Maretropolis

Applejack scrolled through the playlist on her iPod until she found Countess Coloratura. She clicked on a track and listened as the train raced across arid desert, cool blue waters, through verdant forests, and snowy terrain.

She beamed as the train passed a waterfall, through a mountain tunnel and into lush vegetation.

The train came around a bend and she looked up at the incredible sight in the distance: huge skyscrapers that loomed into the sky.

Maretropolis.

She gazed out of the glass ceiling of the observation car and watched each borough of the city pass by. Her mouth dropped as the train travelled towards the heart of the city, slowing down as it arrived at the grand entrance of Central Station, which served downtown Maretropolis.

With a broad grin, Applejack hopped off the train, walked through the station, and out into the sunshine of the city’s Central Plaza.

She took out her earphones and let the sounds of the city wash over her as she looked around, awestruck. People of all kinds rushed by, hurrying this way and that. It was a far cry from Ponyville.

She looked up at a jumbotron on the side of the tallest skyscraper, and Coloratura appeared on the screen.

“I’m the Countess. Welcome to Maretropolis!”

Applejack looked down at her phone and checked her maps app to figure out which way to go. When she found her apartment building, the landlady led her to a little studio.

“Welcome to the Maretropolitan Arms,” she said, stepping aside to let Applejack in. “Luxury apartments with charm. Complimentary bug spraying once a month, except during the winter. Don’t lose your key.”

“Thank you,”

Applejack’s neighbors, Lyra and Bon Bon, passed in the hallway.

“Oh, hi! I’m Applejack, your new neighbor,” she greeted them warmly.

“Yeah? Well, we’re loud,” said Lyra.

“Don’t expect us to apologize or it,” Bon Bon added.

The two hurried off, slamming the door of their apartment behind them. The landlady had left as well; leaving Applejack alone for the first time since she’d arrived. She picked up her suitcase, walked into her apartment and looked around. The room was tiny, even for a studio. There was a heater under the window and, thankfully, it had a bed. And not one of those kind that folded up into the wall.

“Greasy walls. Rickety bed...”

She could hear Lyra and Bon Bon shouting from the other side of the wall.

“Oh, yeah!”

“Oh, yeah!”

“Oh yeah!”

“Oh, yeah, right there!”

“Oh, yes! Yes! Yes!!”

“Right there! Oh, right there!”

“Oh, yeah!”

“Crazy neighbors... I love it!” she declared as she flopped onto her bed with a big smile.

Applejack unzipped her bag, pulled out a digital clock, set it on the nightstand, and plugged it in. She set the time, then an alarm for five-thirty.