The Manehattan Virus

by TheFieldsofIce

Chapters

• Chapter One: Flu Season
• Chapter Two: Containment Fails
• Chapter Three: Ponyville
• Chapter Four: First to Fall
• Chapter Five: The First Wave
• Chapter Six: The Common Angel of Death
• Chapter Seven: Death of Innocence
• Chapter Eight: The Savior
• Chapter Nine: The Sacrifice
• Chapter Ten: Any Day Now

Chapter One: Flu Season

     Twilight was sitting in the library, watching the television, when a news report began. “Now to the world of medicine. Doctors are saying that this year’s flu season will be less severe than usual, due to larger amounts of vaccines. After the approval of a new flu vaccine, by the FDA, stockpiles have been distributed throughout Equestria.” “Well that’s good,” Twilight thought to herself.

     The purple unicorn stood and trotted over to the door. Before she left her horn glowed and the television turned off. As she stepped into the cool fall air, she felt a chill run down her spine. “Let’s make this quick,” she thought to herself, as she began to walk to Pinkie’s bakery.

     It was a nice day in Ponyville. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the leaves were beginning to turn the prettiest colors. The only down side was this cold weather. Twilight looked over to the school and saw the cutie mark crusaders playing in a pile of leaves. Applebloom jumped into the pile and said “Is there anything there yet.” “Nope,” replied Scootaloo. Twilight smiled slightly at the innocent site and continued walking.

     After a few minutes, Twilight could see Pinkie’s bakery. She was hoping that her cake was ready. She continued to trot towards it, and opened the door. “Hia Twi!” exclaimed an excited Pinkie. “Hey Pinkie. Is the cake ready?” asked Twilight. “It sure is!” said pinkie as she pulled a white box out from under the counter. “Thanks Pinkie. Spike’s just been such a big help around the library that I wanted to thank him,” Explained Twilight. Pinkie smiled and happily said “That’s really nice of you Twi!” Twilight smiled as well, and asked “So how much do I owe you?” Pinkie laughed a little and answered “You already paid yesterday, silly.” “Oh,” said an embarrassed Twilight, as she took the box from Pinkie. “Well, it was nice seeing you pinkie, but I better head home now.” “Oh ok,” said pinkie as she went back to work. Twilight exited the bakery and looked around. No pony was outside. It was weird; Ponyville turned into a ghost town in five minutes flat.

     As she walked along she passed the school again. The cutie mark crusaders were no wear to be found. “Where in Equestria is everypony?” she said to herself. It was so eerie to see the, usually lively streets, empty. As she passed building after building, she finally saw somepony. It was Fluttershy, who was on her way to the store. “Hey, Fluttershy,” called Twilight, “Where is everypony?” “Oh, there’s something on the news about a new virus. They’re all home watching,” she answered. “Well what are you doing out?” asked Twilight. “I’m getting somethings just encase. You know how I worry Twi” replied Fluttershy. “Ok, see ya,” said Twilight, as she began walking home, a little faster than before.

     Twilight opened the door to her house and looked around to see Spike watching the news. He looked over to Twilight and said “It’s on every channel. Something about a virus called H5N1… Hey what’s in the box?” Twilight ignored Spike’s question. The moment she heard H5N1 she knew what was going on. Twilight closed the door behind her, laid the white box on the floor, and walked over to the television. She knew about H5N1 from all of her books. She knew what it could do, but she always thought it’d never happen. “I was watching a good TV show too. I mean who cares about-“ “Shhh!” Twilight interrupted, to silence Spike.

     She looked to the television with a blank expression painted on her face, as the reporter spoke. “If you’re just now joining us we’ve just received word that the H5N1 virus has made the jump to become pony to pony transmissible in Manehatten. This means that we have entered pandemic alert phase four.  As of now we suspect there are forty three cases. This virus has worried many doctors because of its high mortality rate of 60%. It is still unclear if this new strain has such a high mortality rate, so there is no need to panic. However the EDC does encourage you get a N95 face mask to slow the spread of this disease. They can be found at most hardware stores… Uh, we’ve just received word that four of the infected ponies have died of the virus”

     “Spike,” said Twilight, whose eyes were still glued to the television, “Get a sheet of paper. I need to talk to the princess.” Spike stood up and did so. As he brought her a piece of paper and quill he said “Why are you so freaked out about this. It’s only the flu.” Twilight levitated the quill and paper out of Spike’s hands and began to write.

“Dear Princes Celestia,

Due to the recent events regarding the H5N1 virus, I would like to be informed of any new news you may have, on the situation if possible.

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle”

     “Send this,” said Twilight, as she levitated the letter over to Spike. Spike grasped it and quickly incinerated the rolled up sheet in a green flame. “Twilight?” said Spike, “Why are you so worried? It’s just the flu right?” “No Spike, this isn’t the normal flu,” replied Twilight, “I need you to do something for me. Ok Spike?” “Ok,” he replied. “You cannot leave the house unless I tell you to.” “What! Why? I was planning on playing with Sweetie Bell later,” complained the young dragon. “No, above all you can’t go near other ponies. Now listen Spike, I just don’t want you getting sick,” explained Twilight. “It’s just the flu Twilight. The flu has never hurt anypony,” replied the purple dragon. Twilight didn’t want to scare Spike, but it looked as if she had to, in order for him to understand what she was saying. “Spike listen to me. If you catch this bug you will die. It’s as simple as that.” Spike’s eyes widened when he heard this. “Wh-What?” he stuttered. “Spike, a lot of ponies could die, and I’m not going to let you become one of them. Twilight then moved forward and embraced Spike. Spike wasn’t expecting her to hug him, but regardless he still enjoyed it. Twilight took a step back and said “Please, just stay here. Ok?” “Ok,” answered Spike.

Chapter Two: Containment Fails

Three Days After the Outbreak

     Twilight rushed through the aisles of the small store, while dodging and weaving past several ponies. She was trying to stock up on everything she could; as it turned out everypony else had the same idea. There were at least a hundred ponies crowded around each other. It was a mad house. “It’s mine!” shouted a blue unicorn, who was yanking a jug of water from a brown pony. Twilight didn’t want any part in this.

     As she approached the hardware section, a pony took ten masks off of the shelf. Then another took five. Twilight ran forward as she saw another pony approaching the shelf. Quickly, she snatched up the last two masks. “No!” yelled the tan furred pony, “I need those!” She was clearly infuriated by Twilight’s actions, but Twilight didn’t care; she needed them for her and Spike. If either of them got sick, not only would they likely die, but they’d also infect the other.

     As Twilight hurried to the register, she quickly grabbed a pack of bottled water and a few cans of soup. She knew it wouldn’t be enough, but she wanted to get out of the panicked store as soon as possible. Twilight turned a corner to see a large line at the registers. There were at least ten ponies in each line. She glanced over them and walked over to the shortest one. “Let go!” screamed a familiar voice; it was Rainbow Dash. She was fighting with a grey colored Pegasus, over a jug of water. Twilight’s horn gleamed a bright purple as she levitated it out of their hooves. She moved it just high enough that neither could reach and then lowered it to Rainbow Dash. “Hey! What’s your problem!?” yelled the, seemingly short tempered colt. “She’s my friend! That’s my problem!” Twilight snapped as she turned back to the line. “Hey listen you!” demanded the colt as he pushed Twilight to face him. She abruptly turned around as her horn began to glow once more. There was a purple gleam around the Pegasi’s snout, which held his mouth firmly shut. “No, you listen! You don’t mess with my friends! You got that?!” Twilight tightened her magical grip on the colt’s mouth and let go. He huffed and walked off.

     “Thanks Twilight,” said Rainbow Dash, who was walking towards her. “No problem Rainbow.” “Hey, you’re up,” said Rainbow Dash as she pointed a hoof to the register. “Oh,” replied Twilight. All of the commotion had distracted her from the line she was in. She then trotted over to the register and laid her items on the counter. The cashier, who was wearing a mask, began quickly scanning away. “Oh, Rainbow Dash,” called Twilight, “If you want to come over later feel free, ok.” Rainbow Dash turned back to her friend and said “Ok. Thanks Twi.” The blue colored Pegasus then turned away from Twilight and trotted over to some shelves. “That’ll be thirty four sixty,” said the cashier. Twilight quickly turned her attention to the golden furred pony. “Oh, yes,” she said as she levitated some golden coins out of her saddle bag. She placed them on the counter and said “Keep the change,” as she picked up her things and hurried out of the door. Just as she did so two more, frantic, ponies rushed past her. “I hope Spike’s ok without me,” she thought to herself. She didn’t want to leave the young dragon alone, but she needed the masks, actually they both did.

     The streets of Ponyville were full of ponies running in and out of stores, carrying many items. Some were wearing white face masks, most weren’t. It was a complete mad house.

