Good day, Fillies and Gentlecolts. What you are about to read is a factual retelling of the events that led up to, and occurred during, what has come to be known as World War Z. Though occasionally referred to by a few different monikers (The Zombie Apocalypse, The Plague of Trotting Death, and The Blackness to name a few), the name is unimportant. Once the subject is brought up, anypony on Equestria would recognize it as the event that changed the world. After the initial outbreak and some formative events from the childhood of a “Generation Z” pony,one who was born just before or after the initial outbreak, we pick up the narrative based on the account of a cerulean earth pony named Hope, as she struggles to survive in the post-apocalyptic Equestria.
The first few chapters are a bit rough, but they get better.
Interesting story you have a real nack for writing.
... You killed Pinkie? I'm sorry, the pony with the weird magical senses gets infected first... well, out of the Mane 6. Honestly, I kind of expected her to survive a lot longer than that. Rainbow and Aj are the two fighters who I'd expect to get infected first, followed by Fluttershy, as the Stare probably doesn't work on undead (although you might want to post that chapter from a fallout shelter, cos the fans are not going to take that well).
You might want to cut back on the dream sequences a little - I'm having a bit of difficulty keeping track of what happened and what didn't.
Otherwise, this fic so far is golden, and I look forward to more.
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I guess my other comments got lost in the sauce.
As far as the dream sequence in the last chapter goes, I realize that it give the impression that it is actually happening. This was intentional.
Call me M. Knight ShamaLamb, because this story will have several unforseen twists in it (unforseen to you guys, at least).
And as for Pinkie, I agree entirely. All I can say in my defense is that I was cracked out on Redbull and caffeine pills during a 24 hour quard shift, and possibly let the story get away from me.
I plan to rewrite it in the future. I think Rarity would be a much more fitting Patient zero...yes, I can see it all now...
128858 i think pinkie makes more sence as patient zero because she is so random its bound to get her killed
Woo! Made it. I told you ponies I would have the next chapter up by today, and I did it, gosh darnit.
What?
It's night? What does that have to do with the price of hay in Canterlot?
Wait...I didn't make it, because it is night, not day?
.........
Close enough.
... Argh! Stupid people of authority are stupid everywhere!
I mean, really? An unbreakable oath? I hope there was an exception clause in there, otherwise stuff can go really bad -
Royal Guard - Why should I trust that you know what you're talking about?
Coconut - *dies*
Royal Guard - Oh. Right, well, let's charge headlong into this crowd of rioting, cannibalistic ponies. I'm sure nothing bad can happen.
*Later*
Royal Guard - _Bad things happened!!!!_
Yeaaahhhh...
And what, pray tell, was the purpose of informing Twilight that there was an emergency in Ponyville, whilst deceiving her as to the nature of the emergency? I mean, 'so as not to alarm' her? Okay - this is the pony who took on a raging alicorn - effectively a Dark God, with nary a complaint, who has spent her entire life in service to the Princess, and studying under said Princesss, and who can bring to bear the full might of the Equestrian nation, should she decide the situation warrants it. And you think it wise to attempt to protect her? She is, perhaps, the single pony you should give a frank, and full account to! Here's an example as to why -
-No idea-
TS- Oh, there's a problem in Ponyville. I'm sure I can handle it.
*nommed*
-right idea-
TS - Uhmm, Princess, there appears to be a zombie apocalypse occurring in Ponyville.
PC - *Fires Orbital Friendship Cannon*
You see the subtle difference? Geez - Celestia save us all from incompetent bureaucrats.
Other than the insane levels of stupidity present here (and in most zombie scenarios), this very interesting.
137309
There might be a way around it. The oath was meant more to prohibit them from speaking about it. Though you are right...bad things will happen.
And of course there are massive amounts of incompetence and poorly handled situations. No pony in Equestria has seen war in nearly a millennium (according to the cannon, anywho) and the situation is meant to be entirely alien to them. Besides, how much fun would it be if they just fired the friendship cannon all willy nilly?
.....
Nevermind. But the point is, it wouldn't make for a very interesting story if they handled the situation PROPERLY. And besides, isn't incompetent leaders a staple of the Zombie genre? (or life in general...)
Anyways, thank you for the well written comment. 'Twas quite entertaining first thing in the morning.
139257 i really wish it had been longer
but none the less it was good 
please make the next one longer and more "plot-filling" 
otherwise *****
bloody good job
141492
The next one should be up Friday or Saturday, and will be SIGNIFICANTLY longer. This chapter was written in 4.5 hours, and I have a 24-hour guard shift to occupy then. I'll be pushing for the chapter to be about 10,000 words without exaggerating anything or using "filler." If I can make it, sweet. If not, I'll gladly take a shorter story of better quality.
