"The truth is rarely pure and never simple."
“Ugh…” I opened my heavy eyelids, the pain from my side made me squeeze my eyes shut again. I tried to breathe slowly and glance up at the roof. I was lying on a back seat of a pickup truck; the vehicle rumbled and shook abruptly.
“You feeling better?” I heard Rose call out from the front, looking at me through the rear-view mirror.
“I’m still alive…” I groaned softly, pulling my coat which was tucked around me. I felt my side; it was bandaged tightly, the pain still burning.
“Too bad you missed the fireworks,” Rose smirked.” The blast tore the side of the building off.”
“And?”
“The building collapsed,” Well, that escalated very quickly.” Most of it, anyway.”
“Where’s Minty?” I inquired, pulling my coat over me.
“She’s in the jeep following closely; I wouldn’t forget that, will I?” I tried to pull myself up to the rear window but the wound rendered me to the seat. I could feel a sharp sore from the other side of the wound; something tells me the bullet went through the other side. The bandage was stained in dark red, tied firmly around the injury.
“Try not to move around too much, you’ll still need antibiotics to prevent infections.” I heeded her advice and laid still, checking my saddlebags. I remembered grabbing a voice recorder amidst the chaos in the labs. I might as well play it; I levitated it in front of me and pressed play…
***
*Click*
“Alright… I will be recording the whole process, careful with that thing, you dumbass.” I could hear a gruff male voice.” Sorry. Anyways, we will be testing pathogen number seventy-one on a healthy subject number five…
*Click*
“It’s been… seven hours since subject five was inoculated… Doesn’t seem too good, sudden chills and high body temperature… Bollocks. We had him under containment, hopefully we’ll get some results soon…”
*Click*
“Twelve hours… I’m sorry I had to record this so late in the night. Subject five went out of control; we had to put him down. He… He fucking bit me, fuck, fuck! I didn’t know, I should have sent my employees instead, I really am dumb… fuck. Well… What can I say…? *Long Pause* I’ve put myself in the chamber, under heavy supervision; hopefully this will end fast… Ehem… For science, right? Bullshit.”
*Click*
“Dumb shit.” Rose commented. I shushed her.
“You thought that was my last recording, hmm? It’s been twenty hours since I’ve been bit. I’ve not gone crazy yet… No craving for pony flesh. Perhaps all these time in the experiment main labs have made me immune? Who knows? Anyways, they’ve let me out… Probably a horrible idea, or maybe it is. Do you know what this means…?”
*Click*
“I’m calling it right now.” Rose began, I shushed her again.
“I’m done processing the pathogen; wait till this shit ‘leaks’, eheheh…” He paused, laughing in the background.
“Um… Hello?” I heard another voice; it was a soft and a little stammery female voice.” Eye need to collect sum samples…” She stuttered.
“Did I tell you anything about knocking?” The gruff voice berated.
“Eye’m sorry…”
“I’ll take the samples down myself,” He paused.” I’m giving you a day off, Go visit your relatives or something… Just get as far away as possible.”
“But eye need to help in the lab…” The soft voice said apprehensively.
“The others can help, you go on a holiday, go enjoy yourself. Before I change my mind.”
“Okay. Eye’ll go naw.” I heard hoof-steps and the door sliding shut with a whisk.
“I’m gonna have to end this here, if you are listening to this, you’ve learnt something new. See you in a few decades? Maybe. Hah…”
*Click*
***
The recording ended there.
Roseluck was silent; she let out a little cough.” Called it.”
I was angry; I didn’t know what to say. I kept myself from cursing, lest I tear my wound open in a fit of rage.” Violet will want to hear about this.”
“Oh she will be flippin’ livid.”
I closed my eyes, exhausted, ‘Seek the truth, then you will know… Seek…’ I jolted upon hearing a voice in my head, the fuck was that? I shrugged in my head, throwing it aside; I focused on getting some shut-eye.
***
“Wha- Ow…” I felt a jab on my barrel. I forced my eyes open. Bad mistake. The blinding lights perforated the seams of my eyes as I blinked rapidly. I rubbed my eyes, my vision was returning slowly. I was in a warm bed, covers pulled up to my chest. Roseluck sat beside me, holding a syringe that she’s stabbed me with.
“That’s not very nice, Rose.” I clutched my side; the pain was less searing and was beginning to bleed off. I glanced around the room, looks like every other hotel room.
“How did I get here?” I asked, puzzled.
“I had to carry you upstairs.” Rose looked at me with an agonizing face and pounded on her back. I blushed slightly. I pulled the blanket over my face, trying to hide it from her.
“Was I heavy?” I said softly.
“Nah, it wasn’t too bad…” Rose lied. She moved closer to me, placing her hoof on my chest and pulling off the blanket with the other. I flushed even redder as I looked in her glimmering green eyes, peering deep into my own.
