Ponyville isn't very large, so the markings on the map could be precise down to specific buildings. Aurora could see a few names on the map that felt familiar to her, but also, due to the timeline, some places that only existed in her memories didn't exist yet, such as Rarity's Carousel Boutique.
At this point in time, Rarity was still just a school-aged filly, so naturally, it was impossible for her to have opened a shop.
"How about we start with Sweet Apple Acres?"
Aurora said suddenly.
"Are you sure? Didn't Applejack just get home? Wouldn't it spoil the moment if we went now?"
Sunset Shimmer didn't notice Aurora's mischievous intent and replied subconsciously.
"Hmph? Is it because you don't want to spoil the moment? Or is it because you don't like apples?"
Sunset Shimmer froze, then looked at Aurora with a wry expression. She had wondered why the usually considerate Aurora would suddenly suggest going to Sweet Apple Acres at this time; it turned out she was intentionally poking a sore spot.
However, Sunset Shimmer also had a strategy for retaliation.
"I'm a little thirsty. How about we go to the drink shop and get something to drink? I think carrot juice sounds good, I'll treat."
"..."
Aurora hated carrots. She hadn't liked that red root vegetable even when she was a human. Even though her tastes had changed slightly after becoming a pony, the taste of carrots was the one thing that still disgusted her.
"You two, being picky eaters is not a good habit."
Twilight Sparkle raised her head with some pride. This rebuke left the other two speechless, because out of the three of them, only Twilight Sparkle didn't have any food she particularly disliked.
In the end, the three of them went to the nearby Hay Cafe to buy their own drinks. Sunset Shimmer ordered carrot juice, Aurora asked for apple juice, and Twilight Sparkle chose milk with honey.
While waiting for their orders, they took the opportunity to decide where to start; they planned to go to the Town Hall in the square first to find the local mayor and get an understanding of the situation.
"Hello there, children! I am the new mayor of Ponyville. Is there anything I can help you with?"
The three ponies arrived at Town Hall, and the one who received them was Mayor Mare, whom Aurora was familiar with.
At this time, Mayor Mare had already dyed her mane gray. Aurora remembered that her original mane was a beautiful and vibrant pink, but perhaps because pink didn't look dignified enough or like the image a mayor should have, she chose to dye it.
"Hello, Madam Mayor. We are three students from Canterlot, here to investigate the strange phenomenon that occurred in Ponyville a few days ago. Could you explain the truth behind it?"
Upon hearing this, Mayor Mare didn't seem surprised, because they weren't the only ones concerned about this matter.
"Could it have been caused by some mysterious magic? Or did it come from the Everfree Forest?"
"Oh, it's not that bad. One could even say it was just an accidental phenomenon."
Mayor Mare waved her hoof, signaling that they were overthinking it.
The Sonic Rainboom was an event that occurred within the jurisdiction of Ponyville. That massive explosion had a certain impact on the local and surrounding livelihoods, but fortunately, most of it was just some ponies and the livestock raised by the townspeople being startled. Statistically, it hadn't caused any substantial losses.
However, in order to give the townspeople an explanation, Mayor Mare had sent ponies around to investigate and finally figured out the source of the explosion.
"Children, I must say, the matter of the Sonic Rainboom has nothing to do with Ponyville. It was a commotion caused by a Pegasus from Cloudsdale. She was attempting supersonic flight at the time, and when she broke the sound barrier, she just happened to pass over Ponyville. That's all."
Mayor Mare said, while giving a wink to an assistant not far away. The assistant brought over a copy of a notice, which Mayor Mare handed to the three ponies in front of her desk.
"The more detailed parts are written on the notice we've posted for the townspeople. There are some copies here, you can take a look."
"It was... just because of that?"
Not expecting to find out the truth so easily, Sunset Shimmer was a bit incredulous and also a little disappointed.
"Haha! That's right, it's just that simple a reason. At least the Sonic Rainboom doesn't mean there's some big monster, evil magic, or any other troublesome issue, which is good news for me."
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