Chapters The dawn of a new day sat on the cusp of darkness, the silent streets of Ponyville lay desolate and devoid of light. Only shadows shifted in these last few hours of night. An orchard lay dying just beyond the horizon, the harsh conditions brought on by the early onslaught of winter. Though the land itself lay bare of frigid ice, the air and the wind bit through many a coat. A large farmhouse sat and watched over this silent vigil. Within its walls slept the Apple family, blissfully unaware of the twisted shadows that awaited the return of true night.
On the other end of town sat the home of one Twilight Sparkle. The tree gently swayed in the nonexistent breeze, sending icy chills racing down her spine. She tossed and turned as her body steadily became colder. Her muscles began to tighten as the chilling grip fell upon her. Spike stood before her bed, his green eyes silently watched as his mentor withered in the sheer cold. A sadistic smile formed on his face as he drew a long claw from behind his back, the silvery blade rested upon Twilight's thigh and slowly sliced a tiny trail of blood across the veins that pulsed beneath. The purple unicorn sat bolt upright, the stabbing pain drawing her back to the waking world.
A loud pained scream escaped her as she saw the culprit, slowly her eyes widened as Spike fell to the ground unable to move. The shock of blood and intentional pain too much for the infant dragon. Twilight ran to him and tried to stir him from whatever evil had pierced his innocence. The rays of dawn settled upon Equestria, giving the scene a rather dreamlike quality.
The sounds of shallow breaths ceased as he awoke in the unicorns magic embrace, "T-twilight? Are you o-ok? I just saw my claw rake itself across your leg, I'm not even sure what came over me."
"It's alright Spike, it was probably just a very lucid state of sleepwalking. Though perhaps we should take you to a doctor first. Violent sleepwalking is rare but can be dangerous to both the walker and others."
"I-i could be d-dangerous?"
"Shhh, its probably just stress! Remember how crazy I got?"
"Yeh but-"
Twilight placed the dragon back on solid ground and began to write on her list of medical maladies.
"Subject awoke from a trance, a sharp claw pressed upon the leg of another. Subject remembers nothing of dreams or feelings regarding said event." Twilight flinched lightly as the dragon ran a dull claw across the fresh scar.
"I did that? "
"Y-yes, but please don't touch me! I'm still a little edgy from it... It- you just scared me is all."
"Sorry..."
Twilight gently patted Spike on the head and continued her notes. Once she had finished, Twilight furled the scroll up and placed it in her saddlebag. She lifted the purple dragon onto her back and trotted towards the large white hospital that shone in the gentle rising sun. It was a long walk across town through the thick mist that lined the streets, slowly the town began to fill as the dawn of Friday greeted the denizens. Though even in the warmth of the sun, the pleasant scene was met with a feeling of unease and dread. Twilight tried to shake the feeling.
"It's nothing... Just still jumpy about Spike is all." She quietly mumbled to herself, trying desperately to remain calm and collected.
Finally she reached the iron gates of the hospital, the weight of the baby dragon became more prominent as Twilight placed him on the tiled floor. The dragon simply lay there unmoving, his sleep undeterred by her gentle calls. The door slid open as a doctor ran out to check what appeared to be a dead body.
"What happened? Did he collapse or something?"
"No just...sleeping."
"This seems like more then a simple case of sleep." The gray maned doctor stared into the librarian's eyes and asked her why she had come.
"I-it was a case of stage three sleepwalking. I awoke with his claw drawn through my upper layer of skin. Then he awoke with horrified gaze at causing me pain."
"This is the fourth case this week! Something is wrong... Perhaps something has entered our water supply."
"Fourth? So this isn't an isolated case?"
"Not by a long shot... Every year around this time, we are subjected to some form of delusional madness. Though never as violent as this..." The deep monotone voice of the doctor fell upon Twilight's ears, This stallion seems almost to be numb to this event. That cold gaze upon Spikes form was more then just an assessment of the patient.
Spike was lifted onto a stretcher and carried into the building, Twilight began to follow but was quickly barred by two burly ponies who glared down at the unicorn. Twilight shoved her way past and called out to the young dragon. Two large hooves descended on her shoulder as she was dragged from the hospital grounds.
"Let me go! I'm with the dragon... I'm his caretaker for ponies sake!"
"We can't let you do that ma'am, this building has just been placed in quarantine." The dark black guard gave her a sympathetic look before he continued. "It is with deep regret that I must inform you of you're friends condition..."
"Condition? It was just a bad case of sleepwalking! Why are you doing this?"
"Our orders are to protect the uninfected, any person within distance can and will be infected! Return to your home and lock all your doors. Mourn your loss but please, stay indoors."
"But what about Spike?! Is he going to be ok?"
"We do not know, this case is extreme. He may pull through and then again he mi-"
A piercing siren began to ring in the empty dawn air, a window shattered three floors up followed closely by the body of a pegasus. A sickening crunch was all that was heard as the pony struck the hard ground. Both guards drew a long spear from their sheaths and headed inside.
"Run! This place is no longer safe! Get somewhere safe and stay there!"
Twilight didn't have to be told twice, the doors slid shut behind her as she galloped towards her house. Two distinct screams were heard through the tinted glass, spurring the lavender pony to flee in terror. She ran and ran through the streets, her heart pounding as she burst into the library. Desperately she began to barricade the door with anything she could find. Once she was satisfied she began to write a very urgent message to Princess Celestia. The quill pressed deep into the parchment as Twilight hastily wrote down her message.
Princess Celestia,
A major incident has occurred at Ponyville Memorial Hospital, an unknown infection has overrun the facility. Spike was supposedly infected by the unknown virus and is currently trapped inside. The amount of survivors is unknown but they may already be inflicted Requesting your assistance immediately, please hurry!
Your student,
Twilight Sparkle
"Owlowiscious! Take this letter to the Princess as fast as you can, its imperative that it reaches her asap!"