“Eve… I was really scared that you might not make it.” Rose ardently brushed my mane aside with her hoof. There she goes again.
“Um… Hello,” I turned to the door; Minuette was standing in the doorway.” Good to see you feeling a little better.” I looked back at Rose, who was clearing her throat with an annoyed look on her face.
“Rose, I’ll get going now.” Minuette waved.
“Going? Where?”
“Back to Hoover Dam, Come visit us sometimes.” “And, Violet requests for your presence.”
“Alright, I’ll see you soon.” Roseluck went over to her and patted her on her back.” Get some rest Eve, I’ll be back.” I nodded.
Roseluck trotted out of the doorway.” Eve, I’ve heard the recording you’ve found. Come see me at the dam when you’re ready.” Minuette gave me a plotting look and walked out of the room. When I’m ready? What does that mean? I didn’t think too much about it, I fell asleep unknowingly. With the lights on, of course. I was still dog tired after burning tons of midnight oil, too much oil, I have to be careful.
***
“Seek… Eve, seekseekseekseekseekseekseekseek. Believe… Believe… You are the catalyst. You have the choice. You are not them. Seek… And you will know…” The voice in my reverberated throughout my head, sending pulses through my entire body.
“Ehhh… Huh? STOP IT!” I threw my head up and screamed. My body was trembling in cold sweat. I looked around, I was still in my bed, and the room was dark, except for the light squeezing from under the door.
I fell back onto the soft pillow.” You had a bad dream?” Rose comforted, pulling me close to her. I felt cold, the sinister kind of cold; not the cold cold.
“…Yeah.” I sighed, sinking my head on her fluffy fur. I let out a soft sigh of relief,” You’ve been here the whole time?”
“I’ve seen you convulsing like crazy, you sure it’s alright?” Rose put her hoof on my shoulder, pulling me in for a hug.
“…Yeah, I’m okay. Thank you Rose…” I closed my eyes,” You smell like a rose.” I blurted.
“Well that’s a big surprise.” Rose giggled.
I dozed off immediately.
“You do know it’s three in the afternoon, right?” I heard Rose’s voice piercing through my head. I yawned, rubbing my face on her chest, making my mane all messy and ruffled.
BLAM!
The door burst open. I screamed like a little filly.
Violet was standing in the doorway,” Get up, you pussy lickers, to my office. We need to talk.” She reminded me of my commanding officer; back when I was in training school. I just could not catch a break.
Roseluck gently helped me off the bed. Taking into consent that my left forehoof is still sore from the bullet, and my side
is still smarting, I limped out of the room, and looked down into the lobby from the corridor on the first floor. Rose motioned me into the double doors in the middle of the two hotel wings, I recognized it right away. It was Violet’s room/office. I walked into the room seeing Violet lounging on the office chair, with a bottle of whiskey, vodka and merlot on the desk.
“That’s fancy.” I spouted. I really need to think before I say something.
“You want some?” Violet offered.” Help ease the pain a little.” I shook my head.
“So, anyways I heard the recording, pretty much could have guessed it.” She turned to Roseluck.” Rose, I want you to travel down south. Baltimare, Fillydelphia… The Orient is advancing, as far as we’ve known, they’ve taken Baltimare. We can flush out the real perpetrator if we work together.” “The Valkyrie from Hoover Dam and The Survivor’s Sorority from New Saddle and Vanhoover, among other smaller groups; they are our allies… form a connection with them.” We’ve got an alliance? Damn. It was beginning to sound like a civil war.
“What about Eve?” Rose said, eyes filled with concern.
“She’s good, she’ll stay with me.” Violet leaned on the desk,” I’ve got a good feeling about her.” The hell did that mean?
“Rose!” She turned back to her.” I’m sending Thunder Spark and you to the Hoover Dam with a few others. Give this to the leader; I have everything written on this letter.” Violet floated an envelope up in front of her. Roseluck grabbed the letter and stuffed it in her bag.
“What about Eve?”
“She’ll stay here for now.”
Rose looked at me, hesitance looms from her face.
“Thunder’s waiting for you downstairs, go now. I’ll have a word with Eve here.”
“Me?”
“Take care of yourself Eve, I’ll see you again soon…” Rose petted me on the head and walked out.
The door snapped shut.
There was an awkward silence for a few minutes as Violet went over to a map on the wall and began analyzing it. I looked around the loft; there was a small library in the corner with a couple of shelves. There was a bed beside the desk on the right, beside a few cabinets. The room was basically a huge living room.
“Do you have a marefriend? Or coltfriend?” That was a weird and random question.
Twirling my hooves around, I replied bashfully,” No…”
Violet looked at me as if she’s seen a ghost,” How is that possible? You’re such a pretty mare.” A sudden surge of hotness flowing through my body. If everypony could stop hitting on me, that’ll be great.
