> Zombie Land Equestria > by TheRayH > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Not as Expected > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's known about Canterlo High and their seven girls that with unexplicable powers defended this world; they were also known by their music and how with it bringed happyness to everyone around them, until one day they had to separate each one having their own lifes to live and with their go... the unification they bringed to Canterlot High simply vanished forever and no one remembers them. Those were the last entry on Argyle Starshine's diary, an ex-principal of Canterlot High and father of Sunny Starscout; who starts today at that same place as a Student, she always loved his stories and after years of hearing them she finally decided to go there. With rollerblades on and her bagpack ready she went all fast to Canterlot High, with the earpieces filling her ears with relaxing and optimistic music she composed in her free time. She arrived and admired the place for a few seconds getting some air deeply and releasing it shortly after. "Ok Sunny, you can do this" She said to herself. "Just go in there, and cause a good impression on everyone and maybe with that i can make everyone be friends and be unite again..." She took out her phone and in the lock screen there was a picture of her on the arms of her father. "This is for you dad... you'll be proud of me". She changed her rollerblades to sneakers at the entrance stairs, once done she came in seeing the huge amount of students inside, it was long since she was for the last time in any sort of school so she doesn't want to mess up on the first day she comes back. She went to her locker, to get the books for the first hour... maths. "Sunny Starscout?" Sunny hopped in surprise and looked to the one who talked to her. It was Hitch Trailbrazer, an old friend she had. "I'm happy to see you again" "Hitch! Don't scare me like that" She said and proceed to hug him. "You looking good and way cheerful than i remember" "It's because i am now... hall monitor" He pointed at a badge he had pinned in his shirt "I make sure everyone keeps the halls a safer place" She gave a smile and then the belle ringed the first period, they both separated to their respective classes. But the ambiance inside the classroom was completely different from the halls, while in the halls everyone walks by others here everyone is siting by groups; nature lovers, papercrafters, she noticed in the halls that they already walked in groups... but it was not that obvious because all of the movement that was ocurring. The teacher called the attetion of Sunny and gave her a few seconds to pressent herself to the class. "Well, I'm Sunny Starscout. It's a pleasure to meet you all and I hope we can be friends" She said in a positive tone, but no one answered, so she took a seat at the only free table in the classroom; the silence of everyone was completely stressfull. But someone tried to catch her attention by throwing small pieces of paper, Sunny didn't gave too much attention to it until a bigger ball of paper hitted her haid so she looked at the one who was throwing them. "Yes? Can i help you?" "I liked your enthusiasm while you were introducing yourself" She has a very cheerfull face with blue long hair and handmade bracelets decorated with small cristals. "As it's bad not saying anything back... then allow me to introduce myself, my name is Iz-" She suddenly got interrupted by one of the other girls that was with her; Sunny wasn't surprised, this after all was part of Canterlot High for longer than she could though. The classes keept going boring and solitaire , she was against her locker thinking on a way to get along with everyone, but the only person who tried to introduce herself was interrupted. "So i guess by how you're against the locker i guess it didn't go as expected" Said Hitch while walking closer. "Well... i knew this place got a bit different as my father described it, but what happened is a complete new level." She grabbed her backbag and kept it on her hand, but had a very ansgty look. "And the only one who tried to talk to me got interrupted by the group. How the f-" Hitch covered her mouth to stop her right there. "Calm down and watch that language i won't allow that in these halls" He said trying to calm her down, she took a deep breath and noded. "Look Sunny, i know you want to make everyone friendly again; but let it be for now. Next week will be different. If you want i can come to your house tomorrow and we can have a chat, what do you say?" He made Sunny smile, and then she agreed with him. Hitch left Sunny, he had something to handle that day, meanwhile she decided to go home and take a break. Outside of Canterlot High she walked looking at her phone, but suddenly something dazzled her eyes, she walked to a bush and when moved aside some leafs she found a sparkling green crystal with an inscription. The wish stone will grant any with if you depply want it, but be carefull with your words, you only have one chance and may get you wrong. Sunny wasn't sure what kind of joke that was or who believed in such a thing like 'wish stones' but that's a thing she conveniently needed, so with both hands grabbed the crystal very tightly and with a low voice said her wish. "I wish that there could be a way to make friendship bloom again in Canterlot High" And after that she kept the stone in her pants pocket, it started glowing but she couldn't notice it because her attention was in other things. She arrived her house and unpacked everything and stayed in her room, looking at old yearbooks, where CHS seemed to be a better place for everyone. As the day for her felt longer than usual she went to sleep early, she fell asleep in a matter of seconds. Later that night a thunderous noise woke her up, it came from downstairs so she grabbed the first thing that was closer to her... the backbag. She went downstairs grabbing firmly the 'weapon' she had. "Hello? Is someone there?" She asked waiting a response from someone. "Show yourself or i'll call the police" The sound became stronger it came from the backdoor, she walked slowly and when she reached it she peeked through the window, there was a dog sitting there. "Oh, is just a dog..." She opened the door to look at it more closer. "Hey little guy, why are you here alone in the night?" The dog turned around, Sunny quickly stepped back after seeing how it looked, it had a grey fur tone and a dark red eye, the other one was seemly missing. She closed the door quickly, but then the dog tarted scratching the door intensely; she was completely scared about that thing, but then the squeak of a door opening filled the house, when she turned around seven pairs of glowing red eyes were looking at her from the front door, one of them walked closer to Sunny trying to speak but only grunting and babbling where coming out of the mouth, it was so dark and she didn't wanted to light up anything; their walk was heavy and their looks were deep and scary; in defense Sunny moved her backbag intesely and hitted it on the head making it fell to the ground, but it was still moving; and after some seconds it grabbed back the head. Scared she fell to the ground feeling something cracking inside her pockets, she knew it was the crystal but it was no time to worry about that, she runned to another room and hide herself, meanwhile one of those intruders felt hared the dog scratching the door and opened it so it could come inside. Sunny was crumbling from fear, but quickly though on a plan; she went out of her hidding sport and opened a door making as much noise as possible catching the attention of the things. When they arrived to the door, the looked inside; it was even darker than the house, Sunny suddenly came and runned towards them. "Get in there now" She pushed all eight inside the door and she could hear how they fell form stairs, it was the basement. Sunny closed the door and blocked it so they weren't able to get out; that was very intense and after that experience, she sat on the ground and fainted shortly after, with one question on mind... What were those things? > Chapter 2: What are we? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- That last night was pretty scary for Sunny, she was still fainted in her house, with those things locked inside the basement, they looked terrifying and she could only see their red glowing eyes, like they were bloodthirsty for her. Meanwhile inside the basement, the dog licks one of them's nose, quickly standing up and walking looking for a switch to turn on the light, when found the eyes took a moment to get used to the lighting, looked at it's surroundings finding a very dusty place with a very poor low light. "Where am i?" It was a girl, she was confused of her current situation. She looked at the dog, and kneel in front of it "Spike? What happened to you?" She said while she was going to grab him, but then she saw her hands. They had a grey tone skin, like years have passed. "And what happened to me?". The rest of them starting to get awake after her, all shared the same conditions, grey skin tone, red glowing eyes and like years have passed. She recognized everyone there, she haven't seen them in years; so she walked closer and helped them to get up. But as soon as most of them looked at each other, they screamed partially in fear and partially surprised. "Everyone calm down, don't scream" She tried to calm them down, but they were emotionally not ready for that. "Twilight? I'm sorry but you can't say that this is not for screaming" Said one of them with a red and yellow hair. "I understand Sunset, but we need to think what happened and where are we" Said Twilight again keeping them calmed. Suddenly one of them screamed again and they all looked at her. "No my skin, it was so perfect! Now is ruined" She said with an over exaggerated voice. "Well, some things never change" Said another one a bit annoyed by her. "So Twilight, what are we doin' now?" She asked waiting for a response. "We have to get out of here and guess were we are" She walked upstairs and tried to open the door, but they were unable to do so. "We're locked here..." She tried to open it again but harder, but not possible; so she started knocking hard to make someone open the door. Sunny woke up shortly after, she felt her body heavy and had a very tired look on her face. "Wow, what a weird dream i had..." She was interrupted by the knocking on the door, they kept knocking and screaming to someone so they can get out. "It wasn't a dream? I have strange things in my basement" She walked away from the door and went all the way to her room to get her phone, she got messages fro Hitch saying he was on his way. Sunny was now even more worried, Hitch was on his way. She tried to reply as soon as possible, but it was too late, the doorbell just ringed. She walked to the door and opened to her friend. "Hitch, i didn't expected you so early" She said with a very nervous voice. "Sunny it's two pm, you woke up just now?" He asked with a confused look on his face. "No..." She was trying to play cool, but it was obvious she was hiding something looking back and forth contniously. Hitch felt that and went in as soon as Sunny got a bit distracted, he heared the noises from the basement door and walked to it. He grabbed the grabbed the doorknob. "Wait, don't open that door" She said before he could do something. "Why Sunny? What are you hiding?" He asked. "Be careful with what you say" "Last night something came at my house and attacked me" She said scared while looking at him. "I also hitted with my backbag to one of them and the head just fell off" "Like zombies? I told you to be carefull with your words" He started turning the doorknob and as soon as it was open, all the girls inside fell at top of Hitch, which had a close-up of their faces; he jumped of fear and kept Sunny behind him. "Stay behind me Sunny; you weren't kidding, i'm sorry" "Of course i wasn't... wait, you didn't believed me?" She looked at him lifting an eyebrow, but after looking back at them she felt like she saw someones very similar. "Wait here for a second, keep an eye on them" She runned to her room while Hitch was there paralyzed but not taking his look away. They got up helped by each other, the only thing that had nothing dead looking was their hairs and clothing. Sunny arrived back with a yearbook and showed a picture, they were exactly the same as the ones in the picture, both were shocked about it; after knowing this information Sunny walked closer to them, which gave her a quick look. "Excuse me for what i have done, but i have to know if... you're these girls" She gave the yearbook to them. Some small tears came out of some of their faces, memories from those years flooded their heads, one of them stepped forward and looked at Sunny into the eyes. "Yes! We are them; allow me to introduce ourselves anyway. I'm Sunset Shimmer and from left to right: Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash" Said Sunset smiling, and with everyone waving to salute. "We died many years ago from... well being old. But we're here now, so i guess we need an explanation" "I think that's my fault, i found a..." When she remembered, she took the crystal from her pocket, completely broken. "It said it was a wish stone so i wished a way to bloom friendship on Canterlo High again... and looks like you were my wish". They all stayed in a very awkward silence until one of them decided to say something. "Uhm... and how bad it is?" Asked Fluttershy hiding herself behind her hair. "It must be really important if we're your wish" Sunny explained the whole situation with Canterlot High while they had drinks and snacks, they all had disappointed looks because they worked so hard to make that place better for everyone. For each second that Sunny explained, all of them didn't knew how to