Prompt: A natural disaster strikes Ponyville, and there’s nothing anypony can do to stop it.
Applejack cried bitterly over the remains of an apple tree. The view around her was devastating. Miles and miles of splinters, apple pulp, and leaves floating on a feet of water brought the flood to the farmer’s memory.
Nopony knew exactly what had happened. How could a dam break so suddenly? A monster’s attack, maybe? Was it poorly built? Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter anymore.
Applejack had been the first to react. When she had heard Dash screaming, warning of the flood she had ran to the village with her brother pulling a sandbag-filled cart.
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“Push!” screamed Applejack. “We hafta resist! We hafta alter its course!”
Taking advantage of a little gorge in the path between the lake and the village, unicorns and earth ponies joined together to create a wall, using everything the could find. Rocks, sacks, and other things moved hectically, held in multiple telekinesis auras and strong hooves, while every single pegasus tried to create enough wind to divert the water.
The idea, of course, came from the most dependable pony in Ponyville.
“It’s working, AJ! It’s working!” Rainbow screamed from above. “Flitter! More wind! We need lateral force!”
Yes. It was working. All of the water was being diverted to the side path. Lots of eyes watched Applejack, Big McIntosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith with perplexity. Lots of eyes who knew where that path ended.
After all, the side path was the quickest route to Sweet Apple Acres.
When the last drop of water went away, everypony broke into applauses and cheers. Maybe the Apples did too in a little moment of euphoria. Certainly, Applejack didn’t remember it. Then there was silence. Feeling watched by everypony, the Apple family left slowly the improvised dam, walking to their farm.
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Ponyville had been saved almost entirely at the expense of the Apple family lifestyle. Even if Ah could go back, Ah know Ah would do the same, thought AJ, but it hurts a lot. We’ll need years to raise everything again. Years to grow the trees again. Ah don’t think Ah’m strong enough for this.
Suddenly, she heard a little splashing. Looking to the horizon, the splashes became massive hoofsteps on the water. Against the light of the sun she could see the silhouettes of a multitude that trotted towards the orchard. When the got closer, Applejack started recognizing them.
Wings, horn, and short mane: Twilight was in the front, levitating hundreds of tools.
Spiky mane, wings, and hooves that didn’t touch the floor: Dash flew besides Twilight, and behind her, Ponyville’s full weather team.
Puffy mane, happily skipping: Pinkie carried a banner.
Soft and droopy mane, and wings: Fluttershy commandeered an animal army that carried building materials.
Elegant poise, and raised horn: Rarity had behind her hundreds of ponies, paid in full with her own bits.
Behind those five, towering over them, two smiling princesses, dressed as workers. And behind the princesses, a complete village. When they got closer, Applejack could finally read Pinkie’s banner. It said: “Let’s rebuild the Apple family farm party.”
AJ ran with tears in her eyes and hugged her friends.