The tiny owl awoke at the sound of his masters voice and grabbed the letter in his claw. Twilight slid the window open and watched her pet fly into the low lying mist. She hoped that he would return soon, her thoughts fixed on the dragon still trapped within the hospital.
"Hold on Spike! Help is on it's way!"
A few hours passed with Twilight slowly becoming more and more anxious as the day dragged on. She began to move the blockade, ready to fight her way into the hospital if need be. Slowly she opened the door and surveyed the strangely empty town. The morning mist had still not let up. The shrouded buildings revealed no signs of life in or around them. Had the infection already broken quarantine? Surely their was no virus that could spread at such a rapid pace. Twilight stepped out into the chilling mist and called out to anypony who could hear her.
"Anyone out here? Please, somepony answer me!"
The beat of hoofs upon the ground echoed through the empty streets, Twilight whirled around to face the unknown pursuer. A pure white mare appeared out of the mist, a small filly lying across her back.
"Rarity! I thought i was alone out here. Do you have any idea what's going on?"
"I'm not sure... Sweetie Belle was awake with a terrible fever, I don't know what bug she has but it seems to have passed. Sweetie? Wake up dear!" Rarity shook her sister slightly, awakening her from a deep slumber.
"Huh? What? Oh hi Twilight! How's Spike?" Asked the overtly curious filly.
"His... In hospital. But I can't get to him right now."
"Why?"
"It's-"
Rarity raised a hoof, cutting off the lavender unicorn mid sentence. "Don't worry Sweetie, Spike is most likely perfectly fine. I'm sure the doctors are t-treating him r-right now..." A single tear rolled down her cheek as she feared for the young dragon. Delicately Twilight wiped away her tears and mentioned she was heading towards the hospital to find and rescue Spike.
"I asked for help from the princess but I haven't seen a single sign of her."
"Celestia? She ran by the boutique several minutes ago. She was the one who suggested I flee town..."
"Flee town? But surely she can stop this, Right?"
Rarity shrugged and checked over her sister, briefly her face was an image of concern as the filly seemed to grow feverish. "Sweetie? Are you alright? Just lay down for a bit, get some more rest."
"But sis-"
"Shhhh just close your eyes... I'll be right here." Quietly she turned back towards Twilight and asked her what the plan was.
"Well we have to save Spike, the doctors were heading towards the infectious diseases ward the last time I saw him. I have no idea what the facilities condition is right now. Are you sure you want to bring Sweetie?"
"Well perhaps it would be better if she stayed in your house, at least until we return..."
Twilight nodded in agreement and helped Rarity get her sister inside. She moved a large crate in front of the door, barricading it from any intruder or whatever else might be wandering the streets. Both ponies gave each other a look of unease before heading towards the now darkened hospital. The mist continued to hang over the land, blocking any form of sunlight from reaching the ground. Several pony-like shapes appeared far off in the distance, formless shadows that flickered in and out of reality.
A sharp hissing sound erupted from a nearby sewer grate. A pillar of superheated steam burst from the shattered pipes beneath. Rarity began to grow steadily uneasy as the dark shadows vanished, almost as if they were never there. Finally they arrived at the front gate. Its rusty bars caused Twilight to question how only hours ago it was shiny and pristine. These thoughts left her mind as she saw the shattered windows and the bloody hoof-prints smeared across the walls.
"It looks like a war-zone! I hope Spikey Wikey is still..."
"His a dragon... I'm sure his perfectly safe!"
"Are you a madpony Twilight? Look at this place!" Rarity gestured towards the scenes of violence around them. "Good luck surviving in this mess! I-i just don't wanna lose him..."
"Its alright, Rarity. Neither do I... But we can't just give up hope! I don't what we'll find in there but we're his only hope."
"Let us enter, together."
Both ponies placed their hooves on the door and pulled it wide open. The shattered glass fell from the door into the entrance way. Nothing but darkness greeted the pair as they trotted into the ruined building. Several light fixtures hung down from the ceiling, frayed wires extended from them like limp vines in a jungle canopy. The only light, sparks of electricity bursting forth from the tattered phone line. Twilight lit her horn with magic, sending some unseen creature scuttling into the gloomy room beyond. The dead silence unnerved her, the absence of sound a haunting thing.
"Rarity, stay together! Something is here... I can feel it. We need to go up to the 7th floor, that is where they take the sick."
"How can you be sure?"
"That entire seventh floor had windows painted crimson, something majorly messed up happened up there."
"Spike..." Rarity hid her features from Twilight as a pained look of loss painted her features. She made several dry retches at the thought of blood but managed to choke back the feeling. She turned back to Twilight and waited for her to take lead.
Twilight tried to ignore the feeling of being watched as she placed one hoof in front of the other. The pale light from her horn doing nothing to alleviate the encroaching dark. They continued on towards the stairs that seemed free of debris. As they approached the stairwell a large object toppled down and hit the ground with a heavy crash. A large crate now barred entry to the upper levels, something did not want to be disturbed.
"Hopefully the elevators still work..."
A loud ding caused both unicorns to jump in fright. The elevator doors slid open as if by an invisible force. Strange guttural sounds issued forth from the shaft, formless shapes shifted beneath in a large mass. Without introduction a pony-like figure trotted forth from the open door. Her coat was a sickly yellow that slowly became a warmer orange as she stepped into the light.
"AJ? What the hay are you doing here?"
"I could ask ya the same thing sugarcube... I'm just here to look for my sister."
"Why, is she infected?"
"I dunno last time I saw her was on the 4th level, I dunno what the floors condition is."
"Wait if your headed towards the 4th floor why did you stop on first?"
"To...gather supplies!"
Twilight eyed the orange mare suspiciously, something seemed off about the way she spoke. Its not like her to lie.
"Am I under scrutiny here or is it jus' me? Rarity you believe me right?"
"Of course darling, but it does look mighty strange that you appeared after the stairs were blocked off."
Applejack glared at the pair and gave them a look of contempt.