react; and Hitch though he didn't needed to be there at all, suddenly Pinkie Pie raised her hand and waved it very fast making her hand to get unattached and land on Hitch, who didn't screamed but felt unconfortable with the situation. "I have a question" She got her hand back by Hitch, who gave it to her holding it with just two finger. "What is you plan for doing CHS as it was before. Is it cupcakes? I have a good hand with them and basically any backery" She affirmed while taking a muffin out of her hair. "That would be nice, but i have a better idea" She took the yearbook and searched for an specific page. "You're going to perform at events from Canterlot High... as your old rock band, the Rainbooms!" "We're performing again?!" Said Ranbow Dash while her eyes were glowing in excitement, just to be spitted with a drink that Hitch was drinking. "Hold up Sunny, i know this is huge but look at them, remember how we reacted to them" Hitch had a point there. "Nothing that some makeup can't fix darling" Said Rarity walking closer. "You just have to hand me some and i'll do the job with no problems" Sunny got her the makeup and prepared all of them so they wouldn't look so dead, it took her a long time but finally ended; Sunny and Hitch looked at the results but... Rarity knows about basic makeup and they looked a bit better but not as like the picture on the yearbook. But Sunny remembered something, she packed a few things and prepared to leave. "Hitch, i know who can do a good job with them. Remember when i told you someone tried to talk to me?" He noded at that. "Well if i can find her and convince her to help us" "I won't negate, if you want to make this work we need someone with very good hands" He said not very convinced. "But there's something you may have forgot; she didn't told you the name and is part of a group" "I got he begining of her name, it was something like 'Iz' or something like that" Sunny was enthusiastic and nothing could take that down. "We're going to find help, don't make any messes." "Don't ya worry, go and find that help" Applejack's voice was calming, after that they both leaved the house to look for that girl. "I don't know about y'all, but this isn't as bad as it looks. Sunset, ya think this is equestrian magic?" "I'm pretty sure it is. But apparently years have passed and probably Princess Twilight isn't there anymore" They felt a bit down after that. "But Sunny looks like she's good; so after all i think we're in good hands." Then someone walked by the house and saw them, with a small scream they noticed and looked at it, he saw how bright their eyes were and how they looked; the guy started running as soon as he could. "We should close all windows and hide in the basement" Everyone agreed quickly and so they closed all windows, doors and hide in the basement waiting for Sunny and her help. > Chapter 3: That was Izzy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunny and Hitch went on all the city looking for the one who tried to introduce herself, but it was a big place to look just for one person. They stopped at a cafeteria to regain energy with a coffee and snacks, Sunny drunk her coffee too quick and prepared to continue on the search; but Hitch grabbed her by the hand before she could make a step. "Wow, Sunny; why such hurry?" Hitch took a drink from his cup, trying to make her slow down. "Don't try to slow me. I need to find her" She took a seat unconsciously. "We need to get them on work as soon as possible or CHS will be a failure for new friendships" "I see" Hitch drank again from the cup with a non expressive face. "All we know is that her name has the letters I and Z; it could be anyone and could be anywhere" Sunny couldn't argue that, but then she remembered that she was very good with paper crafts and she knew where to find them. When Hitch finally ended his cup she grabbed him and dragged him running as fast as possible. Meanwhile... In the house; our seven death girls are waiting for Sunny to return. Twilight was taking notes on how she was feeling now that officially was a living dead, most of the notes were saying that she was completely fine and nothing felt different from when she was alive. Fluttershy was the only one who wasn't feeling comfortable with that situation, she was feeling good but she was also very scared about all. "Fluttershy..." Rainbow walked closer but Fluttershy was completely lost in her feeling, so when Dash called her attention she screamed surprised making her eyes to fell from the sockets... literally. "I was going to ask if you were ok, but i already saw that you're still the same as always" "Looks like our bodies are way more delicate than they look" Sunset grabbed both eyes and helped Fluttershy to place them where they belong. "One thing's for sure, we can't let Sunny down" They all agreed immediatnly, but Applejack; she cleared her throat and step in front of everyone. "I agree on that, Sunset; but there one thin' ya may forgot" Applejack's voice was confident but everyone was wondering what they could have forgot. Applejack's face changed to one of disappointment "We've been dead for who knows how long, we have to make our bodies less... detachable if we're gong to perform again; specially ya two, Ranbow Dash and Pinkie Pie" "Relax your apples, AJ" Rainbow stopped the farm girl by landing an arm around her shoulders. "I did plenty of sports when alive, so i think i can't be detached as easy as others" "Let me doubt that darling" Rarity grabbed Rainbow's arm and pulled from it, it detached very easily. "I hope she finds that person; if it's talented we can make a good pair. One taking care of the make up and the other on the dresses; make way, i need a pen and get to work" The warm up will take longer than though, they're somehow relieved that their personalities are still the same as always, friends as they always been and closer than they've ever been. Back in the town... Sunny and Hitch arrived to the library, they have a section for paper crafts lovers or people who likes to do them; they walked inside the library, almost quiet despite of the children who were running all over the place. The section was barely noticeable, it was behind some bookshelves with almost no light; there was a big guy with a bunch of board games and tons of papers at one side. "If you come here... you must be looking for a challenge" The guy had a deep voice and light barely gave illumination to his face. "Actually we're looking for someone, i guess you haven't seen her here" Sunny wasn't sure if she had to be there, the guy was very threatening. "Everyone in this library has to go over me, after all i am the owner" He moved a bit so the light illuminated him better. "If someone is here... i know it" He had a grey tone skin, with white hair and beard, also with huge muscles for how the white hair confuses his age. "Really? Well, in that case we're looking for-" Hitch got interrupted by a slam on the table of the guy. "If you want to know something, you have to beat me in a small game" He pointed at the papers and tabletop games that were on the table. "I mean if you're brave enough for that" "I take that challenge" Sunny stepped forward and took a seat. "Sunny, what are you doing?! The time's ticking" Hitch suddenly got nervous, almost about to explode. "Relax, i can beat him. How hard coult it-" Several minutes later. "I've lost... i've lost to everything" "Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't" He laughed hard while taking back the boards to the boxes. Suddenly the light turned off and a door opened, hearing steps walking closer and closer until finally a slap sound echoed in the small group of bookshelves. "Come on Alphabittle, again?" A girl's voice was slightly shouting. "Shouldn't you be in the counter? What if a client walks in?" "But i..." He tried to excuse himself. "No buts, stop bothering customers; they come here to learn and you scare them" She insisted, Alphabittle didn't said a word and walked out of the section with one hand on the shoulder, where the it hit. "I'm sorry about him, i know him since i was little and sometimes can be a bit extreme" When she ended that phrase the lights turned on, she had a remote light switch; Sunny recognized her blue hair and purplish skin. "It's you, the girl that tried to talk to me in class yesterday" Sunny's emotions were flooding the ambiance. "We've been looking for you" "For me? Oh, now i remember you. I have to end what i started" She cleared her throat. "Hi, my name is Izzy Moonbow! Now with that settled, why were you looking for me?" Sunny explained Izzy the situation, skipping the fact that they were zombies; instead of that she todl that they had a bit of a problem that can't be solved by hospitals or medicine, in resume that they need her to give them a more alive touch. Izzy wasn't very sure about it but she asked one last thing... what was the plan that they were planning. "The plan is to make everyone at Canterlot High friends again" Sunny said confident of herself. "And they're the best option" "It's not a bad idea, fine by me" Izzy accepted almost not oponing resistance. "But i need to see them and check how they look if i'm going to give them... the spark!" They had no idea what that spark was about and they had no time for that, Izzy took a backbag and prepared for going back to Sunny's place. They just took a few minutes for arriving into the house, they saw every curtain down; Hitch and Sunny may had an idea the reason of why, Sunny held the keys and proceed to open the door; the seven girls in the basement heard the door opening and they run upstairs,they peeked from the corner, again with all of their eyes glowing in a bright red color. Izzy stopped moving but still had a wide smile on her face. "Is it them?" Izzy asked while pointing at them. "They doesn't seem so bad" "I like her" Pinkie whispered and got closer to Izzy. "Hi, i'm Pink-" She stumbled with her own feet and started falling to the ground, once she fell totally on it her head bounced out of her body like a gummy ball; being catched by Izzy in mid air. Everyone's eyes open wide by that, Sunny got nervous, Hitch almost felt like he was going to threw up and the other girls were completely froze. "You weren't kidding" Izzy looked at Sunny with Pinkie's head in her hands. "But let me say, this will need tons of sparks to make them shine" "Oh thank you! I though you would scream after seeing their... condition" Sunny's voice was relieved. "I've seen worse things, they're actually kind of cute." She wasn't shocked at all by all of them and proceed to look at them and saw the picture of their past. "Give me a few minutes. I need to test my limits" She said while hooking her hair into a ponytail. She pulled out tons of makeup from her backbag and started working on each girl taking as reference the old yearbook, by thirty minutes in she cleaned all the sweat from her forehead and showed their final look into a mirror; all of the girls checked their looks and loved how nothing corpse alike was in sight except for one thing. "Tell me" Sunset called the attention of Izzy. "Do you have something for our eyes?" She pointed at them, they still looked red compared to the brighter colors they used to have. Izzy raised one finger making them wait for a short time, she pulled out a set of contact lenses, one for for each color of their eyes... how did she got them already? None questions were thrown. When they put them on, they finally looked like when they were alive. "I have to admit, this is going in the good way" Hitch placed a hand on Sunny's shoulder. "For now, let's just not jinx all this" "What can i say? I really have good ideas" Sunny was confident about how all was developing. "Yeah, have you planned how are you going to ask for the principal to let them perform?" Hitch hit right into Sunny's feeling, that was the only thing she didn't planned. So she will have to convince the principal to let a bunch of dead girls to perform at events of Canterlot High, should be easy... right? > Chapter 4: Zipping up Nervousness > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the streets, in the way to Canterlot High; no one noticed the dead girl walking by all the people. Sunset was walking alongside Sunny, Hitch and Izzy, the only one of the group that went out with all the make up; she was with nerves that could be seen in her eyes, even when she was completely fine with make up and clothing. Most of the students were looking at the binary colored hair girl intrigued by her presence, they though she was a true beauty and what she was doing there; but she noticed every single eye on her and her way of walking, that included some that focused on her long uncovered legs. She touched Sunny's shoulder to catch her attention. "I don't think it's a good idea" Sunset whispered to Sunny's ear. "I think it's too soon for us to come out" "We only have to convince the principal to let you come to events... that can't be hard" Sunny's voice was as nervous as Sunset. "But she has a rough schedule so try to play it cool until the recess starts, that's when she's one hundred percent in her office" Sunset nod and so each other went to their respective classroom. Meanwhile they were in their classes, Sunset were walking in the halls looking how different it was compared to when she was there, some of the old pics of her were gone completely and all that could be a representation of their years at Canterlot High, resembling their hard work on friendship. Sunset also went to where her old locker was, her mind flushed all the memories she posed a hand on it admiring that now it would be for someone else. "Do you study here?" A girly voice asked from behind Sunset, she got a bit scared but not enough to make any of her detach. The girl had a white skin tone, with hot pink and blue hair, dressed with the school sport team uniform. "Oh no... i'm just passing by waiting