Follow a pony on his trek through the devastation after the fall of Equestria.
A botanist from Tall Tail witnesses the bombardment of megaspells on the final day of the Great War. Facing a newly destroyed Equestria and the poisoning of the pink cloud, he fights his way back to Tall Tail from Canterlot in hope to find a piece of the life he had before.
Before there was an Equestria, ponies fought each other. Over food, weather, the sun and moon. We were so caught up with what we deserved for our work that we were blind to what our magic could do when combined.
Due to our selfishness, our home was transformed into a frozen wasteland by the hate fueled wendigos. Earth ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns all set out to find a new home. They did, but only when the ponies accepted each other where they able to fight off the wendigos. Thus Equestria was formed under the promise that everypony worked together.
For over a thousand years Equestria thrived, building relations with griffons, buffalo, and numerous other kingdoms. By far the most important of which were the zebras. Ponies and zebras worked together on a mutual need for the other's abundant resources. The zebra’s coal for the pony’s gemstones.
This did not last however, due to disagreements between the kingdoms, war broke out. It raged for decades. Resources became scarce and pushed zebras and pony alike to new extremes. For Equestria had never witnessed waring of this scale before.
While many fought on the battlefield, some relished at home with the new developments brought by the war. Domesticated robots. Personal terminals. An almost limitless power supply.
Then there are ponies like me. Those who do not want believe that anyone, pony or zebra, would hold true to their threats. Ponies who continue their daily lives without worry. But the world sits on the edge of disaster. One wrong step and all of this fighting was for nothing.
I rolled the pencil back and forth on the table. My hoof jumped up and down slightly as it turned over its corners. Slowly panning my gaze back and forth it became quite clear that nopony wanted to be here. The stallion up front actually seemed excited about his presentation though.
Fluttershy sat in the back at the far end of the table. She was trying her best to look interested but even the kindest pony would get bored. We have sat through ten presentations so far and it was kind of hard feigning interest in all the facts and statistics he was spouting. Something about switching the sheets used in the hospital rooms could save the Ministry of Peace some money. I was not too sure anymore. I may be an intellectual but it would take a mad pony to not want to bang their head on the table.
He finally finished. Fluttershy thanked him and I watched as he took his seat. Great, two ponies to go. Sweet Celestia, why did I have to go last?
The next presentations passed in just a few minutes but it felt like hours. Ponies just spouting their ideas on how to make more money. They should know by now that Fluttershy has no intention on making a profit. None of the Ministry Mares do.
I shook the sleep from my eyes and turned to look at Echo. He had fallen asleep during that last presentation. I jabbed my elbow into his ribs and he shot up quick. His purple eyes glared at me and I swore I heard Fluttershy stifle a laugh. Rolling my eyes I stood and made my way up to the front of the room. Echo followed with my cards and samples. He carefully set everything up with his magic then stood by waiting for my cue. One last adjustment of my shirt collar and I cleared my throat.
“Good morning everypony! I know that this meeting has been quite slow starting out but I assure you that I will not take more time than necessary.”
I tapped my hoof twice and Echo removed the blank card from the top revealing the diagram. It showed images of healing potions, radaway, and other drugs used in the hospitals around Equestria.
“Working on these projects have been exciting during this troublesome time in Equestrian history. I have worked hard with my botanical knowledge but my search for solutions have taken me to a rather dangerous place.”
I tapped my hoof again. He removed the card revealing a map of Equestria. One specific part was circled.
“The Everfree forest, which is vastly untamed, contains plant life unlike anywhere else in Equestria. This includes flowers and trees with magical properties. One such flower has proved more interesting than the rest.”
I stepped over to the table next to my cards. Grabbing the cloth with my mouth I yanked it away to reveal a large jar. Inside was a bright blue flower.
“Poison Joke. A flower with magic so powerful it can change the way a pony looks with almost no effort.” I gestured to the others in the room. “If we work with it we could find ways to grow back limbs. Give unicorns back their magic, help pegasi to fly again.”
I smiled out at the ponies around the table. No one shared it.
Fluttershy seemed conflicted. She was quiet for a long time then spoke up in that soft voice of hers.
“Th-thank you everypony.” Then she left.
The others followed but I just stood there. I then proceeded to kick the easel and cards to the floor. I would have stomped them into smaller pieces if this was my office, so glaring would have to do instead.
I blinked when I saw the violet aura and watched as it placed the cards in their sleeve. It then took to the easel, taking it apart and folding with ease.
