. Shoving zombies away and weaving between them, Frank quickly came up on the doors with Applejack by his side. He shoved a pair of the doors open allowing Applejack enough room to exit alongside him. The moment they began to descend the stairs the sound of shattering glass filled their ears. Frank dropped down having the edges of the stairs jab him in the back only to find himself knocking a zombie that had been standing nearby off its feet and onto him. Frank gripped the zombie’s shoulders and began to push it off him just as it began to try and… Frank felt the zombie’s shoulder slip from his grip as it went to the side slamming head first into the railing beside him with enough force that Frank could of swore he heard a bone crack before the zombie dropped to the ground lifeless. “Thanks.” Frank said as he saw Applejack coming back from her kick. “Don’t mention it, partner,” “Hey, psst gramps!” Frank whipped his head to see Kent crouching behind the short side of the stairs motioning towards where he was. Against the part of his mind telling him to stay away from Kent with the revelation from the food court coming back into his thoughts, Frank made sure he was down the stairs far enough to where he wouldn’t be in the father’s line of sight for a while before getting to his feet and descended the rest of the stairs. He quickly moved to a crouch joining Kent behind cover, but stopped short of his destination motioning for Applejack to go ahead keeping watch of the doors. Once she was behind cover, Frank retreated into cover as well keeping as low as possible just as he heard the one of the doors above quickly open. “Frank... you there…” Otis’s voice erupted from the walkie talkie before Frank quickly silenced it and shoved it into a pocket of his jacket. “Good plan gramps, let him know where we are and I’ll show him some pictures,” Kent whispered cynically looking directly at Frank before pausing a moment and blinking a few times, “…it’s real?” Frank looked to see Kent was gazing at Applejack whom was keeping low just as they were. “Looks you’re not far off your rocker as I thought, old timer,” Kent added before Frank shot him a small irritated look before another gunshot rang out. “Thomas…Thomas!” Frank heard the father yell from above before another gun shot was heard, “Hurry up boy!” Frank caught the sound of the one of the doors being slowly opened and a familiar voice joining the father. “Daddy…what are we going to do?” “We’re gonna get out of here and…Thomas!” The father shouted again, “Put Jack down and help me shoot!” “You got a plan partner?” Frank turned his attention from listening to the father and son back to Applejack who had an unsure look on her face. “…and it can talk?” Kent whispered with slight amazement. Frank looked out into the park trying to find a way to escape, but knew the moment they got out from behind cover they’d be done for. More gun shots rang out followed by the sound of corpses falling down and gushing blood as Frank continued to search for a way out. He eyed a corner formed by the walls of the park just when…he got an idea. “Alright, when I say go, run for cover,” Frank explained pointing off to the corner in question, “Got it?” Frank looked to Kent whom responded with a small nod before feeling something tap his arm. He turned to Applejack whom still had her unsure look and looked as if she was about to say something, but ultimately lowered her eyebrows with a small smile before giving a nod. Frank then proceeded to fake a rather loud cough… “Thomas… keep firin’…” Frank readied himself as he heard the father’s approaching footsteps as the gunshots continued. He drew in a deep breath just before he saw the barrel of a rifle coming into his view. “GO!” Frank shot his hands up gripping the rifle by the barrel, feeling his palm become suddenly heated, and by the wooden grip. He gripped both parts hard and pulled the rifle violently taking the father with it. Frank pulled the gun until he felt the father's grip loosen and hearing him fall onto the grassy grounds before tossing the gun away. He clenched his stinging hand into a tight fist not wasting any time in running for his life with Applejack and Kent just up ahead. “THOMAS! SHOOT THEM!” Frank pushed himself with all his might remembering how Thomas had hesitated back at the North Plaza and hoped that… Frank felt his heart racing as he rounded the corner and planted himself against the wall with a small sense of relief. “Come on Frank!” He looked to see Applejack and Kent heading for the other corner not far from him and followed right behind them. Upon rounding the next corner, he saw another one just up ahead but he spotted a metal pair of doors on the wall to his left. Figuring it was an access for mall employees, Frank continued forward and saw Applejack was still running, but no sign of… “Sorry gramps,” Frank felt something strike him in the side of the head before feeling a foot slam into his back. He fell onto the ground just as another foot jab him right in the side and continued several times. “Frank!” Frank looked to see Applejack charging at Kent with anger engulfing her face. Kent swung a single leg planting a solid kick into the side of Applejack’s head before slamming a foot down on her side several times as well. Frank moved to get up on his feet… “This is how the professional world…” He heard Kent begin before feeling a foot make contact with his gut causing him to drop onto the ground again, “Works, grandpa.” Frank laid there on the ground with an aching head, stinging palm, and hurting gut as he felt more kicks to his sides before he heard Kent kicking into Applejack. Frank slowly looked up to see Kent turn to him towering over before lifting a single foot up. Frank braced himself as he felt the bottom of Kent’s shoe make contact and pain immediately engulfing his face before he blacked out… As his vision slowly came back he heard the sound of moaning and….the sound of a metal door opening. He slowly lifted his head to see no sign of Kent, but to see the pair of metal doors opening and…. several figures in yellow walking slowly out into the park… As he faded into darkness, he saw the group of figures turn their attention to him and Applejack seeing their….green soulless masked faces….slowly approaching... “Frank. Frank!?” Otis held the walkie talkie awaiting a response as he stood in the men’s restroom of the Paradise plaza with a flashlight in his free hand. He had arrived to see that the place was vacant of any zombies, even the stalls, before trying for Frank once more. “Damn…” Otis whispered as he looked towards the sinks in the restroom, “…ok Otis….Greg always said it was in this one…” Otis lifted his gaze towards the ceiling remembering the words of his co-worker when he spotted it… a square hatch in the ceiling right next to the corner above the sink with a small handle. Otis climbed onto the sink suspended in front of the large mirror. Making sure his feet wouldn’t fall and get stuck in the sinks; he put the walkie talkie and flashlight into his jacket pockets and reached up towards the hatch. He gripped the handle and slide the hatch open being greeted with the dark interior of the vents above. He reached into his pockets and pulled out the walkie talkie and flash light before switching the light on. “Frank, if you can hear me,” He said with the walkie talkie by his face as he shined the flashlight up towards the hatch, “The coaster in the Wonderland Plaza is out of control. I’m going to go check it out and see what's going on.” Otis looked up into the vents once more hoping whatever was keeping Frank...it wasn't trouble. “Don’t worry about me and you go get that fella alright?” Otis added before putting the walkie talkie and flashlight back into his pockets before reaching his arms up. As he managed to lift himself up into the vents using his feet to grip the wall for a foothold, his thoughts went back to the monitor room and seeing the footage of the coaster going around and around at a very fast pace. However... he could remember at one point…he could have sworn... he saw someone…on it…. Author's Note Hey everyone! I'm glad I was able to get this up before I went to camp next week. So I had to power drive this thing, even staying up till the early morning while giving this chapter a good look over making sure it didn't seem rushed to you guys. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and are enjoying the story so far. Leave your feedback in the comments below and lastly, have a great day everyone
Case 3-4: Maintenance/Memories“Applejack!” “AJ!” “You must get up!” “…please..?” “You have to come home…” “Come on!” Darkness…a familiar sight... this greeted Applejack as she began to regain consciousness. She shot her eyes open as she remembered what had happened before she blacked out. Once her body began to respond, she got to her hooves before finally taking in her surroundings. Whipping her heard quickly from left to right, she was greeted with a poorly lit room that even with squinting her eyes, she couldn’t make out anything in it…however…upon looking some more she noticed a spot just off to her left…brightly lit from the rest of the darkness. The light shined over a large piece of fabric held up showing a weird design of…an eye. At the foot of the fabric where it met the ground….was Frank…sitting there bathed in light missing his clothes, but there was a piece of cloething still on him around where his torso met his legs…his hands bounded together… “Frank,” Applejack called out as she began to move forward. However she felt something clench her throat suddenly, restricting her from moving any further. She took a step back and tried again before putting a hoof up to her neck. She felt…a secure collar around it. As she felt around it, she touched what seemed to be a metal chain and as she moved her hoof more she felt another…and another… and another... “Frank, come on, get up,” Applejack called out once again taking her hoof from the chain. That’s when it finally entered her ears….slow... heavy breathing… coming right from Frank. “Frank….” Just as she was about to call out once more, a loud creek cut her off and drowned out Frank’s breathing. Applejack turned to see a door on the other side of the room from her swing open allowing light to shine into the dark room momentarily blinding her. She brought a leg up to cover her eyes just as she heard multiple voices coming into earshot. As her eyes began to adjust to the light, she brought her leg down and saw several figures entering the room. She watched as the figures began to move towards her, their… green almost soulless faces coming into the dim back rays from the lights bathing Frank. However, there was one figure in particular who seemed to stand out amongst the rest. It was an elderly looking human dressed in a long white robe of sorts. Applejack flinched at the sound of a loud slam as the light from before disappeared and only darkness remained. She kept silent as the old human looked slowly from her to Frank as an uneasy silence settled, despite a few a murmurs from the green faced crowd and Frank’s breathing. She saw the human took one last look at her before turning to the crowd. “These…sinners, like the others, have chosen to reject salvation’s open arms,” The human boomed with a commanding tone, “and frolic in the land walked by the spawns of evil.” Applejack heard the crowd of green faces start to mutter some incoherent chant in a low tone. She looked over to Frank only to see him still there breathing slowly… as if he hadn’t seen the group come in. “Prepare yourselves,” The human exclaimed drawing Applejack’s attention back, “For the purging of these two from the earth that they walk with their sin covered souls.” Applejack watched the crowd begin to disperse still muttering their chant continuously. Then with a small hiss, she saw a few light what appeared to be candles held up on long poles which started to slowly rid the room of its darkness. She watched as the rest began to divide between her and Frank moving closer and closer... “Frank,” Applejack called out, “Snap out of it!” She didn’t get a moment to wait for a response, if any, before she felt something strike her in the side of the face and pain immediately engulfing it. She whipped her head around to see the elderly human looking directly at her. “Silence,” He ordered with the commanding tone still present, “Nothing can save you from judgment.” “Horse apples!” Applejack shouted before lunging forward driving her head into the elderly human's gut, “FRANK! Git up!” She didn’t waste a second before turning quickly and kicking at the nearest green faced human surrounding her. Once she felt her hooves make contact, she saw the others quickly moving in on her. She lunged forward driving her head into the gut of the closet green face human and landing on her hooves quickly delivering a kick to another. “Get away from me!” She exclaimed as she proceed to lash at the others advancing on her. Right as she was about to deliver another kick, she felt the collar on her neck suddenly tighten as her hooves left the ground. She found herself back on her hunches and before she even had a moment to regain herself, she