//------------------------------// // First Steps // Story: In the House, In a Heartbeat // by Perception Filter //------------------------------// The one carrying Cadence grunted as he hefted her on his shoulders, her curly mane flopping all about. “Everyone shut the fucking hell up!” he yelled as he tried to get his compatriots attention. “There’s a service elevator nearby! We it can take and get the hell out of this joint!” “I hope you’re right!” Screamed the filly as they ran onwards, turning corners and dodging around small pieces of debris to the best of their ability. The group ran off of the tracks and followed hot on the heels of Cadence’s carrier as he smashed an obstructing door open with his boot.. The creature noticed a panel and pressed a button, a large pair of doors sliding open to reveal the inside of a red room with enough space to store a generous amount of supplies in it. “Get in!” He waved his arm, the gesture somehow speeding things up in his mind. Everyone hustled in without complaint and waited patiently as he pressed a button, Cadence letting out a surprised yelp as they began to rise. “It’s just an... ” wheezed the darker skinned adult sighed and took several deep breaths, keeling over and holding his knees. “Elevator...” Cadence watched as he kneeled in front of the small child. “Are you alright, Andy?” He asked, clearly concerned. The colt merely nodded his head affirmatively, causing the stallion to sigh in relief. The man looked at whom she presumed to be the colt’s older sister, “You holding up, Tammy?” Tammy merely crossed her arms indignantly, letting loose a brief glare directed at Cadence, “Yeah...I’m doing fine...” Standing up to his feet, he pulled out a metal device and pulled a long slice of identical material from the bottom, checking it for something before sliding it back with a click, “I got a full clip and some extra mags in my coat. How about you, Colton?” Colton, the man who currently held her looked back at him, “I got about half a clip, Aramis. Other than that, I have three more mags before I’m out.” “Shit... ” The darker man muttered to himself, “We need to get to cover the moment we get out of this elevator, or we’re gonna get boned.” “DROP THE FUCKING GIRL COLTON! DROP HER OR WE’RE ALL DEAD!” Screamed the filly as they ran onwards. Their small party had been immediately ambushed the moment the elevator had ascended into a worker lobby room, dozens upon dozens of the same creatures that attacked them earlier lazily walking around. Cadence’s eyes widened as all of the creatures instantly took notice of them. “FUCK THAT!” Screamed the one who was called Colton, and who was generally slowing down along with the rest of the group. “WE’RE GOING TO DIE, AND IT’LL BE YOUR FAULT! DO YOU REALLY WANT US TO DIE BECAUSE YOU WOULDN’T DROP A FUCKING STRANGER!?” “WE’LL BE FINE, JUST SHUT UP AND RUN!” Aramis had reacted to the situation immediately and hefted the small metal device in his hands and pulled a small lever on it. The thing emitted a loud *BANG* and spat some sort of small projectile out, and in response one of the creatures heads exploded. Not skipping a beat, he pulled the lever several more times, and several more of the creatures dropped to the ground, minus their heads. “NO WE WON’T! DROP HER NOW!” The mob was gaining on them; only a few feet separating them. “AND HAVE ONE MORE INFECTED CHASING US?!” The small colt, who was named Andy, had reacted quickly as well. When Aramis had begun to attack the infected with his weapon, the filly had ran forward, grabbed a flat, metal screen that had several cords trailing from it and threw it through a nearby window. “WILL YOU TWO SHUT THE FUCK UP?! YOU’RE NOT HELPING THIS BY ARGUING WITH EACH OTHER FOR FUCKS SAKE!” Shouted Aramis. Andy yelled at the group to come follow him, and they quickly sprinted through the hole. After a short drop onto pavement, they were once again sprinting from a large group of the strange creatures. “Guys, we can’t keep this up!” Yelled the Andy, who was somehow still sprinting at the same speed at everyone else. Cadence took this moment to speak up for a moment. “H-hello?” She finally squeaked out after working up the courage. “Look who decided to join us!” Shouted Tammy sarcastically. “I hope you’re happy! We’re all going to die because of you!”         “Why don’t you shut your mouth! I’d discipline your ass if we weren’t in danger of fucking dying, Tammy!” Shouted Aramis again.         “SHE HAS PINK HAIR! WHO THE FUCK APPEARS IN A RAINBOW, WITH PINK HAIR, COMPLETELY NAKED?! SHE OBVIOUSLY DOESN’T KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON!” Tammy screamed back, waving her arms about.         “It’s more a blend of pink, with dark purple, light pink, dark pi—”                  “WHO GIVES A FUCK WHAT PINK IT IS?! RUN!” Colton shouted in frustration as they sprinted in silence for a few more yards before Andy was grabbed by one of the mob and tackled to the ground. He began to scream as they all swarmed over him and he actually began to fight back. He tried as hard as he could to punch, kick, and even bite his attackers as they swarmed around him.         