"Now wait just a minu-"
From behind them came a dull roar, not turning to stare at their hunter the trio slid into the elevator car and slammed the door shut. Bitter screeches of hunger echoed through the doors as something large and angry struck the door. A large dent appeared in the wall followed by a strange yellow liquid that seeped through the tiny cracks. As it touched Rarity's bare skin it begun to writhe and pulse like a living being. Several tendrils shot out and slowly crawled up her leg, causing the white mare to scream and thrash in terror.
"Get it off! Get it off!"
"Hold still, I got it..." A flash of light burst from Twilight's horn, a single flame struck the liquid and began to burn. The tendrils blackened and turned to ash as the magic fire washed over it. Unbeknownst to the ponies a single strand escaped them and seeped out through the tiny vent above.
"What in Equestria was that thing? Twilight have you ever heard of a virus like this?"
"Not in all my years of reading..."
"See I was being pursued by those nasty things... I was afraid ta tell ya in case you panicked. I think the 4th floor is empty now, seems they followed me down the elevator shaft..." Applejack gave them a guilty look, her simple shrug setting the lavender unicorn into a state of annoyance.
You thought we would panic? Well thanks for the heads up Applejack! Not like we could have DIED or anything!"
"Well I didn't ask ya ta tag along! I was perfectly fine to you showed up!"
"Girls! Please, just calm down. Spike and Applebloom are counting on us! Arguing will not help us rescue them!"
"Yeh your right sugarcube..."
"Good, now what's the plan?"
They both stared at Twilight, hoping her intellect would have some brilliant plan. The elevator rolled to a stop on the 7th floor, opening up onto another pitch black corridor.
"Umm let's just find Spike, grab your sister and get out of here! A plan isn't gonna work when we don't know where those things are..."
Twilight once again took the lead as she entered the empty hall first. The light around her horn seemed dimmer in here, as if a cloud hung around them. The air smelled rank, the smell of dead corpses almost too much to bear. Strangely no horrible sights followed the decaying smell. Almost as if the bodies were dragged from the building. The only detail that showed a struggle were the bloody marks over the walls. The corridor felt confining, the walls slowly closed inwards as claustrophobia began to set in. Twilight tried to breathe deeply, the rancid air making her increasingly dizzy. She thought of a spell she was taught long ago by her mother. A simple scent masking spell... Enough to block out such horrid smells.
Eventually they reached a single sealed door, a tiny dragon shape lay upon the bed within. In a stroke of luck it seemed the solid door was enough to keep the creatures at bay. Rarity shoved her way past and struck the door with a powerful spell.
"I'm coming Spikey Wikey! Please be alright!"
The solid door gave in as the white unicorn pushed with a lot of force. She ran towards the baby dragon and pulled him into an embrace. "Oh I'm glad your alright!"
"Umm Rarity?"
"I was so worried that I'd lost you!"
"Rarity! Get away from him!"
The dragon began to mutate before their eyes, large tentacles erupted from its back. The head began to twist and elongate. A hideous screech emanated from the Spike-creature as its form grew more and more grotesque. Rarity was trapped within its grasp as it changed around her. A single mouth burst from its stomach, trying desperately to consume the white unicorn.
Twilight broke out of her trance and shot numerous spells at the thing. No magic seemed to hurt it as Applejack tried to kick the creature. Her physical strength was ineffective as the creature wrapped itself around her hoof. It dragged her from the ground and threw her into the adjacent room. Twilight tried once again to attack the abomination, this time blasting it with a powerful fire spell. The Spike-thing howled in pain as the fire burned its tender flesh. It attached a long tube to Rarity's face and began pumping a thick yellow ooze into her throat. Twilight continued to burn the creature, hoping that she could kill it before her friend was consumed.
In its throes of death, the tendrils released Rarity's body as the blackened flesh began to peel away. The inferno burned faster and faster, the body quickly becoming ash. The purple unicorn ran to her friends side, her form relatively unharmed.
"Did any of it get in your mouth?"
"Any longer and it might have but I managed to keep the tube out with my teeth. What happened to Spike, was he apart of that thing?"
"I don't know, but whatever happened I think his gone to a better place."
Applejack slowly trotted back in the room, her face a mirror of tragedy to the other two. They mourned their tiny dragon in silence, nothing but the feeling of loss pervaded over the trio.
"I-i don't think my sis' made it out... If she is one of those things.... Well, I jus' don't think I could handle it.
"I understand... Maybe we should just leave this horrible place. After all I'm sure it won't be able to escape from a burning building. Applejack did you happen to see Celestia? I asked for her help here."
"Err sorry sugarcube, I never saw her."
"Strange... I'm sure its just nothing though."
The afternoon passed in relative peace, the horror of the morning still fresh in their minds. Even with the hospital burning in the distance Twilight could not forsake the feeling of dread. The empty town was certainly a strange thing, not a single living soul was seen in the vacant houses surrounding the library. She prayed that her friends were safe from whatever contagion had infected the hospital.
"Do you think the others are alright?"
"I sure hope so Rare... If any of that...thing escaped, surely we would have seen it by now."
"Your right, it's just Ponyville seems to be quite...dead."
"Perhaps Celestia managed to evacuate the town, in case she couldn't handle it?"
"Yes most likely."
"How is Sweetie?"
"She's... coping. I'm not sure what kind of bug she's got but it sure is tenacious." They both glanced back towards Sweetie Belle fast asleep on the floor, a single thought entered their minds simultaneously. Was she infected?
"Ah don't know bout you gals but its awfully strange that your sister gets sick around the same time. I'm a little worried we may have a problem on our hoofs..."
Rarity whirled in anger toward Applejack, "Hey! Just because you lost your sister doesn't give you the right to throw accusations around."
"Accusations? I'm just makin' sure she ain't gonna change!"
Twilight forced herself between the two mares and stared directly at Applejack,
"Applejack, please! Spike had no visible symptoms until this morning with the sleepwalking. We have to find the others, not bicker over whether to tell a child she may be infected with something she doesn't have!"
"See at least Twilight is keeping a cool head."