“You know there are better ways to express your anger.”
Rolling my eyes I replied, “I didn't smash them. At least be grateful for that.”
“Alright, count me as grateful.” He stepped over to the table. “So, what are you going to do with all of those flowers if the ministry does not approve your work?”
“I will not let them be destroyed, guess I will have to bring them back to the Everfree somehow.” I picked the jar up with my hooves carefully placing it in my saddle bag and hooked it into place on my back. “Or, you know, keep them at the lab.”
Echo strapped the easel bag and card sleeve to my other side. “Good luck with that. You know that would cause a conspiracy, and Pinkie Pie would be on your tail before you even blink.”
I trotted to the door and stepped out into the hallway. A couple ponies passed, I kept quiet until they turned the corner leaving it empty. “True, she has that earth pony sense. Wish I could see those things as well as she can.”
“You're not still having those ‘premonition’ dreams are you?” He scoffed. “I honestly don't know how you find any meaning in them.”
I waved my hoof at him. “Oh, is the unicorn questioning earth pony magic?”
“Yes, I am. Now let's go. I would like to see Treble before he leaves for that job tonight.”
Echo quickened his pace and I struggled to keep mine somewhere between trotting and running just to keep up. We rounded a corner and found two of the other ponies from the meeting. The white one stopped us.
“What do you think you're doing?” He spat the question accusingly.
“Trying to spend the rest of my time in Canterlot enjoying myself.” I tried to step around him but he blocked me. I backed up next to Echo.
“No. What you are trying to do with that plant.” He points a hoof at me. “That's zebra alchemy.”
I rolled my eyes. “Really? You do know that most of my research involves zebra alchemy. That is kind of the one thing I'm known for.”
A lavender mare stepped up next to him. “True, I don't know how you are allowed to continue your work.” She stomped a hoof. “We are at war with them. I can't understand why the M.o.P seems to ignore what you have been doing. You are obviously working with those stripes.”
Echo stopped her. “Now, there is a difference between working with the zebras and working with zebra knowledge.” He stepped forward and gestured to me. “If anything you should be applauding him. We are using zebra knowledge to give us an advantage in this war.”
I regarded the unicorns. “Trust me, if I wanted to work with the zebras I would not stay in Equestria.” While still talking I stepped around them. “Besides, I heard that they are not quite as accepting of refugees as we ponies are.” Echo followed behind me. “I guess that is a good thing.”
The two of us continued down the hall and made it into an elevator before any of them could follow.
Echo eyed me. “How do you do that?”
I laughed. “You just need to know what to say. I have worked with those two for years now so I know how to get around ponies like that.”
The elevator stopped at the ground floor and opened into the lobby. Ponies hurried about their daily routines. I envied them. That meeting was the only thing I had to do today. What I would give to be back in Tall Tail.
We stepped out into the beautiful garden scape that surrounded the Ministry of Peace Hub. The magically grown trees looked out of place next to the other stone and metal structures.
Echo did not stop to marvel like I did, he continued onward. I trotted up next to him and we stepped out onto the main stretch of road running between the hubs. The main street lead to the business district then to the residential. It is always the same pattern: warehouses, businesses, small shops, then houses. The two of us kept to our route only stopping to let others cross at intersections.
The house we arrived at exhibited a psychiatrist office on the ground floor and an apartment upstairs. I always thought Echo did not belong in the office as it was too tidy.
We entered the office and stepped through a door in the back that led to stairs. Soft sounds of a trumpet could be heard from the apartment.
Echo strode in directly toward the sound of music. I stopped in the guest room and unpacked my things save for the cards and the flower. Leaving them on the bed I stepped into the kitchen and helped myself to the contents of the fridge. I settled for an apple when Echo and Treble walked in.
“I was going to ask if you would like to join us for lunch but I see you are already helping yourself.”
I shrugged. “I thought I would go out to town by myself. Since I arrived in Canterlot it has just been the three of us.” Waving toward the door I continued. “Go enjoy some time together.”
Echo wrapped his foreleg around Treble and pulled him close. “Good, we can have some fun instead of going to one of those ‘historical' places.”
I regarded the blue stallion, who looked uncomfortable with the show of affection. He rolled his eyes and pushed himself away smiling. “We are going to run some errands. As much fun as he makes it sound, we will only be gone for a couple hours.” Treble waved a hoof as they stepped through the door. “Have a good day Spring Leaf.” I gave a wave back as they left.
