//------------------------------//
// A Sign From Above 
// Story: Friendship is Magic:  The Movie 
// by Dreadnought 
//------------------------------//

Chapter One:  A Sign From Above

In life there are many truths, and all are true dependent upon one’s point of view.  It was true that on this day it was hot.  High up in the sky Celestia’s sun had just finished her climb to the heavenly peak, and after relishing it for a few moments, now leisurely started a slow stroll down the slope that led towards the far western horizon.  Her rays shone brightly, lighting and warming the cloudless blue sky.  The sunshine fell relentlessly upon the land, the mountains barren of anything but brown grass and stunted scrub.  Animals sought refuge in what little shadow existed or took shelter in burrows and holes in the ground.  The deathly quiet land baked under the sun, and begged for a cloud to dimish the intensity or for a few drops of water to quench the parched soil.  The hours of the long afternoon loomed ahead.

It was also true that on this day it was pleasant and comfortable.  Beneath the canopy of a sprawling apple orchard, the trees provided a soft and cozy shade.  The branches swayed gently to and fro in the easy breeze, creating a gentle rustle that accompanied the soothing melody of a babling brook that flowed through wood, its cool water inviting the animals out for a refreshing drink.  The forest of trees stood tall against the might of the sun, simultaneosly soaking up its golden rays while shielding the flora and fauna below.

A country lane lay through the heart of the orchard.  It ran straight and true, without the meanders and bends of the nearby stream.  But this path was not cut through the orchard, but rather the orchard was planted around the path.  Generations had passed on a yearly migration, for as long as anyone’s memory could reach and even longer than that.  

On the dusty country lane two ponies walked together.  The taller one, a youthful stallion, proudly wore a matching Stetson and vest, cut short to display the large red apple adorning his flank.  He walked with a slight spring in his step, suggesting to strangers his naturally upbeat and positive personality, though his smile definitely gave it away.

His companion was a young mare.  Her long golden mane and tail were tied at the ends, playfully bouncing with each step of her trot.  A brown cowboy hat sat slightly tipped back.  To all who knew the mare, this hat wasn’t something she wore, but an extension of the pony herself.  Seldom was she ever without it, so much that never a townsfolk could remember her not wearing it.  

The stallion spoke, in his usual western twang, “I sure wish you didn’t have to go Applejack.”

The mare looked over at him and replied her usual country accent, “Ah wish Ah could stay Braeburn.  But Ah got to get home to Sweet Apple Acres.  There’s a lot of apple buckin’ we ’ave ta do.”

“Well, I feel mighty terrible ’bout the past week.  You came all the way out to Appleloosa to visit, and what happened?  I came down with the flu and you spent the whole week takin’ care of me,” he lamented, his tone turning a shade solemn upon the reflection.

“It was a good thing Ah was there ta take care of ya,” she chuckled.  “Ya were pretty sick.”

“Well, I can’t thank ya enough for what you did,” he responded.

“Now don’t ya go frettin’, that’s what family is for,” she reassured him.

He gave an extra-large smile, “I sure am glad I got a cousin like you.”

“Well, shucks,” Applejack sheepishly replied.

“When’s the next time I can expect you to visit?” 

Thinking for a moment, she stated, “I plan on competing in the Appleloosa Rodeo.”

“Well, you do have a title to defend,” Braburn said with a slight laugh.

“I was just filling in for you when ya were hurt.”

“I’m pretty sure the other members will want you to compete.” 

“Ah couldn’t take your spot on the team,” she protested.

“I have to do what’s best for the team.  And they can win when you’re out there with them,” he insisted.

The two emerged from the apple orchard.  “We can argue ’bout this – what the hay!” 

Applejack and Braeburn stopped dead in their tracks and stared at what lay before them.  Next to the path stood a large billboard, the paint fresh and the wooden supports newly cut.  Not only was the presence of the sign unusual for these parts, but the inscription it bore made it totally out of place and left a surreal impression upon the pair:


WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!
TOWN OF FRIENDSHIP!

EST 945	-	POP 2017