Aramis stopped running and made a move to save the child when several of the small projectiles whizzed by him from behind, knocking down several of the attackers and allowing the colt to break free and run over to the group. Without second warning, another volley of the small projectiles sped past the group and several of the attackers heads exploded as they came they came into contact with the small things. Cadence winced at the shower of blood and gore before the whole group turned away from the bloodly mist. “RUN YOU DUMBASSES!” Came a voice from a far ways over. Looking around, she located the source of it to a relatively large building where she could barely make out another one of the creatures holding a small metal device, not unlike that of the one her rescuer carried. The thing in his hand jerked several times and only about two seconds later, more of the small projectiles whizzed past them and cut down even more of the attackers. Without having to be told twice, the group began to once again sprint away, while the blood cover attackers were being cut down in showers of gore. They ran for a even longer, and by the time they reached the other creature, almost all of the infected were dead. Only a few more remained and their rescuer took aim with his weapon and the thing let out a click. “FUCK!” He shouted and looked around on the ground. Quickly scooping up a large piece of wood he took a defensive stance and when the first one reached him, swinging at its head powerfully, letting out a powerful crack and lopping its head off cleanly. Not waiting for the others to reach him, it took a few steps forward and met them halfway before taking the next ones head off as well. He did this to the next two before the piece of wood shattered with one more remaining. “DAMNIT!” It shouted as it began to sprint away from the sole survivor and shouting at the group that it had rescued only seconds earlier. “HELP ME!” It waved its front legs towards the one chasing it, running the whole time. Suddenly, out of nowhere, another one of the things appeared on top of the building and brandished another one of the metal objects, and promptly shot their attacker in its head, which exploded in a shower of gore. Cadence shivered at both the violence and the increasingly colder draft, cursing her lack of fur. The building that their two rescuers had taken refuge in was a fairly large metal building, about two stories tall. Probably a warehouse. The group manage to make it to the other creature who descended the building and met them outside. “Dude, is that chick naked?” Asked the first one, pointing to Cadence who looked down at her body and modestly covered herself, blushing deeply.  He was a tall figure, with a wiry frame, a lot less burly than her two rescuers. He had a gaunt face, and deep, dark brown eyes. They were so dark, they were like dark black orbs, threatening to pull her soul away. “Think they’ll share?” Her rescuer looked at the second creature gruffly, “The fuck’s wrong with you, man? She was left out there all by her lonesome and your first comment is if we’ll share her like she’s some piece of meat?” The annoyance was clear on his face as he took off his coat and placed it around her body, scooping her out of Colton’s arms. “Woah mate, just kidding.” It held up his hands in a defensive posture. “Yea, well that’s a horrible joke.” Colton added, sizing up their rescuers. “Hey, I make do with what I have, alright?” “Who is she anyways? And why is she naked, I mean, how do you survive here being naked?” Asked the first one, shrugging his shoulders. The second one openly ogled her, “No idea, but she sure looks rich. Did you see her hair? It looks natural!” “Stop talking about me like I’m not here!” She said suddenly, her head shooting up. “Sorry there miss!” The second one said quickly, backing away from her, head bent low in shame. “I meant no disrespect, it’s just easy to forget that we are not alone here. Others are hard to come by.” “Well then stop talking about her like she’s a thing.” Added Colton, who was busy glaring at the newcomers. Her rescuer took a look at her, blushing softly as he took in the subtle features of her face. Coughing into his sleeve he spoke, “I’m Aramis and it’s a pleasure to meet you.” he said somewhat cheerfully, shifting her position so he could offer her a hand. Cadence looked at his hand and wearily extended her own before she tentatively grasped it and shook. ‘I’m Cadence... Thanks for saving me.” She replied weakly, “If I might ask, what were those things?” The creature who protected them from a distance was busy taking a long drink from a canteen when he suddenly began to choke and sputter on his water, which he dropped and began to cough furiously. When he finally stopped choking, he looked up at her, eyes wide in disbelief. “Are you serious?” She looked at him with a blank expression. He weaved a hand through his light brown mane, “Dear god, of all the people we could rescue, it had to be the ones with issues.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” Cadence asked, pulling back away from him, offended, unintentionally snuggling into Aramis’ chest. “You seriously don’t know what these things are?” She shook her head, “The things that wiped out all of England. The things that took over all of France and possibly more? Possibly the whole continent?” She tentatively shook her head again. “Jesus Christ.” Cadence hid against Aramis who gently set her down on her feet, “Can you walk, Cadence?” “I-I think so.” She said as Aramis gently set her down and let go of her. Almost immediately, she collapsed, her legs not unable to hold her weight. “And she’s a cripple. Jesus, we’re going to die here.” Said their first rescuer. Aramis weakly walked towards him, gripping him by his shirt, “Alright, before I even begin to speak, tell me your name.” he said flatly. “I’m Tyler, nice to meet you asshole.” Tyler glared at him, “Let me go.” He swatted Aramis’ hands away from him. The darker man stood his ground, and tightly wrapped his fist around Tyler’s shirt, “Listen here, asswipe. You don't talk shit about anyone here. I don’t care if anyone here is crippled, retarded, asshole, or even a douchebag, but I will NOT stand for ANY discrimination, do you understand me?” Aramis said, eyes narrowing dangerously. “Listen, I didn’t have to rescue you. In fact, I was against it, you know how much ammo I wasted saving your ass?” Aramis scoffed indignantly, throwing Tyler to the ground with one hand, “Do you think I give a rat’s ass? You didn’t have any right talking down to a young woman like that. For all anyone knows, she’s still in shock and might be suffering memory impairment. Ever thought about that?” he asked, brown eyes looking at him annoyed. Tyler grunted as he leaned his back against the railing he had used to steady his aim, “Yes, I consider everything, and I don’t help people who can’t pull their own weight. It was like that before the apocalypse, and it’s like that now.”         “Thank you!” Came the voice of the first girl, Tammy if Cadence remembered correctly. “Finally, somebody who gets it!”         “Don’t start with me, Tammy. We’re on very thin ice!” Aramis reprimanded, unholstering his sword and laying it down by Cadence.         “Okay, if you’re going to insist on her coming with us, you’re gonna have to pull her weight. We aren’t slowing down for her.” Tyler commented, getting up again. “Meet Philip,” He pointed at the other one. Philip did a small wave.         “Hiya guys!” Philip said,         “So, how long have you guys been here?” Tyler asked as he looked out the window of the warehouse, looking at the metro in the distance. They had entered a quite large building and were currently sitting on the top floor, in a large conference room. “We got here right when they started popping up around the city.”         “I was already here when they appeared. I was hiding out in the subway till these three found me.” Colton pointed to Aramis and two children.         Aramis put a hand against his back, which came back covered with blood before grunting out, “I was...travelling with some buddies when...those fuckers...caught us in the tunnels.” he panted, trying to catch his breath, “I’m the only one... Made it alive... Found Tammy and Andy.” Pointing his thumb at them, coughing hard, blood splattering the ground just in front of him, “Then... Fucker’s trap got me...” The young man hobbled over to a wall and slid against it, resting between the floor and wall before coughing up more blood.         “Hey, it’s not my fault you didn't read the damn sign.”         “It said, ‘Stay Out’ and it’s a fucking zombie apocalypse. Did you really expect me to listen to it?”         Aramis twitched before falling onto his butt, repeatedly coughing up blood, groaning in agony, “H-help...” he whimpered quietly.         “Philip, get the medkit.” Philip nodded quickly and jogged off before coming back in a few seconds with a small white box that had a large red “+” on it. Acting quickly, he opened the box and pulled out some bandages along with a large needle and thread. ‘So where’s the problem?” Aramis’ eyes began to dilate, his jerky movements slowly to a shake as he laid on his back on the tiled floor. “Oh shit, anybody here a doctor?” Asked Tyler, glancing at the group. They all shook their heads, save for Cadence, who nodded in consent. “Really?” He asked in disbelief, “You’re a doctor?” She gave “More or less” shake with her hand. “Well I guess we don’t really have much choice. Philip, do we have any more medical supplies?” “I’m not really that kind of doctor.” She replied sheepishly. “WHAT?!” Tyler shouted, causing her to cower as she pulled back again, “Why would you say you’re a doctor and then tell me you can’t help him?!” Cadence sighed in frustration, “I can help him! It’s just not... What you’d expect...” she said nervously, looking away from Tyler’s angry dark brown eyes. “Then what do you mean?” He looked like he was about to lose it. “Um guys? We should help him, fast.” Said Colton, who was busy holding down Aramis as he jerked around erratically. “Fine, do whatever it is that you meant you do, and save him.” Tyler said exasperatedly. “Can I help?” Asked Philip, holding the medkit suggestively. “I don’t think you could, Philip.” Said Cadence in a caring tone, “My magic doesn’t need an outside source to power it.” “Aww...” He said, downcast. “Magic? What the fuck are you talking about?” Asked Tyler, looking at her as if she was insane.         Cadence looked at him worriedly, “Does it not exist in this world?” she asked curiously, awkwardly crawling on her hands knees as if she was an equine towards Aramis.         “Okay forget what I said earlier. You’re fucking crazy. Sorry Artie, but you’re going to die.” Tyler said bluntly.         Tears rolled down Aramis’ face as his breathing began to slow to a crawl, choked out gasps filling the room as he tried to breath.         “Would you all just shut the fuck up and help him already?!” Asked Colton.         Cadence crawled forward to the now prone form of Aramis, his body lying perfectly still and leaned in, kissing him deep on the lips.         “Du—” Tyler said in near disgust. The pair was slowly engulfed in a pink glow that spread out from Cadence’s mouth. The glow became a blinding light that forced everyone to look away. When the glow finally died down, Aramis was holding Cadence and many were shocked to see her straddling him, slowly pulling out of the kiss. Aramis breathed in a deep lungful of air, “Gods...” he spoke quietly, eyes adjusting as he noticed her naked form straddling him, a deep blush forming on his cheeks, “W-what happened?” he asked nervously. “She kissed you, and you started glowing pink. Looks like it worked though.” Tyler explained. “And you got a faceful of titties!” Philip exclaimed happily. “That too.” Tyler added. The darker man blushed even harder, fumbling his hand around to feel his back. Not a single scratch, scar, or bruise blemished his skin, “Thanks a lot, Cadence. It worked really good though... Some scars I’ve had for a while are gone too.” “Sad that you lost