     Twilight entered the library and saw Spike watching the television. He was watching the news, of all things. She assumed that what she had told him the other day had sunk in. “Hey Spike. I have the masks,” Twilight said as she closed the door behind her. Spike didn’t listen; he was just too fixated on the news story. Twilight just trotted past him and walked into the kitchen. She laid down what she had bought onto the counter, but took the masks with her. She then trotted over to Spike with the two respirators in her mouth. She dropped one next to him, which caused him to jump. The sound of the plastic packaging hitting the floor had frightened him slightly. “Sorry,” said Twilight, who still had a mask of her own in her mouth.

     She sat down next to Spike and began to open her mask. As she worked she looked up to the television and curiously listened to what the news reporter had to say. “This brings the official death toll to eight hundred fifty seven. As of today the virus has been spotted in Canterlot, with fifty four cases, Fillydelphia, with twenty five cases, and of course Manehatten with one thousand seventeen cases. This means that all containment measures have failed. Also now that we can understand the scale of the epidemic we have an idea of the kill rate of the virus. The EDC has stated the mortality rate, as of now, to be between sixty and seventy percent. Now this can change due to mutations of the virus or based on the individual it infects. Healthy ponies between the ages of fifteen and thirty five are most at risk.”

     “We’re next,” Spike said quietly. Twilight put her hoof around the little dragon and warmly said “I hope not, but if it does come I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” Spike smiled, very slightly, and moved closer to Twilight. As the pair watched the reporter continue, there was a knock at the door. Twilight, who had already opened her mask, placed it over her snout and said “Spike put yours on.” The little dragon didn’t think twice about the request, and quickly opened the packaging. It was quite easy, given his rather sharp claws. After a moment of peeling away the plastic, Spike lifted the mask to his face and fastened the straps. Twilight looked over at Spike to make sure he was wearing his face mask, and opened the door. She only opened it a crack, to see who was there. It was Rainbow Dash, who was wearing a mask as well.

     “Hey Twi,” she said in a soft tone, similar to that of Fluttershy, “Can I come in?” “Of course,” replied Twilight as she fully opened the door. Rainbow Dash slowly walked in and over to the television. Spike eyed her carefully and scooted away a few inches. Twilight closed the door and made her way over to the two of them. “So, what is it Rainbow Dash?” asked Twilight. “Oh, it’s just… I’m scared, to be honest. I just didn’t want to be alone right now.” “I understand.” Twilight laid down on her stomach, which was soon followed by Rainbow Dash. “I’m just really worried about Cloudsdale getting hit next. I mean every Pegasus goes there. So who’s to say one of them doesn’t have it?” Twilight glanced at Spike then she looked over to Rainbow Dash. “You could stay here if you’d like, but I have a feeling that after a while anyplace will be as good as Manehatten.” “God, I hope not. I hope we will find a cure or something ASAP.” Twilight looked down for a moment and replied, in a quiet voice “It takes six to nine months to make a vaccine Rainbow. The only cure is prevention.” Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened. “Six to nine months!?” she exclaimed. “Yes,” answered Twilight. “By then billions of ponies will be dead!” “I know.”

     As Twilight and Rainbow Dash spoke the news reporter said something; something Rainbow Dash dreaded, but knew was coming. “A patient in Cloudsdale has tested positive for the avian influenza virus. I repeat a patient in Cloudsdale has tested positive for H5N1.” Rainbow Dash just stared at the screen. She didn’t want to believe it. “I’m so sorry Rainbow Dash,” said Twilight in a sympathetic tone. “It’s ok,” replied Rainbow Dash, “I knew it was coming, sooner or later I knew it would.”

     The new reported continued to explain about the patient, as the two ponies had their brief exchanging of words. “The patient’s name is not being released yet, but he is in his early twenties and in critical condition.”

     “Why is this happening?” asked Rainbow Dash, who had repositioned her, sad, stare at the wooden floor. “I don’t know,” answered Twilight.

Chapter Three: Ponyville

Six Days After the Outbreak

     Rarity, Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash were all standing around a table in Twilight’s kitchen. They were all wearing white face masks; as they discussed how to protect themselves from the virus.

     “If we quarantine Ponyville we’ll cut off all shipments to our stores. The businesses would go bankrupt,” said Rarity. “If we don’t everyone will die and then surly your businesses will close down!” instantly remarked Rainbow Dash. “I say don’t quarantine the town,” began Twilight, “Listen if we seal ourselves off it would only buy us a few weeks. One way or another it’s coming.” “If it’s not already here,” Fluttershy quietly added. “But we need those few weeks!” snapped Rainbow Dash. “We also need the shipments to prepare for what lies ahead of them,” replied Twilight. Rainbow Dash slouched down, with a sigh of defeat. “The borders stay open. I’ll go inform the mayor of our decision,” announced Twilight.

     Just as she turned to walk towards the door, Spike sprinted into the kitchen and said, in a panicked tone, “It’s here! It’s in Ponyville!” “What!” exclaimed Twilight as she walked towards him. “They just said it on the news,” Spike added. The little dragon then turned and quickly walked back into the library, with everypony following behind him. Sweetie Bell and Applebloom sat a few feet from the television. They were both wearing the white facemasks, as they heard the news they hoped they never would.

     “The avian flu, or Manehatten virus, has been spotted in the town of Ponyville. Three cases have just been admitted to the town’s local hospital. All three patients are in critical condition. This now brings the official number of known cases to six thousand eight hundred ninety six with four thousand two hundred eight dead. The EDC wishes us to remind you that the symptoms of H5N1 are similar to that of the seasonal flu; aches, pains, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, and diarrhea. But this virus can lead to; acute respiratory distress, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, viral pneumonia, respiratory failure, shock, altered mental state, seizures, failure of multiple organs, such as the kidneys and liver, which ultimately results in death.”

      “Oh my god,” Rainbow Dash said quietly. Applejack laid her hoof onto Twilight’s shoulder and said “I don’t think the mayor will be needing to know our decision anymore Twi.” Twilight just stared at the hard wood floor and quietly replied, “Yeah.”

     Spike looked over to Sweetie Bell, who seemed to be taking the news rather well. Then he looked over to Applebloom, who looked as if she’d just seen a ghost. Spike moved a little closer to her and asked “Are you ok?” Applebloom looked up at him, with tears in her eyes, and said “We’re all gonna die, aren’t we?” Spike was a little surprised by the young pony’s words. “No,” he answered as he reached out to hug her. Applebloom saw this and quickly pulled Spike into a full embrace, as tears began to stream down her cheeks. Spike was a bit surprised by her sudden action, but still continued to hug her regardless. He knew this would be one of the few, if not last, times he’d be with the little filly.

     No other ponies noticed the display of friendship taking place at their hooves, not even Applejack or Twilight. They were all just too fixated on what the news reporter was saying. Every word he spoke seemed to be like something straight out of a horror story. It was truly terrifying, and it was at their front door.

     After a moment Applejack looked down at Spike and Applebloom, after hearing her sister sobbing, and sat down next to them. Spike broke the embrace and the two of them looked over at a sympathetic Applejack. “Hey, it’s ok,” Applejack said warmly, “I won’t let anything happen to you.” It seemed that her comment was directed at Applebloom, but Spike assumed that it included him as well. Applejack then lifted her mask, leaned forward, and kissed Applebloom on her forehead.

     By now Twilight looked down at the three of them, but didn’t say anything. “Now,” said Applejack, “Let’s head home. Ok sis?” “Ok,” replied Applebloom. Once the filly had stood, she turned back to Spike and gave him another hug. “Bye Spike.” “Bye Applebloom,” he replied. “See ya everypony,” said Applejack as she opened the door.  And with that the two ponies left the library.

     “I think I’ll be leaving too,” announced Rarity. “Me too,” said Fluttershy. “Me three,” said, a flat haired, Pinkie. Rainbow Dash was the only one who didn’t speak; she wasn’t about to go back to Cloudsdale, things had gotten much worse over the past few days. The news reports said that Cloudsdale had over one thousand infected ponies and seven hundred, or more, dead. It was probably more.

     “Ok, bye everypony,” said Twilight as her friends poured out of the library. “So, where do we go from here?” asked Rainbow Dash. Twilight looked over at her and answered “I don’t know. And Rainbow Dash, before you have to ask me, the answer is yes. You can stay here, until this thing blows over.” A smile began to break across Rainbow Dash’s face as she lunged forward, at Twilight. The unsuspecting Twilight almost fell over at the sudden embrace. She raised her hooves up and placed then around her friend. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” squealed Rainbow Dash. “It’s ok. With all of this going on I don’t want you so far away.” Rainbow Dash broke the embrace, but quickly gave her one last hug. “Thank you,” she said once more. Twilight smiled at her and said “You’re welcome.”

     After Rainbow Dash had trotted upstairs to make her accommodations more “permanent”, Twilight walked over to Spike, who was still watching the news and sat down next to him. “What you an Applebloom did was really sweet,” began Twilight. “Well she’s my friend,” replied Spike, who didn’t take his gaze off of the screen, “I’d do that for any of them.” Twilight smiled just hearing this from her number one assistant. “When did you grow up so quickly?” asked Twilight. “When you told me about this virus,” answered Spike. Twilight’s smile began to fade when she heard this. “It’ll be ok,” assured Twilight. Spike broke his gaze from the television, to look at her and said “I know.” The two just stared at each other for a second before Twilight took off her mask and quickly kissed Spike on the forehead. “I love you, Spike.” Spike was quite shocked by this course of action, but replied “I love you too, Twilight.” He, of course, meant it as a friend. Twilight just smiled at him, before she trotted off to her room.