I looked away and whispered.” I get that a lot...”
“You feeling better?” Violet sat down and looked at my bandaged hoof.
“Yeah.”
“Good.” “I need you to clear out a nest.” I gulped, infected nest?
“No, not that kind of shit.” She read my mind.” A raider convoy to the north of the city was spotted by one of our snipers; I believe they are planning to hit the outpost and I’ll need you to wipe them out. Your wound is not that bad right?”
“Yeah... Don't worry, I can handle myself. How many do you think there are?”
“Our sniper’s counted about eight. You can’t miss ‘em.” What? Eight? To be fair I was expecting more, but I’m not complaining.
“That should be easy.” I boosted as I got up from the chair. A sharp pain from my side made me fall on the carpet.
Violet whistled casually.
“Stop staring at my flank, Vio.” I said coyly.
“I’m not.” Funny.
I jumped back on my hooves and cantered out of the door, flicking my tail dangerously at Violet.
*** ***
It wasn’t long before I hobbled down the stairs to the ground floor. Well maybe I took ten minutes. Maybe it was long, but that’s not the point.
I clambered into the jeep; that was the only vehicle left anyway, after Minuette took the truck and Roseluck with the other jeep.
I drove out of the outpost, my hooves wobbly on the wheel. I haven’t driven in a while now. The vehicle rumbled and jerked as I rolled over pieces of debris left on the road, to be honest, I was feeling quite lonely. The wind brushed against my mane as I quietly slid into the more run-down areas of the city. I was injured, but have decided to take this job up, I must be tired of living.
---
I turned the corner.
There was a huge crater in the middle of the intersection. A few apartment buildings were swallowed into the deep abyss; vehicles and furniture were strewn in the hole, leaving a huge mess of scrap and junk. I stopped the jeep and slammed my hoof on the wheel.
“…Fuck’s sake…” I muttered in a vexed tone. I contemplated for a whole five minutes before deciding to go around on hoof. Horrible idea.
Just as I got out, I heard a rumbling coming from the right of the intersection. A pickup truck rolled into sight. It was rusted beyond effectiveness and moss was starting to creep up the haunches of the truck. I dove into the shophouse through the front window but they have surely seen me, and the jeep right in the middle of road does look suspicious.
I pressed myself against the store shelves, keeping away from the windows; I think I saw at least three in the vehicle. I may be wrong.
“Two of you! Check the shops, I will stand ground!” I heard an anonymous voice call out. That was three, I assumed.
Sliding over to the window, I peeked at the truck. The pony on the back was carrying a hunting rifle of some caliber, and was looking in my direction.
I had a feeling he spotted me… No, I’m certain he spotted me. He took aim and I froze, taking a look at the gleaming scope and throwing myself backwards.
BLEM!
A trace whizzed past my head as I heard him shout,” Straggler! In the store!” Crap! I dove behind the shelves as the door slammed open.
“Come out!” A raider boomed. I looked around my surroundings; there was nothing that could help me, apart from a few bricks and shattered glass. Levitating a brick, I hurled it at him, missing him completely. At least I managed to catch him off guard a little. I swung the pistol up and fired a shot. It missed him horribly, ricocheting off the wall behind him. Shit! I was truly embarrassed at my attempt. That gave him a chance to return fire, rounds splintered off the edges as sparks shot off the metal shelves.
I was wary of the window; the rifle pony could climb in and fire a cheap shot at me from behind. I had to move. At the same time, he might be still aiming down at me from the truck. Then I have to stay away from the open windows.
Have you forgotten the double-tap? The pony in my head reminded. There’s no point aiming for the head if you can’t even hit him on the chest!
That’s right. Double-tap it is. I swung myself up and blew two shots in rapid succession. One stuck him in the torso, the other right in his head. Down he went. I glanced over at the open doorway at the end of the store. Another raider ran through and I took aim.
BLEM!
The rifle pony fired a shot, hitting the lights above me and shattering the bulb. Pieces of broken material rained down on me as I flinched backwards. The raider managed to dodge behind the counter. That was a horrible cover, I could easily pick him off, if it’s not for the…
BLEM!
A bullet punched through the shelf and lodged itself in the wall near me. Ignoring it, I fired a shot at the raider in the store. His head exploded, blood splattering on the walls behind him.
I ran through the store as bullets flew past me every now and then, I wanted the rifle for myself, I thought. It was very tempting. What I did next could be considered the dumbest thing I’d ever done. I leapt out of the window, charging at him. Unfortunately, I’d almost forgotten about the crater the in middle of the street. My hooves felt a loose piece of concrete as I slid slowly into the deep dark hole. But it was either sheer luck or mad skills; I grabbed the wire cable protruding from where a lamppost should’ve been with my left hoof. Instinctively I pulled out the 1911 with my other hoof.