some battle momentos?” Tyler grinned snarkily, “Was it worth it?” Aramis looked away with a neutral look, “I’d rather they be gone than be a reminder of what I’ve gone through...so I suppose it was worth it.” “Uhhh, I’m really sorry if I cause any discomfort.” Cadence said, climbing off him and sitting down on her haunches next to him. Tyler looked Aramis over, “So what did you do to him?” “I healed him with the power of magic and love.” She explained. He looked at her in disbelief, “No seriously, what did you do to him?” “I am being serious.” Cadence cocked her head at him, “What’s so hard to believe about that?” “Oh, nothing... Nothing at all.” He waved his hand, “Just you know, magic not existing and shit like that. Nothing big at all.” Aramis slowly moved himself to recline against the wall next to Cadence, “Tyler... Will you cut her some fucking slack?! She just saved me... I could have fucking died here just like that.” “Yeah, I got that, and I’m grateful... But you know... Breaking the laws of physics and all known logic kinda makes me a teensy bit, you know, curious? So, how was your day?” He said, voice reeking with sarcasm. “You really don’t have magic here?” Cadence asked, looking quizzically at Tyler; finding it hard to believe the fact. “You don’t say?! I’ve only been dropping hints for the past 3 minutes! “You don’t have to be rude about it.” She said, looking down sadly, only to perk up slightly when Aramis placed a supportive hand on her coat covered shoulder. “Okay, let me interject myself here. Will somebody tell me what the fuck is going on?” Interjected Tammy. “There was a giant rainbow in the sky, and I walked outside after a bit to investigate and saw you guys running like hell from the infected carrying a naked girl who can’t walk.” Cadence blushed. “And she has magic!” Philip exclaimed in an overly dramatic way, arms splayed out in the air. “Alright everyone! Can we stop treating her like she’s somehow not human?!” Aramis cried out in frustration. “What’s a human?” “I give up. I... I just give up.” Tyler said, running his fingers through his hair, getting up, and walking away. “What’s wrong with him?” Asked Colton, jerking a thumb at Tyler who was now busy screaming into a pillow nearby. “No idea, but I think you just broke him.” Philip walked to Tyler and shaking his arm a few times to get him to get up. “You okay?” “No, I am not fucking okay. I came to France to fucking relax. Instead, we get mobbed by zombies from Hell. Now, theres a naked chick who can’t walk, doesn’t know what or where she is, and can do magic. My life is officially over. I’m probably infected right now, and this is the way infected people see things.” “You’re not infected! You aren’t, are you? Right?” Philip asked, taking a step back cautiously. “Like I said, I’m probably infected, and this is my eternal punishment. Seeing things like magic and shit, while in reality, I’m busy killing everybody in sight. Best thing ever right?” Philip scratched his chin curiously, “But if you really were infected, wouldn't it be you getting a faceful of titties instead of Aramis?” “Like I said, it’s my punishment. The virus is probably fucking with my brain, and torturing me on purpose.” “Oh come on! Don’t be so sad! At least you still have me, right? Want some canned beans?” He said, reaching to a pack and taking out an unlabeled can of something. “I DON’T WANT ANY FUCKING CANNED SHIT!” Tyler yelled and swatted the can away, “I JUST WANT THIS SHIT TO BE OVER!” He said loudly in near hysteria. “You didn’t have to be so rude about that...” Philip lost his smile and went to pick the can up and put it back in the pack. “LEAVE ME ALONE!” He screamed and threw the pillow at his friend, before getting up and storming off. “Someone’s having a wonderful day, huh?” Aramis asked sarcastically before addressing Cadence, “You got some explaining to do, Cadence, but we can go over that after I give you a crash course.” “Okay, I guess that would be okay.” Cadence said passively. Aramis stood up and helped cadence to her feet, “Do you guys have an open floor? I’m gonna help her out with her current uh...immobility.” “There is a lot of open space on the ground floor.” “Alright.” he said, wrapping an arm below her armpit and across her chest, “Your training starts now. Can you try to copy me and walk? Don’t be afraid to balance against me.” Aramis pointed out. “Can you guys try to keep it down? There are some infected left on the streets.” Said a voice behind Aramis and Cadence, seeing Tyler looking out a window, apparently recovered from his emotional breakdown. “Sorry,” Cadence squeaked and backed a bit away from Tyler, nearing tripping over her hooves if it weren’t for Aramis;  fearful of another outburst from the unruly human. Tyler waved his hand dismissively, breathing quietly, “Relax, I’m fine now... Just try to be quiet, I don’t feel like having another run-in with them for a while.” “You keep calling them the ‘Infected’, what does that mean?” Cadence asked curiously. “It means that they got this virus in them that makes them all angry and trying to rip your throat out!” Philip suddenly piped up from her side, scaring her further. Tyler rolled his eyes a bit, “Yeah, something like that. All you need to know for now is that you avoid them at all cost.” His face became completely serious, so stoic it seemed like a mask over his usual expression. “Do you understand? These things are not to be trifled with.” He warned. Cadence hesitated for a moment before nodding in understanding. Tyler sighed, wiping his forehead, “Good.” There was a brief pause, “Can we get some clothes for Cadence? Not that I don’t mind the view.” Aramis facepalmed, “Can we stop treating her like a sex object for God’s sake?!” “Yes, but it’s less