"Whatever..."
Satisfied that she had kept the peace, Twilight began to write down plans on a singular roll of parchment. After a long winded argument on the best approach for dealing with the deserted town they settled on gathering the others. Hopefully somepony else would be aware of what exactly had happened to the townsfolk.
"Pinkie Pie should be first as she lives pretty much smack bang in the center. If anypony knows what's going on she would most likely be the first."
Rarity shook her sister awake and gave her a small pill for the queasiness. Applejack grabbed a few bottles of cider and placed two in each of their saddlebags, a cool beverage would be a wanted commodity over the next few days. With bags packed and stomachs full, they headed towards the colorful building of Sugarcube Corner, standing alone and dark on this chill eve. The doors were thrown open in what appeared to be panic, though there was no evidence of violence or blood around the handles. Despite the lack of blood Twilight felt quite nervous. Applejack pushed past her and headed towards the second story, ignoring the warnings from both her friends, she continued up the stairs and moved out of sight.
"Applejack! Applejack! Rarity stay with Sweetie, I have a bad feeling about this."
Twilight began to jump up the stairs two at a time, her heart pounding in anticipation of whatever may await her. Every bedroom was barred shut with nails and boards, furniture was piled into the center of the hallway. Applejack stood against the barricade and kicked it with all her strength. The force of the buck was enough to splinter the desks and chairs that held it in place. The sound of crying could be heard from the furthest room.
A muffled voice called from the sealed door, "M-mrs Cake i-is that you?"
"It's me, Twilight! Applejack and Rarity are with me too! Are you ok, Pinkie?"
"T-twilight? What happened to the Cakes?"
"I'm umm not sure, looks like they fled in a hurry."
"I heard screams... Horrible, horrible screams..."
"Lets get you out of there!"
"O-ok."
Both Twilight and Applejack pried the large boards from the door frame and pushed the door open slowly. Huddled in the corner was a terrified looking Pinkie Pie, her usually fluffy mane was straight as a razor and hanging across her face. A tiny smile formed on her lips as she saw two of her best friends standing in the doorway. She ran forward and embraced Twilight in her hooves, her fresh tears staining the unicorns mane.
"Twilight! I'm so glad to see you, I was scared trapped up here by myself. Mr Cake blocked my room off so I'd be safe from whatever was outside the door. I don't think he made it..."
"Don't say that Pinkie, everyone's probably ok! At least I hope... You wouldn't happen to know what's going on would you?"
Pinkie Pie shook her head and gave an apologetic shrug. "Sorry, I have no idea what's happening. It seems pretty bad."
"Yeh the towns deserted, not a single pony is wandering the streets."
"Where's Spike?"
"He umm, he became infected with a virus and h-his d-dead!" Twilight choked back several tears as the memories of her friend flooded her sub conscious. Pinkie gave her another hug, not wanting to see her friends pain and loss.
"I'm gonna miss Spikey...he was a great little dragon. Maybe after all this passes we should throw him the best funeral ever! How about that?"
*sniff* "I would greatly appreciate it Pinkie."
Applejack had been staring intently out the window, making sure nothing would sneak up on them. She was alerted by a strange shadow moving across the fog-ridden backdrop. Its relatively pony-shaped form would be almost perfect if it weren't for the tendrils upon its back. It stared up towards where Applejack was standing and seemed to release a subsonic screech in her direction.
"Umm girls, I don't think we should stay here much longer... One of those things just saw me!"
Twilight ran to the window to catch a glimpse of whatever it was but struggled to even see the street below. If something had been watching them it apparently had fled into the empty streets.
"Well it appears to be gone AJ, I don't think it's coming back." Out of the corner of her eye Twilight could have sworn she saw Applejack's face briefly contort but decided it was just her nerves getting the best of her. "Anyway we should probably reassure Rarity downstairs before she panics... Plus we still need to find Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy."
"Yeh let's go, this place is giving me the creeps..." Pinkie shivered at her empty room and couldn't help but feel upset about the Cakes disappearance. She took a deep breath, stepping out into the hallway and towards the lower floor.
Rarity sighed in relief as her friends came down the stairs with Pinkie Pie in tow. Her usually happy demeanor was replaced by pain and hurt, even her hair seemed to lack any of her usual self.
"Oh Pinkie, you look absolutely dreadful darling! This day is quickly becoming a living nightmare. Twilight, I think I saw somepony or something outside but all we could see was shadow."
"Yeh, I saw it too, hopefully it's another pony like us."
Applejack cleared her throat in a rather rude fashion, "Hate ta burst ya bubble sugar cube but ponies don't got tendrils..."
"Thanks for the idea of hope... I think we should head to Fluttershy's cottage, Hopefully she avoided whatever happened being so far from town. Rainbow Dash is probably alright in Cloudsdale I would think."
"But what about Scootaloo?" Asked Sweetie Belle with a heartbreaking sigh, "I don't even know who her parents are..."
Rarity turned to her sister, "I promise we will find Scootaloo as soon as possible. Do you know where she lives?"
"I-i think she told me she lived somewhere near here. I can't exactly remember to well."
"Don't worry Sweetie, I'm sure we can find your friend! In fact i may have seen her house." Pinkie gave the young filly a reassuring smile and ran a single hoof through her mane.
"Let's get going girls. The longer we wait the more likely something bad will happen to them." Twilight opened the door as they all stepped out into the empty streets, the fog had seemingly grown thicker over the course of their brief stop. Slowly they proceeded down main street trying their hardest to peer through the dense grey fog that drifted over their bodies. Several buildings were almost invisible but still kept a dim outline. Many of them had lights on but nopony was home. The shattered windows and splintered doors were not a sight one would wish to see.
The sound of light flapping came from a large two story building a few meters from where they were standing, Sweetie pulled herself from Rarity's grasp and ran towards the house, ignoring the sounds of protest from the other ponies.
"Sweetie Belle! It's not safe!"