     Spike looked back to the television, but to him it was as if it were muted. His thoughts were all he could hear. “She meant it in the friend way. She must have! I mean come on it’s Twilight! She couldn’t… She can’t… Oh god. What if she does? This can’t be happening!” As Spike’s thoughts ran wild the voice of the lavender unicorn called his name, from the second floor of the library. Instantly he snapped out of his thoughts and replied, “What is it Twi?” “Could you come here a second?” she asked. Spike’s face went pail. “S-Sure,” he answered, with his voice cracking slightly.

     The little dragon walked into Twilight’s room to see her lying on the bed reading one of her books. The cover of it read “H5N1 the Next Pandemic”. “So what is it?” asked a curious, and slightly fearful, Spike. “Oh, I didn’t see you there,” said Twilight as she laid the book down. “I just saw the way you and Applebloom were today and was wondering if you had a crush on her, or something.” “No! We’re just friends,” lied Spike. “Oh my god she does like me!” he thought to himself. “Ok, ok,” said Twilight, “I was just a little curious after that.” It was clear to Spike that the lavender unicorn was trying to hide a smile from him, as she picked her book back up. “Should I just ask her? Or maybe tell her how I feel about Applebloom?” he thought to himself, “On second thought screw that!” “Spike?” asked Twilight, “What are you doing?” Spike instantly snapped back to reality and answered, in an embarrassed voice, “Oh, sorry. I just zoned out, for a second. You know day dreams.” “Oh,” replied Twilight, who was secretly hoping it was about her.

     As the little dragon walked out of Twilight’s room he thought to himself; “I’m so screwed.”

Chapter Four: First to Fall

Twelve Days After the Outbreak

     “This brings the official estimate to forty thousand infected ponies, with twenty three thousand dead. Also there are now confirmed cases of H5N1 in three countries other than Equestria. This means we have now entered pandemic alert phase six; meaning a global pandemic is imminent. All ponies across Equestria are being urged to was their hooves regularly, cover their snouts when they cough or sneeze, wear N95 face masks, and to take other precautionary measures.”

     Twilight couldn’t take it anymore; every day the news just got worse and worse. So she picked up the remote and turned off the television. “Are you ok?” asked Spike, who had just entered the room. Twilight was a little startled, but turned around and replied “Yeah, I’m fine.” Of course she was lying. In all honesty she was terrified of what was to come. Spike could tell when she was lying. After all he’d known her for all of his life. So the Spike walked over to his friend and wrapped his arms around her. “It’ll be ok Twilight,” comforted Spike. Twilight put a hoof around Spike and pulled him closer. “Spike,” she said as she looked down at him. The little dragon looked up at the lavender unicorn and replied “Yeah?” “I’m supposed to be taking care of you; not the other way around.” “Yeah, well sometimes you need a little taking care of Twi.” The unicorn smiled a little, closed her eyes, and nuzzled her neck against the dragon’s. Spike smiled slightly during Twilight’s warm embrace, but then it crossed his mind that Twilight may not think of this as a friend hug. After, what felt like a minute, Spike broke Twilight’s embrace. As he pulled away, he saw two purple eyes staring into his, with a look he’d never seen in them before.

     Spike didn’t know what to do; he’d had a crush on Applebloom for the past few months, but it appeared that his best friend was in love with him. Spike took a step back, as Twilight shot him a warm smile. “I-I have to go do something,” Spike said in a nervous tone. “Oh, ok,” Twilight replied, slightly disappointed. The little dragon then walked away from her and up the stairs.

     ‘Oh come on Twilight! He’s right there, just tell him!’ Twilight thought to herself, ‘I have a crush on you Spike, I like you Spike, or I love you! Is it really that hard?’ The lavender unicorn let out a sigh of disappointment, once the little dragon was out of her sight. “I love you Spike,” she whispered quietly.

     Spike was in his, and Twilight’s, room, lying in his bed, just thinking. ‘Oh god. What do I do?’ he thought, ‘I wish she would have told me this a few months ago. I was head over heels for her then.’ Spike never told anyone, but his emotions flip flopped a lot. It began with Rarity, who he liked for a year. But after trying to impress her for so long, he gave up on that endeavor. Next was Twilight. He tried to help her a bit more than usual and would do everything to get her to notice him, but it seemed that she was more involved with her books than her emotions. So once again Spike moved on to somepony new. This time it was Applebloom. She appeared to be the only one who actually noticed him, but he wasn’t sure she noticed him in the same way he noticed her. It was a hectic whirlwind of emotions and speculations.

     As Spike continued to sort his thoughts, he heard the phone ring. Not thinking much of it, he continued to think. Then after a minute Twilight called “Spike, could you come here for a minute?” in a somewhat distressed voice. The little dragon’s ears perked up and he jumped out of his bed. He wondered what was wrong as he rushed down the stairs. His feelings had been set aside for whatever was troubling his friend. Spike stopped at Twilight’s hooves and asked “What is it?” Twilight had a very sad look on her face. “That was Lyra. Bonbon died last night.” Spike covered his mouth and said “Oh my god.” “Lyra’s taking it pretty hard,” added Twilight. “Should we go visit her?” asked Spike. “No, Lyra thinks she’s sick too.” Spike, who’s eyes began to water, was about to say something, when the phone rang again. Twilight trotted over to it and lifted it to her ear. “Hello?” “Hia Twi,” said Applejack, “Turn on the TV. It’s on every channel.”

     “Spike,” called Twilight. The little dragon was still in a bit of shock after hearing of Bonbon’s death. Even though they weren’t friends, he still knew the pony. “Spike,” Twilight called again. Spike was knocked out of his daze this time. He looked up at her and Twilight continued. “Turn on the TV.” Spike nodded and walked over to the remote. As he pressed a button, the television flicked on. Princes Celestia was sitting at a desk, with the flag of Equestria behind her.

     “These will be some very trying times, but I can promise you my staff and I will do everything we can to ensure your safety. Which is why as of today all schools in Equestria have been closed, all public gatherings have been suspended, with the exception of church, and all military troops have been reassigned to keep order during this crisis. My fellow Equestrians, please know we are all going to help you through this pandemic, in any way we can. Thank you and good night.” The camera then zoomed out and switched back to the news broadcasts.

      As Celestia finished, Spike looked up to see Twilight, who had hung up the phone, standing next to him. Twilight looked down at the little dragon and took in a deep breath. She knew things were going to get very bad, very quickly. So she didn’t want to wait anymore. She had to tell him. “S-Spike,” she nervously stuttered, “I’m not sure how bad things are going to get, but I want you to know something. I’ve wanted to tell you this for a while.” The lavender unicorn paused and sat down next to him. Spike didn’t need to hear the words that came next. He already knew what they were. “I love you.”

     Those three words would have made Spike’s life complete a few months ago, but now, it was as if they were mocking him. He hated himself for how he felt, and what he had to say.

     Twilight smiled at him, hoping he felt the same way about her. Spike’s face however didn’t change. He wasn’t shocked, he wasn’t happy, he was sad. He looked up into her eyes, that seemed to cut deep into his soul, and took her hoof. “I wish so badly that you had told me sooner.” Twilight’s smile was quickly erased as Spike continued. “I loved you. I loved you so much, but you seemed more interested in your studies than me… Twilight, I’m so sorry, but I’ve moved on.”

     Twilight lifted her hoof out of Spike’s hand and took a step back. “Oh god. Oh god. I’m so sorry Spike,” she said as tears began to well up in her eyes. “I-I-I have to go,” she stuttered. Spike looked down with a very depressed look on his face and replied “It’s ok. Go ahead.”

     Twilight turned and ran up to her room trying not to break down in front of the one she loved. She was seconds away from bursting into tears. When she reached the door, she closed it behind her and began to cry.

     Even though the door was shut, Spike could hear the sobs of his best friend. The little dragon just sighed and continued to think to himself. ‘I just told someone who I’ve cared about all of my life, and who really does love me, that I don’t love them. What’s wrong with me?’

Chapter Five: The First Wave

Twenty Days After the Outbreak

     “Over three hundred thousand ponies have been infected with the H5N1 bird flu, and over one hundred eighty thousand have died. After the death toll reached one hundred fifty thousand, princes Celestia has requested routine house to house body pickups and is asking that if somepony dies in your home, you wrap them in plastic and lay the body in front of your house. In other news there have been several riots at hospitals in Canterlot and Manehatten, demanding that the stockpiles of Tamiflu be released to the general public. A dozen arrests were made in Canterlot with twenty three in Manehatten.”