felt something wrap around her and begin to weigh her down. She immediately tried to get up on her hooves while attempting to push the green face human away but its grip held. “Dangnabit!” Applejack shouted, wrestling to free herself as another green face human grabbed her, “Let me go!” She found her efforts quickly become exhausted but kept trying to slip free just as she felt something cold press against the bottom of her chin. She first saw the elderly human towering over her with a glare directed right at her…then the sword it now held ever so close to her throat causing her to immediately cease her efforts and just stare back silently. “You will be the first to be sacrificed,” The human announced, retreating the sword, “For sin has made you embedded in the realms of ignorance beyond the point of return.” Applejack immediately retried at her efforts as she heard a click of metal and the rattling of chain as she found herself being lifted up off the ground with little success of escape. She looked to Frank in hopes he had finally come to his sense, but only saw him being forced up onto his feet by several members of the crowd... with no sign of a fight… “Frank! Snap out of it!” Applejack shouted as she found herself being carried to where Frank had once been, “FRANK!” She suddenly felt the grips on her quickly loosen and found herself falling onto the ground. Once she felt free, she moved to get to her hooves but felt the collar tighten around her neck once more pulling her onto her back as she heard another metal click. She tried once more at getting to her hooves finding herself successful, but upon moving forward… the collar tightened again... “Prepare for another,” She saw the elderly human announce in a booming voice, “Another sacrifice of the unholy. The ungodly. The heretics of the world!” The crowd of green faces erupted in their chant as the elderly human walked off to a part of the room. Applejack turned back to see Frank sitting where she had been not too long ago with his head still lowered… “Frank, if you can hear me, I made it to the wonderland plaza,” Otis stood just outside the hall leading to the restrooms as he looked up towards the coaster, which was still in its furious loop. He held onto the walkie talkie and flashlight as he began to head for a flight of stairs up towards the upper level moving around the zombies in his path. Once up the stairs, he proceeded cautiously towards the coaster taking notice to…the lack of zombies around it. As he approached and walked up the small flight of stairs onto the loading platform, he felt the rush of wind as the single coaster kart came zooming by. “Alright,” Otis said as he put the flashlight and walkie talkie away and moved towards the control panel, “Switch for the ride should be right…here.” Before Otis even laid a finger on the panel, his ears were suddenly filled by a loud revving sound followed by... high pitched laughter. Otis turned from the controls as the kart went flying by once more to see…a clown juggling two chainsaws and looked…familiar as Otis took in the situation. “Adam?” Otis asked as he recalled meeting the children performer the day he was employed at the mall, “What happened to you?” “...You remember it…don’t you Otis,” Adam said as he stopped juggling, “the children…the laughter…the smiles...” Otis felt a wave of nervousness come over him as he stood there watching Adam slowly slip into sobbing as the blades of the chainsaws kept on spinning. “Because of me… I made all the people happy…” Adam continued letting out a chuckle before sniffling, “But then….” “The zombies...” Otis finished hesitantly. “And…you know…” Adam began nodding his painted head, “What happened when they came….everyone…died.” Otis cringed as Adam let out a laugh only a manic would be capable of, but had a hint of sadness hidden in it. Otis took a step back as Adam began to juggle the chainsaws once more humming a tune. “..Uh...Adam,” Otis managed to get out trying to remain calm, “Where did you...get those chainsaws from?” “Mr. Hudson’s store of course. He wasn’t in so I decided to borrow them,” Adam replied in a cheerful tone, but rather too cheerful, “Like I always tell the kids, its ok to borrow something as long as you bring it back.” Otis cringed once again as Adam let out that same laugh as he watched him toss both chainsaws into the air and roll forward. Otis quickly side stepped from the controls as he saw Adam catch each chainsaw by the handle and give a preforming bow balancing each saw expertly in his hands. “They hate the noise, Otis,” Adam said getting up on both of his feet, “But not the children, or anyone else. So I thought I would give everyone a nice happy ride.” Otis turned to see the kart come soaring past once again, but this time, he could see…someone on it. “Adam, I think you should let whoever is on get off right now and..,” Otis began slowly trying to think of the right words while turning to face the on edge performer, “….and let…others get on. Wasn’t that something you taught the kids? Taking turns?” Otis watched, praying what he said would work, as Adam seem to ponder this for a moment not lowering the chainsaws one bit. “I did,” Adam said before going to a tone of fear, “But the noise, its keeps them away… The ride… can’t stop...” “Just for a moment,” Otis insisted, “Then you can start it right back up.” Otis watched as Adam ponder this for another moment, before setting down one of his chainsaws and begin to fiddle with the control panel. Otis heard the gears of the coaster shutter for a moment as he looked to see the kart slowing down. It pulled into the loading area with ease before coming to a complete stop, only to confirm Otis’s fears. “Greg,” Otis said as he rushed towards the kart, “You ok?” Otis looked upon the fellow employee who seemed barely conscious; however, he saw Greg's eyes suddenly shoot open and begin to breath fast and tremble in the kart. “Greg! Greg, it’s me, Otis,” Otis exclaimed grabbing Greg’s shoulder to stabilize him, “You’re ok. Just remain calm.” “Ok kiddies!” Adam’s voice announced, “It’s time to get off the ride for now. Let’s give someone else a turn.” Otis looked towards Adam to see him reaching into the front of the kart and pulling out…two blood covered dolls and tossing them away. Otis turned back to face Greg who was now taking deeper breaths, but still shaking... “Come on! Who’s next in line!?” “Come on Greg,” Otis said as he began to help the fellow employee out of the coaster, “Let’s get you out of here.” That’s when he heard the loud revving of the chainsaws drawing Otis’s attention from Greg back to Adam who was now back wielding both chainsaws, but...with a frown on his face this time. “He can’t leave,” Adam said as he cornered Otis, “He tried to stop the ride...” “Adam, look at him,” Otis pleaded while motioning to Greg, “The man probably can’t stand…” Otis found his words fail him as he found himself in a cold…death like stare with Adam as the chainsaw revved loudly with each passing moment. Suddenly, Adam dropped the chainsaws and immediately grabbed Otis pinning his arms to the side in a death grip hug. “Alright kiddies, the ride is full. You’ll have to wait,” Adam announced back in his cheerful tone as he carried Otis to the free seat in the coaster, “Please keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times.” Otis heard Adam let out that same cringe worthy laugh as he found himself in the front seat of the coaster. Before he could even attempt to escape, he found the restraint of the coaster pulled over him tightly pinning him down. “ADAM!” Otis only got a response in a high pitched laugh as he felt the coaster jerk a bit before slowly moving forward. He quickly removed the restraints on him only to find the coaster had cleared the loading area and was quickly gaining speed. Otis put the restraints back on before reaching into his pocket and pulling out the walkie talkie. "Frank, can you hear me?" Otis called out into the device as the coaster began its first turn, "Frank!" Frank stared off into space as his senses begged for him to come back…or at least…he thought it was his senses. He looked down at his bounded hands eyeing the cable tie wrapped around the outside of his wrists. He could hear the sound of voices chanting something he couldn’t make out and the sound of his own breathing. Then he began to hear….the steady beat of…a camera clicking as if it were taking a picture. He closed his eyes trying to shake the noises from his head as he heard a commanding voice begin to chant as the camera beat became faster and faster. Frank! Git up! Gramps. Go get that fella alright? As long as you aren’t dead, Fred. Get down Mr. West! You’re lucky the general is allowing a photographer on the base. The name’s Frank. Frank west….west…west…west… Frank had his eyes wide open as he looked in his peripheral vision to see… Applejack chained by the neck with red on her face... An elderly man chanting something while making gestures with one hand while the other held a sword... A large group of people dressed in yellow coats…wearing green soulless masks.... His eyes drifted downwards to his hands to see the point where the two ends of the cable wire met was pressed against the outside of his right wrist. Frank took one more look up before his breathing began to increase…. ...as he felt the space between the outside of his wrists and the cable wire begin to tighten…and tighten...and tighten... Author's Note Hello again everyone. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and are enjoying the story so far. Sorry this one taking a while, I had to work on a wedding video for a friend of mine's older brother while doing this but either way. Leave your feedback in the comments below and have a great day everyone.
Case 3-5: The Light/Man in the MonitorApplejack’s heart raced uncontrollably as she stared into her reflection’s frightened eyes for a brief moment while she watched the elderly human raise the sword up. The green face crowd kept chanting, quickly getting louder as the human held the sword over his head. The chanting was getting faster and faster coming closer to a climax of noise. She tried once more at escaping but immediately found herself restricted. The world around her began to spin as she found herself shaking and unable to control her breathing…the thoughts of home coming back to her… “ERAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Applejack found her breathing suddenly back under her control as the world came back into focus. She saw the elderly human begin to sport a look of slight confusion and start to turn away while lowering the sword. She heard the yell continue, drowning out the chanting as she saw the elderly human take a step back coming ever so closer. “Seize him!” She heard him shout to the crowd as she felt her heart beat faster. She looked to where his legs were underneath the robe, now taking in slow breathes as she lowered her eyebrows, just as everything seemed to slow down. Looking past the human, she saw the crowd begin to direct its attention of somewhere else. She pulled her attention back, seeing the elderly human take another step back into some sort of fighting stance as the sounds of a struggle filled her ears. Applejack found herself focusing on the bent knees as she clenched her teeth and her breathing slowly becoming deep. Drawing in a breath and holding it, Applejack turned with a jump and landed on her front legs drawing her hind legs back keeping them close together. She thrust them out finding her hoofs quickly make contact before hearing the elderly human let out a yelp. She turned quickly to see the elderly human falling over as the sword dropped onto the ground with a loud clang. She let out the breath she held as she saw him start to blindly reach for the sword. “You dare…defy the...” The human muttered with the pain obvious in his voice, “the loving arms of…” Applejack quickly drew in another breath and leaped forward within her available range. She raised her right front leg and brought her hoof down hard. She was greeted with the sound of snapping bone and a loud scream erupting in the room. She looked up to see Frank with a face full of rage coming through the crowd as she brought her hoof up momentarily. “HETHEN!” Applejack suddenly felt something press against her chest and begin to push her off her hooves. In that moment, she found herself flying back, right into the held up fabric behind her, causing it to come off its support and fall on top of her. She dropped to floor but quickly tried to get up, pushing the fabric off her head. She came from under to see the elderly human, holding a hand close to its body, picking up the sword, now steaming mad. She backed up letting him come closer before crouching, ready to move. “My soul will not rest till every damn sinful creature is exiled from this earth!” The human yelled while moving forward, “And you will not stand in my wa-” “REEAHH!” Applejack looked to see Frank barrel right into the elderly human from behind. She saw the human stumble forward and quickly delivered another kick sending the human off in the other direction. She turned around to see him fall onto the ground past the light posts by the