The determined Sweetie galloped into the house and bounded up the stairs without stopping, skidding to a stop before the tattered remnants of the bedroom door. Sweetie stepped inside with a look of unease, the flapping sound continued from the darkened closet on the right hand side of the room. Slowly she crept forward and put her hoof against the doorknob and swung the door open. The smell of musty decay greeted her nose as Sweetie's eyes fell upon the offending flapper. A long scarf that was flapping gently in the breeze from the open window. The pastel colored scarf was oddly shaped, with large lumps all through it.
"Sweetie Belle! Don't scare me like that! What if you were attacked or became infected?" Rarity hugged her sister and followed her gaze to the strange looking scarf. "Hey what did you-"
Rarity let out a loud scream as she figured out what it was. The other three burst into the room with a look of fear on their faces.
"Rarity what is it?"
The white mare was even paler then usual as she pointed a hoof at the offending item. On closer inspection Twilight nearly gagged at the piece of intestine she held in her hooves. She threw the organ through the window where it hit the ground with a dull splat, spilling out its contents. Pinkie Pie couldn't keep her food down as she swayed side to side and dry heaved. Everypony else simply looked away in disgust, trying to erase the horrible image.
Sweetie Belle burst into tears, worried that her friend had met such a horrid fate. Rarity hugged her tighter as her sister bawled in pain. Pinkie stepped forward and placed a hoof on Sweeties shoulder. "Don't worry Sweetie, it's not Scootaloo. Not that it makes it any better for whoever it was..."
"How do you k-know?" Sweetie asked through her stream of tears.
"Because this is a stallions room, see that poster on the wall? That is Sapphire Shores, who I'm pretty sure isn't one of Scoots favorites."
Sweetie looked up at the picture of Sapphire Shores and sighed in small relief. Her best friend was not here and perhaps still alive somewhere.
"If shes safe I'm sure we will run into her while heading for Fluttershy's cottage." Twilight was trying her best to reassure Sweetie Belle even though she was beginning to have doubts about Ponyville having any living ponies left.
Once again the group left the building, this time heading to the north where Fluttershy lived and where the Everfree began. The lights that were on before had switched off, whether because the power had run out or something had got whoever had turned them on. Apparently it had now become the afternoon as a small sliver of red and orange could be seen, even through the cloud like fog. Eventually the houses and shops began to thin as Ponyville gave way to empty fields.
The grass was brown and sickly as the winter frost slowly killed it off. The wet ground slushed under-hoof as they wandered down the long dirt path. Nopony spoke a single word as thoughts were preoccupied by the events that had passed. The horrible image of the Spike-monster would remain with Twilight for some time.
"Hey girls, do you think Celestia is trying to fix this? I'm worried something may have happened to her...or to Canterlot."
"Ah think she will be fine, she does control the sun and its still moving by the looks of things. Probably busy finding a cure or somethin."
Yeh, i guess you're right AJ, it probably would have stopped if she wasn't here anymore. Still it seems strange that we haven't seen her yet." Twilight stopped suddenly as a strange sound reached her ears.
"What in tarnation?"
"Ooooh is that a band?!"
"Oh my, how wonderful!"
"There in the distance, I think I see a group of ponies! HEY YOU!"
Twilight shouted loudly and waved her hooves, trying to get their attention. The music that had been echoing in the breeze abruptly stopped as four shadows appeared on the hillside beside them. A single male voice called back with a single question, "Are you infected!"
"No, none of us are infected!"
The shadows huddled together in a ring, obviously discussing what to do with another group. After a minute or so they broke up and the voice called again, "Ok stay where you are, we'll come to you!"
Soon enough the shadows slowly came into view revealing a small group of ponies and a lone female zebra.
"Zecora! You're alright?"
"Of course my dear Rarity, it seems I avoided the main calamity! But where is young Applebloom, did she meet an unfortunate doom?"
"Ah lost her Zecora... One 'o those things got her and Big Mac. I should have protected her..."
Zecora looked quite saddened by the news, Applebloom had become her little friend that always visited and she had her back when she was accused of evil. A single tear fell down her cheek, the face of her lost friend fresh in her mind. Applejack pulled her away from the others as they talked about the best Applebloom memories.
The three stallions introduced themselves to the group and shook hooves with Rarity who was sort of a celebrity in town. Though it was probably her looks that caught their attention. After the day they were having it was almost funny to see something non heart-wrenching.
The leader was a golden-feathered, lanky pegasus who had a nasally voice and spoke very quickly. He introduced himself as Falconmane, a former falconer who worked at Canterlot Gardens before all this began. The other two were apparently twins, even though one was an earth pony and the other a unicorn. Both were a deep purple with spiky manes that were a lime-green hue. The older of the two called himself Terravolt, a hardworking electrician that had saved the younger brother from one of the infected. He seemed very self-assured and brave, a stark contrast to the skittish unicorn who kept flinching every time somepony went to close. Skitt seemed an appropriate name for him. A prominent stutter made him almost unintelligible but luckily his brother could decipher the mashed together words.
Skitt stepped closer to Rarity and gasped loudly, he mumbled a few words and quickly trotted backwards in fear.
Terravolt grabbed him in both hooves and shouted, "Are you sure?"
A slight nod was all the answer they needed as Terravolt and Falconmane pinned Rarity down and started to hit her, "Die monster!"
Twilight threw the pegasus off with her magic, pinning him to the ground, "Get away from her! What in Tartarus is wrong with you!"
"She's one of them! We have to burn her, its the only way!" The unicorns horn lit up with fire.
"Are you insane? How would she have gotten infected? We were with her the whole time!"
"It probably got her before then... That's what it does! We have to vaporize her... Your friend is dead!"
"No! You're wrong! I made sure it didn't get into my mouth! You ruffians are beating up a lady and accusing her of lying!"
Rarity tried to buck the powerful earth pony off but was pushed further into the muddy ground. Skitt stood over her and released a small fire ball at her face. Twilight blew the fire away with a spell and lifted the unicorn off his feet.