I'm glad everypony is enjoying this, And believe me when I say, we are only getting started. I'll estimate that the story is about 5% complete.
Yeah, not exaggerating either.
Well, I hope you all stick around for this, Manure will become manifest in this next chapter. Fo shizzle.
199506
Quite a bit later than intended, but better late than never, Right?
Also, please forgive the abrupt ending. It is not yet done.
Yet.
282317
I'm guessing you've read Max Brooks's novel; World War Z
282373
Indeed. twas the inspiration for my story
Damn. Finally got it done. It was put on the back burner for far too long, as life attempted to swallow me up.
I had forgotten how therapeutic writing is. Hopefully, I can maintain a semi-normal pace for the chapters. though for some reason, I doubt it.
But here it is, Sketchy Strongholds is finished
. Next Chapter: Trapped!
followed by: The Dash
Alright. I've got a good pace going for the next chapter, and barring any unforseen circumstances, I should be updating rather frequently for the next couple weeks. Once again, I am back in the middle of nowhere and on night shift with nothing to do. This is what inspired me to begin writing in the first place, and I'm rather excited that I have an oppourtunity to get all these crazy ideas out of my head and onto paper (figuratively speeaking, of course). This chapter is about 3,000 words and only took 2 days (between other duties as well) to get to where it is now. If I keep to this pace (don't hold your breath, I'll run out of brain power eventually) then you should see a new chapter about the same size as this one every few days. Once my new computer arrives, it should be even easier for me to stick to this schedule since I won't have to engage in bouts of gladiatorial might in order to get a computer to write on. Anywho, I'm rambling. From here on out, you can expect a bit more action in each chapter...I'm not going to lie, I am still trying to find what works for me. I am trying to balance dialogue, scenery description, and action scenes in a way that feels natural, so things might be hit-or-miss for a bit. Bear with me and please feel free to offer suggestions if you think there is something I can do better. That's all I've got for now, stay tuned for more.
WHOO! The schedule is WORKING!
I think I might just dance a wee jig to celebrate. Also, I get my new Laptop today, which should enable me to write far more often, seeing as how I will not have to engage in gladiatorial battles with people that far outrank me to gain access to a computer. Truly a joyous occasion all around.
Additionally, Please comment if you find any mistakes. I lack a pre-reader, so some of these things might slip by. I strive to attain quality, and every little bit helps.
Other than that, the interlude is over. back to the action.
Lol, badger basket.
"AJ not being a zombie was the fact that she was standing over Twilight, staring daggers into her very soul, but not gnawing at her flesh like Pinkie Pie with a cupcake."
Cupcake reference...
Oh and the plant thorn thing from P2, gave me chills...
580003
Yeah, 'twas a Cupcakes reference. Good eye, though. I thought nobody would notice.
And the plant in CH 2 was supposed to be creepy, and I am quite happy that it suceeded.
I'm glad you are enjoying it, and hopefully I'll have the nect chapter up in a day or two.
Well, the next chapter is done, but I have no way to get it uploaded right now.
My PC has no disk drive, my phone has no service, and I can't connect to a network. I'll figure it out shortly, and when I do, you will have another 10,000+ words for your eyeballs.
HAHAHAHAHA!
I figured out a 27-step process to upload this chapter with NO INTERNET!
[Disclaimer: No messenger pidgeons were harmed in the making of this chapter]
Also, 10,000+ words. I find it symbolic that the 10th chapter ended up this long. I had a plan, but I began to have entirely too much fun writing and just made a bunch of stuff up in the middle. I love every part of this chapter, even the unplanned portions. Especially the unplanned portions. 'Twas like a muse was making sweet love to my brain...
Anywho, like I said, I had a TON of fun writing this chapter. Unfortunately, I also ran out of pre-planned material. I have a basic plot in my head, but I'll need to write it down and flesh it out prior to putting in chapter-format and uploading it. So bear with me, the next chapter might take more than 3 days to come out.
Though, it might not. Regardless, I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I did.
That was sad...to lose everything just in a few hours.
609249
Yes, it was...I can't imagine what it is like to go from a happy family without a care in the world to an orphan in an apocalyptic nightmare in less than a day. Worse, I hope I never have to see my parents come back reanimated like that.
you having writers block man?
really looking foward to the next chapter
also *tap* *tap* DON'T GET KILLED OK?
REMEMBER DON'T DIE
1075255
Not quite writers block... My "Side Story" just broke 100k words... I got carried away a little bit...