Good, some time alone in Canterlot. It has been a while.
After a quick lunch I trotted out to the street. Ponies still moved about their business. One probably would not notice that there is a war going on, that is, if they manage to miss the propaganda plastered on every wall.
I continued on, my saddle bag and cards bounced on my sides as I trotted. A left here, then a right, and when I finally reached my destination I took a moment to take in the beautiful falls.
The water cascaded down the mountain, casting a small rainbow before collecting in a river surrounded by grass and flowers. It then passed under a bridge that connects upper and lower Canterlot and continues its descent down the mountain.
This part of the city was quiet. Few ponies passed and nopony lingered. I drew in a breath, taking in the scents of the flowers.
Turning off the road just before the bridge, I looped around until I was almost under the marble structure. There, I set my bags down and tossed my presentation cards into a pile. I fished a match from my bag, striking it I held it to one of the cards until the flame caught and tossed them both into the pile.
I sat back and watched the cards burn, leaning against the cool stone under the bridge. Popping open a Sparkle Cola from my bag I sighed.
“Those ponies...” My eyes bore into the small flames. “I would give anything to see their smug ideas turned around.”
After a few minutes of watching the cards, I emptied what remains of the bottle onto the pile of ashes. Standing up, I walked out to the cliff next to the waterfall. There I could see Cloudsdale. I marveled at the city. Such beauty, and it was all made of clouds. Most of the Pegasi have left to join the Equestrian armed forces, so the factories are probably working overtime to prepare for winter.
I sighed. “It will probably be a short winter this year. Guess I will have to be careful with my gardening schedules at the lab.”
Turning around I took a step then stopped in my tracks as an defining explosion roared from behind me. It blasted me with a hot gust of wind that almost sent me flying.
I spun around. There, where the beautiful cloud city once drifted, was a mass of dark smoke and horrible green light. It took seconds. Then the sirens started.
I launched myself back toward Canterlot and met a wall. Backing up I rubbed my now bloody nose and gazed up at the city. A massive bubble enveloped every building. Missiles exploded against the outside.
I panicked. Whipping around, I tried to find some way to get to the road. If I could not make it to the Stable in Canterlot perhaps Zebratown, it is down the mountain.
No luck, the cliff is completely cut off from the rest of the mountain. My heart sank. I am trapped.
Through the bubble I could see ponies sprinting over the bridge. A detonation right above me rattled my bones and sent me running. I pressed myself against the magical barrier, praying that the curved surface would angle the explosions away from me.
I cowered, covering my head. It felt like hours. I kept myself in a tight little ball as the world exploded around me. There was no distinguishing sounds just defining noise.
A cool feeling crept up my side. I looked up to find a pink wall. Mist swirled around the bubble, consuming everything. Before me rose a mass of pink water. It sloshed and fought to break through the magic field.
The water has nowhere to go. I searched around. There was no safe place. As soon as the shield fell I would follow it over the cliff.
Step by step, I backed away.
Then, in a blink of the eye, the bubble fell. Water raced and devoured the cliff. It grabbed me, tossing me into open air. The water burned my hide. It fought its way into my nose and mouth.
As I fell with the torrent my eyes found the sky. In just a quick glance I caught a figure in flight.
I marveled then I met the ground and my world fell into darkness.
Silence surrounded me. No sirens. No explosions. Nothing aside from the faint whispering of wind around the mountain.
I lifted my head and something fell from my face. It made a small plop as it hit the ground. Holding myself up in a sitting position, I pawed at the glowing green substance. “Snow?”
A gust of wind rushed past me. I covered my eyes to protect them from the harsh wind. When I lowered my foreleg my eyes opened to the great expanse before me.
My breath caught in my throat. Equestria spread in every direction in front of me, but this was no longer the warm happy Equestria. The green snow covered everything. Through it I could see the cities and forest, now dark and uninviting.
I climbed to my hooves and a sickly feeling washed over me as my fur stuck fast to the ground and ripped free. I steadied myself then proceeded to look my body over. No terrible wounds just some missing fur. My legs moved just fine and nothing was causing me pain.
My eyes drifted up toward where I had fallen from. I was not too far down the mountain but far enough to have been severely injured. Why did I not have any injuries? A tightness formed in my chest. I took a deep breath to calm myself before panic set in.
Trotting back and forth, I racked my brain, trying to think of what I should do. I need to find Echo. He received a pass for Stable 1. Hopefully him and Treble made it before the mist started. Everything in me said that I should find Cat Eyes before I do anything. But he is in Tall Tail and hopefully in the Stable as well.