Terravolt stood up and glared at Twilight. He watched helpless as his brother floated above them. A loud scream caused them to jump as a large shape erupted out of the bush shaped vaguely like a zebra. The shock of seeing the Zecora-thing was enough for Twilight to drop Skitt on the ground. The three stallions fled in fear and left the girls to fend off the attack. The Zecora-thing turned its mass towards Twilight who was trying to use a fire spell. The creatures large hoof/hand grabbed her small body and slammed her into the ground with incredible force.
Pinkie Pie threw herself at the arm and bit deeply, the foul tasting flesh made her gag but she continued to bite through. Her teeth finally gnashed together cutting the arm into pieces. The creature quickly retracted the stump and tried to split it into tentacles. Rarity tried to burn it with her own magic but was not able to keep the spark.
"I can't burn it, I've never used offensive magic! Twilight, I just can't!"
Twilight choked out a few words as the other arm closed around her throat, "Just..urrk!..use.. *cough*..the magic word.. ack!.. for fire..."
Her voice faded as she began to faint. Twilight was about to give in when she felt the heat wash over her. The acrid smell of burning flesh and the beasts primordial screams brought her back to consciousness, Twilight watched as Rarity's horn released a torrent of fire into Zecora-thing's face. Pinkie Pie tore a chunk of the claw around Twilight's neck and proceeded to pull the rest of it apart with her teeth. The beast quivered under the assault and dropped Twilight on the ground. The Zecora-thing tried to shape-shift back into zebra form and fled from the ones who attacked it. Pinkie Pie was about to chase after it until she saw Applejack lying still behind the bush she had gone behind.
Rarity ran forward and placed her head on the apparently lifeless Applejack, she was about to cry when the faint beat of a heartbeat was felt against her cheek. Twilight stepped forward and healed the cuts and bruises on Applejack's face with a simple heal spell. Applejack slowly opened her eyes and smiled up at Rarity.
"Ah ain't going that easy! I got a few more of those things to buck!"
"I'm glad you're alive, did it infect you?" Twilight tried to look for large wounds but couldn't find anything that looked off.
"No I don't think so... In fact I'm not sure it even tried. Can we continue on to Fluttershy's cottage? I feel like its important we do."
"Shouldn't we rest first?"
"Twilight, she's fine! You're the one who nearly choked to death!" Rarity gave Twilight a stern look and checked her for any wounds.
"Rarity, I'm fine alright! What did they mean before? That you were infected?"
"Darling please! They were simply delusional! If I was, don't you think I would have attacked by now?" Her face was a mirror of anger, hurt that Twilight would even consider it.
"I suppose you're right...but still what if you were?"
"I'm not...plain and simple!"
"Gals, let's just get to Flutter's ok? Poor girls probably terrified!" Applejack interjected her own two bits, promptly avoiding an unnecessary argument.
Twilight gave a loud sigh and helped Applejack to stand up off the ground. With a slight limp she trotted forward towards the cottage with determination on her face. Rarity gave a single derisive snort and followed behind her. I hope you can fix this Princess... The future of Ponyville is looking grim right about now.
Day Three: Inner City Contagion
The morning began like any other winters day, with chilling temperatures and a thick fog that hung over everything. Celestia had raised the sun and tried to add some light but unfortunately it was quickly shrouded by the still gray air. She had just begun her morning routine when a small owl flew through her window in a flurry of feathers, a single letter clasped within his talon. Strange... Since when does Twilight send me a report by bird? Spike must be in trouble...
Celestia gently rolled the scroll open and started to read the hastily scrawled words, her expression quickly changed into unease as she read on,
"The infection? No, I thought it was just a bug! This is certainly not a good turn of events!" Celestia galloped out of her room and went to find her sister Luna. Without stopping to take a breath Celestia burst into the darkened bedroom, awakening her sister from a rather short sleep.
"Celestia? What in-"
"Shh I have no time for that! I need you to watch over Canterlot for a short while... Twilight urgently needs my assistance at Ponyville Memorial Hospital. A quarantine was called into affect and it has already been breached. Survivors may be trapped inside with a virile disease! I must do what I can."
Luna promptly shook herself awake, the words of her sister awakening a feeling of duty, "We will keep ourselves awake long enough for your return. Just make sure you do not get sick while you're in there."
"I will be fine... Are you certain you can handle things? I can get the Council if you wish." Celestia had doubts about her sister staying awake long enough but knew she had little choice.
"Celestia thou must go... We promise that we can handle it."
"Alright..." Celestia gave her sister a quick reassuring smile before leaving her to look after Canterlot.
Swiftly she flew across the countryside, the expanse of the Everfree stretched for miles before finally the trees grew sparse. The ground below was completely obscured by the thick fog that showed no sign of dispersing. With her landing non-visible Celestia had no choice but to risk a messy landing. She dove down in a straight line, her wings scrapped against wood causing Celestia to lose balance and land in a painful position.
Celestia slowly pulled herself up, trying with some effort to squint through the land of gray. As her eyes adjusted a single building appeared in the distance, it appeared that Celestia had landed outside Carousel Boutique. She stepped over to the door and checked to see if anypony was inside. The jingle of a bell greeted the Princess as the door gradually swung open.
"Just a minute! I'm busy trying to clean up filly vomit at the moment! Sweetie, lie down darling... I'll be right back." The sound of hooves echoed down the stairs as a very haggard Rarity appeared at the base of the stairs.
"Princess Celestia? What are you doing her, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Rarity, I need you and your sister to pack some things and leave Ponyville. It's not safe here..."
Rarity's expression turned to worry as Celestia stared down at her, "What happened?"
Celestia tried to explain the situation delicately so as not to create panic, "Their is a dangerous virus going around the hospital which was under quarantine earlier this morning, I fear it may have broken through."
"Oh my! Is it fatal?"
"Yes, I am on my way to the hospital now to search for survivors. You should look for Twilight, she was the one who told me of the incident." Celestia gave the frightened mare a reassuring look and placed a hoof on her shoulder, "Stay safe!"