The whole world seemed to go in slow motion as my eyes met with the rifle pony for a split second as he looked down the scope once more. I emptied the whole seven round clip on him; a few bullets penetrated the rusted metal, somehow he managed to get hit by some of them. He fell off the back of the truck, landing on the basalt road with a thud, blood oozing out of his lifeless body.
I slowly pulled myself onto the broken pavement and dusted my hooves. Score! I thought to myself. I stripped the rifle and the meager three bullets for it, I pulled the bolt; there was a round inside. Good. I should really search for ammunition; at least I have a reason to now. I had run out of ammo completely for the 1911. I slung the light rifle over my shoulder and walked down the street. It was quiet. Too quiet. Surely these guys would have some back-up.
I heard a shrill scream coming from an apartment building on my immediate left, it sounded like a little filly. The pony inside me was telling me to save her, I knew I had to.
“You should focus on the mission.” I told my brain.
Can you bear the thought of a little filly being torn apart by infected? Being murdered horribly by those monsters? Alright, alright. I get it.
I stepped cautiously into the building, avoiding the pieces of fallen wooden panels on the floor, it stank of damp wood. I looked at the paintings on the wall, it was faded beyond recognition. A tree has fallen into the lobby, taking out the walls and part of the ceiling, bright sunlight glared through the gaping hole. A few old corpses sat against the walls, dark red liquid stuck to the floors. I did not look around much, I just wanted to find this filly. I stomped up the rickety stair, every step made the wooden steps shake and creak. Parts of the stairs were canted precariously and the railings were practically crumbling to bits. I entered the doorway into a small apartment home. An L-shaped sofa was flipped, pieces of leather torn here and there. The television screen on the left was shattered and wires were coming out all over the place. The floor was made of wooden tiles, my hooves made a clopping sound on it. I looked further down the room; a shuffling noise caught my attention. The wall into the next room was blown apart, pieces of concrete and wood lay on the floor in a heap.
“Helllp!” A loud crash which sounded like a metal cabinet toppling followed. I rushed through the wall and spotted a young mare being pinned down on a desk by a raider.
Out-fucking-rageous.
They had not seen me. I fired at the raider’s friend, who was behind him, laughing maniacally.
“Huh?” The other raider turned back, looking at me with a shocked and angry expression as his friend went down.
Taking advantage of the fact that he wasn’t paying attention, the mare reached for some sort of rod and forcefully swerved it at the raider-pony. I cringed a little as I heard his skull crack. He collapsed on the floor, the little mare continued to beat the crap out of his lifeless body.
“Stop it! He’s dead.” I held her back, preventing her from swinging the weapon, which was a golf club. She eased off, taking a seat on the wooden floor.
The pale-grayish-blue pegasus put the golf club down; it was designer branded! It was electroplated with gold, the branding remained clear on the head of the club.
“Thank you… for saving mai life.” She saw me gazing with much covet at the club and smiled a little.
“Oh, it was nothing. I’m glad that I could help.” I shook it off, taking a good look at the young pegasus. Why did I think she was a filly, silly sod. Her eyes were gleaming a pale-raspberry color, her mane was pale-grayish?-opal and was long and flowing, with a cute little pink bow tied to it.
“Ah’m Flitter. Nice to meet chyou.” She introduced in a horrible accent. She must have guessed what I’m thinking and started clearing her throat fakingly.
“I'm Eve.”
“Great, dat’s good.” She flapped her wings and got on her hooves, sliding the club in her saddle-bags, strapped on her waist.
“You don’t seem at all bothered by that.” I pointed at the two raiders we’ve just murdered.
“Ah’ve seen worse.” She began, looking solemnly at the bodies.
“Do you have anywhere safe to stay? I’ll take you to the outpost, alright?”
“No… and NO! You can’t take me there. You can’t!” She protested firmly.
“Why not?” I got up and opened the drawer.
“You just can’t, Ah’m not going there!” She seemed pretty final about that.
“Alright, we’ll talk about it later. I have to clear out some raiders.” I pushed the topic aside.
“E… Ahem, Aai can help!” She seemed enthusiastic, I gladly accepted it. She looked the one to trust.
“So you’ve been out here long?” I trotted out of the apartment and into the hallway.
“…Yeah, Ah’m always alone… Always have been… Since the outbreak.” She shot me a lonely look, lowering her head slightly. She was trying very hard to smile. I really wished I could help, but I remained silent as I go through the cupboards for useful items.
We entered another apartment at the end of the hallway, the door had been torn off its hinges and it leaned against the wall beside the doorway, as if purposely placed carefully. The two walls overlooking the outside were blown off, with scaffolding surrounding parts where the wall should have been.