     Twilight and Spike sat on opposite ends of the room watching the reporter speak. Though they were afraid of what lies ahead, the most pressing thought on their minds was what had happened last week. Spike still found it very hard to believe that Twilight cared about him in that way. “I tried calling Lyra. There was no answer so I’m assuming that…” said Twilight, who was trying to break the awkward silence; however her conversation choice could have been better.

     Spike just looked at the ground. He knew it would happen sooner or later, so he’d already come to terms with her passing.

     As Spike thought to himself the phone rang. The little dragon stood and walked over to it. The wooden floor was cold on his feet. Spike grasped the sleek, cool, object and lifted it to his ear. “Hello?” he asked. “Hi Spike,” replied a weak Pinkie Pie. She let out a cough and asked “Is Twilight there?” Spike was a bit shocked. ‘No, no, no, not her!’ he thought. “Spike?” she asked. The little dragon snapped out of his daze and answered “Yeah, just a second Pinkie.” He turned to Twilight and held the phone out to her. His face was pail and blank. “It’s Pinkie,” he said in an emotionless tone. Twilight stood and trotted over to her assistant, instantly registering that something was wrong. Twilight was a little scared of what she might hear, as she took the phone. She lifted it to her ear and Spike watched as the color left her face. “Hey Twi,” said Pinkie, who paused to cough again. It was rather violent. “Hi Pinkie,” replied a fearful Twilight. “Twi, I have it, so does mister and misses Cake. The twins are fine. They’re-“ Pinkie paused to cough and then continued. “They’re staying with their grandmother. I just wanted to let you know… And see if you could help.” “I’m so sorry Pinkie, but I don’t know many medical spells. Besides, I think the only treatment is Tamiflu, and I can’t make that.” Twilight felt horrible having to tell her this, but it was true. “Oh, it’s ok Twi. I just wanted to see if-“ Pinkie paused once more to cough. It seemed to last longer than the others. The pink coated pony continued to cough, but when she tried to catch her breath she couldn’t. Twilight was terrified. It sounded as if her friend was being choked to death. “Pinkie?!” she asked in a loud, almost screaming voice. The only response was a loud, persistent, cough. After a few seconds the pony finally caught her breath. She looked down on her chest, to see a few drops of blood splattered on it. “Oh god. I have to go Twilight,” she said rather frantically. “Ok,” replied Twilight. Just as she was about to tell her good bye Pinkie hung up.

     Twilight just laid the phone down and sat next to the table. “Pinkie, Mr. Cake, and Mrs. Cake are all going to die. They have it.” Spike walked over to Twilight and laid a hand on to her shoulder. The lavender unicorn jerked her head up and looked into Spike’s eyes, with tears beginning to fill hers. “You don’t know that Twilight,” Spike comforted, “The mortality rate is 60%, so one in three will li…” Spike stopped there after realizing what this meant. “So two of them are going to die if we’re lucky,” replied Twilight, who was beginning to cry now. Spike found himself with tears starting to form in his eyes, as well. He didn’t want to believe it, but Twilight was right. Statistically, only one would live, if they were lucky.

     The little dragon sat down next to Twilight and wrapped his arms around her. Twilight instantly pulled Spike into a full embrace and began to sob, heavily. “It takes six hours, so I’ll call them tomorrow. Then we’ll know for sure, but let’s just pray until we know. Ok?” suggested Spike. “Ok,” replied Twilight. The pair just held each other, for what must have been several minutes, until once again, the phone rang.

     Spike reluctantly broke the embrace and wiped away a few tears of his own. “I better get that,” he said, trying not to cry. Twilight, who was still crying, nodded to him. The little dragon stood and lifted the phone off of the table. “Hello?” he asked. He heard somepony sobbing on the other line. The voice sounded like it was Mrs. Cake. “Hey, Spike,” she managed to say in between a crying fit, “Is Twilight there?” Spike could already guess what she was going to say, he just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. “She’s in pretty bad shape right now. What is it?” he asked. Mrs. Cake sniffled a little and let out a cough. It sounded exactly like Pinkie’s first one. “I really should tell this to Twilight myself,” she replied. “Trust me, it’s ok. You can tell me,” assured Spike. Mrs. Cake sniffled again and brought herself to say it. “I went up to check on Pinkie and… She’s dead.” After hearing those words Spike dropped the phone. He thought he could handle it, but hearing it for himself was different than assuming it. His hand just seemed to have lost all feeling. “Hello?” asked Mrs. Cake, “Spike?” It took the little dragon a minute, but the little dragon finally bent down and picked up the phone. “Yeah,” he said while trying not to break down into tears. “Spike,” she began, “I just want to say god bless you.” “God bless you too Mrs. Cake,” replied the baby dragon, who’s voice was beginning to crack.

     Spike just laid the phone down and turned to face Twilight. She already knew what he was about to say. It was obvious. “Twilight, Pinkie died.”

Chapter Six: The Common Angel of Death

Thirty Two Days After the Outbreak

     “As of today the H5N1 virus has claimed one point five million lives and has infected over two million ponies. In other news the EDC has just announced that their initial assumptions on how long the pandemic would last were wrong. They thought that like all pandemics this one would run its course in ninety days. Now here to explain this is Dr. David Maneston.” The camera panned over to show a dark furred pony wearing a face mask. “Now doctor why has the EDC changed their mind?” asked the reporter. “Well,” began the doctor, “previously all pandemics have only ninety days before they began to plateau, but with avian flu this is completely different.” “Why is that?” “Well the reason all pandemics burn out in ninety days is because it’s infected so many ponies that the more ponies have immunity than those that don’t. Well this is a problem with avian flu, because of its high mortality rate. To put it simply it’s killing at such an alarming rate that nearly everypony who catches it dies, and the key to gaining immunity is to get infected and live.” “But that’s not happening.” “I’m afraid not. With the viruses’ current mortality rate we expect avian flu won’t plateau after a certain day, but after a certain number of ponies are dead.” “So how many is that?” “From what we can tell around forty to sixty percent of the population would need to have immunity. And since it kills seventy percent of those infected we expect the number of dead to be around two point nine billion to four point five billion.” The shock on the reporters face was clear. “So in order to have forty percent of the population with immunity over three billion would have to die?” “That is correct. Yes. However the pandemic wouldn’t be over. It would just stop progressing. It could go on for six months or more after it peaks. So the total loss of life could be somewhere around four point five billion, or sixty four percent of the population. ” “So almost two out of three are going to die?” “Yes, that is correct.” “So how long will it take for the pandemic to peak?” asked the reporter. “Around one hundred fifty days until it peaks and one hundred eighty to two hundred fifty until it ends all together. But we expect to have a vaccine in ninety days. Hopefully it won’t mutate before then.” “Mutate?” “That’s when the virus has a few of its genes manipulated by coming in contact with another virus or by shifting over time. It’s the reason why we need a new flu vaccine every year. Basically if it mutates we’d have to start over on all of our vaccine research, because in a way it’s a different virus; a slightly different virus, but none the less different.” “So how do you think the people will react if your worst case scenario comes true?” “I’m not a psychologist I study viruses, but I would expect riots, mass looting, murder, rape, martial law, quarantines maintained with lethal force, closed hospitals, detainment without cause, and millions upon millions of unburied bodies. After a while the virus will be the least of our worries.” “Closed hospitals? How can they do that?” asked the reporter. “Well we have a limited supply of antiviral drugs and we’ll quickly run out of Tamiflu, which is the only treatment of H5N1. Plus the hospitals are only built to hold a few thousand ponies at the most. They could never handle two thirds of every city needing to be put in ICU.”

     Twilight was adjusting her dress when Spike walked into the room. It was plain, black, and made of a silk-like fabric.

     Spike was wearing a small suit with a red bow tie. The tie wasn’t exactly fitting, due to its bright shade, but it was the only one he had. The young dragon looked up at Twilight and thought she looked rather nice, and then he remembered what they were dressed up for.

     Twilight’s ears perked up slightly, when she heard something. There was the sound of hoofsteps coming down the stairs. The two looked in the direction of the sound to see Rainbow Dash, who was still staying with them. She had on a black dress, as well, with lace along the edges. “I’m ready,” she said in a hushed, emotionless, tone. “I am too,” replied Twilight. The lavender unicorn then looked down at the little dragon and asked “What about you?” “Me too.”

     Rainbow Dash walked over to a small table, by the door and picked up a white face mask. She lifted it up to her snout and put the loops over her ears. Twilight and Spike did the same. “Ok let’s go,” Twilight said to the two. The lavender unicorn slowly extended her hoof and opened the door. The cool air instantly hit everypony’s face. Twilight stepped out of the library and began towards the town church. Spike locked the door and closed it behind them.

     The three slowly trotted down the streets of Ponyville, with Rainbow Dash and Spike walked on each side of Twilight. No one spoke; no one wanted to.

     “Get off of me!” shouted a blue furred pony, who was being arrested. The three just ignored it and continued walking. Several ponies were out in the streets trying to get whatever they may need; however most didn’t acquire them legally. Suddenly a pony darted out in front of them; she was carrying a television. “Hey!” shouted an officer. “Just ignore it,” Twilight quietly said to her two friends.

