Dead Pony Rising: Off the Record

Prologue

Off the Record

Six Months Later

Date: April 3, 2012 11:58 a.m.

Flank West, infamous earth pony photojournalist, uncovered a conspiracy in which the Equestrian Royal Government was working on experiments that went unchecked and destroyed the Western town of Appleloosa with a zombie virus. In anger, Braeburn, notorious earth pony that caused the Fillydelphia outbreak, unleashed the zombie virus in said city and killed thousands of pony lives. The government tried to cover-up both occurrences, but failed when Flank exposed the truth. However, over the years, his fame, and good name, became a thing of the past.

Buck Greene, famous ex-Motoclops champion and survivor of the Las Pegasus outbreak, was in the adult pony playground of Celestial Sisters, Manehatten, when another zombie virus broke out. He was framed for the crime and went on to prove that Discord, the Master of Chaos, caused the outbreak and was paid by Phenotrots to do it. Phenotrots, maker of a virus-inhibiting drug, were mass producing zombies so they could mass produce the miracle drug. Buck Greene came close to proving them as the real reason behind both the Las Pegasus and Celestial Sisters outbreak. He couldn’t when Discord trapped him in Celestial Sisters for nearly half a day.

Thankfully, Flank West arrived just in time to save the helpless earth pony and together they teamed up to gather evidence proving Phenotrot’s responsibility behind both Pegasus and C.S. They gathered the needed evidence, but found out the horrible truth that Princess Celestia knew about, and started, everything. Evidence pointing to the monarch was destroyed in an explosion and the blame was placed on Applejack, cousin to Braeburn. Her current whereabouts are unknown and she is presumed dead.

Buck Greene was waiting patiently behind a giant red curtain and Flank West was adjusting his camera like usual. They were called in to help with the Re-establishment Ceremony of Fillydelphia. Princess Celestia ordered in many millions of bits to help rebuild the destroyed city and she requested that Flank and Buck be there to help cut the red ribbon and help give the country some big morale boosters.

“What’re we doing here, Flank?” Buck asked; his light olive mane moving slightly in the small breeze. He was wearing a solid-black tuxedo and horseshoes to match.

“What do you mean?” Flank asked; he was also dressed in a nice suit. “We’re here to help re-establish Fillydelphia.”

“I know that,” Buck said as he stood up. “But we know that Celestia started this whole thing in the first place. Granted the exclusion of Fillydelphia, but she called in the mass slaughter and went on to try to cover it up. I don’t like being in the same area with her and I sure as hell know you don’t either.”

“You’re right…I don’t like it one iota.” The old stallion turned to face his young friend. “But we said we’d do this and we’re honoring our words.” That’s when the almighty alicorn princess trotted up behind them. Her usual white coat glistening under even the lowest of light and the bite mark on her neck covered under layers of make-up and combed over fur.

“Mr. West…Mr. Greene.” She said. Buck just sneered at her and looked forward towards the red curtain. “I’m glad you two could come out and help me with this little matter. It should really help boost the morale of my subjects.”

“We wouldn’t need to if you didn’t try killing ponies.” Buck said bitterly through his teeth. “One of these days… you’re going to pay heavily for what you’ve done.”

“Oh, Buck, can’t we put the past behind us?” Celestia asked. “I won and you lost…just deal with it. You’re not in jail, your daughter is still alive, and you’re working on your new life…”

“I wouldn’t have been at risk for imprisonment if you didn’t start this.” Buck said. “My daughter wouldn’t be infected… my home wouldn’t be destroyed… and my wife would still be alive.”

“Then try looking on the bright side.” Celestia said. “Count the blessings you do have over the ones you don’t.”

“That’s not enough, though… you need to be hanged for what you’ve done.” Buck said as he turned around to face her. “And I’d gladly do it myself if I had the opportunity.”

“That kind of talking can get you executed.” Celestia said. “Just remember that.” She said with a piercing death glare of epic proportions that would put the Stare to shame. The princess trotted up to the stage and stood patiently for the ceremony to begin.

That’s when General Prance trotted into the area with some of his guards and in front of Buck and Flank.

“Evening, Mr. West. Mr. Greene.” He said before standing at attention.

“General.” Flank said.

“General.” Buck said. That’s when another pony trotted past them all and up to the princess. They shook hooves just before trotting through the red curtain; in an instant, the crowd outside started cheering and hollering in excitement.

“Fillies and Gentlecolts,” the new mayor of the city said into a magically crafted microphone, “I present to you our glorious ruler, Princess Celestia.” The crowd started cheering even louder than before as she proceeded to trot up the stage and start up the event. As she gave her speech, Buck turned over to Flank and started talking with him.

“I don’t know why, but this just popped in my head for some odd reason.” He said.

“What did?” Flank asked.

“If you were at Celestial Sisters at the time of the outbreak… what would you have done?” Buck asks.

“What do you mean?”

“You know, if you were in my horseshoes, what would’ve gone down?” Buck asked.

“Well,” Flank said, “I guess it would start after my show got cancelled and I was desperate enough to make bits to survive.”

“Like you aren’t already?” Buck asked sarcastically.

“Oh, shut up.” Flank said jokingly before slugging Buck in the shoulder. The two started laughing lightly before Flank continued.

“But, in all seriousness, I’m sure it’d be like…”