fun that way.” Tyler remarked. “Can I seriously backhand your face?” Asked Aramis, glaring at him. “You’d probably get off from that. Besides, I was the one that suggested we get her clothes.” Cadence looked between the two curiously, “Why do I have to wear clothes?” Aramis blushed, “I’ll answer all your questions as soon as we get you walking again. I guess that concussion must have really left you out of it.” he said in a hurry as he picked her up bridal style and began to head for the stairs before being stopped by Tyler. “You’re still sticking with the memory loss story? She straddled you and made you glow pink, and you’re saying it was memory loss?” Tyler asked skeptically. “Concussions leave gaps in your memory. It’s different than short or long term memory.” Aramis said defensively. “I didn’t say she didn’t lose her memory. I said she made you glow pink.” He retort. “What does that have to do with anything?!” Asked the tan man, “Por el amor de dios, déjame en paz!” He said in spanish. “I’m saying she’s probably not telling us everything, You don’t have to jump down my throat.” He glanced out the window again, “Just keep it down alright?” “Yeah.” Aramis grunted as he marched out the door with Cadence in his arms. He carried her down the stairs and navigated through a small makeshift barricade of boxes to a large open area. There was really nothing special about it, just a large open space that had been cleared away. Aramis set her feet down and wrapped his arm below her armpit and across her chest, “Alright, before I teach you to walk, you need to learn to balance without any help.” he explained. “Okay then... “ She said nervously. Taking a tentative step forward, she placed her bare foot onto the ground and tried to put some pressure on the leg, only to lurch forward and almost collapse before Aramis caught her. He laughed heartily, “Okay, easy there tiger. You gotta stand before you can walk. Just repeat after me.” he shifted his stance around and held her protectively by her shoulders, feet standing next to each other with his back straightened out. “You try.” Cadence obediently straightened her back and planted her feet too close together, almost falling yet again being caught by Aramis; groaning in frustration. “UGH! I’m never going to get this!” She gently slammed her fist into Aramis’ shoulder. “It’s alright, Cadence. I know how it feels to try to learn and something new.” He leaned her against a crate and took off his shoes and socks, shivering a bit at the cold concrete floor. Picking her back up, he resumed the same stance, “Try again.” Cadence gave Aramis a hard cold look. But he was right, she couldn’t be carried around like a saddlebag. She tried it again, this time her knees buckling forth, not used to putting so much weight on two legs. She fell on the crate back first,  hurting her rump. “Damn... that hurt.” She could feel tears come up to her eyes. They were going to leave her here. Aramis crouched down and brushed a tear away from her eye, “You don’t have to cry. I know it’s frustrating, but you gotta stay strong. I know most of the group isn’t very trusting, but we all need someone we can depend on, ya know?” he finished with a supportive smile. She couldn’t help but smile through the tears. Shining would have never... She brushed Shining aside. More important things on her mind. “Okay. I’ll...I’ll try.” she stood up, looking down at her strange body. She needed to see her... hooves? but these... lumps were in the way. “Are you okay, Cadence? Something confusing you?” Aramis asked as he looked at her in the midst of her confusion. “What do I do with these?” She put her hands under the lumps and pushed them out of the way to see her feet. Aramis blushed a scarlet red, taking a seat on the floor across from her, legs crossed as he thought of a way to explain it, “Uh...U-um...” he took a deep breath, “Those are your breasts, kinda like... like teats on a pony.” he pointed out. Even he thought it was strange but it was the first thing he thought of.         “Oh... that makes much more sense.”  Then she realized what she was doing, and blushed a beat red. “WHAT THE HAY ARE YOU LOOKING AT?” she yelled at the top of her lungs.         “Listen, I’m just saying, she’s not telling us everything.” Tyler said, leaning on the wall and gesturing towards the stairs. “         “Does it really matter?” Asked Colton, raising an eyebrow.         “No, but you have to say, it’s all a bit odd.”         Colton sighed, scratching the back of his head, “I agree, it is strange. Like I said though, as long as she isn’t too detrimental, we’ll keep her around. Need to save as many as we can.”         “What does detrimental mean?” Philip asked, cocking his head to the side.         Colton’s hand smacked his face as he groaned. “Your brains obviously aren’t your strength.”         “You just figured that out?” Tyler shrugged his shoulders suggestively, and gave a “You don’t say” look.         “Well excuse me for not knowing perfect english mate! Hmph!”         “Sorry, sorry. Just a little stressed right now so forgive me if I come off as a bit of an asshole.”         “It’s alright!”         “Don’t encourage him.” Tyler groaned out and pinched the bridge of his nose.         “At least someone is keeping up high spirits through all this. That’s not easy to do.” Colton stated.         “No, I guess it isn’t. So, changing topics, where were you when the infection started?”                  “Just in the street somewhere around here. People started screaming and running, utter chaos. I was lucky I didn’t get trampled. Instead of trying to evacuate, I stocked up on supplies and hid out in the subway tunnels. What about you?”         “I was visiting Philip in Poland from the States. We came here for vacation and we spent a few days browsing the sights, and when the riots started happening I guessed what was going on. I remembered the outbreaks in England, so me and him grabbed some weapons and supplies and holed up here. Been a few weeks. What’s the story with the kids?”         “That’s something you would have to ask Aramis. I joined up and he already had them with him.”         “Alrighty then, let us go see how ‘Cadence’s’ walking lessons are going.” He said, putting air quotes around her name. The man blushed even deeper and looked away embarrassingly, “I-its not my f-fault you chose to grope your tits in front of me.” he said with a nervous stutter, trying not to look at her in general. “I...” she tried to think of a way to defend her side, but he was right. Her blushing grew in intensity. “Well... then get me some... fur coverings.”  She covered her breasts with her arms like a scared schoolgirl. She still sat on the crate, realizing just how exposed she was. She looked everywhere but where Aramis was. Aramis coughed awkwardly, “They’re called clothes...Are you sure you didn’t actually get a concussion and we didn’t notice?” “No! I know what happened... and it wasn’t a concussion.” She said in a matter of fact. There was a slow clap from behind Cadence. “This is just beautifully awkward.” Tyler said, grinning at them, “So Cadence, how are things going?”         Aramis looked up at Tyler from his sitting position, “Something up?” he asked curiously, picking up the clear distrust dripping from his tone. “Yeah, is something happening Tyler?” Philip popped from behind him. “Cadence is having fun flashing her tits to Aramis.” He remarked back, trying to not laugh, and failed miserably. Aramis blushed deeply, “S-shut the fuck up...I am doing no such thing, asswipe.” “I didn’t say you were doing anything. Looks like Cadence is doing all the work!” Tyler said through large bouts of laughter. She felt so ashamed. How could this happen? Aramis was being so nice, was he the only one. “I... I didn't know... I... didn’t...” She wanted to cry. Why were they so mean? Tyler saw her reaction and his giggles died down and he coughed into his hand. “Uhhmmm, hey Cadence?” He asked, scuffing the ground with his foot. She sniffed a little bit. Her pain turned to anger. “What do you want, Stallion cock hopper?” Tyler recoiled a little bit. “I wanted to apologize. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He took a step forward and tried to place a hand on her shoulder. She flinched and slapped it away with a swipe of her hand.“Get away from me, no one touch me...Please.” “Why are you guys fighting?” Philip asked, confused. “Because captain dickwad Tyler decided to start shit with Cadence for no reason.” He growled, angrily standing to his feet; blush wiped clean off his face. “Hey, I was joking around. Besides, she doesn’t look like she has memory loss, or a concussion. I don’t see any signs of one, and you haven’t even asked her about her life before we found her! I call bullshit on that theory.” Tyler remarked angrily, thrusting an accusing finger at her. “So? Maybe she doesn’t wants us to know something.” Philip said, “ENOUGH! Instead of harassing each other like fucking retards, let the woman speak for herself, goddamnit!” Aramis yelled, his patience seconds away from running out.         She sighed. They would never believe her. but she needed to try. “Can I get clothes after this?”         “Fuck that, get clothes now.” Tyler said angrily, “This bullshit has gone on far enough. Philip, do we have any women’s clothing?” “I think we have a spare coat or something, let me check.” He headed for the stairs. “Oh, and she’ll need some shoes, right? I don’t think we have any.” And with that he disappeared upstairs.         “Dude, what the fuck? We need more than a coat, she’s completely nude!” He shouted after his friend.                  “We don’t have any spare underwear mate!” Philip’s voice shouted from the second floor.         “I came here because I was told I would never be sad here. I can’t believe... that I fell for such a silly trick. I lived in a place named Canterlot. My house was wonderful and my...” she hadn’t thought of her husband... he may not even know she was gone.         Aramis looked at her sympathetically, “Where exactly is Canterlot, Cadence?”         “It’s not a place. I keep telling you, she has a few screws loose.” Tyler said, making another face that just screamed, “Why the fuck don’t you listen to me?”         Aramis glared at Tyler, “And you’re definitely helping things get any better, aren’t you?” He asked sarcastically.                  “It’s a huge city on top of the mountain. It’s hard not to miss...” She paused. “What is this place called?” she asked curiously, gesturing to her surroundings. “I’m leaving.” Tyler remarked and walked off, climbing the stairs, a blank expression completely masking his emotions. “Why does he hate me?” she asked sadly. He was acting a lot like Shining yesterday. Aramis sighed as he looked at her, “I don’t know, Cadence. He’s just an arse in general from what I can tell.” He muttered quietly. “Tyler is a great friend to have! Well, he is mean sometimes... Oh, and we have no free clothing, sorry. I know a place we can raid though! It’s not far from here!” Philip remarked, passing Tyler on his way down the stairs. “What store would that be? Gallery Lafayette?” Asked Aramis, crossing his arms and giving a skeptical look to Philip. “Actually, yup! There is a ton of clothing shops in it!” He remarked happily. Aramis thought about before making an obvious concern vocal, “It sounds like a good idea on paper, but just how far are we from Lafayette?” “Only a few blocks!” Came Philip’s perky reply. “Excuse me, but what about those... things?” Cadence