     As the three continued down the path they saw where the mare had taken the television from. There was an electronics store with the front window shattered. Glass covered the streets in front of it. “We’re almost there,” Twilight quietly assured them.

     The church was finally coming into view. There were several ponies gathered around it. There would have been more, but some were sick, some were scared, and many were dead. After all Pinkie Pie did know everypony in town. Everypony loved her. Twilight knew it was going to be hard to say good bye. Pinkie was such a lovable pony. She had always found a way to put a smile on her face. This thought made Twilight’s heart sink like a rock. She felt as if she was going to break down at the doors of the church.

     Suddenly Twilight felt a hoof on her shoulder. She looked over to see Rainbow Dash looking at her with the same expression. Twilight quickly wrapped her hooves around Rainbow Dash’s neck and brought her into an embrace. They both began to cry.

     Spike just looked at them. He didn’t feel anything for Pinkie. It just hadn’t hit him yet, that she was really gone.

     Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, princess Celestia walked up to the three of them. “Hello Twilight,” she said sadly. Twilight and Rainbow Dash instantly broke their embrace and looked up at her with tearful eyes. Her majestic mane waved in the windless air, as always, and her eyes were just as tearful as hers, but there was one thing different about her; she was wearing a N100 respirator.

     Twilight quickly began wiping her tears away as she looked up at her. Rainbow dash, who was still crying slightly, began to bow. “No,” Celestia said sternly, trying to hold back one emotion with another. “Don’t bow. Not now.” Rainbow Dash lifted her head up and began wiping away her tears.

     “Princess Celestia, I thought you were busy in Canterlot,” said Twilight. “I was, but I told them any papers that need to be signed they could do it themselves. This was far more important.” “As did I,” said another familiar voice. Princes Luna, who was wearing a mask as well, stepped out from behind her sister and said “I wish I could see thou on better terms, but I feel as though I needed to see thigh Pinkie one final time.” “Of course,” replied Twilight. “Perhaps we should go inside,” suggested princess Celestia, as she gestured a foreleg forward. The lavender unicorn sniffled slightly and replied “Yes, we probably should.”

     The church was full of ponies. It took Twilight a minute before she finally saw one of her best friends. It was Applejack. She was sitting at the front of the room with her head hung and a tissue in her hoof. “Over here,” said Twilight, as she jerked her head in her friend’s direction. She, and the rest of the group, began to trot towards her.

     Twilight rested a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder, which caused the tan pony to look up at her. Her fur was soaked with tears; the rest was covered with a surgical mask. “Hey AJ. How are you holding up?” She looked back down and answered “I don’t know.” Twilight sat down next to her and said “Hey, it’s going to be ok.” “God Twilight I love your optimism. Keep that lie alive ya here.” Twilight was a little shocked at her friend’s words. “W-What?” she asked. “We’re all gonna die Twi. Open your eyes. This is it.” “Applejack, no. Don’t say that.” “Pinkie was just the first of us. But rest assured that the reaper will come to each of our homes. Except he won’t be dressed in black; the angel of death shall wear white. Your friends are the cause of your demise Twilight. So it’s time to loosen your, false, grip on what you hold dear. Friendship is dead!” The tone of Applejack’s words caused a few ponies to look at her, including Rainbow Dash and Princess Celestia. “Are you ok?” asked Twilight as she placed a hoof onto her friend’s shoulder. “Don’t you touch me!” she shouted. A few more ponies cast their gaze in the their direction. “Applejack it’s ok.” The tan furred pony quickly slapped Twilight’s hoof off of her shoulder. “I said don’t touch me!” “Uh Applejack,” began Rainbow Dash, who was sitting next to Twilight, “Are you ok?” Applejack didn’t reply; she just seemed to look straight through her friend.

     The tan furred mare’s eyes began to roll back. Then suddenly she fell to the floor. “Oh my god!” shouted Twilight. “Somepony call nine one one!” screamed Rainbow Dash. Twilight knelt down by her friend and laid the back of her hoof onto her forehead. It was at least one hundred six degrees and soaked in sweat. “She’s burning up!” Princes Celestia and Luna walked over to the mare not exactly knowing what to do. “They said that they could get an ambulance here in thirty minutes!” called a voice from the back of the room. Just then, Applejack’s head began to jerk back and forth and her legs kicked and spasm. “She’s having a seizer!” yelled princess Celestia, in a fearful voice. Twilight rested her hoof behind Applejack’s head, so she wouldn’t hit it on anything. As she held her white foam, with some red mixed in with it, began to ooze out of Applejack’s mouth. “We don’t have thirty minutes!”

Chapter Seven: Death of Innocence

Forty Two Days After the Outbreak

     Twilight’s eyes slowly opened, to reveal a bright operating light above her. The room she lay in was completely white, with a few exceptions here and there. The exhausted pony slowly lifted her head up a little to see a large glass window covering one wall. She couldn’t see much through it, but she could see the outline of a familiar friend; Spike.

     Twilight moved her hooves to stand up, but she felt something holding them down. She instantly looked to them and saw a white strap tightly fastened on each of them. “S-Spike,” she called in a barely audible voice. The purple dragon didn’t move a muscle; he just continued to stare at her, with his arms crossed.

     Twilight was beginning to gather her bearings and examined the room once more. The first thing she noticed was that she was strapped to a large metal table. Next she looked over to her left to see two silver sinks next to a tray of surgical equipment laid out onto a small table. They seemed to shine in the light of the operating lamp.

     Suddenly a door opened at the back of the room and two ponies, wearing white hazmat suits, walked inside. The helmets they wore had a gold tent, to their faceplates, to hide their faces.

     Twilight wanted to scream, but she couldn’t; it was as if the air had been pulled right out of her lungs. The first pony to enter walked over to the tray of surgical equipment and picked up a syringe. He then lifted up a vial and filled the needle with a clear liquid.

     Twilight cringed and tried to flail her legs, but her restraints wouldn’t give. She wanted to buck the needle right out of the pony’s hoof, because whatever was in it; she knew it couldn’t be good. The purple furred mare looked over to the window to see Spike still watching the two proceed. He gave a quick nod and Twilight felt a sharp pain in her foreleg. She looked over to see the needle being driven into her skin. “No!” she screamed, “No!” But it was too late; the pony pressed down on the plunger and the substance entered her blood. “No!” she screamed once more.

     She didn’t understand. Why would Spike be watching this? Why would he tell them to do this? What was happening? This couldn’t be real.

     Suddenly Twilight’s eyes flew open, as she shot forward to sit up in her bed. She let out a gasp and panted slightly. This was the most scared she’d been in a long time; and probably the worst nightmare she’d ever had. Instantly she could feel her cool, damp, sheets around her lower half. She was in her home; not in that nightmare-ish hell. That’s when she looked over to see Spike sitting on the side of her bed. “Are you ok?” he asked, “I heard you talking in your sleep.” Twilight just stared at him. After what she’d just seen it as understandable that she was a bit squeamish at first. “Twilight, it’s ok.” Spike leaned forward slightly, which caused the lavender mare to back away. “Twilight, nothing is going to hurt you.” Spike spoke warmly which caused Twilight to ease up slightly. She inched closer to her assistant and he did the same. Spike slowly extended a hand and laid it onto the upper part of Twilight’s rear leg. The lavender unicorn didn’t flinch, but instead she moved a little closer to him. Spike looked deep into Twilight’s purple eyes and said “I promise nothing is ever going to hurt you.” Twilight found her face leaning forward ever so slightly, as did Spike’s. They were only inches away from each other, when Twilight paused slightly. This caused Spike to, quickly, lean forward and finish it. Twilight was shocked when their lips met, but it had been just as she’d always dreamed. The kiss lasted a few more seconds, before Spike slowly pulled away. The young dragon had a loving smile on his face, as well as a slight blush. Twilight had a look of shock instead, but she did however share his blush.

     Suddenly Twilight felt a sharp pain in her chest. She quickly looked down to see what the source of her pain was. She couldn’t believe it. There before her eyes was the same needle that the pony in the suit had used on her. Whatever was in it was already flowing through her heart.

     Twilight slowly lifted her head to face Spike, but it was rather difficult. It was as if her entire body was having a muscle spasm. However she did manage to face the purple dragon. He had a demented smile painted on his face. “Nothing, except for me,” he said in an evil, twisted, voice. Twilight had a look of disbelief. She could feel her nerves slowly shut down as she twitched and jerked. It was incredibly painful. She began to lean to her side and slowly she laid back down. Her eyes were wide with terror and one question resonated in her mind; why?

     Twilight’s eyes finally opened, for real this time. She knew this world was real. Everything was much more detailed than the others. However, just like in her dream, the sheets were cool and damp. She slowly slid out of them and sat up. When her hooves met the cool wooden floor, it caused a shiver to run up her spine.