fabric and collide with one of the nearby candle posts, causing the lit candle to topple over. Applejack saw the hot liquid wax fall onto the human’s face and robe as the rest of the candle landed on the ground and rolled away. She watched as the human let out a cry in agony before dropping the sword and frantically ripping the wax droplets off. She saw him begin to crawl away letting out a ‘gah’ before collapsing to the ground…now breathing heavily. Applejack turned her attention away for a moment, seeing the crowd of green faces…just standing there… “Salvation,” The elderly human finally muttered, bringing Applejack’s attention back. “will always...triumph over sin.” Applejack kept her breathing silent as she watched along with Frank while the elderly human looked back at her and him before slowly reaching for the sword. She watched as his body stretched out further…part of his robe coming ever so close to… “It awaits you….all of you…” The elderly human growled, starting to rise as the flames followed in suit, “With open…. arms…” Then the human was standing once again, Applejack felt her anger lift for a moment as she went wide eyed. She watched him bring up the sword, managing to use his broken hand and not registering at once the flames that were slowly creeping up the robe. She turned to look at Frank, who had a look of shock start to come over him, before turning back and readying herself as the elderly human began to let out a yell at the top of his lungs, before charging forward with the sword raised high above his head. “APPLEJACK!” Letting instinct kick in, Applejack quickly dodged to the left in her available range as she heard the sword strike the floor. She turned back to see the elderly human falling onto the ground towards the fabric with the flames quickly rising up the robe. She stood there, frozen stiff and wide eyed as she felt the heat radiating from the flames just as the yell turned into an equally loud scream. Applejack watched the flames begin to engulf the flailing human, as the fabric began to catch as well. She looked up over the flames to see Frank pulling a piece of the fabric that hadn't caught yet and tossing it over the flames. The fabric lowered and smothered part of it, but the ones not covered began to catch on the fresh piece of fabric. She watched Frank back away still staring at the blaze as the flames continued raging… The screaming eventually stopped abruptly…as did the flaying… Applejack watched as the flames engulfed the entirety of the fabric causing it to curl in on itself. She remained silent just staring at the burning pile taking a bit of the accumulating smoke in with each breath… The sound of something shuffling of to her left caught her attention. She turned and saw Frank rummaging through a few items on a shelf by a corner of the room. She saw him pick up what looked like a red cylinder with a white stripe on it before seeing him pull something off and fling it away. She backed up a bit as he advanced towards the flames. She then saw him direct a funnel towards the fire before a stream of white smoke came rushing out along with a gushing sound. Applejack watched as the fire was smothered by the invasion of the smoke as the radiating heat began to fade away. She saw Frank hold the smoke trail on the flames before directing it upwards and spraying at the accumulating smoke overhead. The flames were soon gone before Frank set the red cylinder down as Applejack got a good look. Most of the fabric was now ash as well as the robe. The human’s body was severely burned… with large portions of the skin was swelling red or charred black... piled together boils with some popped…white and black swollen blisters… some with large open gashes showing the insides just below or other pieces of dead skin. She could see the human’s face…or what was left of it…the lifeless look embedded on it… the lights gone from his eyes. “Applejack…” Applejack tore her gaze from the body to see Frank looking off towards the green face crowd...there was a barely audible murmur going through the crowd and after a while…one of them slowly walked forward. She got herself ready for anything but saw the green faced figure stop and look at the body in front of her. She lowered her gaze for a moment further imprinting the image of the body in her mind before looking back up at the figure. She saw two more approaching as well but…they were carrying a box that they set down near the body before returning to the crowd. “Thank...you…” The lone green face whispered with a bit of anguish, before turning and walking away. Applejack looked to Frank only to see him return a confused look before focusing their attention on the box. She tried to walk forward, but quickly remembered the collar just as Frank took notice. Soon she felt the collar come off her neck, before walking around the burnt body and coming up to the box with Frank by her side. She took a step back as Frank moved forward and threw open the top lid before taking a look inside. She saw him start to rummage through it and begin to pull something out. Applejack walked forward to have a look for herself, but the sound of something suddenly smashing caught her attention. She looked and saw the crowd starting to leave however several members were tossing some sort of equipment onto the floor that shattered to pieces when it made contact. “Hey!” Applejack saw the group be startled for a moment before turning tail and running for the door to leave along with the others. She abandoned the box and ran after them just as they had all exited. She caught the door right before it closed only to see the few she had been chasing mix back into their identical comrades ultimately losing sight of them. She watched the group scatter into the park past the zombies, with a few rounding a corner visible from the doorway and some heading off towards the other side of the park. “Drat,” Applejack muttered to herself as she watched the crowd disappear from view. She retreated from the door and walked back over to Frank to see him tossing various pieces of clothing out of the box. She stood waiting patiently as Frank soon pulled out his clothing which appeared to be in decent condition. She saw him look at her sporting a look of minor concern as he began to dress himself. “You alright?” He asked, breaking his silence as he finished putting on his pants and started on his shirt, “Applejack?” APPLEJACK…! Applejack felt her heart sink in an instant as a cold chill run over her. She remembered clearly her name being yelled during the confrontation with the elderly human…but also remembered…not hearing Frank’s voice… “Who the hell are these guys?” Kay awoke from her nap at the sound of Burt’s voice and looked up to see him still observing the monitors, but now was standing up from his chair focusing on one screen in particular. Kay sat up from her lying position and sat on the edge of the green cushions. “What is it?” She asked as she watched Burt continue to scan the monitor. Her only response was Burt pointing to the monitor holding his attention as her eyes followed in suit. She got up from the cushion and walk over to have a better look. At first, she saw nothing but zombies in an area she recognized as the food court. However… upon taking a better look, she noticed a group of figures that were bunched together and standing completely amongst the undead. Looking for a bit longer, she noticed they seem to be wearing the same clothes, despite the quality of the feed. “Zombies are just walking past them,” Burt commented as Kay looked once more. Upon giving it another look, she saw he was right. Multiple zombies were stumbling past the group of figures as if they weren't even there. “Why would they be out there like that?” Kay asked as she kept her eyes on the monitor. “Not sure,” She heard Burt reply, before he pausing for a moment, “huh, but they’re now running for their lives apparently,” Kay turned to Burt and then back to the monitor trying to process what he had said, before seeing him point to a different monitor. She was greeted with overhead view of the Paradise Plaza and its assortment of zombies. However, she took notice to familiar figures running through the area in a panic and this time, the zombies were taking notice. Kay then took notice to a man suddenly coming from the lower left of the screen. She watched him walk towards the incoming figures and zombies with what looked like a jar and…a gun in hand. “Who is that?” Kay asked pointing to the monitor… The only response she got was hearing Burt's breathing become slow and deep... “That's him...son of a bitch who nicked,” Kay looked at Burt and then back to the monitor to see the figures passing the man as the zombies began to focus on him. She saw the man raise the gun and begin to fire at the undead crowd. The zombies closing in on the man fell to the ground as the next wave was slowly moving to take their place. Kay saw the man fiddle with the jar as the zombies closed in before swatting at the air while turning in a circle for a moment. She saw him stop swatting quickly put the lid back on the jar before raising the gun and firing at the zombies once more. “Where the fuck is Frank? The bastard's right here...” Frank stood silent in the candle lit room as he examined the broken piece of film equipment in his hand. After having found and put his clothes back on while securing his camera, he had tried to see if anything could be salvageable from the mess of broken equipment, but the bits of microchips, shattered lens, and overall broken component he now held said otherwise. He turned to look at Applejack and let out a sigh before tossing the now piece of junk away while shaking his head. Almost as if…everyone’s already dead… Frank drew in a breath as the voice echoed in his head. He looked towards the doors to leave before looking back at Applejack. He let out the breath he held and gave her a small nod as she gave one in return before turning around and walking towards the door just as he recalled… “Hold on,” Frank turned towards the open box hearing Applejack stop in her tracks as he did. He reached into the almost empty box and rummaged around a few other pieces of clothing before pulling out a brown cowboy hat. He walked over and crouched in front of Applejack before handing her the hat. “Thanks, partner,” She said with a small smile, before taking the hat in her mouth and flipping it onto her head. Frank returned the smile with a nod before the two of them began to walk away, but… He stopped for a moment and found himself turning to look at the burnt corpse once again. He walked forward bringing the camera up to his face as he heard the doors to the room begin to open. He zoomed in focusing on the area of the corpse, the light posts, and where the fabric was once held up. He snapped a picture before zooming up on just the corpse and snapping another picture. “Ya’ll ready to go..?" Frank brought the camera away from his face before turning and giving a nod to Applejack before taking one last look and turning away towards the door. “Yeah, let’s go.” Author's Note Hello everyone, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and are enjoying the story so far. First off, I want to apologize for the chapter taking a while. I also want to clear up why the chapter changed from 4-1 to 3-5 on my user page. That was a title mistake on my part which I noticed when this chapter was being finished up. 4-1 will be the next chapter. Anyway, be sure to leave your feedback in the comments below and once again. Have a great day everyone