for a friend to get out of their class, we have something to discuss with the principal" She said very calmed. "I'm Sunset Shimmer by the way" "Well Sunset, all i can do is wish you luck. The principal has eyes only for one of her daughters and almost all the time is with her" She opened the locker aside the one Sunset was in front of. "I'm Zipp, so if she gives you trouble look for me and i'll try to help as much as i can" "Thanks, that would be very helpful" Sunset offered her hand to Zipp, who grabbed it and they shaked them. Sunset felt that it was detaching from the arm; but before Zipp could notice she run away in heading to the gym. Sunset's hand fell into the ground shortly after and she attached it to the grimace before someone could see. The recess started, the three first hours were completely eternal for Sunset, Sunny and Izzy went to her but Hitch had to do chores as hall monitor; they all three walked to the principal's office and immediately came in without knocking. There she was, principal Haven attending her phone. "Whatever you want please be quick. I have to attend important things" She said to them without taking her sight away from the phone screen. "Well, we wanted to present an idea for future events for Canterlot High" Sunset walked a bit closer. "This girl has a group and they will be fine by performing for free" "Interesting idea... but no thanks, i already have my star for events" The principal putted down her phone for a second and looked at the 3 of them. "And please don't come with the excuse that they worked hard and that you earn it" Those words hit hard on everyone, but Sunset was not going to leave it there, so she turned around and slammed her hand on the table. "I didn't come to hear that kind of words" Sunset was completely upset, the principal looked at her menacing. "We can perform better than you star and we can prove it on the next event" "Is that so? Ok, a duel between you and my best singer" She stand up and a bit devilous smile formed in her face. "The next event is this Friday so don't you dare to step back" They both shaked hands and walked out of the principal's office. "That was amazing, you dared the principal's star to a duel" Izzy was totally amazed by how Sunset challenged her. "Yeah, it was great. But there's only one problem... we have 4 days to get the instruments, you to recover your whole body activity and to think which songs will fit" Sunny's mind was almost at a breakdown, but Sunset recalled Zipp; who offered help if they needed to; before Sunny and Izzy could realize, Sunset run looking for Zipp who last time was in the gym. In no time Sunset found Zipp drinking soda and completely sweaty. "Zipp!" Sunset called the attention. "I need your help" Sunset explained everything to Zipp, who couldn't believe what she was hearing. "And that's pretty much it" "Wow, you have the guts for that, no one has ever talked to her like that. Not even myself" She crushed the can with her hand and threw it to a bin. "I know who can give to me the instruments you need, you can have them this afternoon" Sunset hugged her in a signal to thank her, Zipp just patted her in the back; shortly after Sunny and Izzy arrived almost with no breath, Zipp looked at both of them. "Friends of yours?" "I'm Sunny Starscout... and the answer is yes" She answered while taking back her breath. "And she is-" "Izzy Moonbow" Izzy tried to pretend she wasn't tired of running and gave a very suggestive look, but she was obviously as tired as Sunny. "And you're?" "No time for presentations" Sunset interrupted the conversation, and whatever Izzy was trying to do. "Zipp i need you to give the instruments to them, i have to tell this to the other girls" Before anyone could ask her, Sunset run to Sunny's house to tell all of them what they're going to do. She arrived and went in, the rest were at the basement like the last time, when she was running down the stairs she fell making her body parts detach with every step of the stair and also some of her make up blurry to her grey skin tone. "Girls! We have a performance" Twilight grabbed Sunset's head and then they all hugged each other tightly. "I though that would took longer" Rainbow couldn't believe it, but she was very happy. "The Rainbooms are back" Applejack also manifested her happiness. "And, uhm... when do we perform?" Fluttershy asked between every laugh of everyone. "It's... this Friday..." The basement suddenly got quiet, not a sound from any of them. "And ya said yes?" Applejack asked while grabbing Sunset's head and she just moved away her eyes from the apple girl. "Ya said yes?! We have to choose a song, find instruments and get mobility in 4 days?" "With some calculations, if we spend the one hundred percent of our time training and making crucial decisions then i'm sure we can do it" Twilight spoke trying to relax everyone with her metal mathematical calculation. "I need at fifty percent of that time choosing my clothes darling" Rarity wasn't very enthusiastic. "It would be easier to dig our graves again" "Instruments are on the way, so we just have to make sure to choose the best song to start growing friendship again" Sunset voice really calmed everyone except Applejack, who expected a more responsable act from Sunset. After that they helped Sunset to reattach her body. Minutes later, Izzy and Sunny arrived with all the instruments; they knew what instruments to get thanks to the yearbook where there were pictures of them performing. Each grabbed the instrument they had best manage of, Sunset and Rainbow the guitars, Applejack the bass, Pinkie Pie the drumbs, Rarity the keytar and Fluttershy a tambourine; they managed to play them without any deatachments for exception of Pinkie who's intensity is too much for her joints. Sunny and Izzy were amazed by how they played the instruments. "You totally gonna rock on the stage this friday!" Izzy had no doubt about it. "Yeah! If i can ask, why you stopped performing" Sunny was interesting a bit in their lifes. "Not everything lasts forever" Twilight said in a slightly quiet voice. "We all did what whe though it was better and lived our lives until the end... or what was the end at that time. But it is true that we though that Canterlot High would still be a good place for everyone; i guess on that we were wrong" "Are you kidding?!" Sunny walked closer tho them and gave a determinated look. "You all made a great job when you were alive. No one could expected that Canterlot High would forget about you, but one thing's for sure we will make them remember the value of friendship no matter the cost" Those words inspired the group to keep going on the plan, they trained, practiced and singed with no rest until the day came. It was almost night time, they arrived with all the intruments getting ready for the performance, the main stage was covered by big purple curtains that couldn't lead any sound get out or see through them and most importantly no one noticed the dead condition , a few minutes later Zipp arrived and walked closer to Sunset, but got stopped by Hitch. "Hold up! This is reserved for staff only. I'm sorry but i'll have to ask you to leave" Hitch was doing like a bodyguard taking seriously the thing. "Relax yourself...sheriff. I'm here to wish luck to all of them" She said while pushing Hitch with a finger. "It's ok Hitch, let her in" Sunset was behind him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad you're here. Thank you for the instruments, they really helped to get ready for today" "It was no big deal, i'll do anything to see-" "This is something i wasn't expecting you to do" Zipp got interrupted by the principal, who walked on the stage. "Honestly Zipp, you're better than this" "I don't care mother" Zipp was a bit annoyed after seeing her there. "They offered you something and you rejected them... so i think they can make a better performance than Pipp" The silence invaded the whole stage temporarely, then surprise faces on all of them with the eyes wide open. "Mother?!" They all yealed at the same time surprised about it, this is not only a performance battle... this is also a family fight. To Be Continued... In the next chapter > Chapter 5: Family Musical Fight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Previosuly on Zombie Land Equestria... Sunny, Izzy and Sunset went to Canterlot High to ask to the princial for permisson to perform at events at Canterlot High but she said no. Sunset met Zipp who offered her help giving instruments to them, but they had only to the friday to get in form, practice with the instruments and choose the perfect song to start the friendship revolution; once in the stage it turns out that the principal is Zipp's mother... who would though that this wasn't only a fight for friendship but also a familiar fight? No one. Who will win? The principal against the undead rainbooms. They all were surprised about the recent revelation, the tension between the principal and Zipp was clearly intense, they didn't looked away from each other since they started the conversation. Sunny, Hitch, Izzy and the Ranbooms were completely frozen waiting for the next reply of any of them, Zipp frowned a bit after a few seconds. "I can't believe you accepted the idea of a duel just because you can't let others participate" Zipp was clearly upset. "Why you have eyes only eyes for Pipp? She may be good with performances but that doesn't mean you can't let others" "I won't tolerate that attitude, Zephyrina! I thought i taught you better about attitudes" Principal Haven was equally upset as Zipp. "Perhaps, i can't let anyone sing if they're not worthy enough. That's the main reason Pipp is the one performing" She turned around and walked off stage, just as she was heading out, a younger girl went in the stage without taking her eyes out of her phone until she bumped into Zipp. "Hey Zipp! How's all going?" She asked while still looking at her phone. "Pipp, are you ok with this? I mean, why are you doing this?" Zipp asked while covering the phone screen to make her pay attention. "Well sister, it's easy to answer. This can be fun, also i can gain some more followers on Hooitch" Pipp saw the Rainbooms, getting prepared and she walked closer to them. "So, you're th ones i'm going to 'compete'? I wish you the best of luck" She offered her hand to them. "Thanks, we do wish you the best luck as well" Twilight Shaked her hand, and after her the rest of them. An announcer talked through a speaker calling Pipp to perform first. She walked to her spot and waited for her background music. "Ok, take notes of her and we might know what we're against. Probably is good, but not that good... right?" The music beats fludded the stage and then the curtains oppened revealing Pipp to the crowd and they started cheering her, her voice was calming and her dancing moves smooth; the Rainbooms were completely stunned by her ongoing performance, meanwhile Sunny had almost a panic attack; the principal and everyone had their eyes on the young girl, with every move her clothing that was filled with glitter and feathers, her moves looked like she was imitating a pegasus in plain flight. "Twilight... next time don't say is not that good; turns out that that makes it worse for us" Rainbow Dash sarcastically expressed her disappointment towards Twilight's declaration. Pipp continued with her performance, everyone in the crowd was blessed by her voice, dances and outfit; that didn't left too much to imagination... specially on the lower part of her outfit, the guys and girls on first row were happy to be there. She ended her performance with a silky move and posing on the floor waiting for the curtains to close in front of her, the crowd were cheering for her to perform again after the curtains closed. Sunny and Izzy walked closer to the Rainbooms and forming a circle grabbing their arms very tight. "Ok, we saw her potential and she shined a lot, but that doesn't mean you can't do it" Sunny tried to cheer them up a bit, but her voice suggested other thing. "Relax all of you, you have a big shiny spark within you. I know you do" Izzy with just that really made them cheerfull, and her smile also gave all the cheer they needed. "Now get out there and shine, make your spark brighter" The Rainbooms grabbed their intruments and everyone placed at where their spot should be, the nervs were growing with each second waiting for the curtains to open. The announcer gave the entrance to them and the curtains oppened revealing them to the public, no one saw anything weird on them; not a single hint of their deadly condition. They all took a deep breath trying to calm theirselfes, so then Pinkie Pie started giving the beats with the drum, then Applejack with the bass, Fluttershy was next; until finally Rainbow Dash, Sunset and Rarity played theirs as soon as Twilight started singing. The crowd stayed silent, slightly impressed by Twilight's singing voice. For each verse another member of the group joined the song until thei reached a harmonized similar tone. "I have no words... i owe you an apology" Hitch was as impressed as everyone else. "This maybe was a good idea after all" "I told you! But this is far from over, Hitch" Sunny had a smile on her face and some tears running down on her cheeks. "I'm so proud of my little zombies" The Rainbooms kept singing, even if the crowd was still silent; they didn't felt any bad feelings like nervousness or anxiety, they just wanted to keep singing, until they reached the final verse. After they did the curtains started closing in front of them, no one was cheering or saying anything, no even a single clap... or is it. One clapping sound echoed towards the stage and they peeked to see who it was. "Woah, you rock Rainbooms!" It was Zipp trying to make everyone join her, some actually did. Clapping to the performance and yealing the name of the group; it was a small amount of people cheering on