I vaulted over the railings onto the scaffold,” Keep your head down.” I stood upright and glanced at the open road.
“Oh shit.” I fell under the wooden panels covering the scaffold upon hearing voices coming from the first floor. Something about a patrol going missing, I was definitely not responsible for that.
Flitter knelt down beside me,” Now what?”
“Looks like this is it, I’m going to go down and take care of them.” I looked at the patrol; I counted about six or seven raiders.
“What about me?”
I pondered for a moment.
I unslung my new rifle and handed it to Flitter,” You’re gonna cover me, alright?” She looked at me with uncertainty and took the rifle.
“You know how to fire that?” I asked, placing the three spare rounds on the surface. She pressed her lips together and nodded in confidence.
“Pull the bolt back,” Flitter hooked the bolt and gave it a tug; it slid open, revealing a bullet. “Make sure you push the stock hard against your shoulder cos it’s gonna kick like hell.”
“Yah, I got it.” She pressed the gun on her shoulder and mounted it on the panel.
“Listen… Look at me,” “If I run into anything down there, make every shot count, you get it?” I spoke somberly. She nodded.
“Once you fire a shot, be sure to chamber another round quick.”
“Got it.”
“You need the scope? Looks pretty strong to me.” I just noticed the huge scope fixed on the gun.
“It helps.” Flitter peered into the scope and replied.
“Oh, one more thing.” I took off the ATA on my forehoof and put in on hers. “If you’re afraid of shifting your aim accidentally when pulling the trigger, use magic to help you do that.”
“You really trust me to cover you?” She said dubiety, looking at me intently.
“Yes, I do.”
She gave me a faint smile,” Eye’ll give mai bestest.” That doesn’t sound very convincing, to be honest, but I didn’t care. At least she’s trying to help.
I hopped down onto the road. It doesn’t look like a road at least; overgrown grass had taken over the asphalt, vehicles and concrete dividers littered the area and the road had this grassy, revolting stench. The metal scaffolds companied by wooden boardings hid me in the shadows. I slid into the tall grass and ducked behind the dividers.
“Guys! They’re all dead! Patrol two was wiped out!” A raider came running towards the others, yelling in exasperation. I moved along the divider and peeked over. A group of raiders were congregating in the middle, listening to what their friend had to say.
I took the chance and jumped out of cover. I fired two shots at them, one striking a raider in his head and the other in another raider's hind-leg.
BLEM!
A shot from the scaffolds pierced through the neck of the third raider and he collapsed clumsily. I fired another shot at the staggering raider I had wounded, it tore through her flank, killing her instantly.
I scanning the surroundings intensively, spotting another foe hiding behind a van. He was aiming at me through the side windows. I raised the pistol and fired a shot, missing him and impacting off the door.
I fell back under cover as two bullets from the far right struck the concrete divider, pieces of shattered concrete pelting on my mane. I peeked over at my shooter.
Another tracer hit the shooter right in the kisser, just as I was about to return fire. Flitter’s doing quite a good job covering me, I thought.
Clink! Fwoosh!
Bloody clopfest! I dove to the right as a Molotov exploded into flames just inches away from where I was.
BLEM!
A clear line connected from the scaffolds through the window of the van where the previous raider was hiding. Whoa. I asked you to cover me, not take my kills! To be fair, it didn’t matter. That’s one less enemy to deal with. She's a good shot!
I crawled through a hole in the divider further to the right, slipping behind another van and keeping my head low. The back of a police vehicle was ‘fused’ to the front of the van, creepers creeping on the rusting surfaces. I thought I saw a sniper on the balcony of an apartment down the street, but I didn’t dare find out for myself.
BLEM!
Another shot rang out as I caught the victim flopping over the balcony. I counted the four shots, Flitter was out of bullets, and I had to be careful.
Another raider was charging at me out of the café to the right, he was carrying a long metal pipe and was growling menacingly. He was bent on killing me.
“She’s the one who killed our friends!” What an outrageous accusation!, I thought to myself.
I pulled the pistol out of its holster and pointed it at my charging foe. I was about to pull the trigger when I felt a blunt metal object smashing on my gun-wielding hoof. I dropped the gun in sudden shock and pain.
I felt someone grab me from behind, locking my hooves in place.” Hit her!” The voice behind me yelled. I struggled frantically but to no avail. The pipe-wielding pony galloped towards me, metal pipe at full swing.
Screw it. I leapt off my hind-legs and aimed for the pipe. Holding my breath and ignoring the pain, I kicked the pipe aside. It swung to the left, smashing the window of the police vehicle. The raider tried hard to pull the pipe out but it was caught on the seat-belts.
My restrainer loosened his grip as I spun around and threw him on the floor. Through the corner of my eye, I saw the raider pulling the pipe free and was ready for another swing at me. I turned a sharp-left and grabbed the pipe with my hooves, jumping and kicking him in his pipe-wielding hoof as I did. He lost grip of the weapon and stumbled.