Case 4-1: Performance Confrontation Case 4-1: Performance Confrontation Frank stepped out into the park with Applejack by his side. His sight was blinded for a moment before adjusting to the sunlight. As he heard the door slam shut behind him, he and Applejack began to walk away. He looked down to see her using a single hoof to wipe the ceremonial paint from her face and crouched down to lend a hand, but… paused and found himself staring off into space…he couldn't help but feel something clawing at the back of his head though he couldn't put his finger on it. “Frank…?” He heard Applejack ask as he continued to stare off, “What is it..?” Frank found no words to reply as he quickly reached into his coat pocket while standing up. He pulled out the walkie talkie, quickly turning it on and bringing it up to his face. “Otis, can you hear me?” There was no immediate response, however, Frank was greeted with the sound of static combined with what sounded like rushing wind and gears rapidly turning, erupting from the speaker. “Frank! I’m in the wonderland plaza.” Otis’s voice exclaimed from the speaker as Frank heard him let out a grunt, “..damn…the coaster’s speeding out of control…you gotta hurry…Greg’s getting worse…” As Otis’s voice cut out, Frank clenched the walkie talkie in his hand and immediately took off towards the food court with Applejack not far behind. Before he had even covered several feet of ground, the sound of muffled gun shots crept into his ears. He came to a stop in his tracks and turned to look back towards the Paradise plaza. Frank bought the walkie talkie up as another ray of shots rang out… all in rapid succession… JACK! NOOOOO! Frank clenched the walkie talkie tighter, his knuckles starting to go white as he started to walk forward. He quickly shoved the device into his pocket before reaching for his camera; he brought it up to his face and zoomed in on the windows. He saw nothing but the zombies...and a lone figure making its way through the crowds. The split second the figure was in frame Frank snapped a picture in reflex before he moved to keep the figure in view. However, he lost it quickly as he saw it. “Frank….?” He heard Applejack ask as another round of shots was heard, “…is it him?” Frank continued to stare at the plaza as he slowly lowered his camera. He only gave a silent nod to Applejack as he began to walk forward while the situation began to settle in... “Frank...” Otis’s voice exclaimed from the speaker drawing Frank’s attention back as he stopped walking, “…be careful…Adam’s guarding the controls…” There was another beep and Otis’s voice was gone. Frank immediately pressed the button the on the walkie talkie as he brought it to his face. “Who? Otis, who..” His mind now racing for a decision, the sound of another round of muffled shots caught his attention as his finger came off the button. That’s when he heard it…a high pitched laugh erupted from the speaker and faded just as soon as it had started. Frank felt a chill run through his body… He turned and looked towards the far off windows of the Wonderland Plaza and then back to the Paradise Plaza windows... back and forth....back and forth as his gut violently tightened before lowering his gaze back to the walkie talkie in his hand. “I’ll go get him,” Frank looked up only to stare back at Applejack whom had a determined look on her face. He quickly found the urge to argue as his gut began to tear between... “Be careful, Applejack,” He said giving her a nod as his gut feeling was still present. He saw her return the nod before immediately taking off. He stood there and watched her run off towards the Wonderland Plaza while taking one more look at its windows. Catching a far glimpse of something moving quickly into view before quickly going out, Frank turned back to the Paradise Plaza while drawing in a breath and began to run. He weaved and shoved his way through the crowd of zombies as he came up on the doors to the plaza and swung a single one open. He slammed the door shut at the same time another round of shots rang out and drowned out the noise. Frank quickly crouched behind a small jut up filled with flowers as the shots faded from his ears. He took hold of his camera and peaked around the corner. Looking through the view finder he saw…the man from the roof welding a gun with multiple zombies on the ground. They were all motionless while the rest continued to converge on him as he…swiped at the air with a glass jar… “What the…” Frank whispered under his breath lowering the camera for a moment.. Frank ducked behind cover once again and saw the few straggling zombies now had their attention on him. He peaked around the corner seeing the man still concerned with the other zombies but still had his back to Frank. Frank looked back towards the straggling zombies and saw they were getting closer. He waited for another round, but it never came. He quickly peaked around the corner to see the man fidgeting with the jar…with the gun now holster on his shoulder and barely any zombies close by. Quickly judging the distance, he drew in a breath and began to rise from the ground, just as a single zombie was upon him. As he rose from cover, Frank shot out his hands and gripped the zombie by the torso and shoved it away before quickly transitioning into a run. Giving it his all, he kept his eyes locked on the man as he threw caution to the wind. “REEAAAAAH!” He bent down, curling his right arm across his chest just as the man began to turn around. He slammed violently into the back of the man and swung his arm, pushing the man further and throwing him off. Frank quickly reached out and secured a grip on the holstered gun as he heard the sound of glass shattering. He pulled at the gun causing the man’s arm to be pulled, but Frank saw the man turn with the pull and kick out a leg. Frank felt a foot make contact with his stomach as his fingers slipped from the gun before stumbling backwards. He quickly regained his balance and noticed the man was beginning to un-holster the gun. Frank lunged forward, spreading his arms out and managed to wrap them around the man’s mid-section. Frank heard the man let out a ‘gah’ before the two fell onto the ground. He looked up and saw the gun was now free of the man’s shoulder and lying near them. He quickly let go and reached towards the gun, but felt the man grip his jacket by the sleeve and pull. Frank kept trying to reach forward, but then slammed his elbow back making contact with the man’s face. He threw his arm forward but found the man’s hold on his sleeve still present. Frank tried with his elbow again but found no contact this time before giving his all into reaching forward. His body was racing with adrenaline as his next attempt fell short. Clenching his teeth together, he felt his other hand begin to curl up. Frank pulled his reaching hand back, but turned his body with it and saw the man’s face in clear sight. He raised his clenched fist and instantly brought it down, socking the man right in the side of the face. Frank brought his fist up and brought it back down several times before pausing as the man's face contorted in pain. “Now, you’re going to tell me, what you know,” The man's eyes shot open as his eyebrows lowered in rage. Frank raised his fist up higher, threatening to bring it down once more. Suddenly, Frank saw the man thrust his arms out and grab him by the collar. Immediately, Frank tried to bring his fist down but felt his collar be pulled violently. He found his forehead make clear contact with the man's and the pain immediately engulfed it. Then, in a split second, he felt a cool rush of air on the back of his neck before it was suddenly engulfed in excruciating pain. Instinctively, he opened his mouth to let out a scream before his throat fell short of voice, as he moved his gripping hand to his neck. He had only managed to feel a small bump, before he felt something push him away. He found himself falling onto his back, letting out a ‘ga-’ as the back of his neck continued to burn. Frank tried leaning up but only managed to curl up his body as he let out another incomplete ‘gah’. He tried looking around but found eyesight going hazy as he turned over to his front as he heard the man picking up something… In single moment, Frank saw, through his hazy vision, scatter points of reflecting light nearby, before feeling all his muscles go completely numb as he found himself falling down into darkness… Applejack quickly made her way up a flight of stairs towards the upper level of the area with the childish like center. While ascending, she took notice to the speeding object suspended by a metal rail towards the center of the area. She picked up the speed as she reached the top of the stairs, seeing the metal rail was attached to a blue hollowed out structure. As she approached, she took notice to the lack of zombies on her way towards the structure, but dismissed the thought as she went up another small set of stairs. She paused for a moment as she felt a hoof brush by something on the ground. Looking down she saw…a blood covered plush doll of sorts lying discard on the ground. She looked back to the structure and drew in another breath before continuing on her way. The object came soaring by, creating a rush of air that hit Applejack as she entered the structure. “Otis!?” She waited for a response as she looked around the area seeing not a single soul present. She turned back in time to see the object soar by once more.. “THE LEeeeveeer” Recognizing the fading voice, Applejack watched helplessly as the object soared by once again before she began to search around. Her eyes settled on a small stand right next to where the object had soared past. She upon further hurrying over to it, she noticed the distinct lever on top. She moved her front legs up onto the stand, keeping balance on her back ones, as she reached single hoof towards the lever. Wrapping part of her hoof around it, she gave it a good pull and it slammed into the down position as her ears were greeted with the sound of metal grinding and the release of air. “AHAHAaahahahaahahHAAaaaa!” Applejack immediately backed away from the stand as the laugh faded and turned to be greeted with…a large human in clown makeup, wielding what appeared to be sharp metal blades with moving pieces on the edge, as she took notice to the noise emitting from the blades. She just stared back into the imprinted smiling face, not saying a word. “Children! You have to keep track of your toys!” The clown yelled while turning to face away from Applejack, “Like I say. Clean up after yourselves!” The clown let out another manic laugh while turning back around now juggling the blades expertly. Applejack watched the clown turn around completely just as she heard another rattle of metal like a train pulling into a station. Applejack turned to see Otis and another human sitting in the stationary object, but she quickly noticed the straps around their bodies. “huuuuUUUUUUHHHH, NOOOOOO!” Applejack turned back to see the clown had dropped the spinning blades and was coming right at her. She ready for confrontation and once the clown was upon her, she saw him reach out towards her. She quickly jumped backwards and to the right just out of grabbing range, but the clown was quickly trying once more. Applejack dodged again, going to the left this time, but immediately felt her side bump into the stand nearby. She looked and saw the clown just within reach, but ducked down at the last second. However, she felt something forcefully grab her mane and pull. Her eyes slammed shut as she felt each hair pull at the base of her head as she felt herself being lift up and flung away with great force. Applejack could feel herself in air until she violently slammed into solid cold metal before falling down, letting out a ‘gah’ as she hit the floor. “Nononono! No! No! NOOO!” She heard the clown’s voice scream as she felt her body ach. She finally looked up to see the clown by the stand and saw him slam the lever into the up position as the rattling metal came again. She saw the object was starting to take off as the clown franticly looked around…with a look of fright on his face. “No, come back!” The clown shouted before heading to the entrance of the structure, the look of freight turning to one of sorrow “Children! The zombies will go away! Come back! Applejack quickly got to her hooves and looked towards the stand once more while trying to shake the pain away. “Wait…” She darted her sight to her left and saw the clown…staring directly at her. She watched him stifle a minor sniffle before frowning against his smile. “yoooouuu…..” Applejack watched as the clown reached down and retrieved one of the spinning blades. Suddenly, the clown charged forward, letting out a high pitched shriek. Applejack lunged forward as the clown swung at her, feeling the blade pass over her as she exited harm’s way. “No stopping! No zombies!” The clown yelled, while drawing in a breath after each shout as Applejack found herself on the stairs to the structure, “I won’t let you scare the children off!” Applejack saw the clown pick up the remaining spinning blade before raising them over his head as the rumbling noise escalated quickly to blaring drone. She drew in a breath as the clown charged at her, pointing both blades forward like a raging bull. As the clown was mere inches from her, she quickly leapt away back down the stairs only to stumble once her hooves made contact with the ground. She fell to the ground but quickly moved to get back up. She ran as she heard the clown let out another high pitched yell as the blaring noise was getting closer. She pushed herself back towards the balcony level of the area as she heard something strike the ground behind her, followed by a manic laugh, then… rhythmic humming… “…thought twas all in fun,” She head the clown recite to the tune of his previous humming as she ran down the way she had come. As she was running, Applejack heard something fly right by her and the shattering of glass. “POP GOES THE PONY!” Applejack looked back towards the clown with his head thrown back in a laughing fit, but also noticed…he had set the blades down once again. Lowering her eye brows and clenching her teeth, she stopped, sliding on the floor a bit, before quickly turning around and charging forward. Letting out a yell as she ran, Applejack leaped forward, turning to her left and driving her side into the clown’s stomach, she found her hooves on the ground once more as she heard the clown begin to fall. She backed away, only to see the clown, expertly go into a backwards roll and end up standing once again before reaching for something. Applejack watched as the clown let out another laugh before producing a knife and quickly throwing it. She pulled her head back at the last second, seeing the knife for a split second pass by her