I sat down hard and held my head in my hooves, forcing away the thoughts that suggest they might not have made it. Taking another breath to calm myself I tried to run my hoof through my mane. What I felt was along the lines of soft plastic. The panic found its way to the surface. I jumped up and took another look at myself, taking in the plastic like texture of my fur and tail. I ran my hoof across the end of my sleeve. There was no separation.
The pink water had a larger effect than I had anticipated. I stared at my hooves, horrified. Then I smacked myself to change my focus. I am not dead and I at least do not feel as if I am dying. I need to get to the Stable. They should have doctors that can help me. But first, I need to find a way back up to Canterlot.
There were no roads or tracks nearby so I had no choice but to climb. The mountain did not offer as many ledges as I could have hoped. I made do, carefully testing each step. Progress was slow but I finally managed to reach the top.
I had emerged back where I had been washed off. There, before me, sat the city of Canterlot. It looked at if a giant pink cloud had settled and covered the city. The river had returned to normal but was still heavily saturated with the mist. Pieces of the bridge had collapsed. Some sat in the river, cutting the pink surface with their jagged edges.
On the bank, right under the bridge, something was pinned under a chunk of marble. I approached it, praying it was not somepony. The lumpy brown form was in fact my saddle bags. They managed to survive the torrent of water.
Digging my front hooves into the mud, I pressed my back hooves against the chunk of marble and rolled it off of my bags.
They had survived surprisingly well. One side had been completely crushed, leaving broken Sparkle Cola bottles and some ruined apples, but the bag itself had not been torn. I emptied it out and turned to the other one which held the jar with the Poison Joke flower. A crack had formed and some of the pink water managed to seep in. A strange reaction had occurred causing the flower to change from its bright blue to the same pink as the cloud. I placed the jar back in the bag then slipped them on.
Turning toward the road I stopped in my tracks. I had no idea how I was going to move through Canterlot with it covered in that pink cloud.
I approached the edge of the cloud, running through any idea that popped into my head. There was no safe way to test it nor anyway around it, so I thrust my foreleg into the mist expecting the worst. Nothing happened. I turned my hoof over, watching where the mist touched it, then stepped forward into the cloud. The water had burned, perhaps it had to do with the high concentration that was trapped in the bubble at the time.
I continued forward. If the cloud is not affecting me now perhaps there is a chance that Echo and Treble have survived.
----------
My hope grew bleak as I entered the city. Bodies lay everywhere, misshapen and grotesque. I quickened my pace, keeping my eyes ahead of me. The apartment was not too much further.
The building sat fairly untouched aside from shattered windows and the pink cloud that enveloped the entire city. I pushed open the door to the psychiatrist office and poked my head in. It was as untouched as the outside, the cloud was also much thinner. I minded my steps around the broken glass and entered the stairway to Echo’s apartment.
As I approached the door I could hear some form of scraping on the other side. Unlocking the door I slowly pushed it open. Nopony was there. I stepped in and stood in the entrance way between the kitchen and living room. My eyes scanned the rooms and caught a small movement down the hallway.
Staying cautious, I approached. I turned toward the bedroom. No movement aside from the shadows cast through the window. I sighed and turned to check the bathroom and froze in place. Something that looked like a melted pony stood in the doorway. It stumbled forward and I panicked, launching myself into the bedroom and slamming the door. I pressed my back against it, listening. All that I heard were soft hoof steps and the same scratching as before.
I opened the door and peered down the hall at the melted pony. As I approached I noticed the white mane and blue hide. Dread washed over me as I found the cutie mark, a rising line of notes.
I bit back my shock and watched what Treble was doing. His hoof scrapped around the door knob, never making a connection. After a few seconds he stopped then walked back down the hall to the bathroom. I followed him. He just stood in front of the mirror, then he started the loop again.
When he passed me in the hall I tried saying his name. Treble would stop for a brief second then start again. I stepped in front of him then tried it again. This time he cocked his head, so I said more.
“Treble? C-can you understand me?” He stared blankly at me. His eyes were covered in a pink film. “Treble! Do you know where Echo is?” He stared at me for a moment then stepped around to the door. This time Treble just stood in front of it.
I watched him but he never continued the cycle. I pressed my hoof to the handle but the door was locked. The door groaned as I fought against the latch. Eventually I turned and gave the door a swift buck. It flung open with a hard smack. I entered and Treble followed behind me. He walked over to the terminal where a pink mass sat.