HYAAA! I swung the pipe back with full force, striking him on the side of his face and staggering him.
“No! Please!” He begged as I raised the pipe above him.
I finished him off.
Throwing the pipe on the ground, I turned to face the other raider.
“You monster! You killed all my friends you asshole!” He snarled at me, pointing a gun at me. His hooves were wobbling and I could feel the rage pouring out of his soul.
BLEM!
I did not expect that.
The raider fell on the ground, sputtering. He reached out a hoof, trying to grab me. I stood aside as he laid face first on the soft grass, blood slowly oozing from his lifeless body.
I went and collected my pistol on the floor,” Alright, you can come down!” I hollered. I went through the two dead raiders as I saw Flitter flapping down towards me, with the rifle in her hooves.
“I thought you had only four shots?” I asked, puzzled.
“Ah went through my bags when eye ran out, and eye found two more for the rifle.” She explained, smiling reticently.
“Thank you. You were a good shot. You didn’t miss anypony.” I pulled out two clips for the 1911 from the raider’s bags, and slotted one into the empty pistol.
Pulling the slide, I handed the gun and extra clip to Flitter,” I trust you, how about something smaller?”
Flitter gave the rifle back and took the 1911,” Yeah, sure. Thanks.” “What about the device?” She raised her ATA.
“You can keep that, I don’t need it anyway.”
“Okay.” She tapped on the blinking device.
“They’re here! Kill them!” I heard a deep rumbling as an armored jeep rolled into view. There was a machine gun mounted on the top; a few raiders ran alongside the armored beast.
Fuck they got here fast.
“Run!” I pulled Flitter and skimmed our available options.” The subway! Go! Go!” I ran as fast as my hooves could carry towards the flight of stairs across the road, leading down into the subway.
Ratatatatatatatat!
The machine-gun spun up and sprayed in our direction, shredding through the bricks and concrete as the cacophony of gunfire echoed through the street.
“Down here!” I hopped down from the piece of fallen roof that lay on the stairs, down into the subway. I could hear shouts coming from the surface.
We plunged into the dark metro, jumping over the ticket-machines. Taking a path on the left, we ran deeper into the subway. In the corner of the path lay another infected nest. An old corpse lay amongst hardened blood and gore, the same mist being dispersed into the dry air.
I swiftly put on my gas mask,” You have anything to cover your face?”
“Ah’ve been through the mist without a mask many times before…”
“What? But how?” I was confounded. I stared at Flitter in disbelieve.
“I’unno, Ah’ll be fine, trust me.” She pulled me behind a collapsed pillar,” Infected up ahead.” She pointed out. I looked out of cover, there were two infected ponies trotting about slowly, growling and moaning deeply.
I fired two shots at the first infected, the second shot punctured its head, killing it instantly. The second screeched in fury as it ran for me. I put two shots in its head and it collapsed beside the first pony. The subway was covered in a filthy brown mist, making it horribly difficult to see.
“Eye has a light.” Flitter popped a small pocket-flashlight on her saddle-bags and switched it on. Ah, that’s better.
“Through the train, quickly. They should be after us anytime now.” I trotted into the carriage; the only way was through the other side, access to the other carriage was blocked off by some scrap metal. We dropped onto the rails on the other side. The track had buckled and grass was growing on through the cracks. Faint sunlight shone through the cracks on the roof of the subway. We cantered deeper down the tracks, there was another train blocking the path; one of the supports had caved in. We had to go into the carriage from there.
“How did they get an armored vehicle?” Flitter distressed.
“Probably took it. Let’s just keep moving, alright?”
The carriage was dreadfully foggy and the cramp space made me queasy. Even Flitter’s bright flashlight did not have much effect in lighting the area. The next carriage had sunk into something; I was about to jump down when I realized it was flooded. I felt the cold icy water on my hoof as I sprung back. Contaminated water is the worst kind of taint.
“Flitter, could you get me something to cross over?” I pointed to the half-submerged carriage; the roof was the only part that was dry. I peered further down into the tunnel as Flitter flew off. The carriage was about three pony’s length in distance. I slowly dipped my hoof in the water, swishing it about as I waited.
“Dis was the best eye could find.” Flitter flew back, with a ladder.” You might need to touch the water a little.”
A little.
I could see no other way. I grabbed the ladder and held on to it as I slowly lowered myself in the icy water. Flitter landed on the carriage, pulling the ladder with me. The water was chilling me to the bone, I shivered, holding on tight to the rungs.
“Here, gimme your hoof.” Flitter put the ladder aside as she grabbed my hooves, and pulling me up as hard as her little being could. Half of my body was drenched, my coat felt heavy.
