Trinity

Faster.

It was the only thought Thunderlane could process. Faster. Faster. His brother held on for dear life as he rocketed back towards Ponyville, towards home.

"Thunderlane... I can't see. I can't see!" Rumble began to cry even harder.

"I'll get you home, Rumble! You'll get through this! Just hold on!" Below them the Everfree forest flew by. In front of them was that pillar of fire - that pillar of death, that seemed to stretch beyond the heavens. What it was Thunderlane could not say, but it produced a deep-seated fear in the pegasus.

The foliage began to clear, but not because the brothers had reached the end of the forest. The ancient trees had been uprooted, and flung about like twigs. The ground was covered in seared wood and singed leaves, thin plumes of smoke dotted the area.

What could have possibly done this? Thunderlane knew that the answer lay in the flaming cloud ahead of him and his brother. What could be so horrible?

As they approached Ponyville, the temperature began to increase. An orange glow permeated the surroundings. Smoke became fire. Thunderlane considered turning back. No. I have to help my brother. Whatever happened, there has to be at lease someone alive. Someone who can help Rumble. Celestia, let it be true.

Finally, they exited the burning forest. Thunderlane felt as if he were in an oven. All around them, yet more fire raged.

There was no Ponyville. Only a collection of burning planks of wood. There was no mom. No dad. No sister. Only him and Rumble, amidst the charred rubble.

No. There has to be something. Thunderlane scanned the surroundings. Finally, he saw it: Ponyville General Hospital. Party Collapsed, but the stone building was still standing tall. He rushed over to it.

Applebloom felt as if her flesh was alight. Searing pain rolled all along her body, prompting screams from the trapped filly. A splinter had entered her left eye, and she felt blood running down her face. All the while the rubble from the farmhouse was crushing her.