I gave it a concerned look and stepped closer. Reaching a hoof out, I gently turned what used to be a head to reveal a partially exposed skull. I had to step away. Even though I knew that it was Echo it still caught me off guard.
During my time conducting research on site in the Everfree and the Zebra lands I had witnessed many terrible sights: ponies torn apart by Ursa, poisoned by Manticores, withering from illness. Nothing prepares you for those kind of things, and you never get used to it.
My eyes drifted to Treble who had moved into a sitting position next to Echo. He stared blankly at the pink mass.
Everything in me said to take his body and bury it but there was no way that I could, the cloud had fused him to the desk and floor. I looked from Echo to Treble and sighed. After a long few seconds I turned my attention to the terminal. There was a document open with a mess of letters. I could make out a ‘Dear Spring Leaf’ but the rest was illegible. I closed it and looked at the recent entries. One was entitled ‘Dear Treble.’ I opened it.
Dear Treble,
I'm sorry. I heard you pounding on the door but I didn't answer. I couldn't. I rushed into the room just in time to see that pink mist seeping through the window. It melted my hooves to the floor then when I pulled free you stopped. There are more explosions now. I hope you made it to the Stable. I'm sorry. I love you. I'll miss hearing your music. I'll miss your lovely eyes. I'll be waiting for you.
Echo
I looked up from the terminal. Treble still sat next to Echo. Raising to my hooves I stepped next to Treble and sat down again. I looked him over. He was as still as a corpse. Pressing my hoof to his chest I waited for the faintest of movement but I got nothing. He did not even respond to my touch. I leaned down and pressed my ear to his chest hoping and praying for something, anything. Again, nothing.
Backing away I began shaking. I sat and held my head in my hooves.
“What kind of fucked up necromantic magic did this?”
I wanted to scream. To run up to those aristocrats and tear them apart. But I did nothing but sit there.
I pressed my hooves to my own chest looking for the beat of my heart and the movement of my breath. My chest rose and fell and my heart did beat, although a bit slow considering the situation.
Standing, I regarded Treble once more. He sat there with Echo. A terrible zombie created by this terrible war. I said his name a few more times and waved my hoof in front of his face. Nothing caused a response, so I left.
I made sure to shut and lock the door (my buck managed to not break anything). If I could not take Treble with me I could at least make sure no one ever bothers him.
The apartment felt cold. Silence surrounded everything. I no longer knew what to do.
It felt like I should not be here. That I should just leave everything in its place and leave. I sighed and stepped into the guest room. My suitcase sat open on the bed. I regarded my pile of clothing and attempted to adjust my shirt color. Sighing again I moved it all aside leaving a extra sack of bits, my journal and the ticket to Stable 7. Hopefully it will allow me access to Stable 1. I tucked them into my saddle bags and left to the kitchen.
I grabbed a few odds and ends. Food, water, some tools, anything that would make my survival easier despite the knowledge that the pink cloud had already poisons me.
Approaching the door, I hesitated with my hoof on the handle. A million thoughts forced their way to the surface. I shook them away. I had to continue, to see if anyone even survived. So, I forced myself through the door and out into the Canterlot streets toward the Ministries.
As I walked I occasionally glanced up to the sky. Thought the pink and grey clouds the sun fought through. It was nice, knowing our sun was still fighting for us. I needed the distraction because bodies lay everywhere. There were more of those zombies, shambling down the streets. Following set paths with no memory of why or where they were once headed. They reminded me of ghosts.
I neared Ministry Walk, the vast buildings rose into the pink mist. I veered toward the Ministry of Wartime Technology where the entrance to Stable 1 resided.
Bodies lay on the stairs in front of the building. That was not unusual given the state of the city and probably the rest of Equestria. It did make me question if anypony even made it into the Stable. I made my way up the steps doing my best to avoid the legs and other parts fused with the marble surface. I misstepped and slid down a few steps coming to rest next to what used to be a purple unicorn. She sat next to another unicorn, this one white. I looked from one to another, something sparked in my mind and I backed up the stairs and gazed horrified at the two ponies. It is one thing with all of the unfortunate ponies laying everywhere, it is something completely different when you recognize them.
I tried to take another step but stumbled again. Lilac and Star Dust, they did not make it to the Sable. They may have given me a hard time the entire time we worked together but I would never have wanted this for them. Shaking my head free of more of those terrible thoughts, I started making my way back up the steps into the building.