I got out of the water and felt for my equipment, none was lost, thank Celestia. I trotted carefully along the roof, the carriage wobbling with every step.
I jumped onto the maintenance walkway on the other side of the track and slowly ambled down the path. The walkway just ended with the rest of the path crumbled under the water. There was a rotting corpse right at the end. Doesn’t look like an infected.
“Flitter, the other side. Looks like an emergency escape.” She flew over to the platform, shining the light at the walls.
She turned back to look at me.” Need the ladder? Ah’ll go get it.”
Oh not again. I nodded hesitantly.
Flitter set the ladder down into the water, holding on to the end of it as I dipped myself in it. I hugged the top of the ladder, shifting myself forward ever-so-slightly. I was freezing stiff and my breath was blurring the gas mask; I closed my eyes tight, hoping that the chill would go away.
“You okay?” Flitter breathed gently on my hoof, the sudden warmth made me shudder. I opened my eyes and started to paddle forward.
Flitter leaned the ladder on the edge of the platform as I climbed up onto the dry platform, shaking off the water from my coat. I’d have a cold at this rate, and that’s not good.
I walked into the hallway marked ‘exit’ on the top. There were bits of an infected nest on the walls and ceiling, that was pretty gross. We were separated from the exit by a metal gate door. Sunlight was shining down the flight of stairs leading up. I pushed the gate and it swung open with a rusted creak. Yes! We were out of the subway! That’s always good.
---
Fresh air. Well, not really. We were finally out of the subway, no signs of an armored jeep trying to kill us, all is good. I took off my gas mask and sat on a mossy bench.
“Look, I don’t know what’s with you and being able to breathe in that crap.” “…And why you don’t want me to take you to the outpost.”
“It’s really complicated…” Flitter let out a frustrated sigh and looked off into the streets.
“I’m sure it is.” I talked back. “Look at me, Flitter. Look at me.” She shot me a dejected look. “I just want to help you, I’d ask you again. Are you hiding anything from me?”
“No.” She answered firmly.
“Then what the heck is this?” I pulled out the recording from the lab. I knew what was up from the start; the voice on the recording was definitely her.
“What is dat?” She reached out a hoof to take the recorder from me. I held it back, looking at her with my discontent, blue eyes.
“I found it in a lab. In Manehatten.
Flitter’s ears perked up slightly. “Eye can-“
“We will talk. In the car. You better think of what you’re gonna tell me.” I cut her off mid-sentence. Somehow threatening her isn’t going to work out, I do not want to hurt her more than she already was. I just wanted to know more, there is definitely something deeper to this.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have… talked to you like that.” I apologized.
Flitter wiped off a tear,” It's okay, eye will tell you everything...” She said in a genuine tone.
“Alright-“ I heard the familiar deep rumbling of the armored jeep rolling through the street.
“…In here, quickly.” I dashed into a restaurant of some sort and hid behind the counter, Flitter laid down beside me.
“Hey! They ought to come through here! We’ll wait here and surprise those fuckers.” The jeep stopped in front of the exit and the raider sitting at the top of the jeep with the machine gun called out to his friends. That was close, if we stayed in there for even a minute, we would have been torn to pieces.
“Alright! I’ll stay up in the building and provide cover!” Another raider bellowed. I could see two ponies trotting up towards us, one carrying a shotgun and the other a hunting rifle similar to the one I had.
“Second floor, go.” I whispered, crawling on all fours into the kitchen.
I got up as soon as we are out of sight of the raiders,” Flitter, go upstairs and hide. I’ll be with you soon.” She gave me a brief nod and ran out of the kitchen from the back. We have the element of surprise, they have no idea what’s gonna strike them. I pulled out two knives from the knife rack and went to the back, but instead of going upstairs to the apartment level, I slid into the courtyard and hid behind the door. I waited for the raiders to go up the stairs, with a knife in between my teeth and another hovering close to me.
“You serious? The two of them took out like what? Ten of us? Do we stand a chance?”
“Don’t be a pussy. We have a machine gun; they can’t run from us now.”
Oh really?
I heard them cantering up the stairs. One of them was faster and has already got up to the second floor. I snuck up on the closest one and pulled him down the stairs. Before he could yell, I stabbed him in the neck and he fell, blood dribbling out of the wound. I plopped him down gently on the floor and clambered up the stairs. It lead directly into an apartment overlooking the subway emergency exit. I snooped over the door; the raider has mounted a rifle on the windows and was looking over at my direction.
“James! Where the fuck are you?”
“He met with an accident.” I jumped out of cover and taunted, throwing the knife at him. It flew straight out of the window.
Oops.
“Hey! Th-“He tried to yell to his friends but was cut off by a golf club to his face. Another swing rendered him to the floor as Flitter leaned on the golf club. I went over to the body and searched it.