head. She followed the knife and saw it drop onto the ground with a clang before sliding across the floor. Her attention was drawn back as she heard the clown, exiting his laughing fit, start to yell. Applejack looked back to see the clown charging straight her. She quickly turned tail and ran, keeping her sights on the knife. As soon as she was upon it, she quickly leaned down and scooped the handle into her mouth. Applejack saw what looked like the glare of a blade out of the corner of her eye and leaped forward back into her run. She looked back, seeing the clown now holding both blades once again, before focusing on the interior of one of the stores on her right. She saw what appeared to be shelves stacked with various boxes behind several counters. With an idea forming in her head, Applejack turned sharply into the store opening. She ran past the counters and went down the first aisle she came to, still hearing the clown in pursuit. She came to a fork in the aisle and took a right, coming to a stop against the shelf. She kept her breathing quiet before lightly peaking around the corner. That’s when she heard it…a light chuckle from the front of the store. “Come out, come out, where ever you are,” The clown’s voice announced, coming from the front of the store, “The children want to play!” Applejack pulled back into cover, right as she heard a gasp… She turned to see a pair of humans cowering near where the shelves of boxes made a corner. One had bandages wrapped around its upper body and were stained with blood… Both were looking right at her with wide eyes. Applejack slowly put a hoof close to her mouth and gave shushing them both through her teeth clenched around the knife, just as she heard steps against the ground. She peaked slightly around the corner once more, expecting to see the clown coming down the aisle. However, she was greeted with an empty aisle, but the sound of steps on the floor continued, occasionally stopping for a short moment before starting up again. Author's Note I owe you guys a big apology and an explanation. Simply put, I was making progress, but something wasn't flowing. As I was trying to make it work, the file (i assume) corrupted. I tried rewriting but it wasn't coming out well since I was trying to recreate the first go through. However, by a stroke of luck I found another copy of the original file. Besides that, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and are enjoying the story so far. Please leave your feedback in the comments below and as always. Have a great day everyone.
Case: 0: Welcome to Willamette“Thanks for yur help, Twi. Sure made this season a lot easier.” This is what Applejack said to Twilight as the two carried buckets of apples on their sides. They were in the vast array of apple trees belong to the Apple Family of Sweet Apple Acres. The farm was near the outskirts of Ponyville, one of the various towns in Equestria, and it was the time of year to harvest the apples once more. Applejack had lived in Ponyville from most of her life after finding her calling was going to be at the Apple family’s farm. She made friends along the way and even found her role as the Element of Honesty, one of the various elements of friendship spoken of in equestrian history. “You’re welcome, Applejack,” Twilight replied as they headed back to the Apple farm. “Hey. I need to ask. Could you help me out with an experiment of mine later?” “I’d love to Twi, but I’m havin’ the Cutie Mark Crusaders over,” Applejack said while letting out a sigh. “Rarity has some fashion show she’s stressin’ herself about.” “Well, she has told us these events are really important to her and we know how she can get during them,” Twilight said with a small giggle. “As for the crusaders, those fillies will learn one day, don’t worry Applejack,” “Hopefully,” Applejack said with a small chuckle. “Sorry for letting you down on this one sugar cube. You could get one of the others.” “That’s kinda why I hoped you’d be able to help,” Twilight replied, stopping for a moment, “Pinkie Pie is a bit busy helping out Mr. and Mrs. Cake, Rainbow Dash is taking the day for extensive training, and Fluttershy is caring for her animals, plus I doubt she would want to take part in the first place.” “I see…” Applejack said as she gave the matter some thought, “We’ll finish up here and I’ll help ya. I’ll just have Big Macintosh watch them for the time I’m gone.” “Thanks, Applejack,” Twilight said with delight, “I promise, you won’t be gone long.” "WoooooooHOOOO!" The date was September 19th around 11:56 in the afternoon and Frank West had just leaped from a helicopter. He was a freelance photographer at the prime age of 31 and dressed in a white button-up shirt with a black jacket over that, a pair of green pants, and brown shoes. In his leap, he was parting ways with his hired pilot, Ed Deluca, after getting him close to the roof of the mall in Willamette, Colorado. Being freelance, he had gotten the tip something big was going on from an acquaintance of his. Helicopter proved to be the best choice as he noticed a military blockade just outside the town. The ride through the main part of town was a rather...question raising one. He had seen what appeared to be rioters attacking a single man, a mass of people of had converged on a single school bus, a woman being pushed off a building along with a few other people, and a huge explosion at a gas station with several people...still walking while engulfed in flames. Things hadn't gotten easier when they arrived at the mall as three helicopters intercepted them and Frank was hell bent on getting onto the roof. He kept a hand over his camera as he felt himself start to fall towards the ground below. There was a moment he felt something blinding him but took it as a glare from something reflective on the roof. Once the glare was gone he felt himself collide with something in midair and throwing his descent off. He found himself going in a rough roll which took part of the impact off, but found himself tangling with something before finally coming to a stop. He felt his muscles aching where he made contact with the helipad as he got up to sitting position while rubbing his head with one hand as he felt something lodged near his feet. His vision returned and adjusted to see…an orange pony with a brown cowboy like hat lying unconscious. Darkness…that’s all that Applejack saw. She could remember exactly what had happened before going into darkness… She had arrived to helpTwilight with the experiment…something went hay wire…then nothing… She tried to shove it off as she found her vision returning. Daylight met her eyes and she quickly figured she was just waking up for the day after a night of a strange dream. However…she could feel herself caught on something. As her vision cleared, she was greeted with…a creature with a face of shock and disbelief. Applejack quickly moved to get away. She managed to get from the grip she was in and got in a stance ready to buck-kick the creature at a moments notice. She saw the creature rub its eyes not losing the look on its face. Applejack kept her doubts on the creature’s nature as she began to take in her environment. She had hoped in the back of her mind it was Sweet Apple Acres, but it was a barren looking place…not as lively as Ponyville or Equestria for that matter. “Where am I?” Applejack demanded as reality began to sink in, “And what in tarnation are you?!” The creature didn't reply right away, but rather moved cautiously towards her. Applejack tensed up as the creature was no more than a few inches away. She spun around and slammed her hind legs right into the creature’s chest. It sent the creature right onto his back while skidding a bit against the hard ground they were on. Applejack turned back around expecting a harsh retaliation, but found only the creature on the ground with his wind knock out. “I warned ya,” She stated while walking over to the creature moaning in pain. “Well…at least I KNOW I’m not dreaming….” The creature mumbled before getting up to a sitting position. “Now, Ah’m gonna ask again,” Applejack repeated as she glared at the creature, “Where am I?” Applejack watched the creature rub where she had kicked with a look of pain on his face. “Willamette, Colorado,” The creature answered as he got up, “Planet Earth.” Applejack only had more questions arise with the answer as she continued to watch the creature carefully. He towered over her easily by a several feet. Applejack watched as he reached for some object hanging around his neck and brought it up to his face. Applejack was ready to deliver another buck-kick before she heard a ‘click’ noise before the creature let the object hang from his neck once more. The creature didn't waste a second before walking off. “Hey!” Applejack shouted agitated while following the creature, “Where ya’ll think you’re going?” “Well, I’m going to find out what’s going on in this town,” The creature replied while keeping his attention from her, “And...” “So you both came by helicopter?” Applejack turned her attention with the creature over to another one with the same height of the first. This one, however, had a slightly darker coat (or lack of one) and a longer black mane then the first one. There was something rather…intimidating about him. “Well…” Applejack heard the first creature begin while motioning to her, “I don’t know about…her.” Applejack, knowing she wouldn't be an asset to the conversation, gave the first creature a glare before she trotted over to a jut up in the ground they were on as the two creatures conversed. She placed her front hooves on the top of the jut and hosted herself up to find it was a ledge to a building’s roof several feet off the ground. She got a good view of a nearby town, which reminded her of Manehattan somehow. However…it was less lively and every figure that she could make out seemed to be lumbering about aimlessly. She looked down towards the ground and saw a mass of them converging on something blocked by a wall of the building and that’s when the conversation of the creatures came to her ears with full attention. “It’s too quiet for civil disobedience,” She heard recognizing the voice of the first creature. “Almost as if,” The second creature’s voice said as Applejack was noticing the rather…mindless behavior of the figures in comparison to the ones she had met already, “Everyone’s already dead…” Applejack then heard the faint sound of….groans and moans coming from the figures below her as she gave a shiver at the statement from the second creature. She tore her attention from the view on the ledge to find the second creature leaning against a smaller building on the roof and the first one going through the door to it. “Hey, wait up!” Applejack shouted as she went into a full sprint towards the door. She butted it open with her head before turning towards a flight of stairs that the first creature was descending down. Letting out a sigh, she began to descend the stairs knowing getting home wasn't going to be easy. The clock had just hit 12:00pm as Frank West descended the stairs from the roof with a weird feeling in regards to what the man on the roof had said, combined with what he had witnessed on his helicopter ride in. Part of his mind was still processing the existence of that…pony. He figured it was some hallucination conjured up by the fall he had taken to the helipad, but he wasn't feeling any gash in his head and the man on the roof had seemed to register that there was an orange talking pony there. Speaking of which, Frank thought as he heard the sounds of steps coming down the stairs behind him. Frank turned his head to see the pony coming up along his side with her stern look still present. She seemed to have something on her mind to ask but didn't ask as they approached a door leading to a small control room filled with monitors. A thought finally crossed Frank’s mind as he stopped in the middle of the room and turned to the pony. “I would suggest you stay here,” He explained bluntly, “I don’t think everyone who may be here is ready to see a talking pony considering what may be going on here.” “If you’re expecting me to stay here and not try to find a way home,” The pony replied, in a country accent, “You're sadly mistaken….what in the name of Celestia?” Frank turned his attention to a single monitor showing…a woman being pried from a car by several people and one….biting into her neck and ripping a vein right out. Frank looked on in horror as the recent memories of the flight in and the words of the man from earlier snuck back in to his mind. He didn't wait another second as he turned toward the other door of the monitor room. He quickly entered the room to find part of the mall’s vent system, easily accessible to anyone. Ignoring the ventilation, Frank quickly moved to the metal door in the room and proceeded through it,finding a long corridor with various pipes running the length of it. He quickened his pace with the pony following despite what he had suggested. To him, as long as she didn't cause any trouble for him, it didn't matter despite the inevitable confusion and panic any folks left in the mall would have at the sight of her. At the end of corridor, he was greeted with another door as he began to hear the faint sounds of voices coming from the other side. He quickly opened the door and was greeted with the interior of the mall. He found he and the pony were on an upper level of the area and giving it a quick pan he was able to see various stores placed along the walls ranging from comestics to sporting goods. As he scanned the area from high up, Frank saw it was the main entrance of the mall as he recognized it from his helicopter flight by glass windows above the main doors. On the main level, there was a small group of people and a makeshift barricade at the entrance, which a few were assessing while… a group of those ‘people’ was behind the glass doors. Frank knew it was now or never to find out the truth as he began his descent down a curved set of stairs getting his camera turned on…with that pony following closely behind. Author's Note First off: I want to apologize for the commotion this fic started. I didn't intend for it to go the way it did, but the damage is done and I must learn from this. Thank you commenters for setting me straight in regards to the faults in how the fic was going and telling me what I shouldn’t do while telling how I could improve. Sorry for the trouble and thanks again.