shivered involuntarily, remembering the blood covered things chasing them and mauling the little boy. She gasped suddenly. “THE COLT! THE LITTLE COLT!” She squealed and jumped towards the small kid, who she noticed was standing just behind Aramis. Before she could do anything, he merely walked away. Colton         approached the group, “Those things are simply called “Infected”. Nothing more, nothing less.” He looked in the direction of Andy and waved his hand dismissively, “The boy is fine, just leave him alone. ” “Yeah! He is fine, I mean, if he hasn’t been infected yet, he’ll be fine! Right?” Philip replied, his usual happy demeanor suddenly changing to a nervous one. “He seems to be... immune to them.” Aramis pointed out, “They’ve bitten, scratched, and covered him in their blood in the time we’ve spent travelling and even before I met them two, and he’s been perfectly fine.” “He hasn’t told you why?” Asked Colton, who was still lost on the whole issue. “I just figured that he didn’t want to talk.” “I don’t think even he knows why. He just is.” Aramis said with a shrug of his shoulders. “He doesn’t talk that much.” Came the voice of the girl Tammy. “Don’t bother him about it, he lost his father and mother in the same day to the virus. So did I, so just drop it around him.” “Excuse me, but what the buck is going on here!?” Asked Cadence. “What’s this about a “virus” and “immunity?” “A zombie apocalypse... I think... point is people try to eat other people and all hell has broken loose!” Philips hands were waving in the air again. “Give or take, but they don’t really try to eat others. Their only desire is to kill those who aren’t infected. Rage. It was a virus called Rage. It turned them into mindless freaks. Mindless, rabid, freaks that have only one desire. To spread the virus. One drop of blood... That is all it takes. One single speck, and you’ve got about thirty seconds to enjoy your fleeting sanity.” Colton described it with a cold voice, completely devoid of emotion. “That was deep mate! You should write that down!” Philip chirped. “This isn’t something you joke about man.” Colton shot a glare at him. “How are you so happy?” “You got to be happy or else it all gets hard to take in! Right?” He smiled. Colton sighed, “Yeah... Sure.” Cadence was looking at the small exchange with confused eyes. “So you mean to tell us, that one drop of blood is all it takes?” “The virus is transmitted through their blood or other main bodily fluids. It only takes a few seconds to turn you into one of them.” Tammy added, still wearing a permanent scowl on her face. “What do you mean, “into them?” I still don’t get it.” She stomped her hoof in frustration. “You turn into one of the bloodthirsty monsters, that is!” Philip exclaimed, popping up right next to her. “Well can’t you reason with them?” Asked the confused pony-turned-human. “I mean, they used to be like you!” “How can you reason with something that doesn’t even think, Caddie? They just try to eat you, no warning, no talking, nothing!” Philip said, his cheery demeanor dropped for a moment. “W-wait... Caddie?” Cadence asked, shaking her head as if to clear it. “Sure! Nicknames make for faster bonding!” Philip was standing there with a large dopey smile on his face. “Y-you want to bond with me?” She blushed immensely and covered herself up again, realizing she was still naked. “Sure! Having Friends means easier survival!”         “O-oh... You meant like that.”         “Well duh! How else would you mean it?”         Aramis sighed, “Well speaking about bonding, I think you and I have been doing plenty of that, Cadence.”         “Oh-ho, getting funky!” Philip wagged his eyebrows.         “Shut up Philip, they aren’t going to do anything. She’s obviously not interested in him like that.” Colton countered.         “Y-yea, I have a husband!” Cadence said quickly.         “We can worry about backgrounds after we get you some clothes. Is that alright with you, Cadence?” The dark skinned man asked her curiously.         “Yes, I guess. So how do you plan on getting me clothes with those things out there?         “Infected!” Philip corrected happily. “And they die easily! We’ll get there no problem if we are careful!”         Aramis spoke up, “My M9 is still in working order and I got about a third of a clip left and seven mags to spare. Sword is still holding up fine.”         “You guys aren’t seriously going through with this are you?” Asked Tyler from the top of the stairs, who had been looking over the exchange for the past minute. “Why not? It’s going to be awkward for Caddie here to walk around naked everywhere, no? And we need to get her some shoes anyway.” Philip responded.         “Yeah, but that means you have to go outside. If you go out there, I’m not going with you.”         “Can we not be so selfish and deny a woman her basic rights?” Aramis said irritatedly before addressing her, “What’s your shoe size, Cadence?”         “I don’t know.” Cadence shrugged and Tyler let out another long drawn sigh.         “I’d say thirty-seven!” Philip chimed in, taking a shot in the dark.         “Philip, can I talk to you up here for a second?” Tyler motioned with his hand towards him. Philip jogged upstairs until he reached his friend, “Sure! What do you need?” “You’re seriously going to go with them?” He whispered furiously into his friend's ear. “Why not? I can be their guide or something. And more people means more firepower, no?” He said, twirling his revolver on his finger. He looked down at the waiting group who was chatting among themselves, and he jogged further away. “It also means more wasted ammo on crazy people! What the hell are you thinking!?” “Why are you such a selfish bastard? Sure, they might be more mouths to feed now, there is safety in numbers. We could survive for longer with them.” Tyler took a deep breath, “Okay man. Go screw off in the mall, shopping for clothes and shit. Bring back more food, or I’ll have to kick them out. They pull their own weight, got it?” He emphasized the last words by poking Philip’s chest. “Geez, you are so dense sometimes. I’ll get you some more canned beans, don’t worry.” “FUCK THE CANNED BEANS!” Tyler screamed, “I DON’T WANT ANYMORE SHITTY CANNED BEANS!” He stopped and realized everybody was staring at him, while he was holding his arms high in the air. He shot down a glare in their direction and they all looked away and started whistling. “Get some more food, guns, ammo, and supplies. Like I said, they pull their own weight.” He finished before storming towards the conference room, slamming the door angrily behind him. Aramis stopped whistling, “He’s in a mighty fine mood, huh!” he called out sarcastically, making sure Tyler heard him. “He sure is!” Philip responded, again in a cheery mood. “You better get some more fucking guns!” Tyler called out from behind the door. “Get me a sniper or at least a rifle.” “Where would I find you guns in a shopping mall? In the pink aisle?” Philip asked sarcastically. “I don’t fucking know, but you’re going shopping for her,” Tyer emerged from the room briefly and pointed at Cadence. “Get me something at least.” “I’ll get you a pair of warm gloves then! You need some anyway. Can’t go around looting corpses without gloves!” Philip smiled again.         “Just get some guns. Cadence, if you’re staying here while they go, we’re staying upstairs. No one is downstairs alone. That’s the rule.” Cadence blushed and got up from the crate she was standing on and tried to walk forward, only to remember that she still couldn’t walk at the last second. Diving forward, Aramis wrapped his around her and slammed back first onto the concrete, grunting as she drove the air out of his lungs. Tyler rolled his eyes and muttered “Still can’t walk,” under his breath and gave a half-hearted wave before disappearing into the room again.         “Come upstairs when you’re ready to leave and warn me. I’ll cover you from the window.” Aramis sighed, “That was a close one.... You ready to start walking?” he asked as he slowly lifted her up to her feet, ignoring the sensation of her naked chest against his clothed one.         “Well I have to start somewhere.” She flashed him an innocent smile that made Aramis blush. “Oh! That reminds me, I still have to prepare for the trip. Be right back!” With that Philip disappeared into the room with Tyler. “And no funny business while I’m gone!” He popped out of the doorway and quickly disappeared back again.         “Okay, Cadence. Try balancing again for me please?” Aramis asked her.         “Alright then.” She straightened her back again, and once again placed her feet too close together.         “Pull your feet apart a bit, keeping them close together won’t help you balance.” He pointed out.         Cadence compiled and awkwardly shuffled her feet apart. “Okay, now, I’m going to let you go. Try to balance, and if you’re going to fall, don’t be afraid to fall on me.” She nodded and Aramis took a step back, removing his arms from her shoulders.                  After teetering for a moment, Cadence stabilized herself enough that she didn’t fall. Aramis smiled, “Good job! Alright, now, try walking towards me.” he took a couple of steps back and held his arms wide. Cadence hesitantly nodded and moved her leg forward and placed it successfully on the ground. She smiled briefly and moved her other leg forward and stumbled down again before Aramis caught her. “Okay, you’re off to a good start!” He encouraged cheerfully.         She pouted before backing up with his help and attempting to walk towards him once again. Her left foot connected with the cement heel first before her toes bent as she pushed her right leg in front of her. Cadence kept it up, concentrating on the feeling of the ground and her feet before she bumped into Aramis. Backing up, Cadence spread her legs apart slightly and noticed she hadn’t even wobbled. The pony turned human squealed excitedly before wrapping the darker skinned man in a tight hug, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Aramis laughed and patted her back, “Not a problem, Cadence! Glad to be of help.” he merely said before standing next to her, “Let’s walk and talk while I go leave you at conference room.” he looked at the kids, “Come on Andy, Tammy, lets go!” he called to them as they regrouped with him. The four of them leisurely walked towards the stairs, “Don’t be afraid of holding onto the rail if you need to balance yourself.” he pointed out as she approached the stairs first, “If you fall, I’m right behind you; ready to catch you.” She slowly walked up the stairs, hips shaking from side to side. A small blush appeared on his face as he tried not to openly oogle her supple body. Cadence giggled, “This is pretty ea—” she suddenly slipped, screaming in surprise before being caught by a pair of strong arms. Looking up she blushed slightly at how close her face was to Aramis’. “Like I said.” he started with a grin, “If you fall, I’m right here behind ya.” She nodded as she righted herself without help, “Thanks.” “Don’t mention it.” Aramis said as they finished climbing the long set of stairs without further incident. They walked to the end of the hallway before Aramis opened the door to the conference room for everyone, allowing them in ahead himself. Just as he stepped in, Philip stepped out a side room with two brightly colored sports bags and a small pink backpack with some weird cat on it, a serious expression on his face. “I’m ready.” Was all he said, dropping the bags on the ground.