them. Zipp went to the backstage to see them, she had a big smile. "You girls are amazing! I have no words enough to describe it" "I think so" Pipp walked in, with another big smile. "You felt like you had years of experience compared to me" They all gor nervous but no sweat at sight, the make up Izzy uses doesn't let any sweat to get out of the skin. "As you're all very good, we should do a social media profile for them; so everyone can follow them" Pipp started to create the account for all of them, but she was unnable to do. "Weird, it says that someone already is using the Rainbooms nickname" "We appreciate your help, Pipp. We really do" Sunny stopped Pipp from going into the profile, they don't need anyone else to know their secret. "But we don't want to get followers, we want to bring friendship back to Canterlot High" She said once again with a smile on her face, then Pipp smiled too with her eyes wide open. "I have a 🎵 Gorgeous 🎵 idea. My mom always choose me to perform but i want to focus on other things as well" She looked again into her phone. "In two weeks the next performance is in a soccer field in the other side of town, which is close to a hotel with a spa" Rarity's eyes glowed after the word spa went inside her ears. "You can perform before me, i guess they would love it for sure. Also you can have two of the rooms on the hotel when the day is close" "Let me think about it..." Sunny turned around to the Rainbooms who were with their hands hold and puppy look alike eyes, like begging to it to happen. "Ok Pipp, we accept" All the Ranbiooms got excited by it, the deal was sealed by a hand shake between Pipp and Sunny; Izzy grabbed glitter covered confetty and threw it above them. But not everyone was happy, Principal Haven was listening from outside, she didn't interrupted; after all Pipp was going to still be the star of the show. "I'll let them have some fun. Let's see how far they can get" She though to herself and left the place. This is the start of the fight for the restore of friendship. > Chapter 6: Spa Night Terror > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Almost two weeks have passed, Sunny, Izzy, Hitch and the Rainbooms have arrived at the hotel in the afternoon, with a lot of floors. They went in and saw Pipp and Zipp waiting for them. They spended some time toghether drinking and eating at the cafeteria inside the hotel, ussual conversations with laughs and annecdotes to remember. When they finished, Zipp and Pipp went to their respective rooms and Hitch left the hotel, he had things to care about and also he wasn't needed for security this time, some free time for the hall monitor; meanwhile the rest went to their respective rooms. The rooms where completely stunning, decorated with shiny vibrant colours, fluffy beds and wide showers for all of them. The Rainbooms letted their bodies to fell into the sheets and feeling the squishy feeling of the beds, the got relaxed almost immediatly after falling on them. "So fluffy, i missed the feeling of a good bed" Rarity was used to beds like that one. "Maybe i can head into the spa later" "I have bad knews for ya... th spa is only open on the morning" Rarity looked at Applejack in dissapointment. "The only thing they left open at night is the thermal waters" "Wow, weren't you thinking on going there, do you?" Sunny stepped inside with no warning, they nod at her. "I'm sorry but your make up is not... waterproof. So if you dive into that water everyone could see you in your not very aive situation." "Well, i have good news and bad news" Izzy said also comming inside while looking at them. "The bad news are that when you're going to perform it's going to rain all over you" Everyone's mood got a bit off. "But the good ones is that i'm thinkin on a waterproof solution; but i won't have it until you're about to go into the stage... maybe" "Izzy, we count on you" Twilight said. "I have made my calculations, and with your determination and hiper activity i think you will find it in no time" Izzy smiled at that compliment. "Also the combination of make up and waterproof material could be a good way to prove the inconsistency of two different substances" No one unserstood that last part from Twilight's phrase, but she looked so happy saying that. But Sunny e Izzy insisted on the idea of no one going outside of the room, but they still got a nice shower; after all they still will need a new layer of make up. They took shifts to take the showers; each taking their own time inside washing their bodies and without the contact lenses, when they kept finishing, the went inside of the sheets to sleep. But that wasn't the last thing of that day, Rarity was the last one on the shower, she looked herself in the mirror; naked. While her body skin still was grey; her hair was as vibrant as she was alive, her hands felt how rough her skin was, though she still had her well shaped feminine figure; she knew she wanted to have a bath at the thermals. "Don't ya even think about it" Applejack showed in the bathroom and Rarity covered her naked body. "Why are you coverin' yourself? Don't you remember when we did..." "I thought we wouldn't be talking about that ever again" She uncovered her self, but still had her arms crossed so Applejack couldn't stare too much at her bust. "Also i'm a lady with a rough skin, i have my rights to enjoy a bath on those pleasing steamy waters" "If you're goin' then i go there too" Applejack hanged into Rarity's shoulder. "Someone has to look over you" Rarity also felt that Applejack had her skin very rough. "Uhm... are you going outside?" Fluttershy was peeking from the door, Applejack and Rarity tried to pretend that they weren't going. "Can i go with you? I always loved thermal waters" They agreed on her accompaning both, they grabbed bathrobes and wit them around their bodies walked to where the baths are. Sunset then woke up when the door closed, she knew they went out but she didn't cared, it was now their reponsability; also wasn't the last ones to leave, Pinkie were also sneaking out of the room when she had the chance. They arrived with no problem and the whole room was empty, the ambiance of the rooms with the baths were covered with a small steam made by the heating waters. They were decorated with rocks, imitating a natural ambiance with the water running down them. The three girls were with no words to describe how pretty and relaxing it looks; Rarity took off the bathrobe and jumped inside the bath in excitement, Applejack just walked inside and Flutterhy taking her time preffered to enter way slower than the other two. "It's hot like hell, but it doesn't hurt" Rarity said surprised. "Well, technically our bodies are not alive so i think there's no need for the brain to say that we're in danger" Applejack answered with wisdom. "We can feel the heat but not the burnin' this should cause" "Not only that, look at our skins" Fluttershy pointed her arms, they were shining and was smooth at touch. "I think our bodies are very absorbent with things that are beneficial for us" They kept bathing, chilling with the the water flow sounds and how the water felt to them. But then, someone went inside the laundry room outside the baths. It was a manteniance girl preparing to clean the place a bit, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy hide behind a group of rocks peeking from the top. They didn't expected someone going in, something that was very sure to happen but with very small odds. "What do we do now?" Rarity asked whispering as low as possible. "We'll have to sneak out, i don't think we need to breath" Applejack answered also whispering. "Get underwater and slowly move outside" Then she went under the water, followed by Rarity. But when Fluttershy was going into the water, her chinn hitted the rock, with all the bad luck of her head deatachng from the body and falling into the water making a splash. The girl who was there cleaning, heard the splash and walked closer, she did noticed something in the water... a towel, floting around the surface. She changed her expression to one of general disgust towards it. "Uhg, of course; they get a good steamy bath to relax so much that they still keep the towels in the water" She was noticeably upset. She grabbed a net and then proceed to take the towel from the water without having to enter the water. She picked the towel, but felt it way heavier than expected. When she pulled closer the net, she moved aside the towel an were able to see Fluttershy's head with her eyes closed and water filling her mouth, the girl was shocked and freezed; deep inside she just want it to be a joke from someone, then Fluttershy opened the eyes looking at the girl and spitting the water out of her mouth. The girl screamed, Rarity and Applejack were still under the water but noticed that Fluttershy's body were without the head so they got out of the water; both uncunciously had water inside their mouths and when they tried to ask, the water started drooling down their bodies in a grotesque way. The girl threw the head, which landed in Rarity's hands. Suddenly all lights went off, a blackout hitted the whole hotel; the girl was still running on the hallways, she barely saw a girl standing there, so both of them collided. The one standing turned her head around, with the neck creaking as she reached to see the other one. "Oh hi!" It was Pinkie Pie, her head turned around one hundred and eighty degrees, she had a reddish liquid runnind down her lips. "You want some too?" She asked nicely, but as the red thing was running down to the chinn the cleaning girl screamed and started running again. "Oh well, more for me!" Pinkie pulled a bunch of stuffed buns with cherries mermelade. The scream echoed all over the hotel, Twilight woke up by the scream and Sunset growled after hearing it. "Sunset, please tell they di-" "Oh, they sure did. Come on, let's go find them before someone else does" Sunset and Twilight didn't had time to get some make up and went out to the hallways, they rushed as much as possible to find them in each possible floor they could look, they also bumped into the girl that screamed, making Sunset's body to lean back almost to the floor. As she saw that her mind couldn't take it any longer so she fainted right there into the floor, as that happened everyone got in the same place; Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy. "Well? Was it worth?" Twilight was giving a judging look to all of them. "A steam bath is always worth darling" Rarity said with no remorse. "Maybe it was, but we can't leave her here. It's our responsibility" Applejack answered with common sense ahead. "Let's just leave her in where she would be ok and then pretend nothing happened" They did as Applejack told them, they leaved her in a seat close to the director's office, then they all went back to their bedroom... just a few minutes later the lights came back to the hotel without barely no one noticing. The next morning arrived, the birds were singing and the sunshines filled the rooms; Sunny and Izzy woke up and took a quick shower to wake upentirely, Sunny walked out of her room just to see Pipp and Zipp right there, Pipp obviously with her eyes down in her phone and Zipp not paying attention to that. "Good morning" Sunny said to the sisters. "Morning Sunny" Zipp walked closer. "Have you heared the rummors?" Sunny negated with her head then Zipp gave a misterious look with her eyes. "Last night a worker of the hotel said that she saw... zombie like things, even one was biting something bloddy" Sunny got nervous just by those words, but she couldn't answer to Zipp, Pipp dragged her from the arm saying that there was a sale with a huge discount nearby the hotel. Sunny then went inside the Rainbooms room and looked at all of them, they were dressed and pretending that nothing happened, except for Rainbow Dash who didn't do anything bad... for once. "So, how was your night?" Sunny asked rhetorically to all of them, but no answer for no one. "Come on, don't hide it; everyone makes mistakes" "We... maybe sneaked out of the room in the night" Applejack said with a bit of remorse. "It's our fault" "oh i bet it is! You were lucky that was only a member of the hotel crew, but what if it were someone with a gun?" Sunny scholded them. "We've been doing well, it's already hard to make all this and keep spreading the friendship message" "Sunny, girls!" Izzy then came inside the room and closed the door immediatly. "Sorry if i interrupt this lesson of not being found; but i think i found the perfect solution for waterproof make up and need a volunteer to try it" Pinkie stepped closer to Izzy volunteering to be the prove subject. She applied the make up on Pinkie's face and dragged her into the shower, Izzy took off all Pinkie's clothes and opened then water that started wetting Pinkie's body... without a single portion of make up getting off. "Awesome! You made it... but tell me you have something to get it off if we need to"Rainbow Dash asked a bit worried about it. "Of course i have. I have all covered, my rainbowed friend" She winked at Dash. Everyone got happy, one more problem solved and just in time; one day earlier the performance, the coulds were already heading closer to the location menacing to rain earlier than expected or even worse... > Chapter 7: Under the Rain > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's the day of the next performance, Izzy after finding a way to have waterproof make up, she started applying it to the group; meanwhile Sunny was checking her phone a bit nervous about what the day was going to be; the weather was menazing, just by looking out the windows the dark clouds were indicating that they won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Then Sunny recieved an incomming call from Hitch. "Hey Hitch. How's everything on stage?" Sunny said with a bit worried voice but also confident due to