The four mares disengaged from the hug with happy smiles gracing their faces. Looking around AppleJack could see how fatigued and worn out everyone was. The two younger mares looked like they might pass out from exhaustion and Rainbow didn’t seem to be in much better condition.
“C’mon everyone we better get back to the farm. I got some cider stored in the cellar we can have” AppleJack said straightening out and looking at the other three mares.
“Brilliant idea AJ!” Rainbow exclaimed suddenly alert with a face eating grin on her muzzle.
AppleJack shook her head chuckling. That mare had way too much enthusiasm when it came to drinking cider.
“Yeah let’s go ah could use a little rest” Applebloom said.
The four began walking back to Ponyville. It really was an idealistic day. There was barely a cloud in sight and it was warm without being overly humid. It being the middle of summer nature was abundant. There were birds flying overhead, insects crawling in the bushes and a wide selection of flora.
But that picturesque landscape was shattered when Ponyville came into view.
Scootaloo squinted spotting the town first. “Hey guys, What’s going on down there?” She asked pointing a hoof.
Confused AppleJack, Applebloom and Rainbow Dash looked to where her hoof was pointing. Even from the distance they were from the town they could see many ponies running, talking and panicking.
“We better see if they need any help” Rainbow said dashing away from the other mares. The gave chase and soon the four made it to the entrance of the town.
“ Wh- what happened?” AppleJack said in shock.
Most of the main market in Ponyville was in disarray. Almost all the stalls had been turned over and some were crushed. A large area of scaffolding had been toppled. The builders gathered around it looked anything but happy and cheerful. Sugarcube corner was relatively undamaged despite it being right in the middle of the chaos. Bet Discord was loving this.
The mares, confused at what had happened continued on into the town. As they passed they got a lot of stares and they could hear ponies muttering behind their backs but going eerily quiet in front of them.
Rainbow leaned over to AppleJack. “Why are they looking at us like we just spat at Celestia?” She whispered in her ear.
“Ah dunno, Just keep walking and we can find out what happened” AppleJack replied.
They walked until they ended up near twilight’s tree. Upon seeing it all the mares mouths fell open. The tree had a massive hole in it where a cart had smashed into it. The cart was almost torn in half and debris was scattered across the road.
“YOU!” A loud shout suddenly rang out from behind them causing all four mares to jump and Rainbow to almost take off. Recognising the voice as Twilight’s Rainbow began to turn.
“Twilight that was so not coo…” She trailed off after seeing the look on Twilight’s face. Rainbow wouldn't be surprised if she got a sword and chased them around with it she looked so angry. She literally had small vents of steam coming from her ears and a vein throbbing below her eye.
“DO YOU STUPID FEATHER BRAINS HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU JUST DID!” She fumed looking ready to kill.
Rainbow stepped forward. “What are you talking about?”
“OH I DON’T KNOW, MAYBE THAT CHASE WHERE YOU DESTROYED HALF OF PONYVILLE!” Twilight exclaimed irritably.
The four mares eyes widened as they realised how stupid they had been. How could they not put the two together?
“Ahh ponyfeathers” AppleJack sighed while looking around to see Rarity’s boutique on fire with a now blackened and charred Rarity striding towards them.
She almost facehooved at that.