Just an Old Mares Tale

Night had fallen over Equestria clouds hung low throughout the land bathing everything in an ominous mist. Not a creature stirred even the wind itself dared not rustle a single leaf in the stagnant silence.

The citizens of Ponyville had retreated to their homes hours earlier. Closing their doors and locking them, drawing their shutters closed. The town looked almost abandoned at this the 2 o'clock hour.

A deep rumbling echoed through the mountains behind the small town. Deep powerful almost other worldly. The trees trembled, rocks broke free from their resting place that they had become accustomed to for millennia.

A flash of brilliant light illuminated the cloudy night behind the engulfed mountains as another rumble wound its way through the mist.

Apple Jack rubbed her eyes sleepily as she walked to her bedroom window "What in the hay is going on out there" turning away from the blinding flashes that where sporadically appearing from the mist.

"I don't remember Rainbow Dash saying they had a lightning storm scheduled for tonight" another flash.

Her eyes adjusting to the again black night Apple Jack spotted a faint glow in the sky.

The faint glow began grow into a orange ball.

Apple Jack watched with curiosity at this strange phenomenon that was unfolding before her.

"whoosh" the orange ball streaked over sweet apple acres and then the Apple farm house.

Apple jack ducked under her window for fear that the hurtling meteorite like ball might strike the farm house. A few seconds passed when the house shook from what seemed like a sonic boom. Apple Jack jumped to her feet "Oh that Rainbow Dash has gone too far this time!" Apple Jack ran out the back door in an attempt to chase down Rainbow Dash.

Apple Jack ran through row after row of apple trees in the direction that she thought Rainbow Dash was flying. Nearing the property line Apple Jack paused momentarily to catch her breath. In the far distance she saw the familiar orange glow. Adjusting her hat she was off running again.

After what seemed a few miles of running Apple jack looked back to see that the orchard was a black spec in the we hours of the morning. Glancing around she saw a structure "Shoot I'm nearly out by Pinkie Pies parents rock farm" turning her attention back to finding where rainbow dash had gotten off to apple jack ran toward to the glow that seemed to emanate from behind the hill.

"Something jus aint right here" she said to herself as she crested the hill "Why would Rainbow Dash be clear out in tha middle o’ nowhere at this time a night?"

A solitary tree came into sight. This tree was the source of the orange glow Apple Jack had been following. The tree was engulfed in a violent fire that roared, snapped and popped as is consumed its fuel.

"Holy smokes" is all she could say at the sight her gaze slowly lowering to the base of the tree.

A stark realization hit Apple Jack as she noticed there was somebody lying at the base of the tree.

Running ahead without even thinking Apple Jack raced to save whomever it was from the raging inferno just above them.

Nearing the other pony Apple Jack slowed to a trot as details began to emerge from the environment around her. Where she was walking was a massive scar in the ground starting off shallow the progressively getting deeper and ending where the other pony was lying. It was an impact zone she recalled when Granny told her about falling stars and the devastation they could cause should they happen to land in an orchard.

"Ra.. Rainbow?" she squeaked out "Is that you?" the pony laid motionless as Apple Jack neared. "You ain't Rainbow Dash"  She said to no one. “You’re in a real pickle here stranger" seeing the grievous wounds the pony was covered in ranging from deep gashes to severe burns.

Glancing around Apple Jack pawed the dirt nervously as she thought about what to do to help. Finally with her mind made up she began to drag the unconscious away from the tree

"I hate to do this mister but I'll be back shortly with more help"

With that Apple Jack bolted towards home for more help.

Quietly entering the farm house Apple Jack instantly went for the one pony she could always count on for help “Big Mac, Wake up” Apple Jack cooed into her sleeping brother’s ear. A snore that could have made a dragon proud drowned out her attempts to wake him. Flustered she shook Big Macintosh “WAKE UP MAC” she quietly yelled trying not to wake Apple Bloom who was sleeping across the hallway.

Lazily one eye opened then two as Big Mac saw the urgency on his younger sisters’ face.

Apple Jack flashed him a quick smile “Sorry Mac, but there is a fella out by the Pie’s estate who is in dire need of some medical help. Could you grab the gals for me while I go tend to him?”

A simple “Yeup” came from Big Macintosh as he drew back his covers and put on his yoke. Apple Jack gave him a quick nuzzle of appreciation as she went down stairs to gather items she would need.

As she slid the last item into her satchel Apple Jack turned around meeting Granny. Startled Apple Jack backed up into a counter top “Granny you startled the pony feathers right outta me” Granny looked her up and down “Where’s the trouble” was all she said

Apple Jack sighed in all her years that Granny had, she always knew what was going on in the house and could almost read their minds. “There is a fella hurt out by the Pie’s estate. I have Big Mac going to get the gals gathered up so we can get this poor soul to a real doctor”

Granny smiled “Your always honest Apple Jack to a flaw. Now don’t be to long I'll have breakfast ready by the first crow of the rooster” Apple Jack gave Granny a hug “You’re the best Granny” and headed out the door.