"I will your highness, I hope you can save Ponyville!"
"So do I..."
Celestia said her goodbyes and left the boutique. The town seemed bleak, desolate, as if nopony was here. Something certainly was not right. Slowly she trotted down main street, hoping to catch a glimpse of anypony who may still be here. Several house had lights on but seemed devoid of any life. Sometimes Celestia could swear she saw shadows in the windows, watching...waiting...
At last she came to the rusted gates that stood wide open, most likely by Twilight in her effort to flee and remain inside. A single still body lay upon the ground, Celestia knew even from here that whoever that was is no longer breathing. The shattered pieces of glass around the corpse showing that they jumped from the third story. With a look of sadness Celestia continued on, with a heavy push the door opened slightly but seemed barred by something. With her magic she pushed with increased power and threw open the door.
A loud crash made Celestia jump slightly as she saw the culprit, two hospital beds were shoved against the door,
"Obviously trying to keep something in."
The dimly lit front desk was broken in half, the lights were shattered in several places causing the bulbs to flicker and fade out every few seconds. The single phone was snapped from it's cable and laying in a pool of what appeared to be some kind of mucus. Celestia continued down the hallway, peering into every room along the way. The cold steel elevators were slightly ajar, as if somepony had tried to either force their way out, or force their way in.
"Where are the infected ponies? I can't see any sign of blood or corpses or anything... Maybe they evacuated the hospital after the breach...but then again that pony lying outside..." Celestia felt a chill run up her spine at the slight echo of her voice.
The sound of hooves against carpet thudded overhead, somepony was obviously moving around up there. Most likely reacting to the strange new voice they could hear below. Celestia once again used her magic on the elevator door sliding them apart with a slight push. She tried her best not to gag as the horrible smell of burnt flesh and rotting eggs greeted her nose. A single pony-like corpse sat propped against the wall all six legs were splayed out in a circle.
"This, this cannot be a pony... It looks like a poorly made copy of one and it cannot be a changeling with it's body remaining in a form upon death. Least of all a badly shape-shifted one. Is this what the virus can-"
Suddenly the elevator buckled and began to collapse as the wires broke free. With very little time Celestia managed to escape as it gave way completely and fell towards the basement. With a thundering crash it hit the button of the shaft, causing several sharp pieces of metal to pierce the roof.
"Woah, that was lucky! One moment longer and I would have been impaled on those! I should be more careful."
Celestia waited a few moments while her heart beat like a jackhammer. Eventually it settled down, allowing her to continue on through the hospital. Cautiously she stepped into the other elevator and waited for it to creak or groan in protest. After several minutes Celestia decided it was safe, she pressed the button for the top floor so she could double back down to check the second and third floor. The doors slid shut easily as the lift began to rise. Ding!
"4th Floor Children's Wing," Said the calm, recorded voice with mock cheeriness.
Celestia did not feel any better about the cold lime green hallway that greeted her. Just like the first floor it was empty aside from a few beds and medical supplies. Each room carried an odd smell that couldn't quite be placed. It was almost...alien.
Celestia felt a flicker of unease as she stopped at a sealed door and saw the name written on the patient list, Applebloom. The younger sister of Applejack. With gritted teeth she shoved the door open, prepared for almost every scenario. The room appeared empty in the darkness of the hospital, except for the sound of heavy breathing the came from the furthest bed. The still form of Applebloom was lying on the sheets wrapped in a woolen blanket. Beside her was a creature that Celestia had never seen, two long clawed tendrils twisted around the fillies head and tried to pry her jaws open.
Celestia stepped forward abruptly, shattering a small glass of water on the hard floor. With a monstrous howl the abomination turned towards the source of the sound. Two more tendrils burst from it's chest as it violently flailed around, searching for the origin of the broken glass.
Celestia stared at the creature and noticed it's skin color was bright yellow, gradually changing to orange as it continued to seek her out. The princess brought her horn facing the sinister beast and prepared a powerful force spell. Celestia stomped the ground hard, causing the thing to hurl itself toward her. The golden light from her horn struck the creature square in the stomach and sent it hurtling through the window onto the hard concrete below. The sound of a wet sack striking solid ground followed soon after.
Celestia sighed in relief and trotted over to the prone filly lying in a fetal position. She placed a hoof against Applebloom's neck and felt for a pulse. The slow beat of her heart was a relief to Celestia... Having seen her fair share of young death.
"Applebloom, you're safe now! You can wake up."
Applebloom groaned softly as she slowly opened her eyes, "Princess Celestia? Is it gone?"
"Yes. I was beginning to think nopony was in here. Do you feel alright enough to walk?"
"Ah think so, Ah remember the loud siren and ponies running every which way. I don't think they made it..."
A look of grief flashed across Celestia's face as she realized she was too late. Spike has probably met his fate by now... Poor Twilight.
"What's wrong Princess?" Appleblom asked feebly, her voice still very coarse from sleep.
"Nothing... Let's just get you out of here! I'll take you back to Canterlot where you can be safe! Do you know where your sister is?"
"It took her..." Tears formed in the young fillies mind as she saw the image of her sister being dragged away. Celestia lifted a hoof and wiped away Applebloom's tears.
"I'm so sorry Applebloom... I am going to fix this as soon as you're safe!" Celestia pulled Applebloom onto her back and flew out through the open window. She looked back towards the darkened hospital, a look of defeat on her face. They are all dead because I thought it was a simple bug...How could I have known?
Celestia turned a reluctant wing towards Canterlot and flew off across the land with Applebloom gripping her back.
A few hours passed before Canterlot came into view, the ivory towers stood above the fog, a beacon to see the city beneath the curtain of gray. The loud chiming of bells reached Celestia as she flew past the guard tower. Strange... It isn't midday yet. The only time the bells are in use this early.... Is an attack! Could it be the virus? Without delay Celestia landed in the castle courtyard and headed inside to search for Princess Luna.