     Twilight looked over to the window to see that it was already light outside. She then cast her gaze at Spike’s bed to see that it was empty. The sheets were even made. Twilight assumed that he was downstairs making breakfast. The lavender mare stood and walked out of the room. Despite her dream she still wanted to see Spike; the real Spike. She knew seeing his sweet, innocent, face would banish any fears she had of him. The true Spike she knew, and loved, could never do such a thing.

     As Twilight walked towards the stairs, she heard music coming from Rainbow Dash’s room. This caused her to wonder if Spike was with her, so she quietly opened the door and peaked inside. Sure enough Spike and Rainbow Dash were lying next to each other; on her bed. Twilight grew a bit suspicious, and bluntly barged in. The pair looked up at her and Spike quickly reached over to turn off the radio. “No,” said Twilight “I like this song.” It was one she hadn’t heard in a long while; Carry On My Wayward Son by Kansas.

“Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man

Though my mind could think I still was a mad man

I hear the voices when I'm dreaming

I can hear them say

Carry on my wayward son

There'll be peace when you are done

Lay your weary head to rest

Don't you cry no more.”

‘I wish my dreams told me that, instead,’ Twilight thought to herself. “It takes you back. Doesn’t it?” asked Rainbow Dash, in a calm voice. This knocked Twilight out of her thoughts and also eased her suspicions; fore if they had indeed been fooling around or something like that, Dash’s tone would be at least a little nervous. “Yeah, it does,” replied Twilight, “I haven’t heard it in ages.”

     As Spike eyed Twilight, he began to notice things; like a tone in her voice and the bags under her eyes. “Nightmares again?” he asked. Twilight just nodded. “Do you want to talk about it?” “No,” Twilight bluntly replied, in a slightly hushed tone. “Hey, we’re both here for you Twi,” assured Rainbow Dash. Twilight smiled slightly and said “Thanks guys.” Rainbow and Spike both returned the halfhearted smile.

     Just as the silence was beginning to turn awkward, Twilight heard the phone ring. “I’ll get it,” she said. The lavender mare then turned and trotted out of the room.

     Twilight lifted the cool, sleek, surface to her ear and asked “Hello?” “Oh, hi Twilight,” replied an easily recognizable whisper. “Hi Fluttershy. What is it?” “Oh well I was just wondering how everypony in town was doing. Has the flu even hit there yet?” Twilight was a little shocked by her question. Had she really not seen what had been happening to Ponyville? All of the horrors, the fears, and the death. “Fluttershy, how long have you been at your cottage?” asked Twilight. “Oh, ever since the outbreak. Why?” Twilight was stunned. She had no idea how to tell her what had happened. “Yes Fluttershy, it’s here,” Twilight finally replied. “Oh dear, is everypony ok?” she asked, in her, usual, innocent voice. Twilight just paused, trying to think of what to tell her, but she knew she just had to say it. “Fluttershy, you may want to sit down.” “What is it Twilight?” she asked with growing concern. “Bonbon, Lyra, Pinkie Pie, Mr. Cake, Mrs. Cake, and Applejack are all dead.” Fluttershy couldn’t proses what she’d just heard. She just sat there, unable to speak. Right about that time, Spike and Rainbow Dash walked into the room.

     Suddenly there was a loud crash and the line went dead. Twilight assumed that the yellow furred mare had just dropped the phone. She knew she would, if this was the first she was hearing of it.

     Twilight slowly hung up the phone and turned to face her friends. “It was Fluttershy,” she informed them, “I told her.” Twilight slowly trotted away from the phone and sat down in front of the television. Her horn glowed and the dark screen came to life.

     “As of today the EDC estimates that thirty two million ponies have been infected with nineteen million dead. The EDC would also like to assure the public that they are all working as hard as possible to find a vaccine. In other news, the riots in Canterlot were brought to an abrupt end after police officers began firing upon civilians. As many as twenty ponies may be dead. All of the officers involved have been suspended without pay and will be tried for their murder. However the riots in Cloudsdale, Manehatten, and Fillydelphia are still on going. There have been scattered reports that police have been firing on ponies in all three cities as well, but none have yet been confirmed.” Oddly, the reporter’s face, abruptly, went blank for a moment, as he read the teleprompter. “Uh, we’ve just received word that Princess Celestia has fallen ill with the avian flu. As of today all political duties will be handled by her sister Princess Luna.”

     Twilight’s mouth was agape. “H-How?” Rainbow Dash laid a hoof onto her shoulder and said “I’m so sorry Twilight,” in a sympathetic and sad tone. The purple mare was seconds away from bursting into tears when suddenly the phone rang. “I’ve got it,” announced Spike, who was doing his best to hide his emotions. He walked over to the small, wooden, table and lifted the phone off of its charger and asked “Hello?” He heard what sounded like a young filly coughing violently, and then he heard something that made his blood run cold. “Spike, please help me,” begged, a weak, Applebloom.

Chapter Eight: The Savior

     Spike couldn’t believe what he was hearing; Applebloom was sick. The little filly whimpered slightly and coughed some more. It sounded so violent. “S-Spike,” stuttered Applebloom, “Granny Smith and Big Macintosh are dead.” The little filly started to cry again, but was cut off by another cough. “Please Spike, help me.”

     “Spike?” asked Rainbow Dash, who had a hoof around Twilight, “Are you ok?” The little dragon didn’t respond, he just continued to stare in shock. “Spike, what’s wrong?” asked Rainbow Dash, with concern growing in her voice. For whatever reason, Spike snapped out of his daze and answered, with his back still turned to her, “Granny Smith and Big Macintosh are dead. Applebloom is sick.” Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened and her mouth dropped. Twilight, on the other hand, didn’t even flinch. It was as if she didn’t hear him, or her brain wouldn’t proses his words.

     “Spike? Hello?” asked Applebloom. “Y-Yeah, I’m still here.” “Spike, there’s something I need to tell you,” said Applebloom, before she began to cough again. “What is it?” Spike asked, while trying not to burst into tears. “I wanted to tell you this sooner, b-but I don’t think I’ll get another chance.” The little filly then began to cry a bit more. “Hey don’t talk like that.” “Spike,” she paused a moment and continued, “I love you.” Spike couldn’t hold it in anymore; he began to sob more than he ever had in his entire life. “What’s wrong?” asked Applebloom. Spike sniffled and replied “I love you too,” before he broke down into another crying fit.

     Those four words instantly registered with Twilight. She just stared at the back of the dragon’s head, with a look of loathing, sadness, and most of all pain. ‘I love you,’ Twilight thought to herself.

     Rainbow Dash was a bit shocked by all of this, but what shocked her most of all was the look on Twilight’s face. She’d never seen anything like it before. Then it hit her; Twilight loved Spike. All of the little things she’d been noticing for the past few weeks finally made sense. “T-Twilight, are you-“ Rainbow Dash was suddenly cut off when Twilight stood and said “Excuse me for a moment.” The lavender mare then trotted off to her room. Rainbow Dash could hear the hurt in her voice, but she didn’t know what to do.

     Spike slowly hung up the phone and walked over to the door. “Spike what are you doing?” asked, a concerned, Rainbow Dash. “I’m going to help her,” “No! If you go out there you’ll just get infected too. The best thing you can do is talk to her.”

     Twilight was lying on her bed, occasionally wiping away tears, and thinking to herself. Thinking of all the things she could have told Spike, all the things she could have done differently, and three words she should have told him sooner. Unfortunately it was far too late for any of this; and she knew it.

     Twilight couldn’t take it anymore; she just had to get her mind off of things, so with a glow of her horn she turned on the television. The screen displayed the seal of the World Health Organization with a blue background.

     “We interrupt your regularly scheduled programing to bring you a special report by the World Health Organization.” The screen then switched over to a tall pony standing at a podium. Several cameras were flashing around him. He had a very fearful look on his face.  

     Twilight could instantly tell something was wrong. “Hey guys!” she called, “Come see this!” A moment later Spike and Rainbow Dash came trotting up the stairs. “What is it?” asked Spike. Twilight just pointed a hoof to the television.

     “We have just received word that the H5N1 virus has mutated. The mutation was spotted in Hoofington, Equestria. It is unclear at this time weather this strain has a higher mortality rate or easier transmissibility, but so far all fifty seven ponies that have been infected died. This new strain is also likely to require a second vaccine, based on its current gene make up. However it appears that dragons, and all reptiles, are immune to both strains of the virus, due to the different cell receptors in their lungs.”

     Spike’s eyes instantly lit up after hearing those words. He quickly looked over to Rainbow Dash, who was already eyeing him. She gave him a quick nod and he left the room. She figured it’d be best that she didn’t tell Twilight after what she’d seen earlier, besides she was too fixated on the news to even notice.

     “With this new strain, we expect no vaccines will be available for the next five to six months, which is long after the pandemic is expected to peak. So we still encourage you to stay indoors and to wash your hooves regularly. Simple steps like that could save your or somepony else’s life.”

