//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: The Day Out // Story: Silver Hooves; Life in Ponyville // by FlyinKitsky //------------------------------// It was 3 weeks after that energetic day. Silver had settled down to a job as a recorder for sound effects, which she enjoyed thoroughly, as it involved her finding sound in whatever she could and using it in whatever way possible. The only limit seemed to be her imagination, something that, in her life, she wasn’t able to use much. Cherry, as promised, was the one to find the job, and Silver thanked her by secretly planning a shopping trip round Canterlot for the two of them. She saved up her earnings until she had enough, then bustled over to the Berry household excitedly, before colliding into a leaving and rather surprised Cherry. Both ponies stood up shakily, dusting each other off and giggling. “What on earth are you rushing around for? At this time in the morning too!” Cherry asked, slightly confused. “I couldn’t wait anymore, I have a present for you. To say thanks for finding me the perfect job.” “Now, I told you, there’s no need to thank m-” At that moment her jaw dropped as Silv handed her a balloon ride ticket to Canterlot, holding up her own. “A trip to Canterlot?!” “Yeah, and enough money for a shopping trip for the both of us!” Silv smiled. This was enough for Cherry. She bolted back into her house and came out with her bag. “What are we waiting for?!” “Erm, I don't know, you?” Silv said, giggling, before walking with her friend to the airport. They’d be flying with another pony, but it was mainly a private flight, with superb sights of the landscape. As they arrived, they handed their tickets to the pilot and sat down on the balloon. Shortly after, a light brown stallion with a grey mane sporting a fedora and some strange bag, joined the two of them on the balloon and it took off. As they rose into the air, Cherry peeked over the edge. “Careful” Silv said jokingly “You know what happened last time you were on a balloon” “Hey! I keep telling you that wasn’t my fault!” retorted Cherry, blushing. “Suuuuure, and I’m the drummer for the Wonderbolts!” chuckled Silv. The stallion perked his ears at this. “R-really?” he asked, seeming interested, as a notepad popped out of his... device. “Oh, erm, no... I was kidding... heh... Sorry...” she replied, suddenly feeling incredibly guilty. He seemed to sink back into his chair. “Oh no problem... My bad..” he sort of sighed. Silver walked over and sat next to him. “I’m sorry sir, I didn’t mean to get your hopes up. I am a drummer though, if that’s what you needed. From Ponyville.” His ears perked once more “The same drummer from the party a few weeks ago? The new resident?” Silver simply nodded, unsure of where this was going “I’ve been needing an interview about that!” “You’re a journalist?” Silv asked, before thinking to herself, well no you idiot, of course he is. He nodded, before offering a hoof. “The name’s Presspass, I work for the Trotter” “Silver Hooves, sound effect producer. I think I’ve read some of your articles, you do some good work” Presspass blushed. “It’s something I throw together from what I can find. But I’m out of luck this time. I was supposed to document the party but my balloon was delayed severely, and I couldn’t find” He stopped, shuddering slightly as if of bad memories “Pinkie Pie.” “Well, I’ll be glad to help” Silv smiled. Press was very thorough with his interview. He said he wanted to make his article so that it felt like you were actually there. She replied that he probably wanted his boss to think Press actually was. He simply chuckled and nodded. After they finished, he put his notepad and pencil away and looked towards Canterlot. “What’re you doing when we get there?” Silver asked. “Ah... Nothing. I was hoping for a relaxing day with friends but Celebrity got caught up with work, so I’m stuck alone.” “Well, why don’t you join us? Me and Cherry are going out on a shopping spree, I know you probably won’t buy anything but I’d hate to leave you all lonely.” Silv asked, an honest, friendly smile upon her face. Presspass looked back at her. “You’d let me?” he asked, before adding with a sad tone. “I wouldn’t want to slow you down, you probably have a busy day” “Sure! It’d be a pleasure!” Silv and Cherry said, causing all three of them to beam. Departing from the balloon, they spent the rest of the day walking around the fancy streets, posh ponies chatting and drinking tea, staring at the three ponies walking down the road, talking noisily and looking around the shops. By the end of the day, Cherry had used up all her savings, turning herself into what looked to be a walking pile of bags. Silver and Press were both carrying light loads, and trying hard not to laugh as they helped Cherry back to the balloon. “So, Press, will we see you around?” Silver asked, seeming worried that they’d never see their new friend again. Pressed chuckled and nodded. “I’m slightly edgy when I go to Ponyville, whenever I go disaster strikes-” Cherry interrupted with a muffled “Me too!” from under the bags “But, I wouldn’t miss the chance to hang out with you two again.” Departing back homewards, Press and Cherry sat together, recalling some tale of chaos and a strange character they called ‘Discord’, and Silver watched as Ponyville grew closer. Birds and pegasi flew around the clouds, and in the distance, she could see ponies going about their daily business. She sighed happily and looked up at the cloudy skies. Spring was coming, and she couldn’t wait.