Izzy's work. "I could say it's going good but... everyone here is considering canceling all performances until the weather is better" Hitch responded close to the stage, some tool sounds were making harder the comunication between the two friends. "The principal is trying to make them keep it going today but i don't know if she has enough power to do so" "I hope she does, the other girls are almost ready after Izzy found a solution for the weather" Sunny walked towards the room's window and took a look down to the floor. "It's all thanks to Pipp and i'm thankfull for her, so i want them to do it today" "She turned out to be very helpful, did they found about it?" Hitch asked but Sunny didn't said a word, just random sounds with her throat looking for a correct answer. "Sunny, what happened?" "How do i tell you, some of them went into the halls and... some have seen them" Sunny tried to make it sound less than it really was. "But Pipp and Zipp didn't saw them so... we can call it a win?" "I want to ask and have some context, but i'll hang the call slowly while you finish everything there" Hitch did as told and hanged the call a bit slow. Sunny walked to where they were dressing, this time they had beautiful and colorful dresses ceeded by Zipp the day earlier, Izzy gave the exact measures of them who got them by Rarity. Sunny walked in the center of all of them and gave them a enthusiastic look. "Alright Rainbooms, the day has arrived. I know the sky is not very clear; but i know you girls can give all you got" Sunny made her look like a leader for all of them. The enthusiasm filled them and went to the backstage to set everything, there all of their feelings were busting out of them; specially nervousness, the storm clouds let thunder be heard in the distance. The performance of Pipp was fixed by her mother, while she was there the Rainbooms were fixing a bit their hairstyles with also with some waterproof hairspray, Pipp and Zipp's mother walked inside the backstage and gave a look to them. "Oh, you're thinking to perform? I'm sorry but the weather won't let you after my precious Pipp ends" She said with a mocking tone and a wide smile. "We will, we've been in worse situations" Sunset claimed with a sassy smile and fist bumped Rainbow Dash who placed her fist after she said that. "You may not let us do it, but aparently Pipp and Zipp know what is best and we will keep this until we achieve what we want" Principal Haven didn't felt that as a threat so she continued walking by ignoring them for the rest of the moment. Pipp walked in the backstag after she finished waved to the rainbooms in signal of luck to make them give their best, but then Zipp walked closer to all of them. "Are you sure you want to do this now? The sky looks very menacing and aparently it drags a storm with it" Zipp asked worried for the group. "Is not big deal, just a few storm clouds" Rainbow Dash was confident. "Besides we've played in way worse situations" None negated that, they fought magical sirens with her voices, performanced at a ship that almost got sinked with all of them aboard and many other things. It was true that they got through many things but a storm, being wet by the rain and lightnings striking the highest point they can reach. A few minutes later they walked on stage, just as they did it started raining; lucky for them all their instruments are prepared for the water with no wires connected to the speakers, every security measure was covered for the day just in case something could happen. The Rainbooms started playing, with most of the crowd looking at them, they were playing the instruments with no problem, confident about theirselfes, the lightnings in the background gave a slight match with the song they were playing, it was a rock song that Dash and Pinkie had the rythym of it marked with the drumbs and the guitar. But suddenly a lightning fell directly on the stage with everyone with their eyes wide open to that scene, specially Sunny and Izzy, Sunny stepped forward trying to go with them. "Sunny, wait! Look at them!" Izzy stopped Sunny by grabbing her by the hand and then pointing at the Rainbooms. They were ok, the outfits didn't got a single burn and their bodies were brighting, Sunset in a moment looked at Sunny who made a sign for them to continue, she instead of continuing the one they were playing she started playing a different one and as soon as she started to sing her voice had a strange sound, like a filter that could only be posible with some sound processing tools. The rest of the Rainbooms followed Sunset with no doubt, her voices were all the same and with their new sound everyone ligthed up the phones lanterns. "Aparently as they're not alive, that converted into some sort of energy on them. Now we can totally say they have unique luminescence, don't you think?" "Every new day i look at them the more surprised i am" Sunny said with some tears on her eyes. "I'm so happy with them Izzy, everyone should remember them forever with the messages they give. I hope this time everyone does" Izzy smiled and hugged Sunny, cleaning Sunny's tears gently with her thumbs as the sound of the song was in the background filling everyone's ears calming the impact of the recent moment. As they ended the electricity that was inside their bodies went all out... almost, Pinkie was still with some stuck in her body and that mixed with her overall actions are a bit unpredictable. They got back to Sunny's place, where Sunny walked to the backdoor to access her garden; but she saw claw marks at it, then she recalled the day they got into her house. "Hey girls, i may have forgot a bit but... weren't you all came with a dog?" Sunny asked, then the Rainbooms all recalled that it was true. All of them at the same time shouted. "Spike!" To Be continued in the next chapter... > Chapter 8: Lil Doggy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- You remember him? Spike, a small dog that came with the Rainbooms and suddenly he was not there. Where is he? Well, let's roll back to the first performance. Sunny and the Rainbooms though it was a better idea to keep the dog at the house, at first it was a good idea; but he's not a regular dog after all. In the past he was reached with a beam of magic giving him the ability to talk and do things that dogs weren't able to... so he managed to open the door of where he was retained and managed to see a hole from where he crawled to get out of the house. One week walking over the town, with no one seeing him and better that no one died. After all he looks awfully bad, fur colours slightly darker, walks with a broken paw and has one eye less... if someone would run into him the most common thing to think would be that someone treated him badly and that he's sick; but how could he react to anyone... Friendly? Menacing? The Rainbooms recalled about him a bit late, so Sunny it's trying her hardest to call on Hitch, who was not at the stage at that moment. Hitch flt his phone vibrating and answered the call. "Hey Sunny! How did everything go?" "Hitch, there's a problem" Sunny's voice was altered and without noticing she was shouting. "They found out? Well, time to dig a grave" Hitch tried to make a joke, but for the girls wasn't funny at all. "Not that. The girls came with a dog and we don't know where the dog is, has the same condition and could attack someone" Sunny finally explained, the joke was partially her fault for not saying the whole thing at once. "Sunny, if i could i would but it's raining. Also why do you think i'll find the dog soon?" The voice from Hitch changed a bit to a bit less mocking voice. "Because you have a good hand with animals... they follow you even when you don't notice" Sunny had a point, she recalled a bit from a few times he was followed by cats, dogs, hamsters and so on. "The organizers are keeping us here and since you're not here you can look for it" "Now i refuse to have gone before the performance. Ok, i'll look for the zombie dog; but if he bites me then i hope you have something for a possible virus" He was not ok with looking for the dog, he grabbed an ummbrella and stepped outside of the house; a curtain of rain were falling down and menacing to not stop anytime soon. Meanwhile Spike, close to the main street of the town walking and looking for something familiar... but looks like he has lost his ability to talk, so he's a dog again or mostly a dog. Suddenly a good smell catches his attention, food; some restaurants in his sight and most of them threw to the trahs dishes that customers didn't eat because of a complain or they over did plates that day; Spike walked closer to the trash cans that had all the food of the day, with some pushes with his front paws the can fell to the floor making easier to access to the food. The workers heard the trash can hitting the ground, they're used to get visit from racoons to get food, the one on the claning shift grabbed a broom and walked outside. "Ok, you little rascals; you know the deal" Said the girl grabbing firmly the broom with both hands, Spike looked at the girl with some of the food on his mouth dripping to the ground, with the low light Spike was seemly more creepier than before. The girl was freezing after seeing such an horryfic scene. "What the f... what are you?" She asked while lifting the broom to hit Spike with it; but as soon as she tried to hit him, Spike went on the run and looked for a place to hide. Not so far, Hitch was still looking for Spike but with no success; he was getting completely upset with the idea of Sunny, even if it's working for him is not worth risking everything for just a dog. He was looking on bushes mostly, dogs like to cover their bodies in mud. As he was still looking for the dog, footsteps got closer. "What are you doing Sheriff" Zipp arrived and called the attention of Hitch while just staring at him. "Or you're now changing to detective? Since you're looking way too much into the bushes" Hitch gave the most serious look he could give. "It's no time for jokes, i'm in the middle of something very important" He said ignoring completely the words from the principal's daughter. "I see you can't stand a simple joke. And what's so important that you're looking in bushes like that?" Zipp tried to be part of the search but Hitch tried to convince her to not help him on this. "It is something personal, i don't want to be rude; i'm tahnkful for your offering but i got this" Hitch then continued, Zipp just accepted it and walked away; as with her sister, she felt a bit appart. Zipp walked a bit for a few minutes, her walk was now a bit slower than before; with every step her feets felt more heavier. "Why am i always pushed appart? I don't get it" She murmured with her eyes completely down to the floor, seeing the raindrops hit the ground and the sound of the rain filling her ears. Suddenly a dog hits her legs, she looked down; the dog looked a bit strange to her eyes, the first thing that came to her mind was that he had a bad time. "Wow little guy, you're terrifying. But seems that we're in a similar situation" Zipp with both hands raised the dog up to look at him better, she could reach the name on the collar, was a bit blurry but she managed to read it's name... Spike. "Well, Spike. I hope we can get along" In the stage, the Rainbooms, Sunny and Izzy are waiting for a response from Hitch but the phone had a long time without any messages or anything like it, they had no idea where Spike could be anywhere and they could do absolutely nothing. "I wish we still had our powers, that way we could find him quick" Fluttershy said while grabbing into Applejack's hand looking for comfort. "Powers?! You girls had powers?" Izzy asked with her eyes shining brightly. "Well, those weren't technically powers" Sunset claimed to remark what was it really. "It was like a manifestation of the magic inside of us... but we called it powers because we didn't knew how it worked. I was able to read minds, Twilight levitated things, Rainbow Dash was fast, Applejack was strong, Fluttershy could speak with animals, Rarity created temporeraly gems and Pinkie was able to make sweet things explode" "I wonder what happened to those gems when we died" Twilight's question had a point, a question that no one did at first for some reason. Sunny recieved a message, she turned on her phone quick but the emotion faded shortly after, it was from Zipp; she said that she had something to share with all of them; Sunny said that she could go to the stage as quick as she could. She arrived about fifteen minutes after they answered her. "Girls, you won't believe what i've found!" "Another performance soon? Because that would be good" Sunny tried to cheer everyone up with that, to make them forget for a moment of Spike. "I wish, but no; that's on Pipp. It's something better... come little guy, don't be affraid" She said turning her head, paws footsteps were getting closer. From behind the curtains Spike walked in making everyone on the Rainbooms smile wide. "Spike!" Twilight walked closer to him, but then Zipp grabbed him with both hands lifting him up in the air. "Where did you find him?" Twilight wanted to know the answers. "He walked towards me... Wait, is it yours?" Zipp asked Twlight with judging eyes, she nod while looking at her dog. "Have you seen how Spike is right now? He had a rough time and you've been on performances; what's wrong with you?" Twilight's eyes changed from happyness to worry, Zipp was holding Spike tightly; Sunset then steped forward and grabbed Twilight on both shoulders. "Zipp, we can explain. But we have to make sure tht you won't tell anything" "Tell me what? That you abandoned this dog and didn't worried until now?" Zipp was upset, she felt empathy with Spike and she was not as friendly as the beggining, her face was pure anger. " I hope that explanation is worth to tell" "It is... but you may want to take a seat" Sunset