Case 1-2: Art or Story/Intoxicated Savior“Well time for some searching.” Otis said as he and Frank entered the paradise plaza. They were greeted with a wide range of stores at every point of the plaza. One section of the plaza was incased by a structure forming a second floor. Sections of vegetation were scattered on the main floor as well as some sections of water just ankle deep. Frank quickly snapped a wide shot of the plaza as the matter of searching came about. “If anyone’s here,” Otis began while pointing towards the other end of the plaza, “They probably barricaded themselves in Jill’s Sandwiches.” “Well that flashlight isn’t going to help…” Frank began as he turned to Otis. Coming up right behind Otis was a zombified security guard reaching right for him. Frank dashed forward and grabbed the zombie by its uniform tossing it towards the wall. It merely bumped into the wall before resuming… “Errah!” Frank watched as Otis gave a rather sloppy strike, but an effective one, to the zombie’s skull with the flashlight. The strike left a gash in the upper left portion of the zombie’s skull as blood began to trickle down the zombie’s face while giving a good sight to crushed gooey brain matter. “Heh…not bad for an old man, eh Frank?” Otis commented while giving a chuckle, “Grab that poor fella’s baton because here come more of them.” Frank turned to see the incoming zombies before crouching down to retrieve the baton attached to the fallen zombie’s belt. Gripping the baton firmly in his right hand and holding his camera in his left, he and Otis began a slow advancement towards Jill’s Sandwiches. They kept close while weaving between zombies only taking the time to dispatch one or a few if the situation was unavoidable. They were coming up on the fountain near the exit to the park and another set of stairs leading up to the second floor. Frank swung the baton striking a zombie with enough force to have part of its neck rip while Otis, who was fending for himself rather well, struck another zombie in the skull, but dead center this time. It was in that temporary moment of no immediate danger Frank got a good look at Jill’s Sandwiches. It had the standard large opening to accommodate the lines during a busy day, the registers at the counter, and various tables easily visible through the glass windows. However…there were no signs of anyone making an attempt to barricade or hold out in the restaurant… “There’s no one in there morons! Now would you kindly get out of my shot now!?” Frank and Otis turned their attention to sound of the voice, which lead their gazes to the second floor to see… a young man dressed in a blue collared shirt and a red vest with exaggerated erect brown hair. He appeared to be holding a camera as well with another hanging from his neck as well. Frank and Otis didn’t waste time as they made their way towards the stairs. They reached the foot of them and quickly made their way up as the zombies below staggered and tripped on their attempts to get up. They rounded a corner after traversing the stairs to be greeted with another restaurant. There were an array of tables and plastic chairs. The restaurant, including the surrounding area of the second level, seemed rather deserted of zombies, but distant moans made any hope of it staying that way diminish. The man in the vest was looking over the edge still while snapping a picture at the zombies below. As Frank and Otis approached him, he turned around only to stop dead in his track upon seeing them. “Good to see someone else alive around here,” Otis commented before extending a hand, “Glad we found you, stranger.” “Kent Swanson, photographer,” The man replied not shaking Otis’s hand and proceeding to walk around the two, “And if you excuse me, I’ve got some photos to take.” “Hold on buddy,” Otis said while putting a hand on the Kent’s shoulder, “It’d be in our best interest to stick together.” “Ha…. That’s a nice one old timer,” Kent said with a chuckle, “But why on earth would I stick with old geezers like you two?” “Ever heard of safety in numbers kid?” Frank asked with a frown, “Plus, we could figure out what caused this.” “Yeah, like anyone left in here is gonna know what caused this,” Kent replied with another chuckle, “Plus, the extra weight would slow me down.” Frank just stood there with Otis as the cocky photographer began to explain how he was there just to take pictures rather than discover anything. Just as Frank was about to give up on the guy, he noticed a zombie had made its way around the corner and was approaching Kent from behind. Its movements and noises were loud enough that he figured Kent could hear it... He made an effort to say something, but Kent cut him off by going on how he was going to be the best with his artsy photos. “And you know what separates me from the rest,” Kent asked as he waited for an answer. Frank was about to take the silence as a opportunity to say something about the zombie, but Kent in a swift motion produced a pistol from his pocket and pointed it behind him before pulling the trigger. The gun went off and in a split second the head of the zombie was in tack and then in the next... the head burst in to bits and pieces of flesh that scattered in all directions. The body fell to the ground reduced to nothing but a pile of rotten flesh as bits of its head splattered on the right side of Kent’s face. “Nothing stands in my way,” He said with a smile before holstering his pistol, “That’s what.” Frank could feel a wave of nervousness flow over him as he kept it from showing. “I could give you some pointers, old man,” Kent said as he wiped the pieces of flesh from his face while motioning to Frank and his camera, “I’ve got time.” Frank lowered his eyebrows as an annoyed look began to creep on his face and he was ready to storm off in more important matters. “Well we ain’t got time for no lessons,” Otis stated while Frank controlled his filling anger, “Have you seen any people around among the living?” Kent let out a sigh with a ‘tsk tsk’ as he pulled back on his ego for the moment. “If your so hell bent on finding someone then fine,” Kent said before moving past them towards the railing he had previously been at, “See the other end of the park?” Frank and Otis walked over to the railing and peered through the large glass windows far from them. They were able to see the park and the zombies occupying it. At the far end appeared to another section of the mall with a glass windows and door entrance. “I came from food court to here since the gate from the Entrance plaza is closed,” Kent explained, “It was completely clear of zombies. If anyone is alive…they’re probably cowering in there.” “Thanks…” Frank replied before he and Otis turned around to exit the restaurant, “Now if you excuse me, I’ve got a story to find out.” They rounded the same corner before coming face to face with zombies, whom had finally made up the stairs after their fallen comrade from not long ago. Frank and Otis got their melee weapons at the ready as the first zombie was in range. Frank swung his baton striking the zombie in the side of the head before shoving it towards the ground. Otis had struck one in the side of the knee causing it to falter and nearly fall over. Otis took the moment of temporary immobility and struck the zombie right in the temple. “Let’s take the stair well behind the sports shop,” Otis exclaimed as another zombie took the fallen one’s place, “Come on. We’re gonna get nowhere here.” Frank pushed aside an oncoming zombie before turning back to follow Otis. They passed the sports store in question seeing a hallway leading to the stairwell. Frank was eager to get a move on, but as he had made a ways down the hallway, he realized Otis wasn’t with him. He turned back to see Otis round the corner holding a baseball bat and a golf club in his hands. “Take this,” Otis said before tossing the bat to Frank, who caught in in a free hand, “It’ll do better than the baton.” Frank turned around to head for the stairwell while putting the baton under his belt. He noticed Otis fumbling with something in the pockets of his coat. He pulled a hand out along with a small white golf ball. “What?” Otis asked after noticing Frank’s look, “Never know when you need to practice your back swing.” They descended the stairwell before coming out near the bathrooms on the main floor. They kept close once again weaving through the zombies, but this time zombies were dispatched more effectively with the new found melee weapons. They were able to make their way towards the doors leading to the park leaving a trail of carnage behind them. Frank held the door open as Otis quickly exited the plaza while Frank moved for his camera. He placed his bat on the floor and quickly zoomed his camera up to Kent, whom was still standing by the railings. Frank focused in and quickly snapped the picture of Kent with a frown on his face. Frank proceeded to scope up the bat and exited the plaza himself. The situation hadn’t improved in the slightest for Applejack, Burt, or Aaron. They were still pinned down as their attacker didn’t let up an inch. “Alright…I’ve got an idea,” Burt announced after another pattern of the same noise rang out, “We need to get to the wonderland plaza, but we need some way to distract…” Right when Burt was about to finish his sentence, Applejack heard a groan followed by a belch. Their attention was turned to the counter in the middle of the section. They heard shuffling across the ground before another creature fell forward out from behind the counter right on his face. “If you need… a distraction…” The creature began with another belch, “Gil Jimenez…is your ma….an…” Applejack watched Gil try to get to his feet in a rather intoxicated manner, which reminded her of Big Macintosh when he had too much apple cider… “Get down you drunk...” Burt exclaimed loud enough for Gil to hear him, not wanting to draw any more attention than already present, “Don’t you hear that psycho taking shots at us?” Applejack just watched in amazement as the drunken Gil managed to get to a crouch before standing up. She also took notice to the green bottle he was holding. “Ahhhh….who harms a drunk….i’m shit for…*hic* use anyway,” Gil said as he started to move towards the stairs while taking a swig of the bottle, “If I die…I’m goin’ out drunk and singin’….” Applejack saw Gil disappear down the stairs and into the attacker’s view as she waited for the worst. She could hear Gil singing some tune through his belches that she made out to be: Down at the end of my bottle Down at the end of last call Slipping right off the throttle Singing my ode to beer and all. She had feeling in her gut it would soon be silenced…. . . . . . “….you gonna kill me?” She heard Gil’s drunken voice ask, “…i’m nothing but a drunk…come on…just shoot…am I not worth your time…” “Crazy drunk…” Burt commented before shifting himself to a crouch, “Come on. While we’ve got this opportunity. We'll cut across to that other restaurant and run like hell for the wonderland plaza.” Applejack followed Burt and Aaron over to another set of stairs still hearing Gil’s drunken ramblings as more belches started to overtake his voice with a mixture of sobs. They came right to the edge of the stairs with a good view of the other restaurant’s stairs. “Ready…?” Burt asked as it was now or never, “Go!” All three of them dashed from their hiding spot and ran for the Wonderland plaza, as Burt had put it. They kept their pace up weaving through the new restaurant before descending another set of stairs. They turned around the corner and rushed towards the open corridor in front of them. That’s when the pattern of noise rang out. They had just made it to an enormous area when Applejack heard Burt let out a violent scream. She came to halt to see Burt on the ground holding his leg with blood flowing right out. She rushed over with Aaron and quickly tried to help Burt up before…. “HEY! I’M TALKING TO YOU ASSHOLE!” Applejack