     Twilight’s horn flared up and the television flicked off. Rainbow Dash assumed that she was about to pull out a book, or something, so she turned to walk away. “No,” called Twilight, “Please stay.” The blue furred mare turned back to face Twilight and trotted over to the bed. She sat down next to her, and was about to speak, when Twilight began. “Rainbow Dash, I just want to say that I’m glad you’re here. I mean I know I have Spike and all, but it’s still good to have one of my other friends here during all of this.” Rainbow Dash was a little surprised by her friend’s kind words, which made her feel a little guilty for keeping a secret from her. “Well, thank you Twilight. That’s really nice of you to say.” Twilight forced a smile and then looked down at her hooves. “Listen Rainbow, I think you should know something.” She paused for a moment and added, “I like Spike.” The blue coated mare faked a shocked look and replied “Really? I had no idea.” Right at that moment Rainbow Dash was thinking to herself ‘thank god my element isn’t honesty.’ Twilight looked back to her friend and continued. “Yeah, it’s true. I told him a few weeks ago and you know what he said? He said he did love me, but I was so interested in my studies that I never noticed him. So he gave up. The messed up thing is that I was studying so much because I was trying to think of something else besides him.” Twilight looked away from her friend as a tear rolled off of her cheek. “I was scared. I could have done it, but I didn’t. Well it’s too late for that now.”

     Rainbow Dash was truly beginning to understand all that had happened, even a little more than Spike did. “Gosh Twi, I’m so sorry.” “It’s ok,” replied Twilight, “what happened happened.”

     Spike stepped inside the house at sweet Apple Acres and immediately he could feel how cold the house was. The next thing he noticed was how quiet it was. Then he heard a cough. “Applebloom?” he called. “In here,” answered a weak filly. Spike quickly darted down the halls and found the room of the one he loved. He stood in the doorway for a moment, just looking at her. She didn’t seem as bad as he was expecting; she actually looked better than she sounded on the phone. “Hey,” he said, with a small smile beginning to form. “Hey,” replied the filly, who was returning his smile.

     Suddenly Spike darted over to her and wrapped her up in an embrace. “I missed you so much,” he said as tears began to roll down his face. Applebloom was beginning to cry as well. “I missed you too.”

Chapter Nine: The Sacrifice

Fifty Days After the Outbreak

     Spike was standing in the kitchen of Applejack's home, preparing Applebloom something for lunch. She had asked for a daisy sandwich, which was actually turning into a slight problem. There were always daisies outside so that was simple enough, but bread; bread was a problem. After a few days the grocery stores were emptied, bread was one of the first things to go.

     The little dragon placed a few flowers onto a plate and then he made his way over to the sink. He knew he didn't have to, but washing his hands had become a bit of a habit. Nowadays it was a rather good habit.

As he scrubbed his scales, Spike glanced up at the window and gazed upon two small crosses. The memory of digging those graves would be burned into his mind forever. But what he'd probably remember the most was the smell; that awful smell.

"Spike?" called Applebloom.

The young dragon snapped out of his daze. "I'm coming."

     Quickly, Spike shook the water off of his hands and picked up the plate. The little dragon walked down the hall and into Applebloom's room, to see her sitting up in bed. She had been watching the television. The little filly looked up at him with a slightly sad expression. It was as if she were trying to hide her feelings about something.

"So what's the death toll now?" asked Spike as he laid the plate onto her lap.

"One hundred fifty million infected with ninety five million dead."

"Dear god."

Applebloom looked down at her plate and then back to Spike. "Hey, where's the bread?"

"There wasn't any. Not even the stores have some."

"Oh." The filly paused for a moment. "Spike, I tried calling Sweetiebell when you were out and Rarity answered. She sounded like she'd been crying. I asked to talk to Sweetiebell and she said 'Twilight should tell you.' I may be a filly, but I still know what that means." Applebloom's lips began to quiver slightly before she broke down crying.

     The little dragon moved the plate aside and quickly wrapped her into an embrace. "I'm so sorry." Applebloom would have said something, but her sobs quickly choked off any words she tried to utter. The little dragon quickly kissed Applebloom on the forehead.

"I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Okay?"

The little filly just nodded in reply.

Spike pulled away from their embrace slightly and began to lift her head up until her, tearful, eyes met his. "Applebloom, I love you."

Those words helped calm the filly's crying, but it was no wear near enough to stop it entirely. "I love you too," she replied in between a sobbing fit.

     Spike was about to pull her into another embrace, when suddenly the phone rang. The little dragon looked over to it and lifted the cool surface to his face. "Hello?" he asked.

"Spike you need to get to the library now!" cried a frantic Rainbow Dash.

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Spike, Twilight has it a-and she's real bad. Y-you need-" Rainbow stopped speaking for a moment to let out a few tears. "Just get here now."

     Spike's blood ran cold at her words. He'd always dreaded hearing this, but he always assumed it'd never happen. After all Twilight was a very smart and careful pony.

"Spike?" asked a still crying Rainbow Dash.

The little dragon snapped out of his daze when he heard his friend's voice. "Y-yeah, I'm still here."

"Just hurry. Okay?"

"Okay."

      The little dragon slowly hung up the phone and just stared off into the room. His blank and pale face instantly let Applebloom know something was wrong.

"Spike?" she asked.

"T-Twilight has it."

     Rainbow Dash ran through the library with a glass of water and a bottle of vitamins. She was wearing a N95 respirator, a yellow raincoat, and a pair of latex gloves, which were duct taped to the coat. Obviously she was taking no chances after what she'd seen happen to Pinkie Pie and Applejack.

"Rainbow?" called a weak Twilight.

"I'm coming Twi," she said as she walked into the lavender mare's bedroom.

      Twilight was lying in her bed with at least five blankets atop her. She was sweating a lot, but would always insist that she was cold. Her eyes were blood shot and had large bags underneath them.

"Here you go," Rainbow Dash said as she lifted the cool glass to the mare's lips.

Twilight took a few sips before stopping to cough. The blue coated Pegasus began to move the glass back to her lips, but the lavender unicorn moved her head away; showing she'd had enough.

     "I'm glad to see you're awake Twi," said a teary eyed Pegasus. "Hey, I also brought you something." The blue mare lifted up the bottle and quickly unscrewed the cap. She poured a few of the golden colored tablets into her hoof. "I know it isn't Tamiflu, but vitamin D is the next best thing we have." Rainbow Dash slowly moved, a trembling hoof, forward to Twilight's mouth. The unicorn opened it in response. The blue mare carefully placed the tablets into her friend's mouth and quickly reached for the glass of water. "Here, you'll need to take them with this." She moved the glass to her friend's lips and the lavender mare  took a few sips, but soon she turned her head away.

     Just as Rainbow Dash placed the glass onto Twilight's night stand, she heard the sound of the door opening. Quickly, she jumped up and ran out of the room.

"Stay here. I don't want you to see this," said Spike to Applebloom, who was standing next to him and wearing a white face mask.

"Spike!" called Rainbow Dash, "Up here."

     The little dragon wasted no time and quickly bolted up the stairs. He'd been bracing himself for this ever since Rainbow Dash told him about his friend, but he feared nothing could prepare him for this.

"How did she get sick?" he asked.

"I'm not sure. I think it happened when she went out to the store the other day. We were running low on water so she went to get some."

"Did she have a mask?"

"Yes."

"Then how…" The little dragon trailed off the second Twilight came into sight. He wasn't expecting anything like this.

"Hey Spike," she said in a barely audible tone, with a slight smile forming on her face.

"Hey Twi," replied the little dragon as tears began to form in his eyes.

"I missed you."

"I missed you too Twilight."

     The little dragon slowly made his way over to her bed and sat down beside her. Gradually he moved a hand under her neck in a half way decent attempt at a hug.

"Hey Spike?" asked Twilight.

"Yeah?"

"I need to tell you something."

"What is it?"

The purple mare attempted to sit up, but was having a bit of trouble. Spike saw this and helped her up the rest of the way.

"Thanks Spike… You always were my number one assistant." Twilight smiled at him slightly, but Spike didn't return it. He was just too scared to smile.

"Spike, what I wanted to tell you is just encase something happens to me-"

Spike quickly cut her off there. "Hey don't talk like that. You're going to be just fine."

"Spike please. You need to hear this," begged the lavender mare.

"Okay Twi," Spike said as a tear began to roll down his cheek.

     "Spike, I know you don't think of me in the same way, but I just want you to know that I love you. I always have. You were always there when I needed somepony, you were always on my side no matter what, and you've always been my best friend. And I want you to know that I'm sorry for all the pain I've put you through. Please, can you forgive me?" A few tears began to roll off of Twilight's face when she finished.

     The little dragon lifted the mare's head slightly closer and looked into her tearful eyes. "Twilight, I've always loved you and I still do. And yes I forgive you." Spike couldn't hold his emotions in anymore; he began to sob at that very moment. Twilight couldn't resist letting a few tears of her own out.

     "Spike you don't have to lie to me. I know you d-" Twilight was quickly cut off when Spike suddenly pressed his lips to hers. The lavender mare was quite surprised by the sudden display of affection, but needless to say, she enjoyed it. It was just as she had always dreamed of, but she only wished it was under better circumstances.