advised to Zipp, but she didn't did as told. Sunny and Izzy made sure that no one was around, all the Rainbooms got closer and everyone grabbed their heads with both hands and pulled up; with enough strength their heads deattached from the necks; making Zipp open her eyes widely enough that could seem that her eyes could pop out of the head. "And it's not the only thing" Sunset said while her head was still not against her body. "There's more than this?" Zipp asked she couldn't look away, the necks on the girls had the bones visible; that almost made her threw up. Spike then tried to scratch himself, but as he was doing the leg he was trying to use fell to the gound, Zipp's eyes decided to look to the infinite while she was trying to understand. "This is a lot to process, you just had to tell me like this" "It was her desicion. But, please Zipp, it's already hard to hide them and we will be pleased if you keep this secret. Including Pipp" Sunny begged honestly. "Ok. I will keep it... on one condition. Never forget again of Spike" Zipp demanded to all of them. "We won't, it's a prommise" Twilight answered as it was her dog, after that they attachd again their heads again to their bodies. "Well, now what's left it's to tell Hitch to not look further as he's already here" "So that's what he was looking for? He knew all of this already?" Everyone nod at her. "Oh, i'll make sure that sheriff knows what's the deal" She had the idea of taking a picture of the leg that fell from Spike and send it to Hitch, he recieved it and watched it; panicking he called Sunny at the phone. "Hitch?" Sunny answered the call, but Zipp made a gesture to put the call in speakers mode. She did and continued the call. "It's everything ok?" "No, is not ok. Zipp has the dog and has one leg less" Hitch was running, he didn't knew where the house of Zipp is so he's running to the stage. "We have to find her before it's too late. It would be a disaster; i'm going to where you are so we can find it. I'll be there soon" He hanged the call, Zipp was holding her laugh but for no longer; she laughted out loud with tears running on her eyes. Shortly after, Hitch arrived and saw Zipp laughing while pointing at him. "I don't see the funny, did you told her?" "We had no other choice, but at least she took in on the bright side" Pinkie jumped into Hitch. "Maybe you don't see the fun, but i got the best laugh in years. So you now will also have to deal with me sheriff" She said with a wide sassy smile. The group has grown in one member, and retrieved an old member; hopefully, he won't be forgotten again. > Chapter 9: It's Called a Hustle, Sugarcube > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- With now another succesfull performance and a new recruit; Sunny, Izzy and the Rainbooms have now a relaxing moment, Spike also now enjoying being there with all of them after being lost by their own... priorities we could say. All happines and laughs, or so it would be until Sunset realized something. "Girls, i think we should look for a job" Sunset claimed while standing up, but all of them gave a quick look to the baicon colored hair girl. "We've been here for a time and we need to pay the current cost of our use of Sunny's hospitality" "Sunset, i appreciate that but you don't need to do that" Sunny walked closer to Sunset. "It's the least i can do after i accidentally bring all of you back to life" Applejack was thinking for a moment and resquested the floor. "I think Sunset has a point. I don't want to be against ya', Sunny, but she really has a point. Even with this generous offer of stayin' it's good to help" The apple girl's words were confident and Sunny didn't wanted to argue with someone with those clear ideas. "Izzy, get the make up. I'm goin' to find my workplace". The crafty girl grabbed her make up set and helped Applejack to be stunning. After the camouflage is done, Applejack went on the streets looking for a job, while walking she recalled not on something... but on somewhere. After a few minutes later she found a place, the place that once she called home; Sweet Apple Acres; some of the trees weren't as grown as when she was part of the farm, but she recognizes those juicy apples anywhere; she stepped coser to the trees and tried to reach one of those apples, but as she was reachign one a door opened abruptally causing the apple girl to fell to the ground. "Hey! Look where ya put that hand!" A woman or redish hair, and orange kind skin walked out of the main house with overalls stained with mud, she came from the stables. "Those apples are not ready for being eaten yet, miss... i don't recognize ya; who are ya and what are ya doin' in my farm?" The woman asked to Applejack not very happy to see anyone there. "I'm sorry, I just recently came here and wanted to be hired for job here" She answered while standing up. "My name is Appleja... jammer; yes, Aplejammer" She lied, as quick as possible so she can't tell she's an old Apple family member. "I'm stayin' with a friend and i wanted to pay for her generosity" "Well, ya'll have to dissapoint your friend; i'm not hirin' anyone. Go back, it's the best for us" Applejack didn't wanted to go and had an idea. "I have experience workin' with apples, and i can do it better than anyone ya can hire" Applejack voice tried to convince the woman that gave a very tired look and took a seat in the front door stairs. "Look, i see ya got good intentions, but i don't trust anyone anymore after the last one i hired everything went down. I appreciate you offering, but my answer is still a no" She standed up and went inside the house closing it with numerous lockers. Applejack felt like she couldn't left the farm like this, so she had an idea that may not be on the side of that woman. Later that night, Applejack were in the fields trying to get buckets filled with apples; she can tell which apples are good to be collected, like this for half an hour; going to the warehouse placing there the buckets that were full, but when she reached there a light hit on her; it was the woman with a flashlight on her hand, Applejack eyes almost didn't closed to the hit of the light as it didn't bothered her. "Ya're such a knuclehead, didn't anyone tell ya that?" She walked closer to see what kind of apples Applejack recollected and took one as she bites it. "I know what ya said, but i really want to work here... it's like bein' home again and i...just feel like i found something missing" Applejack broke into tears without control on herself. The woman hold her closer and Applejack looked up. "Ya know? this is a good apple. You have a talent and i see that these are your life; speakin' from the heart is admirable" The woman gave AJ a smile while she still had the apple on her mouth. "That reminds me of something one our family said once: Always speak honestly; it was from someone that lived long ago, Applejack i think it was her name" Applejakc laughed nervously and evaded that theme, but she was happy that honesty is still part of the family. "Oh and by the way, this is for what you've jsut done today" She threw a few coins into applejack hands, a few just well brilliant coins for her work; Applejack missed tht feeling. "I won't let ya down, i'll give all it's in my hands for make ya proud. Just wait and see" Applejack retreated for that day, happier than a group of pigs in a mud puddle; ready to became the apple girl once again. The next day arrived, Applejack arrived early in the morning and the woman was already waiting for her to get to work. They were both like perfectly lubricated machines for apple recollection, no one could compare to them. Suddenly a jingle could be hear, over a megaphone; that jingle made the woman just quit the happyness she was having. "Ugh, it's them... again" She said not very happy. "Who is them" Applejack asked compltely confused. "Get used to this Applejammer, they are Flimty Toes and Flamable Jams... but they shorted their names to the Flim and Flam Sibblings" Applejack face suddenly felt all the problems she had with the brothers all those days back and the last thing she had to go through after death was seeing them. The truck stopped right in front of the farm and a tall woman got down from it, walking with confidence close to the woman. "Hey! There's my favorite apple girl. How are you today buddy?" "Get out of my property, now!" The woman were completely angry. "Chill, Apple Suluric, we came in peace" The brother then came and spoke "Like the last time? When ya revealed me that one of my workers were actually someone that worked for ya?" As Sulfuric had an apple on her hand, she smashed it with anger. "No, we here to propose you to leave this place for once and forever, like all your family did" Flimty claimed, while drawing a smile on her face. "Isn't it time to go back with your family? They miss you so much" "My place is here, with these apples and ya both scammers cannot get me out of here" "Oh, yes we can; because it's your final week here unless you pay what you owe" Flamable got a paper out of his pocket with the time left Sulfuric has. "When this time is over, we'll have this terrain for us... unless you can pay them" Sulfuric didn't spoke a word, but then Applejack stepped in. "You ain't gonna get this farm" She yelled our loud to the sibblings. "And you're going to stop us, youngin?" The sister said with a huge smug face that would annoy anyone. "We can get the money in time, and i have the perfect way to do" Applejack tried to gain terrirtory in their game, thinking of her past with Flim and Flam, she knows that they won't let it go if given the chance. "I'm in a band and we can get the money enough in one day with one of our concerts. Ya're both up for that or are ya too scared?" "We're not scared, it's a deal... but if you don't raise the money needed, you will also have to work for us" They seeled the deal with a hand shake and the brothers retreated for that moment. "Did ya just challenged them? Why?" Sulfuric asked to AJ worried about the future. Applejack draw a smile on her face "Because this place it's like home for me and i'm losin' it against them; i'm sure we can do this; i know my friends very well" To Be Continued... in the next chapter > Chapter 10: The Great Apple Heist > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You did what?" Rainbow Dash asked out loud to Applejack after she told what she did. "A money fund for Sweet Apple Acres? What were you thinking AJ?" That was a little hursh from Dash to ask loudly, everyone were looking at Applejack a bit confused why she did that, some understood and some didn't. "AJ, i don't want to be rude but... we're supose to help Sunny to recover friendship at CHS, remember?" Sunset walked closer to Applejack and placed a hand on the apple girl's shoulder. "I know it's your old home and you have a speciall connection to that place, but that's not our fight" "Sorry if i interrupt for a second" Hitch went into the conversation. "But i think we can use this to help CHS" Everyone waited for his explanation. "Sweet Apple Acres is a very loved place in the town, many like their juicy apples even the ones that don't eat them; so if we get as many people to get in there we can not only raise money to save it but also... we can make everyone more close between each other." Sunny's eyes got wide open and did a bunch of little hops. "Of course, how did i not saw it? Hitch, you're a genius" She kissed his cheek and quickly got to get everything ready. "Well looks like we're doing this now" Pinkie Pie jumped off the sofa and went to look for Izzy to get all make up ready. "Come on girls, do you want to do a good song or not? We can't do it without looking good first" She said to get eveyone to work, Applejack felt the most happyness she would ever felt, glad that they still support her for everything. A few days later, before the performance Sweet Apple Acres has changed a few things for the Rainbooms, they added a small stage big enough for the seven of them to fit inside, Zipp is at charge of everything being on point of being in it's place, Hitch keeps everything suspicious outside and Sunny makes everyone calm down with sweet words. Applejack meanwhile it's nearby a tree checking something that's on it. "Applejack?" Rarity scared Applejack but not on purpose, she walked a bit closer. "What are you doing here alone? Everyone is getting ready in the stage" "It's nothin' to worry about, sorry Rarity didn't meant to worry ya" Applejack sat on the tree roots, looking up in the sky. "Ya still remember this tree, don'tcha, Rarity?" She touched the wood and for a second a memory flashed inher mind. "This is where we... first kissed; it's still here?" She walked around it. "I wasn't expecting this tree to be up here after so long, so many memoeries here" Rarity sat aside of Applejack and place her head on AJ's shoulder. "Those were easier days; we had jobs, friends, casually fightin' some evil equestrian magic maniac. And of course, time for love" Applejack kissed Rarity's cheek. "I felt bad when ya... went away for yar designer work, it made me very sad" "I know darling, but it was a unique chance and i had to take it; you know how much i like to desingn things and that was the job i always wanted to go for" Rarity smirked but then she made a slight sad look. "But i would lie if i said i didn't missed you too, my caramel apple girl" They both leaned their heads closer to each other and then a phone rang, AJ had Sunny's phone on her pocket, she didn't even noticed it until it made a sound. She saw it was Zipp who was calling and answered the phone. "Uh, Zipp? Ya know Sunny doesn't have her phone, do ya?" Applejack asked to the sporty girl. "I know, this was part of her plan. After Sunny told me about the Flim and Flam sibblings she asked me to investigate them" Zipp was obviously excited for some detective action. "So i'm gonna go into their office to see if i can find