“Is everything alright up there? Hello?” The voice below called out.
I dug through his bag, finding ammo for the rifle and an unlit Molotov.
“Eye has a light.” Flitter took out the lighter from her bags and lit the Molotov.
If I’m able to chuck the cocktail into the jeep, then our problem will be solved. I found an open window directly overlooking the jeep and tossed the cocktail with the help of my magic and skills. The Molotov landed right on the gunner’s crotch and burst into flames, the fiery blaze spreading down into the jeep, licking the interior hungrily. The gunner fell off the jeep, screaming in pain as the raiders in the jeep scrambled out, furiously trying to put out the fires that engulf their torso.
“Holy shit…” Flitter muttered.
“C’mon, let’s go.” I pulled her Flitter out of the door and we went down and out of the building.
“We should… Take the big gun. Don’t chyou think?” Flitter brought up. I just want to get back to my jeep, assuming no one took it.
“That would only weigh us down; let’s just get back to my vehicle.” I looked at the street signs, trying to backtrack where we’ve been; it wasn’t that far if I remembered correctly.
“Wai are you helping me?” Flitter suddenly spoke.
I turned to her,” Then why are you following me?” I continued trotting down the street. Flitter looked at the ground, not saying a word.
“I’m just kidding, easy there.”
*** ***
The jeep was still there, untouched. I got in and started the engine.
“So… where are we going?” I asked Flitter, who sat next to me, staring the dashboard. She glanced at me, pulling a dull face.
“We’ll talk, out of the city.” I reversed and plotted a route for the expressway that led out of the city. Flitter sat in silence, admiring the passing buildings and pondering about something deeply.
I stopped atop of the Ma-Relantic expressway bridge. Absconse Bay sat in a glimmering hue of red as sunset fell upon us.
“You’re gonna tell me why I can’t take you to the outpost?” I broke the silence.
“…They’ll kill me if you take me there.” Flitter let out a soft sigh as she looked right into my eyes.
“Why?” I pulled out the recorder.” Is it because of this?”
“Eye’m not responsible for the outbreak!” She cried out.
“I know. It’s not your fault… So you worked at the Labs?” I bit my lip.
Flitter wiped of her tears,” Yes. Eye lived in Cloudsdale and eye travel to work by train every day.”
“The voice in the recording. I need a name. What was his name?” I pressed.
“We call him Dr. Reinhardt. He was immune to the parasite…”
“Parasite?”
“Yes. He sent me away on the day of the outbreak. He spared my life.”
“But he destroyed Equestria! He was a monster! He caused the lives of hundreds and thousands of innocent ponies.”
“I could have stopped him… I didn’t know…”
I felt sorry for her. I knew I had to go with her, I knew what had to be done. I had a feeling this was the start of the real journey.
“Eye’m sorry! Ple- Please don’t leave me alone! Ah have nowhere else to go…” Flitter started sobbing uncontrollably. My heart wrenched repressively as I hugged the little pegasus.
“I don't plan to leave you alone. Do you have anypony you could contact?” I held her close to me. She shook her head. That’s just sad.
“…Ey- Eye haven’t seen my sister since the outbreak.” She sniffed. “But eye know she’s alive! She must be!” She intoned with much confidence.
I had to focus on gaining her trust; the outbreak had hit everypony hard. It wasn’t easy for a little pony to survive out in the wastelands alone. She needed comfort, she needed warmth. I threw the topic aside, it wasn’t important now.
“I won’t leave you alone. I’ll take you someplace safe and we can talk about this another time, alright?” I gently pushed her out of the embrace and held her shoulders.
“Thank you…” She smiled feebly, wiping off her tears forcefully.
“Now… I’ve a friend… Who lives in an outpost near the Hoover Dam. It’s safe there, and…” I told her.” I promise you… I will help you find your sister.” I reassured her.
She looked at me, tears glimmering in her eyes,” Thank you Eve, you’re a good pony, eye understand completely….” “Eye will help you find Dr. Reinhardt… I need a word with him.”
I smiled and stepped on the accelerator,” Go get some sleep. I’ll wake you up when we’re there.”
Flitter laid back and turned to face me, gazing at me fervently. She closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh,” Eye feel… safe, with you~” She mumbled. I’m trying my best.
---
We were just out of the city. And my head was starting to throb violently; a feverish heat was slowly creeping throughout my body. I was sweating suddenly; it must have been from the cold water down in the subway. I felt my injured side; it was beginning to heat up as well. Ignoring the discomfort, I drove on; we were passing by a forest. The road sign on the right indicated a small town of Auvergne in about five miles. That’s our first stop for fuel and a place to stay for the night. The sky had darkened a whole lot; the moon had appeared in the dark blue shade of the sky.
My fever was starting to get worst.
I had to stop.
Soon...