Hanging my head low, I did my best not to look and anymore faces. My hope had already faltered, I needed to keep going before I lost it all.
The entrance to where the Stable door was only had a few bodies along the way, guess that was a little better compared to outside. Large shop lights directed my attention to the massive gear shaped door. I marveled at the shear size of it and made my way to the intercom. I pressed the button and was welcomed by a ear piercing static. As soon as my hoof released the button the sound stopped. Guess the system is malfunctioning.
I followed the wires to try and find the problem, but this is far beyond my knowledge and expertise. After many attempts at fixing wires and some close electrocutions, I eventually resorted to banging on the giant steel door. With no response I tried the intercom again, shouting to anypony over the loud static. I fell into a loop of shouting at the door and shouting over the intercom static. This turned out to be a bad idea as after a few loops I fell into ragged coughing fits. Each fit ended with me expelling a glob of pink slime covered in specks of blood.
Now I just lay on the metal grating next to the intercom, my breathing ragged. I had no idea what to do now. The only hope I had left was that Cat Eyes survived. There was little hope that I could ever make it to Tall Tail let alone into that Stable. Who knows how toxic the road there had become.
I adjusted myself, letting my head hang over the edge of the raised pathway. Something caught my eye passed the shop light, toward the back of the small cave. Raising and stepping over to the shop light I rotated one of its lamps to illuminate the corner. Boxes of some kind sat in a dark alcove out of the way.
Looking closer I could see each one had the Stable-tec logo. I pushed the lid off of the closest one and peered in. It was full of jumpsuits. Regarding my shirt and sweater and how they were fused to me, I left the box and moved to the next one. Inside were packs of seeds and various gardening supplies. I picked a few and looked them over. There were plenty of root vegetables, fruit bearing bushes, and flowers even. Pocketing a few hoof fulls I turned my attention to the last box. I reared back and fell into coughing again. The box had about a dozen pipbucks.
I held one in my hooves. When you were given your ticket for the Stable the contract mentions that everypony would use one. They supposedly could track your vitals and act as a personal terminal. It definitely could do other things but I just could not remember what.
For whatever reason these boxes never made it into the Stable. I assumed these were just extras if the ponies inside have yet to retrieve them.
I turned the pipbuck over, observing the buttons and dials. Opening the latches I closed it around my left leg. Good thing the fall ripped off the sleeve, I do not think it would have worked through it.
Sitting back on my haunches I switched on the power and watched as the screen flashed to life. The Stable-tec logo appeared for a moment then blinked away to a list of my vitals and a mass of warnings. The red words warned about high radiation levels, an unknown toxin detected, and an alarming amount of other problems. I definitely was dying. It sure did not feel like I was.
Ignoring the warnings for now I flipped through the other tabs. One held an entire list of the items in my saddle bags, another had a map, and the last was the radio tuner. A few stations popped up, so I tried one. My ears were blessed with the same defining static as the intercom. The pipbuck was brand new, the pink cloud must have an affect on radios. I decided I would just leave that tab be for now.
What next? If I stayed here waiting for the Stable to open I would certainly die. I flipped to the map and scanned the area. Canterlot was out of the question for finding a hospital or medical clinic. Everything nearby was either down the mountain or in the sky.
I positioned the map over Tall Tail, where my house would be. Then over the MoP facility. There was no way I would just die here without knowing. I have to see Cat Eyes just once more.
----------
Pausing on the station platform, I took in the scene. Ponies lay where they had been waiting for the train. The train never made it though. Down the tracks I could see where it wrecked against the shield. Passenger cars hung over the mountain side, a few were missing.
I jumped down onto the tracks and began walking toward the train. I had decided that following the railroad is my best option. It is a more direct path and cuts straight through the mountains rather than over them. However the tracks do lead right under where Cloudsdale sat in the sky. The balefire bomb would have vaporized the entire city of clouds and rained the radiation down on the area below.
I was not looking forward to that. The pipbuck registered my radiation levels to be extremely high already, I do not think I could live with much more. In fact, I am surprised I have not show signs of radiation sickness.
Looping around the remains of the engine I stopped on a cliff overlooking some forest. I had finally exited into an area outside the pink cloud, so I turned my eyes up to the sky. Ominous clouds blocked most of the sunlight. Few places gave way to the blue sky only to quickly close again. I turned my gaze toward the mountains off to the west and set out.