something, i'll keep you on date soon" Then Zipp hanged the call. "Zipp? Zipp! Darn it, these girls are gonna get in so much trouble" Applejack felt a bit tired of people doing stupid things when they shouldn't. "I think we should go with the rest, just in case?" "Oh, yeah of course. After you darling" Then Rarity and Applejack went back to the stage, Sunny, Izzy and Hitch were looking if something was not going as planned. Sulfuric Apple walked to the stage, Applejack made a gesture to the three so they let her go in. "You think this is gonna work, Applejammer? If this goes wrong the farm is doomed to those guys" The farm woman almost broke into tears saying that, it was a hard thing to say. "Don't ya worry. We got this, and we will save the farm. I promise" Applejack calmed the woman who walked out of the stage leaving everything to the girls. "Applejammer? Like, jamming the apples?" Izzy asked to her confused about the name she said. "I'm part of the Apple Family, Izzy. If i told her that my name is Applejack then... she would have found that i'm that Applejack; and everything will go downhill or worse" "She has a point" Sunny intercepted the conversation. "We'll need nicknames for you so no one finds you girls were alive once, and i have the perfect names." One by one, she were giving names to each one of them: Twilight Sparkle-Twinbright Shine; Pinkie Pie-Surprise Party, Rarity-Rare Gem, Sunset Shimmer-Shimmer Scale, Fluttershy-Buttercheeks and Rainbow Dash-Sporty Raindrops. Clever names, mostly to give everyone no suspects on them. Meanwhile in the sibblings office Zipp went inside with no troubles, the place is full of items that absolutely or almost no one would buy unless it's get in some sort of a rip off. Zipp found the entrance to the archives but the door was locked. "Is locked? Who locks the door in this kind of place?" She looked for another way to go in and found an vent big enough for her to go in. "Don't think about the bugs... just ina nd out; should be easy" She pulled a chair closer to the vent and opened it with a screwdriver that was just there, conviniently and she managed to go in but getting out was something else; she fell to the ground as soon as she got to the other side. Zipp saw the cabinets where all the files were at. She didn't had time to look on the all so she used a really smart strat to search for things... she just looked on the 'S' that stands for 'Scam', classic, cliché but may work. Zipp found ironically, a folder with that name, unsurprisingly for her. "Sure, hide a very important folder where anyone can find it, no one is gonna look in there" She had to make the joke, even when no one was there to hear that. "You gotta stop talking to yourself, Zipp. Now let's see what these guys are up to" She started reading the folder, at each document she found things they did that absolutely would be seen as illegal; then something about Sweet Apple Acres appears and what they did to gain the rights to clain the property. "Oh no... i have to be quick!" She got all the clues she found and got out just to start running to where the concert is. People were arriving the place, taking seats on the chairs filling every single space. The girls were about to begin the performance with all the instruments ready; as soon as everyone was in their sit, Sunny walked in front of the stage. "Hello everyone and welcome to Save Sweet Apple Acres, i know this is very sudden but this place it's been part of our town for ages and we'd like to keep it" She spoke in the microphone to everyone, who applauds loudly at all of them. "Any donation you'd like to do, please deposit it at the box on the barrel over there. Thank you for your time and enjoy... The Rainbooms" Sunny left the stage and all the Ranbooms started playing their first song, but someone is in the higher zone of th stage; where the lights are; it's Flam who looks down to them smirking while getting closer to one of the lights and started to untie it, as the song continued none saw the sibbing going there; suddenly the light fell down to the stage aside of Twilight, who weren't hit by it for just a few inches, causing everyone to panic. Hitch saw someone moving down from the stage. "Stop right there!" He said while running closer, but the guilty also were running away until he trips with something falling to the ground and losing the track. "Yeah run away... it's the best for you" "Oh no!" Said Flim, who was at the stage. "What a mess, it almost hit one of them; it's lucky that it didn't hit someone in the head or one of them would have died" He said trying to sound worried but it was part of the plan. "If this is how a stage is built, do we want someone to take care of a whole Apple farm? I think not!" Claimed, winnin some of the trust of some of the crowd that was there. "We shall have the terrain and who knows, we can make this place shine again" "Hold it!" Zipp arrived almost exhausted from running. "The Flim and Flam siblings are trying to ruin the charity recollection, and i have proofs of it" "Are gonna believe her? We've been here for longer bringing things that everyone needed" Flam arrived out of nowhere to keep the plan going. "There are no proofs of anything" "Oh, you really think so?" Zipp pulled out the documents she found on the office. "These were in your office and had the details of what you've been doing to gain some of the shops of the town. Like Mrs and Mr Bake Bakery, or one of then antiques shop of the main street... an should i mention the tracking of the Apple trucks?" "You went inside our office, that's illegal young girl" Flim tried to escape by guilting her. "Are you really gonna tell her what's legal and what not?" Hitch walked closer and showed everyone hair and a piece of clothing from Flam. "You both tried to sabotage this, and almost hurt my friends" "Ya don't have guts to come here and let people do whatever they want" Applejack walked closer angry and grabbed both of the siblings by the shirts. "Now leave the farm, let people enjoy the concert and don't ya dare to come over here again... ya got that?" Everyone around were also like Applejack, they knew that it was impossible to calm them down so they yield. "Ok, we got it. Keep the farm, we didn't wanted it anyway" Applejack released them letting them leave slowly under the judging looks of everyone around. The concert went without any more interruptions, with anyone donating the amount of money they wanted to help the farm but at that moment it was possible that the Flim and Flam Sibblings company didn't had validation to own the farm anymore. At the end of it they felt the most relieve ever. "Applejammer, i owe you one for what you did here. To you and your friends." Sulfuric said proudly to Applejack and her friends. "It's nothin' important, we did what anyone would have done" Applejack smiled and small tears run down her cheeks. "I felt like i helped someone from the family" Then Sulfuric hugged her. "I know, i deeply am thankfull to you. Don't forget to come next week for your job; i do count on you apple girl" She wnked and then walked away. "Wow, that is the most beautiful sparkle i've seen" Izzy laid on AJ's shoulder. "it felt almost like something i had but who cares, you got your spotlight and helped a beautiful place to stay in place" Applejack doubted for a moment, but the smile returned to her face. "Yeah... i can say that i saved my family" > Chapter 11: The Little Pipp of Life > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some in the morning like to take a cup of coffee and some want to stay in bed for a few minutes, and then there's Pipp; someone that likes to be always in trend and be trend equally. Checking her media she spots something that happened recently, the Rainbooms in a farm performing, her eyes were wide open and upset walking could be heared ariund the house. "Zipp!" Pipp screamed from outside Zipp's bedroom, who opened the door of the bedroom with her eyes almost closed. "Why didn't you told me about the concert you made in the farm?" "I did... but you were looking your phone so... i didn't told you twice" Zipp voice was low, she was tired after running from one place to another so she laid on bed and wanted to sleep five more minutes... or more time. "Pipp, i'm tired... if you excuse me i want to sleep for a bit" Pipp was not sure about it so she thought. "Ok, i'll let you sleep. But i'm going to make a visit to them and will be 🎵gorgeous🎵" She went to her room to get a bag and everything to visit the Rainbooms, then Zipp woke up and standed up in the door of Pipp to prevent her from going out" "There's no need to go there now, Pipp; they probably be sleeping too after that long concert" She laughed nervously and kept her sister in the room for as long as possible, but Pipp is smaller than Zipp so she squeezed her way out from under her arms. "Do not worry sis, i got this under control; i just think i should congrat them. Do not worry about it" She walked outside the house, but Zipp was to tired to stop her sister from going so she just went back to sleep, it is now problem of the rest. Pipp walked all over the the streets looking for Sunny's house, when she found it she standed in front of the door and knocked. "Comming!" The door opened, it was Sunset who opened, not Sunny. "Oh hey, you're Zipp's Sister, are you?" "Yup, Pipp Petals, but you can call me Pipp" Pipp acted cheerfull seeing Sunset, who had already make up in case of visits. "Are you all alone? Were's the rest?" "They're in Sweet Apple Acres, helping with the cleaning; i'm not there becasue i... overslept. That's on me" It was an excuse, she was the only one who stayed awake the whole night thinking on things on how to make everyone more closer at Canterlot High. "Come in, at least be comfy in the couch" Pipp walked inside and saw all the things Izzy uses for make up and cover the grey skins of the girls. "That's a lot of make up, not even i use that much. Why do you need all this?" Pipp asked to sovler her doubts. Sunset barely panicked and answered without troubles. "It's from Izzy, she likes to try things on people; she's very handy. All she has on handy is left from sneaky, or that's what she says" That was a quick but credible answer. "It's good she reached to do what she likes" "Don't you do the same?" Sunset asked to the phone girl. "I do... but just singing is not enough." Sunset didn't understand what Pipp meant. "Mom always liked attention and as i was always with my phone well... she though it was a good idea to use my voice for convincing people to join clubs and things like that" "Then why aren't you fully happy about it?" Sunset asked. "It makes me happy, singing is my way to relief" She standed up and posed for Sunset, while wavign a bit her hair with the slight breezes that came from the windows. "But is not everything, there was something i was thinking of" She looked for a picture in her phone and showed it to Sunset, a local that is a bit down but can be turned into something better. "Say hi to... Mane Melody!" "Mane? Like from animals?" Sunset giggled. "It's a bit odd name" "Hairstyle Melody was already taken, so i made something more easy to remember" She sat again aside of Sunset and showed the insides. "I have already got the local and the workers, i want to open it in a week and be a hairstyle saloon with some music singed by the workers... but mom may not allow me to work there" "You have to ask her" Sunset remembered her old times. "I used to be a bit different from what i am now, i was mean and did things that weren't... good. But i changed by doing the things i knew i had to do. You can have your hairstyle saloon, and you will get it if your heart really wants it" Sunset placed her hand at where Pipp's heart is, feeling the heartbeats; and not feeling her own, as Pipp has a life now to live and Sunset did hers. Pipp eyes started to let out some tears. "Thank you! Thanks for believing in me!!" Pipp cried out loud, at top of Sunset's shoulder. "You're the nicest person i know" "There, calm down. You're gonna do well." Sunset tried to calm her down to not cry more. "Hey... can i ask you something?" Sunset nod to Pipp. "Why your skin is so cold and feeling like it's all covered in something" "I- it's just that it's cold... yes cold." Sunset standed up for a moment, nervous about what to say. "There's nothign to worry about" "You're hidding something, are you?" Pipp walked closer but Sunset tried to deny it by shaking her head. "You're doing, it's what i do when i hide something from Zipp or my mom" Sunset desperated to make her forget about it, she grabbed her by both hands. "Zipp, believe me; there's nothing to worry about; it's nothing bad. Trust me" "Ok... i trust you" Then Pipp's phone made sound, an alarm was set; she has to head back to home. "Oh, it's my time to go. It was a nice talk, and come someday to Mane Melody if i manage to open it completely. Bye!" She went outisde before Sunset could say something. Back at their home, Pipp walks on the halls while looking at ther phone. But then her mother walked outside of a room. "Pipp, there you are. I've been looking for you" She stepped closer to Pipp and grabbed her by both her cheeks. "Where were you? You got me worried, i need you to practice for this weekend performance at the Halloween Party of Canterlot High" "I know mom, but i was taking care of something else first" Pipp answered a bit worried, but then she remembered what Sunset said. "Actually, i need to talk to you of something". The conversation were calmed for some time... but after the calm, it comes the tempest. "There's no way i'm letting you do that" Principal Haven said firmly not letting Pipp have another choice. "But me singing for the school events was your idea, i think this needs to be mine, for once my idea" Pipp confronted her mother. "It may be yours, but i'm the principal and your mother; so you will do as i tell you" Haven did