turned to see Gil tossing his bottle right at the attacker which made direct contact despite his drunken state. Then it happened in a swift moment…. the pattern noise rang out and Gil was on the ground…lifeless… “Come on!” Applejack shouted as Aaron had finally gotten Burt up in support before they both made their way into the Wonderland plaza. Once they were out of danger’s way, they didn’t have time to rest as the zombies had set their sights on them. Aaron was helping Burt apply pressure to the bleeding wound as the situation grew worse. “Hey, take the bat,” Applejack heard Burt mumble out while holding the bat out to her, “you’re gonna have to take care of these things…kicking them won’t get us much farther.” Applejack bit down on the grip holding the bat in her mouth as she started to wonder… “Ehhh…damnit,” Burt mumbled again, “What the hell was I thinking?” It was about that time a zombie had made its way over to the trio. Applejack didn’t show any hesitation as she tossed the bat up with her mouth while getting up on her hind legs. She used her front hooves to grip the bat as she moved into a back swing then right into a forward. The bat made contact with the zombie’s side sending it onto the ground before sliding across leaving a trail of blood. “Not bad for a farm pony,” Applejack asked with a smirk. “Not bad…” Burt commented before frowning, “So how are you gonna get past all those others coming this way?” Applejack quickly scanned the area taking Burt’s words to thought hoping to find something of use. “Wait here,” Applejack said before pushing the bat over to Aaron before taking off further in the zombie infected plaza. Weaving in and out of zombies, she passed several stores and a play area filled with toys. She stopped in place once she caught sight of a light blue cart being pushed by a large zombie. She was about to buck kick the thing when she noticed pipe…a lead one at that. It was stuck in the various holes of the cart as Applejack formed a daring idea. Normally she wouldn’t even think of killing anything let alone another pony, but given the circumstances…. She ran up on the zombie and kart’s right side taking one of the pipe’s ends in her mouth and pulled the pipe out of the cart. It was just about the length of the baseball bat but slightly heavier with a portion protruding towards her right. She dashed forward before spinning and driving the end of the pipe right into the back of the zombie. The end penetrated the skin and exited through the other side going through one of the holes in the kart. She retracted the pipe quickly before turning her head to drive the pipe into the side of the zombie. She used the new found connection to pull the zombie away from the kart and toss it away letting the pipe slip right out now blood covered. She gave the kart a good buck kick sending it back the way she came. She spun around and took off after the kart. As the kart started to loose momentum, she spun around in a leap while giving it another kick before returning to her run. A zombie eventually got in her way on her pursuing in which she turned her head while keeping her pace. She felt the end of the pipe make contact and dig into the zombie taking it off its leg but slowing her pace. She swung her head around giving the zombie enough momentum to slide right off. She kept the kart on a roll before giving it a good kick towards Burt and Aaron. “Heads up partners!” She mumbled through her clenched teeth as the kart made contact with the wall. “Alright…we can work with this… Aaron,” Burt said while taking the bat from him, “Set me in the kart.” Applejack turned around ready to dispatch any oncoming zombies as Aaron worked to get Burt into the bed of the kart. “Alright let’s get this freak show on the road then…” Burt said as he kept the bat close and elevated his injured leg onto the front side of the kart, “Aaron, you push…you pony... keep those things off Aaron.” “Sure thing partner…” Applejack mumbled through her clenched teeth, “You know where you’re going?” “Well there’s a pharmacy in the supermarket of the north plaza….over there” Burt said while pointing to the other side of the plaza as Aaron got the kart moving towards the zombies, “We’re gonna need to take care of this wound. Bastard nicked me good; fortunately I’ve managed to control the bleeding…infection however…er…is another story.” Applejack nodded as she kept alongside the kart for the run towards the other side of the plaza. They passed the rest of the stores and the play area Applejack had seen earlier while dodging or dispatching zombies along the way before passing a giant pink bunny statue. Just past that was a large corridor with stairs leading up into another area. Knowing the kart wasn’t going to make it up the stairs, they stopped at the foot of them and Applejack took guard as Aaron got Burt out. Aaron proceeded to give Burt support off his leg before they were clear to start up the stairs. The ascent was painfully slow as Aaron put more effort into his climb with the added weight just to keep up with Applejack. Once they reached the top they were greeted with more zombies in a narrow corridor leading to what appeared to be another open area. There also appeared to be another entrance in the farthest part of the area. “Damnit….Aaron… quickly get the kart,” Burt ordered with dread in his voice at the sight before them. Applejack scanned the area in front of them noticing a zombie chowing down on a dismembered leg. An idea popped into her mind before she dashed forward while turning her head in a way that aimed the end of the pipe towards that leg. The pipe’s end pierced through the dismembered leg like a pitchfork as Applejack yanked the feast right from the zombie’s mindless attention. “Dinner’s served!” Applejack tried to shout but came out as a mumbled before charging into the zombies catching their attention. Just as she had hopped, most of them were following her and the food on a leash drawing closer to the open area and clearing the way. She took notice of structures of metal with stacks of wood on them much like walk ways. She noticed a portion of it suspended high above the floor as she directed herself towards it. She titled her head leaning the end of the pipe onto the ground as she used a hind leg to scrap the bloody limb off the end as she eyed another one. She proceeded in the same manner of sticking the limb and returning to the same spot. After several trips, she had formed a small pile of limbs which was drawing a crowd of zombies from all directions. She waited near the pile with the pipe as the zombies drew ever so closer and closer… The moment they were upon her, she broke out moving towards the closet part of the structure getting on top of the wooden walk way. She moved up it before leaping up to another level of the structure before getting to the portion just above the pile of flesh. She set the pipe down before using her front hooves to push the piece of wood next to the one she was on forward. She managed to slide it off the structure a ways before gravity took control. The wood titled forward and tumbled to the ground slamming into the heads of the zombies below while crushing a few beneath its weight added with the fall. She turned her head to see Aaron supporting Burt as they were making their way into the area. Applejack picked up the pipe once again and descended the structure in the same manner as she had gotten up. Once on the ground, she ran over to join Aaron and Burt while defending them as they were making their way over to the green entrance of the supermarket, as Burt had mentioned before. Aaron was the one to get the door this time for them enter. “Pharmacy door… should be over there,” Burt mumbled as tried to keep off his injured leg. The interior of the supermarket was composed of several aisles of food and stands with baskets filled to the brim. The floor was a black and white diamond pattern and reflected the light shining from above. The trio made their way across the supermarket taking notice of the absence…of zombies… They didn’t trust the situation for its face value, but Burt’s injury was in top priority. They passed the row of aisles and several stands before coming to a pair of metal doors. “Hopefully these are unlocked,” Burt said as Aaron used a free hand to give the doors a push finding they were, “Come on.” Applejack followed the two through the doors to a very narrow corridor that made a sharp turn to the left. Just as she heard the doors close behind her, she heard something...the sound of something… metal…rattling close by and then fading out. Author's Note I was hoping to get this chapter up early this week, but hopefully to eliminate any grammar mistakes. I took a few days to go over the chapter before posting it. Hopefully a majority of the mistakes have been dealt with, but if there are any still in there. I'll take care of them when I notice them during touch up or if made mentioned in the comments. Also thanks for reading everyone.
Case 1-3: Rules of the Store/Off the chain“Ok, Aaron… wipe the tweezers off with the alcohol pad,” This is what Applejack head Burt instruct Aaron to do now that they were in the pharmacy, as Burt had put it earlier. She couldn’t get her mind off the sound from earlier, but kept her attention on Burt. “The bullet….its acting a cork right now…” Burt said, “You’re gonna have to pry it out…make sure you have the bandages and are ready to clean the wound…” Applejack watched as Aaron took a metal tool, apparently called tweezers, and move one of the ends towards the wound in Burt’s lower leg. Aaron dug the end into the wound and he speared tweezers a bit before pressing them together. That’s when Applejack heard…the rattling metal once again. She turned to the windows of the pharmacy to see nothing except the market on the other side. “Ya’ll hear that?” She asked not taking her attention from the window in hopes to see what was causing the sound. “It’s probably a fuckin’ zombie pushing a kart….seen a few already…er,” Burt began as he returned to the urgent matter, “Just get this bullet out…” Applejack however questioned it. The rattling seemed to fast…for a zombie. She heard Burt let out a ‘gah’ before turning her attention back to him. Aaron was attempting to pull something right out of Burt’s leg. She saw Aaron breathe in before giving another pull. Something gave way and the tweezers’ end came right out of the wound clutching a small metal object. Aaron proceeded to take a cloth and deal with the wound as it was starting to bleed. She saw Burt give a look reflecting stinging pain as she heard the rattling metal again….but much louder. “Ah’m gonna have a look,” She stated before moving towards the door to exit the pharmacy. “Don’t wonder off...ERrrrrr…” She heard Burt say as Aaron proceeded to aid him, “Alright Aaron, wrap the bandages…need to stop this new bleeding…” Applejack proceeded down the corridor from before and exited to the two metal doors. She was greeted once again with the interior of the supermarket as she began searching around. Passing several stands letting the aroma of food envelop her, she came across nothing… Just an empty and lifeless market. She gave up on her search before heading back to the two metals doors to check up on Burt and Aaron….as she heard a screech of metal making her freeze in place. She turned around slowly coming to face… a creature, whose apron was drenched in blood. “NO PETS IN MY STOOOOOOOOOORE!” The creature yelled in a booming voice much like Princess Luna's. The creature’s face was showing complete rage. He was holding onto a kart that contained several sharp tools protruding out towards the front. “Your owner….is going to pay…” The creature said as if he had to process the next part after another, “OUT OF THE PHARMACY!!!!” Applejack flinched at the sudden outburst realizing how long this creature had been around. “I know you’re in there!” The creature roared while motioning to the windows of the pharmacy, “I WON’T STAND FOR LOOTERS!” “Someone’s hurt,” Applejack said finally finding a moment of silence, “He got nicked in the…” “RAAAAAAHH!” The creature shouted before moving the kart to where it and its sharp tools were pointing directly at Applejack. “APPLE...ack…er PONY!” Applejack wiped her head to the right to see Burt and Aaron at the windows of the pharmacy taking note of the scene before them. “HE’S OFF THE DEEP END!” She saw Burt shout, “RUN!” “I. will not. have my store. LOOTED… BY A FUCKING POONNNNNY!” Applejack heard the insane creature shout before drawing in a breath. It pushed the kart forward in a rage filled dash with an understood intention of killing. Applejack didn’t waste any time and took off out of the way danger weaving around the various sections of food. She turned to see the creature come to screeching halt and violently turn the kart around facing her once again. The creature made several attempts to properly maneuver the kart quickly but to no real avail. She saw the creature pull a metal object out from the kart and take it in hands much like the object used by the creature in the food court. Applejack dashed for cover behind one of the aisles as she heard a loud blast. “GET BACK HERE!!” Applejack