The trip down the mountain took much longer than I anticipated. Due to a train’s limited movement, the tracks had to twist around cliffs and through tunnels just to reach the ground. Light had begun to fade. I guess the sun was setting. It was hard to tell through all of the clouds. It would be surprising if the sun and moon moved at all with the Princesses either dead or in the Canterlot Stable.
Standing before the edge of the forest, I could see colorful carts littered throughout the dead trees. Iron rails cut through the thick woods creating a fine line of clearing. Following the rails, I listened to the woods for anything that might have survived the megaspells.
A soft clicking from my pipbuck signaled my arrival at the point where the sky highway crossed above the tracks. Somehow the carts stayed vaguely in the same line despite the explosion from Cloudsdale. A couple lay on the rails or in the nearby trees.
There were ponies too.
Pulled from their carts by the blast or left hanging from the harnesses. I saw a couple standing as well. Their movements sluggish like Treble's.
Just more lost souls.
I continued on, reminded by another coughing fit that this place was not safe to linger. I kept my ears open and my eyes on the shambling ponies. Treble recognised me, these ‘things’ may not be as kind.
Trotting around a cart, ignoring the hooves jutting from underneath, I spotted a bright, yellow box cart. The side bore large pink butterflies. A M.o.P. delivery cart!
I cantered up to it. Unfortunately it did not land gracefully. It had smacked hard against the tree leaving the poor buck impaled in its branches. The rear door was smashed and dented in.
Climbing up the side I looked for the small vent these carts normally had. I found it and went to pry it off, then I stopped. A soft sound could be heard through the vent. Crying?
It continued. I pulled myself closer and tried to peer in but the slits were too small to see properly.
“Hello?” I spoke into the vent. A small squeak followed by silence answered me.
“It's okay. I know somepony is in there.” Still nothing.
Jumping down I plucked a metal rod and a rock from the debris. Sitting on top of the cart I wedged the rod under the vent and lay it over the rock. I may not have a screwdriver but I know these carts are cheaply made. Pressing with all of my weight the vent popped free and flipped over the side of the cart, clattering to the ground.
I peered inside but saw nothing. The light had gradually faded until I could only see my hooves in front of me. Eyeing my pipbuck I remember another one of its useful functions. Turning my leg I searched for a switch that would toggle the lamp these were advertised to have. With no luck I began trying every button and switch. Holding one button I nearly blinded myself with the light. I thrust it away from me to allow my eyes to adjust then angled it down into the cart.
There, somepony sat curled under a blanket. I would have missed them if it had not been for their brightly colored tail sticking out. They were shaking.
The cart was small but easily held hundreds of bits worth of medical crates. I stepped down, testing my hooves on the tossed cargo. Easing myself down next to the small, shivering bundle, I sat to the side among the empty radaway packets.
“Hey.” I reached out a hoof toward them. They jumped as I pressed my hoof on the blanket and pulled it from their head.
A filly sat before me. No older than ten. Her dark fur patchy and her bright mane stringy and thin. I moved to touch her. She jumped back, holding her hooves up.
“Please! No!” She curled into a tight ball. “D-don't hurt me like Daddy. We always loved zebras. I promise!”
I reeled back. Biting my hoof I cast a glance up at the hole I had opened. The poor filly already knew.
“No. No. I am no zebra. See?” I held my leg up to shine the light toward me. She covered her head with the blanket. “Did not think I looked that bad.”
“Were you attacked by the zebras too?”
“What?” I watched her remove the blanket and wrap her legs around it in a hug.
“Like Daddy? She looked up toward the hole.
“Yeah… I guess. We hurt the zebras, too.” I shook my head. “None of that should have happened.”
She wiped her eyes, hugging the blanket tighter. I moved closer and lay down to her level.
“Hey, it will be alright. What is your name?”
“My- my name is Morning Dew.”
I nodded. “I am Spring Leaf. What is a lovely little filly like you doing in the back of a medical cart anyway?”
“You won’t tell anypony will you?”
I chuckled. “Alright.”
“Daddy sneaks me in the cart when he has to go to Cloudsdale. He takes me to see Grandma and Grandpa, but mom doesn't like heights so she stays home.” Tears started to drip down her face. “Guess we can’t do that anymore.”
“Hey-” I stopped short, coughing into my hooves. There was a coppery taste in my mouth.
Morning Dew jumped up and rushed over to one of the overturned crates. She pulled out several packets and shoved them into my hooves.