not hesitate and again made her decision firm. Pipp tried to fight that argument back, but she instead went to her room and slammed the door. Zipp, heard everything and felt bad for her sister, who just wanted to do soemthing different with her life. She went to where her mother was. "Don't you think you've been too rough with her?" "Not you too Zipp, the conversation is over" Haven didn't wanted to talk anymore. "But you don't attention to what she wants or what i do, you shou-" "Zephyrina Storm! What did i just said?" Haven raised her voice towards Zipp, who just stepped back and went to her room. Later that night, Zipp was not able to sleep; she was worried about Pipp and wanted to make sure she was perfectly fine but didn't wanted to wake her just because of that so she tried to keep her eyes closed. In the next mornign Zipp walked over Pipp's room and knocked. "Pipp? Are you ok? I know mom was a bit upset yesterday but, i want you to know that i support you" Nothing but silence from Pipp's room. "Come on sis, are you still sleeping?" Again, nothing more than Silence, Zipp worried opened the door and found that Pipp was not there. "Pipp... what have you done?" To be continued, in the last chapter... (1 Chapter Left) > Chapter 12: Long Gone... Life > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pipp escaped from home, no noises were made and it caught both Zipp and Haven off guard, the discussion they had was too much for her and she went away. Zipp and Haven don't know where to look at, she just leaved without any note or anything to follow her; included her phone... thing that is always carrying. "I can't believe she did this, who's gonna perform at this weekend party? I can't find a substitute now" Haven had other priorities. "Mom, Pipp is missing and you're worrying about a party?" Zipp got upset about her mother. "That's it, i can't take it anymore! You're just so blinded by your work as principal that you don't even let us think what we want to do or to be, like Pipp did" "This has nothing to do with that, Pipp always love to sing so i gave her that; not some work in a hairstyle saloon" Haven voice was upseting for Zipp, so she grabbed a bag and set out to find her. "Maybe that's why she left, because you just gave one thing she wanted." Zipp went outside of home and run to Sunny's house, she arrive in a matter of minutes. Sunny opened the door and found Zipp getting her breath back and sweating. "Zipp, are you ok? Something happened" "It's my sister, Pipp... she's gone" Everyone freaked out. "I better call Hitch and Izzy, we're gonna need help to find her. But what happened?" Sunny wanted answers as it was very strange that someone like Pipp could get lost. "She fled, she was talking to mom about something about a hair saloon or something like that... they started screaming to each other and all i know is that she's not home again" Zipp was visibly worried about her, as she never did something like that; she's more of being just angry for a few minutes and then forget it, but never done something like this before despite being dramatical sometimes. "Pipp... where are you?" "She didn't seemed to be having a bad time when she came here" Sunset said recalling when she was there. "She was indeed very happy after we talked for a moment" "Wait she came here? And you mention it now?" Sunny tried to understand why Sunset didn't told her about this. "There was no need to forget about that and now we could have already looking for her; we have no time to give you the makeup, Zipp and i will start looking for her. Do not go out!" "But..." "Don't go out! We have already enough problems" Sunny cut Susnet and immediatly started looking for Pipp al over the town, they reunited with Hitch and Izzy and everyone were looking for her, even under rocks but nowhere to be seen. "She could be anywhere; we cannot find her in time" "Sunny, i agree; but we cannot let her down. Not now" Hitch tried to calm her. "Of course, if we work as one well have the brightest sparkle" Izzy was as positive as she always has been. "Now let's find her and we will be all as one" Those were the words needed for everyone to recover their strength and enthusiasm. Meanwhile in Sunny's house, Sunset is walking around the room also worried; because this is partially her fault. "Sunset, please, stop running around, there's nothing we can do." Rainbow was calmed, after all she was able to be relaxed without anything to do. Pinkie Pie slapped the back of the head of Rainbow Dash, making her eyes pop out directly to her chest. "Dash, don't be so rough. Sunset feels guilty; a bit of heart wouldn't hurt you" "But Dash is right, it's daylight and we cannot go out or who knows what they would do to us" Fluttershy had a point based on the experience with the hotel of a few weeks back. "Then i just have to get out when it's dark." Confidently, Sunset said with a smikr on her face. "That's a bit of a radical idea, can be also as bad as go in daytime. Would you risk yourself for her that much?" Twilight stepped closer, and touched Sunset's shoulder. "If you want to, we can cover you" "Thank you, all of you... well almost" Sunset thank eveyone but Rainbow who is too much of a passive girl. She waited to the light to get darker so her skin and overall appearance wouldn't scare anyone and just in case she would go hidding in different places to avoid contact with others. It was a good plan, but when she was already far from Sunny's house she realized that if she finds Pipp she has no makeup and doesn't know how she would react, Zipp took it well, Izzy was not amazed and Hitch almost had a heart attack. She would have to be extra carefull. While avoiding others she was trying to remember the conversation she had with Pipp, even recent her brain is not what it used to be when she was alive. Then she remembered abotu Mane Melody, a building that is a bit in ruins but stays still thanks to some work they've made in secret. She found the building and slowly walked closer to it trying to find an entrance, there was one backdoor that was open and after going inside, Sunset heard a mumbling of a song; Pipp was sitting at the front door that was covered with wooden planks. Sunset stayed where the shadow covered her body so Pipp couldn't see her. "I knew you were going to be here, Pipp" Sunset said low to not scare her. "Oh... it's you, the girl of Sunny's house." Pipp cleaned some tears that were in her eyes and looked up. "It was obvious that i was going to be here, was it?" "Well, took me some time to remember but i thought you would be here at last second" An awkward silence flooded the entire room. "So you did told her" Pipp giggled, but it was a sad giggle. "I did... yeah; it didn't go as well as i thought it would. My mother sometimes is close of sight and... why i cannot do what i want as Zipp does?" Pipp were about to start crying again, Sunset wanted to go there and comfort her but couldn't step closer without making her get shocked by her appearance. "Listen, Pipp; i'm going to show you something but you have to keep it as a secret, got it?" Sunset asked nicely and Pipp nod. Susnet stepped into the soft light of the night revealing her greyer skin and reddish eyes. Pipp almost freaked out but hold herself to not scream. Sunset sat aside of Pipp. "My name is Sunset Shimmer and i'm a Zombie, i was a student of Canterlot High many moons ago; me and my friends came back to life by accident because Sunny made a wish" "So you've been acting hiding your real selves?" Pipp eyes widen but hold into her legs, and grabbing with stength her thigh highs. "But how's that gonna help me? I still couldn't convince my mom to let me do other things" Sunset hugged Pipp and cared her head. "You've got a whole life in front of you. Meanwhile me and my friends... our life is now long gone and all we can do now is help Sunny" Sunset cleaned again the tears from her face. "You can still do great things, even have your Mane Melody open." "How are we gonna make it?" Pipp asked just to see Sunset grow a smirk on her face. "Trust me, i have an idea and it just might work" Halloween Day, Canterlot High Gym; Fifteen minutes before the show begins The principal Haven is still worried about Pipp, her star of the show is lost and nowhere to be seen; Sunny, Izzy, Hitch and Zipp weren't able to find Pipp anywhere and told the principal about it, but they also didn't wanted the Rainbooms to interfere as it could make it even worse. Zipp tried to calm down, but she was sat with a drink in hand and stomping her left foot contantly "Zipp, we did what we could. I'm sure she's ok and she will be soon home." Sunny still tried to calm down Zipp once again. "I know she is fine, but i cannot let her be anywhere and came here to see if she could show up but i was wrong" "Zipp!" The Principal Haven walked closer to the group. "Now i see what you tried to say and i regret how i treated your sister. But as she's not here, i guess i shoudl cancel the perforances and just use the music of the Dj" She said sadly and obviously a bit ashamed about her attitude, losing her younger daughter was a rough hit on her. "Cancel it? But what about everyone that practiced for today?" "I gotta be sorry for them, but it's for the best" She said before walking to the stage and grabbing the microphone with both hands tightly. "Attention please, as something have happened recently... i have no other choice, besides of everyone being here and groups; i ahve decided to cancel the-" The lights were all off and then some strange music were playing, one of the doors openned and from there appeared Pinkie Pie, walking like having a broken leg, with no make up and her reddish eyes glowing hard, following her were the rest of the Rainbooms acting almost the same way around someone; Sunny recognized that as how they first encountered her. "What are you girls doing?" Sunny asked waking a bit closer, but getting a wink from Sunset, before returning to the zombie acting. Everyone were a bit pannicking and then they all went up the stage. Pinkie Pie pulled out of her hair a speaker and changed the melody to something more like for an introduction. Sunset took the microphone. "The undead have risen from the dirt... and we're not here to serve ourselves with brains of your kind, but instead to introduce you to who is... our Misstress" They slowly were uncovering the misterious figure they were around. "Behold and hear the song and message from our Misstress; Zombie Queen Pipp Petals" She made way for Pipp as the lights were turned one again, showing Pipp with a lot of make up similar to how all where. Pipp started her new song, with a creepy but melodic voice, this time, the Rainbooms are there as their dance crew. All the panic faded and everyone started vibing with the song, and dancing to it as it was extremely catchy; everyone was dancing to them. Zipp was stunned with no words on her mouth, except for a few. "She had this planned? Why didn't she told me?" "i'm sure she has a reason" Hitch answered bumping her head to the music, but then he realized about something. "Wait, she knows about them, and their state" "I think she does, and she used that on advantage" Izzy pointed at them and the crowd that was dancing, it was a great ambiance, and absolutely everyone was enjoying the music; the Rainbooms where giving their best shot to give the song a dance worth of it. Meanwhile Pipp was still enjoying giving her best singing voice, while making sure her makeup does not fall while singing, a shine in her eyes could be noticed like she was reborn again. When the song ended, everyone cheered them for that awesome performance, applausses filled the gym and they retire for the next group to go, when Pipp walked she recieved a huge hug from Zipp. "Pipp... don't ever go like that ever again! You had me worried to death" Zipp said while some tears run down her eyes. "Also, do you know about..." "Yes, i do! And they gave me the idea of doing this. I appreciate it" She looked into Zipp's eyes ashamed. "And sorry, Zipp, i should have told you... but i was so angry and upset that i needed some time alone" Zipp understood that and hugged again her sister, meanwhile from behind; principal Haven walked closer but keeping her distance after all that happened. "Hi... mom, i'm back" "I saw it, that was certainly a good song" Haven't answered while keeping her voice calmed. "About your... Mane, however you called it; i'm willing to let you do it" "Really?! I can do it?" Pipp voice was a bit happier. "On one condition, that i have free treatment there once a month" She demanded "Deal!" Pipp run towards her mom and hugged her in signal of apology, Haven also hugged her daughter finally reunited and all as it didn't happened, all finally reunited and happy. The Rainbooms smiled at the reunited family, after a few days of chaos, looking for her everywhere. Sunny walked closer to them and looked into Sunset's eyes. "I apologize, Sunset, i should have letted you help us" "It's ok Sunny, don't worry. We did what we could and everything went good at the end" Sunset smirked. "But this is not the end... we still have work to do" Twilight interrupted and marked as a very important point. "We barely got a family to be one, we still have to do it with the whole CHS student boy" "And we will do it darling, we have the best with us" Rarity hold hands with Applejack and Twilight. "We got this!" "Of course, we're gonna rock this and make everything twenty percent cooler" Dash also grabbed hands. "With the help of what i seems to be the next generation of friendship" Pinkie joined the whole group. "No one will do better than us, all of us" Fluttershy closed the circel, with Sunset also there. Sunny joined to them and everyone made a cheer for luck on the next time they get to perform. The next time, it will be the second round; it will be the... Revenge! THE END Will Continue in Zombie Land Equestria: Revenge