She gently set Applebloom on the cool marble, hopefully the breach hadn't occurred from within the castle. Celestia placed a few protection spells upon the filly just in case. Before she could head up the stairs however, Luna came galloping out into the great hall with her features marred by fear and horror.
"Celestia, Thank Faust you're alive! The bells started up a few minutes ago as ponies came up to me shouting about some hideous fiends and something about an infection. We think the quarantine missed a few stragglers... Obviously tourists returning to Canterlot from holiday. The train station is overrun with civilians trying to flee the city!"
"Luna, where did the majority of stories begin?"
"Center of the park, at the old mineshaft entrance... I didn't even think that led outside the city!" Luna was on edge after she promised to watch the city. Celestia couldn't help but notice the guilt that showed through.
"Luna relax... You weren't expecting the infection to spread this far. Perhaps I should have investigated it more at the start... But we cannot worry about that right now! Help the trains with the evacuation... I'll try to seal off the mine in case anymore make it through." Celestia turned toward her sister and embraced her, they stayed locked for a few seconds longer before heading out to help Canterlot.
"Oh and take Applebloom with you, she's protected by magic so it will be ok!"
Luna flew out towards the train station and watched as pony after pony pushed and shoved their way onto the train. Several young mares were trampled beneath the panicking crowd. She cleared her throat and spoke in her Royal Canterlot Voice, "Citizens of Canterlot please form a line before the doors! This is no time to panic!"
"Panic?! We have an infection on the lose, anypony could be sick! It's all your fault for not keeping the public in the loop!"
"Please, calm yourselves! Can't you see thou are trampling others in you fear? One at a time please, we need to keep anypony who is sick away from everyone else." Luna felt several eyes glare at her in anger, but chose to ignore those who did. When they are safe it will be alright.
Without warning the train began to pull away, a few ponies jumped after it but missed the doors as it quickly sped up. Several high-pitched screams echoed from the train as it traveled downhill. The train hurtled down the mountain and struck the edge of the tracks as it hurtled off the cliff. The sound of crunching metal was deafening as once again everypony began to panic.
"It's too late! This city will be our cemetery!"
"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!"
"Save us all!"
"Help us, Princess!"
Everypony proceed to the front gate, the guards will be informed on the situation. Do not go through the park, as it may be the point of origin. Calmly collected your loved ones and stay together in a group. If thou know or suspect somepony of being infected please report it immediately! Luna led the fearful citizens towards the front gate, making sure to keep the families together. Several ponies were pulled from the crowd by the guards and taken to the nearest hospital under quarantine.
The gate was shut fast by the Guard Captain as the crowd reached the wall. "By order of the Council this city has been placed in quarantine, and anypony caught escaping will be deemed infected and taken away. Your Princesses failure has resulted in this disease reaching Canterlot, they have now been stripped of rank and are wanted for questioning."
Luna quickly withdrew from the crowd, not wanting to cause a scene and endangering innocent civilians. Applebloom had caught up with her, the magic seals around her had begun to fade.
"Princess, why are they trapping us in here?"
"The Council has taken their authority too far and are seizing control of quarantine procedures." Luna remembered how old the young filly was and quickly changed the subject. "It's complicated, that's all you need to know. I'm going in after Celestia... By the looks of your spells she is in trouble. Stay here and make sure those guards don't find this tunnel."
"Yes ma'am!" Applebloom gave the princess a salute as she entered the dark mineshaft. "Well I guess I'll stay here by myself again... At least the monster is gone..."
The Council was made up of several state officials from every walk of life, four of the best from each pony race. Captain Fleethoof was now the head of government after the quarantine was brought forth and they had deemed the Sister Hierarchy unfit for rule.
"Captain Fleethoof do you have a few words?"
"Yes governor I do..." The captain was a large burly pegasus with a coat that was cold blue like his heart. His muscular bulk gave the impression of power but was hardly capable of flight. His gold eyes were almost invisible beneath his heavy set brow.
"I think it is time we brought forth Protocol Alpha, Princess Luna was unable to offer any other suggestions and has now been deemed unfit."
A murmur of voices sounded around the room at this news. It was a bold accusation to pull the princesses out of government. Only something as bad as this could warrant their withdrawal.
A thin unicorn in a suit stepped forward and spoke directly to the Captain, "Protocol Alpha? Wasn't that declared illegal after the Changeling Assault fifty years ago? Due to... undesirable deaths and the murder of a former mayor."
"Baseless lies! He was convicted with aiding and abetting the changeling hive shortly after. All the so called, illegal charges were dropped." Fleethoof gave a smug grin as the unicorn sat down and promptly became hesitant to talk.
"Exactly... Now will we call a vote or....?"
"No need Captain we are more than willing to sign on the use of the protocol. We only wish for what's best for Canterlot and it's denizens."
"A fine choice my fellow council members, this infection will be stomped out in no time!" Fleethoof stomped a hoof down for emphasis. A large briefcase was placed before him by two security guards, both clasps were loosened as he opened it up. A small pile of papers was pulled from inside and handed to each member, who promptly signed the papers and handed them back.
The skinny white unicorn who spoke up earlier got back up, his hoof pointing to the fine print along the bottom, "May use viral genetic material for study? What the hay does that entail?!"
"So we can create a cure and make sure this disease does not come back. It is for the greater good!"
"Or for your own needs? The few I've seen are more than just infected, their not even pony!"
Fleethoof ordered his guards to remove the stallion from the Council.
"And one more th- Hey! Get your hoofs off me! You ponies are blind, can't you see this is unethical! He-" The thud of hooves against flesh could be heard as he fell unconscious.The guards dragged his limp body out of the building and left him out in the center of the city.
"Now that he is taken care of, I thank you for your contributions to this great cause. This city will be cleansed of this disease and will be safe once more for you all." The captain promptly left his seat and headed up to his office several floors up.
He pressed his hoof against the intercom and issued his orders,
"Activate Protocol Alpha, effective immediately."
"At once, sir!"