“When we crashed Daddy told me to drink these if I feel sick.”
“T-Thank you.” I downed the orange liquid, nearly vomiting it back up. I wish there was a way we could have fixed that taste.
Turning toward my pip-buck I glanced at the rad meter. It sat in the red. The radaway should have started to remove the radiation immediately. I guess it is worse than I thought. Sucking down two more packets, I turned my attention back to Morning Dew. The filly sat wrapped in the blanket again.
“You said your mother did not go with you. Where is she?”
“Mom should be at home. In Vanhoover.”
“I am heading that way. I could take you there.” I smiled at her.
She started to cry. “Th-thank you. I don't want to be here anymore.” Morning Dew hugged my chest wiping her face on my sweater. “It's always dark an-and I can hear things outside. I-I really wanna to go home.”
I did my best to comfort her but I knew what ‘things’ she was talking about. Those zombie ponies outside did not care for me, however they gave me an unsettling feeling.
“Alright, help me gather as much of these medical supplies as possible then we can go.”
----------
WIth our bags full I had Morning Dew climb on my back. She was worried that I would not be able to climb with her and my heavy saddle bags. I reassured her that, even though I may be short for a stallion my age, I am still an earth pony.
I eased my way back up the crates to the vent I had opened. “Alright, climb up. Be careful it is awful dark out so stay near the hole.”
“Okay.” Her hooves left my back and I could hear the soft clip of them on the metal above. “I’m out Mr. Spring Leaf.”
“Alright, here I come.”
After pulling myself up I took a look around with my pip-buck. Those zombie ponies were watching us. Their glowing eyes surrounded us like predators.
“What are those things?”
“They are lost ponies who have forgotten who they were. Just ghost.”
Morning Dew grabbed my leg. “They look like monsters.”
“They should be fine. Now, let us get going. It is still a long way to Vanhoover.”
With her on my back I eased us down onto the snow. As soon as my hooves touched the ground I heard a sudden snap. I jerked the light behind us to see one of the zombies rush toward us.`Morning Dew screamed and I lash out with my back hoof, knocking it away. I was not nearly strong enough to keep it off of us so I bolted, following the tracks the best I could.
I could feel that something was off with those things. Why did they not attack when I passed earlier? Did it have something to do with the lack of light?
“I-I thought that they wouldn’t do anything!”
“They did nothing earlier. It will be alright, just hold on!”
I ran, jumped, slipped, anything to keep away from the zombies. There was nothing I could do but follow the tracks. No towns were situated along this rail line, so my only hope was to loose them before the tunnel.
My chest burned as I ran. It felt as if my lungs refused to take in the oxygen. Between whatever that pink cloud had done and these zombies, I was beginning to have my doubts on making it to Vanhoover.
Morning Dew shrieked as one of the zombies dived for us and missed. I jumped out of the way just in time for another to come barreling from the sky. Guess they remembered they have wings.
Up ahead a pale orange light cut through the darkness. The tunnel entrance sat before us, just a few more yards. I was gasping for air at this point but I had to keep going. If we made it I could lock us in a maintenance room and…
My thoughts faltered. Hooves no longer found purchase on the ground and I tripped over myself, sending Morning Dew skidding through the mud and snow. I tried to move myself, to just stand. My legs were just too weak.
Between my labored breathing and coughing I could hear zombies screech nearby. Then I felt her tiny hooves nudging me, she begged me to get up. There was no way I could without time to rest.
I held Morning Dew's shoulders, tears pouring down her face, I pushed her as hard as I could toward the tunnel. The filly screamed and a zombie jumped me.
It knocked me over. I lashed out with my hooves to keep its snapping maw away from my face. Just as my strength began to fail me a blinding yellow light blasted the creature off. It now lay unmoving a few yards away. Managing to stand I started toward the tunnel before another blast knocked away a zombie diving from above.
Morning Dew pushed me toward the tunnel. Standing there, silhouetted by the the pale light, was a unicorn. Their yellow magic shining brighter than the weak lights. Beams streaked through the darkness at unseen zombies.
We neared them and they turned, readying their spell. The unicorn lifted their head to confirm the target then stopped, canceling the spell.
“Morning Dew?” He stared at her in disbelief.
“Uncle Goodie!” Leaving my side she ran to him.
They held each other. In the dark I could see tears reflect the pale light. Not wanting to interrupt the tearful reunion, I turned away and emptied my stomach of every ounce of radaway I had ingested earlier. Then, promptly collapsed.