ran down the aisle as she heard the creature moving the kart in pursuit. “YOU CAN’T HIDE FROM ME IN MY STOOOORE!” She came up on the end of the aisle only to be greeted with a loud screeching of metal as the creature blocked her path. She turned herself around as the creature maneuvered the kart into the aisle before perusing once more. Applejack came up on the end of the aisle trying to figure a way to deal with the crazed creature. She noticed several counters with equal space between them right in front of her. She had an idea form recalling how the sharp tools were projecting out of the kart. “Giddy up partner!” She shouted to the creature as she pushed herself towards one of the gaps between the counters. Once she had cleared the space, she heard the kart make contact before taking a look back. The kart would have made it through but one of the various tools snagged on one of the counters inhibiting movement. Applejack saw the creature draw for the metallic object once again as she made a dash for cover. She managed to get behind one of the counters as the loud blast came once again. She heard something make contact with the counter before the creature let out another roar. “LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DOOO!” Applejack looked over to the two metal doors to see Aaron and Burt exiting the doors. “I’ll keep him busy fellas!” She shouted to them as she heard the kart screeching once again, “JUST GET OUT OF HERE!” Applejack ran from cover back the way she came to be greeted with the mad creature charging at her. She veered off to the right and came around the kart. She heard the creature turn the kart around taking his attention from Burt and Aaron. She ran towards the stands of various foods as an idea formed. She gave the nearest one a kick sending several pieces of the food onto the ground. She heard some make a ‘splat’ once they hit the ground before being drowned out. “NO! NO! NO! NOOOOOO!!!! MY STOOOOREE! YOU’LL PAY! YOU’LL PAY!” That’s when Applejack heard it, the sound of the kart screeching once again and the sound of its rattle fading away. She turned to see the creature going back behind the aisles in the direction towards the pharmacy. She went after him knowing well who he was shifting his rage towards. “HEAD FOR THE DOOR!” She came to a halt and whipped her head around to see Burt and Aaron rounding a corner of the aisle near the stands of food. Applejack was in mid turn for the main entrance… “BURT!” She turned to see Aaron pushing Burt away causing him to fall onto the ground without the support…the creature came right out of nowhere and rammed his weaponized kart into Aaron. Applejack saw several of the sharp tools tear right into Aaron’s torso ripping the flesh right off him and causing blood to fly onto various foods nearby. The creature pulled his kart to a stop and pulled back quickly causing Aaron to slide right off the impaling tools and fall onto the ground…lifeless…like Gil. “AARON!” She heard Burt’s voice yell at the top of his lungs. Applejack watched as the creature pulled the same metallic object from before and walk right over to where Aaron’s lifeless body rested. Burt was moving himself backwards on the ground towards Applejack as she saw the creature reach down and pick up Aaron’s body before tossing it over a stand. The body landed right near Burt causing him to let out a scream as the sight of his friend. Applejack noticed the creature aiming the object right at Burt with the sadistic smile curled on his face. It was in a split second the creature adjusted his aim and the loud blast was heard once more accompanied with a flash of light from the object. In that same second, Applejack saw Aaron’s head exploded in a bloody mess with chunks of flesh scattering. Bits of the flesh found itself on Burt’s face, which let out another scream as his frantic backwards crawl had him arrive near Applejack. “GET….OOOOOOOUUUUUUTTTT!” The creature shouted with full body rage. Applejack helped Burt as she could to his feet as they made their way quickly, despite Burt’s newly wrapped injury, towards the entrance of the supermarket as they both heard it. “CLEAN UP! ASILE ONE!” Applejack let out a sigh as she and Burt exited the supermarket reentering the North Plaza, as Burt had called it. She couldn’t get the image of Aaron’s death out knowing well Burt had seen it close up. “He’s dead…..fuckin’…he was…gonna live,” She heard Burt exclaim in his state of shock, “didn’t deserve that….” Applejack felt a wave of uneasiness come over here as she scanned the area of the plaza. It was still filled with zombies that were no making their way towards them. She knew they would have to make a run for it but Burt’s injury limited that possibility and his state of mentality wasn’t helping. “I get to live while he gets a fuckin’ buckshot to the face….” She heard Burt say sensing the anger rising, “I mean... WHAT THE FUCK!?” “Burt!” Applejack shouted gathering his attention, “You’ve gotta pull yurself together. We need a way out of here.” “Errrr….fine…” Burt grunted out before a sob came over his voice, “But why…why him…why the fuck him….” “Ah’m gonna getcha out of this place,” Applejack insisted, “Aaron would of wanted that…BURT!” Applejack saw Burt start to make his way down the other corridor of the North Plaza. He was making a decent pace as the zombies were starting to follow him. Applejack quickly caught up with him as they were closing in on a large group of zombies. “What in tarnation are you doing!?” Applejack shouted trying to get Burt to stop his suicidal advancement. “We can’t go back the other way…” Burt explained in a tone of lost hope, “…the park is our best bet for now…” “But don’t you see the…er never mind,” Applejack started before shoving the matter aside and proceeded to buck kick at the zombies obstructing Burt’s path. She quickly looked around to find something of use as her sight came across…another structure much like the one near the supermarket. However this one ran the length of the left wall just over the zombies’ heads. “Get up on there if you insist...” Applejack said as she motioned to the structure with one of her hooves. Frank and Otis were making their way across the wide park. It stretched all over the area incased by the walls of the mall and had several pathways strewed about it. Trees were scattered about and the area was well accommodated with zombies wandering around. However unlike the inside of the mall, the zombies were more dispersed in the park aside from the crowds of them by the entrance to the Food Court. Frank and Otis were able to make their way to the food court at a steady pace with longer moments of not having to deal with zombies. However, they kept their weapons at the ready when the situation did arise. “Looks like the only thing safe here is the fishes,” Otis commented as they passed the park’s pond. They saw zombies moving about the water as the fishes darted in one direction and then the next in a matter of seconds. “Let’s just hope someone is alive over there,” Frank replied with his attention still on the entrance to the food court in the distance. “Well. We’re gonna have to clear the entrance or lure them away,” Otis said as they were past the pond and ever so closer to the food court as he took notice to something, “Well I’ll be…” Frank shifted his attention to what Otis had noticed. Right next to the entrance and mass of zombies was… a lawnmower. “Hmm...” Frank muttered as he began to form an idea, “Otis. Could you draw their attention?” Otis only gave a nod as he parted from Frank to focus his path towards the group as Frank quickened his pace towards the lawnmower. He came up on it just as Otis had started to make a ruckus to get the group’s attention. He reached down and was about to pull the cord when something in the corner of his eye caught his attention. He could of sworn he saw something orange speeding past trees. He proceeded to pull the cord while shoving the sight off as nothing, before the roar of the lawnmower ringed in his ears. He gripped the handle bar and pushed the front towards the slowly moving zombies. He heard the gears grinding as the mower took in a zombie’s leg resulting in a splurge of blood and the sound of cracking bone. Frank kept pushing forward as the blood was flying out from the gears like a person gargling out water. He notice Otis making his way towards the entrance while keeping his mowing frenzy up just long enough to give some leeway. Turning his head to see Otis entering the food court, Frank gave the lawnmower one last push before rushing for the food court. He swung one door open and pulled it shut before finding time to let out a sigh. Turning away, he and Otis were greeted with the food court absent with zombies, but they could hear the moaning off to the right. They preceded forward coming to the center of the area before looking to their right. There was a corridor leading towards another section of the mall with zombies slowly making their way across towards the food court. “Anyone in here!?” Frank shouted tearing his sight from the oncoming zombies, “Hello!?” “Frank…look.” He heard Otis say before feeling a tap on his shoulder. Frank turned with the hope that Otis had seen someone…well he had… Lying on the floor with no sign of life was a man, who appeared to be in his late 30’s, dressed in a rugged black coat and pants. As Frank and Otis approached him, they could see his clothes were drenched in blood that seemed to originate from several wounds in his body. “Dear lord…” Otis said they both noticed the wound directly in the middle of the man’s forehead. Frank and Otis then noticed the smell radiating from the man and the bloodshot appearance of his lifeless eyes. “Must have been drunk and wandered into cross fire,” Frank commented as his mind began to ask, “But between who--” “Frank…” Otis said silencing Frank’s question, “You hearin’ that or is it just my hearing?” Frank tore his mind from his thought as he listened….it was muffled but he could tell it was...the sound of loud bass… It appeared to be coming from out in the park. “No...I’m hearing it too,” Frank replied as he took one look back at the dead body before kneeling down and closing the bloodshot eyes with one hand, “Think it’s the speakers?” “No, we never play stuff like that here,” Otis answered as they moved towards the entrance to get a good look. They were greeted with the same zombie filled park as the bass was still muffled. Frank scanned the park from their position as he began to recall... “Sounds like its coming from the parking lot near the entrance to the roads under the mall.” Otis commented while looking towards an edge of the park. Giving it another close listen, it seemed to be…getting louder at a rapid pace. In a second they saw a heard the noise come to full volume and vocals were heard. In that same second a green vehicle which Frank identified as a military Humvee came charging into view. There were three people in it. One was operating the steering wheel, another in the passenger seat, and the third operating the 50. Cal mounted machine gun. Frank took notice they were wearing the same...orange uniform. “What the?” Otis asked as they saw the Humvee come to a sudden stop as the three riding it started to laugh like a bunch of maniacs, “How in the world did they get that in here?” Frank watched as the men in the Humvee calm their laughter as one looked over to the food court before motioning to his two companions. Then in a swift motion, the one on the mounted gun produced a small cylinder object from a bag by his feet before tossing it towards the entrance. “LOOK OUT!” As Frank and Otis retreated from the doors in a rush, before diving towards the floor as the sound of an explosion and shattering glass filled their ears. As soon as the noise had faded, it was replaced by the sounds of three pairs of voices laughing above blaring music. “Fire in the hole, motherfuckas!” “Hey let’s hit the one over there man,” “I’m on it!” The sound of an engine veering and tires ripping into dirt filled Frank’s ears. He got to his feet as he felt bits of glass slide of him as he turned and saw the entrance of the food court now destroyed with shattered glass on the floor. There were traces of blood and the flesh of zombies mixed in the mess. Frank heard Otis start to shuffle a bit before kneeling down and helping him up. Once Otis was on his feet and he and Frank carefully made their way across the sea of glass before having a good view of the three men taking off in the Humvee. “Best avoid the park for now…” Otis commented at the sight, “Those entrances are going to be like fish in a barrel for them.” Frank grabbed his camera and, once again using the viewfinder, zoomed up on the men in the Humvee. He shifted his view higher coming across an entrance to another part of the mall. This one however had a flight of stairs leading to it….as well as someone coming out the doors along with a…orange figure. “Oh no…..” Author's Note This one took a while longer then I had hoped. School has been kicking in high gear recently so I've been more focused on studies and occasionally getting some time to write, but either way. Hope you enjoy and thanks for reading.