     Unknown to the two of them, was the fact that Rainbow Dash and Applebloom had been watching the whole time. The little filly just stared in shock, but quickly walked away. Spike didn't mind Rainbow Dash being there, but if he knew Applebloom was there, he may not have been so straight forward with Twilight.

After a long moment, the little dragon slowly pulled his lips away from hers and said "Twilight, I do love you."

The lavender mare was blushing and had a look of pure shock on her face. "Sp-Spike, Th-That… I love you too."

The little dragon smiled slightly, through a mask of tears, but it quickly faded, when suddenly, the lavender mare began to cough very violently. She turned her head away from Spike, but he still held her in his arms.

     "Twilight? Are you ok?" he asked with tears still flowing like a river. Unfortunately, his only reply was that relentless cough, and it seemed to be getting worse. Suddenly Twilight began to gasp, but it sounded like no air would enter her lungs. "Twilight?!" Spike yelped with fear mounting in his voice.

     Quickly, Twilight looked backed to Spike with the most horrified look he'd ever seen. Her eyes were wide with terror and her mouth kept trying to take in any air she could, but none would reach her lungs.

    "Twilight!" Spike screamed, as he bawled more than he ever had in his life. He'd never been this scared before.

     The lavender mare just stared at him with eyes wide and pupils shrunk in fear. Then, just as quickly as it had started, the gasping stopped. Twilight's eyes continued to stare into his, but they seemed cold, like something was off. "Twilight?" Spike asked while still sobbing heavily. There was no reply, but that same cold stare. "Twilight!?" Still there was no reply. "TWILIGHT!?"

Chapter Ten: Any Day Now

The Manehatten Virus Chapter Ten: Any Day Now

Sixty One Days After the Outbreak

     Spike was lying under the sheets of Twilight’s bed, just staring into the lavender mare’s eyes. Neither could help but smile as Spike ran his fingers through her mane. And neither wanted this moment to end, because it was truly perfect.

“Hey Spike?” asked Twilight.

“Yeah?” replied the little dragon.

“I want you to know something.” Before Spike could Speak, Twilight leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. “I love you.”

Spike blushed a little. “I love you too.”

For no apparent reason, Twilight’s face lost its happy expression. “And Spike, there’s something else.”

The small dragon looked all little confused. “What is it Twilight?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

     Suddenly the little dragon’s eyes flew open. To his disappointment, the mare in which he cared so much for was nowhere to be seen. All that greeted him was the darkness of Twilight’s bedroom. “Tw-” Spike stopped himself before he was able to speak her name. Fore he had just remembered where she was and what had happened.

     The little dragon gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, trying to hold back another sobbing fit. He’d gotten better at doing so, but needless to say it was still hard.

“Spike?” called Rainbow Dash, from the first floor.

The little dragon wiped away a few tears that were forming, despite his protest. “Yeah?”

“Could you come down here?”

“Sure.” Spike paused to clinch his eyes shut once more. “Just a second.”

     The little dragon arose from his bed, after a moment more, and began walking towards the staircase. He lazily walked down it and turned towards Rainbow Dash.

“What is it?” he asked.

The blue mare looked over at him. “Spike, you may want to sit down.”

Spike let out a slight sigh of despair. “Who’s dead now?”

“They just announced that princess Celestia has passed away. Princess Luna is sick and… They’re not sure if she’s going to make it.”

“How’s Rarity? Applebloom told me that Sweetie Belle had it so I…” Spike trailed off when he saw the blue Pegasus slowly shake her head. “Oh.”

“I haven’t heard anything from Fluttershy, but I think she’s just on lock down.”

“Or she killed herself,” mumbled Spike.

“What was that?” asked Rainbow Dash as she curiously leaned forward.

“Nothing.”

The blue mare eyed Spike for a moment, but decided it was best to continue the conversation. “So is Applebloom still mad at you?”

The little dragon shifted around slightly. “Gosh I don’t know. To be honest I don’t really care either. I’ve been with Twilight my whole life and I felt like it was the right thing to do.”

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. “So you did like her?”

“No. Uh yes. I don’t know.” The little dragon sat down on the staircase and placed his head into his hands. “Is it possible to love more than one pony?”

     Rainbow Dash wanted to make a joke about Spike’s statement, but decided it wasn’t a good idea. Instead she took a minute to come up with a good answer.

“Well I guess so… But if it really was love, you would know exactly which one you wanted to be with.”

“It’s a little late to choose,” mumbled Spike.

     Despite Spike’s hushed tone, the blue coated mare was able to understand what he had said this time. She didn’t know how to reply to that. It was obvious the young dragon was heartbroken, but Rainbow never was the best at dealing with this kind of thing.

     Regardless the blue coated mare trotted over to Spike and rested her flank on the step. Slowly she put a foreleg around Spike in a halfway decent hug. Suddenly the little dragon leaned into her embrace and wrapped his arms around her. This caught Rainbow Dash off guard. “I just miss her so much!” wept the little dragon. The blue mare hadn’t noticed it before, but Spike had been crying the whole time; he was just doing his best to hide it.

Rainbow Dash pulled the little dragon in closer to her and said “Spike, I know. I miss her too. We all do, but she wouldn’t want us to spend our lives mourning over her; she’d want us to move on, but never forget.”

Spike looked up at her, with tearful eyes, and asked “How can you move on, but not forget about somepony that you cared about so much?”

The blue mare wiped away a few tears of her own and looked back down at the little dragon in her forelegs. “With time.”

     Applebloom was sitting on the floor watching the television in Rainbow Dash’s room. She’d been sleeping in her room ever since she started staying at the library. The small filly was actually a little glad for this, to be honest. After what she saw Spike and Twilight do, she needed a little time to cool off. However Applebloom did feel somewhat guilty about being so mad at Spike; after all it was the last time he’d ever see her again.

     Despite how she felt, the little filly didn’t want to ponder her thoughts at the moment. She just needed something to get her mind off of everything whizzing around her head. So she turned up the volume on the television and paid a little more attention.

“With the current number of infected being so high, the Equestrian power agency and, newly appointed, princess Cadance, have decided to begin power rationing. This is simply because there are not enough workers to keep the lights on. So if your power goes out you can expect it to be back on in six hours to four days, depending upon where you live.

In other news the Manehatten virus has claimed three hundred seventy million lives and has infected six hundred fifteen million ponies. Now health workers at the EDC are saying that if the pandemic keeps at its steady rate, it will soon surpass the number of ponies small pox has killed all throughout history. And it has already killed three to six times as many as the horrific nineteen eighteen pandemic, but it is still nowhere near its projected peak.”

     Applebloom couldn’t listen to this anymore. She had gotten her mind off of things, but this was only replacing guilt with fear.

     The little filly quickly stood and clicked a button on the television, which caused the screen to go dark. Applebloom then trotted out of the room and over to the stairs, to find her friends. She looked down the steps to see Rainbow Dash holding Spike in an embrace at the bottom step. ‘You’ve gotta be kidding me’ she thought to herself. The little filly let out a silent huff and began to turn away, when something caught her ear. It sounded like crying. Then all at once it hit her; they weren’t doing anything romantic, they were mourning.

     Applebloom began to feel guilty for her previous assumptions, and decided to go make up for them. So she silently trotted down the staircase and sat down next to Spike. “Hey,” she said softly. Both Rainbow Dash and Spike looked over to her with tear drenched faces.

The blue mare stood and looked down at the two. “I guess I should leave you too alone,” said Rainbow, who was trying her best to stop crying.

     Neither protested as the blue furred Pegasus walked away, because in all reality they did need to be left alone. Instead they just looked at each other with sorrowful faces. This went on for several more seconds, before they both spoke. “I’m sorry.” The two looked at each other for a minute more, not expecting either to say that, much less at the same time.

Applebloom let out a sigh and decided to begin first. “I’m sorry for being such a jerk lately… It’s just what I saw… Never mind.”

Spike laid a hand onto the little filly’s hoof. “I know, and I’m sorry Applebloom. I know nothing will ever make it up to you, but something told me that I was never going to see Twilight again and I didn’t want to see her go brokenhearted. I mean she’s always been there for me,” The purple dragon paused for a minute, trying to hold back another sobbing fit. “And I couldn’t watch her go without making her happy one more time.”

Applebloom sniffled a bit, as she tried to hold back some tears of her own. “I know Spike, and I forgive you. I mean if I were in the same situation I’da probably done the same thing.”

Spike smiled slightly as a thought crossed his mind. “So you would have kissed Twilight too?” he joked.

Applebloom wiped away a tear and let out a small laugh. “Shut up. That’s not what I meant.”

     After a moment of, well needed, laughter the pair just looked at each other with tearful eyes and halfhearted smiles. It only took a second before neither of them could take it anymore; they both leaned forward into a kiss. It was longer than the one Spike had shared with Twilight, and for this he was grateful, because in that moment he realized who he really did love.