Star Tracker and Sandbar walked on foot instead of flying their way to the village because of Silverstream. The excitable Hippogriff decided to become a sea pony during the trip and was splashing around in the river next to them. They walk through the forest intrepidly, each bit of distance causing the trees to disperse.
“Silverstream, I understand you love being a sea pony but do you really need to drop us off on foot?” Star Tracker asks disappointed.
“But Star Tracker,” Silverstream popped her head out of the water. “We should get to know each other so to save our excitement to the village ponies, we really need to show them the greatest friends we are!”
As much as Silverstream is trying to prove a point, it still didn’t made Star Tracker happy. “Yeah, you’re right.”
“What’s the matter dude?” Sandbar turned his head to Tracker. “Aren’t you excited about this new assignment? We get to go Starlight’s hometown.”
Star Tracker stops walking so he can focus on his thoughts. “No. I mean I need to make friends but the journey part...well. It’s harmless, but it’s still complicated.”
“What do you mean?” Silverstream asked.
“Going to a different location seems a little off. I’ve only been a student for weeks and I only made friends who came from Canterlot. Starlight’s old village just seems so...odd to me. I don’t really know how to explain.”
Sandbar walks up to him and tries to understand, “How is the village odd for you? That place was like, Starlight’s past and she wanted to move on since she became friends with Princess Twilight. And in my opinion, the ponies that live there remain there because they like being together in a place where it’s not in a city or town. More of rooroo area or something.”
“Rural.” Silverstream corrects, “But Sandbar has a point. They want to live their because it’s a better place for them. I think if we show them how helpful and friendly we can be, we’ll make more friends than we already have. That’s like...uh...a number higher than the current one. So what’s the real problem?”
Tracker is really speechless now, after hearing Silverstream’s question he blushed a little since he’s hiding his real secret about his reasonings going on this journey.
“Hey, are you blushing?” Silverstream leans in towards him to get a closer look. Tracker blushes harder due to possible revelation. “Ohhh I think I know who you’re thinking about. Princess Twilight by any chance?” Silverstream wraps her hoove around Tracker, finally seeing the secrets to his behavior..
“Ohh yeah... “ Sandbar smirked his classic smirk. “You got a kiss from protecting her from Iron Will and another when you expressed your feelings before you joining the School Of Friendship. That’s some colt charm you have there.”
“Okay it’s true!” Tracker shouted stressfully. “I just wanted to impress her to prove how much I changed.” He didn’t covered his face in embarrassment.
Sandbar and Silverstream faces morph to surprise at Tracker’s reaction. Now seeing how serious this was for him they decide to cheer him up. “Tracker, we’re sorry for messing with you. We were just having a bit of fun. Okay?” Sandbar confessed.
“And there’s something you need to know. I think you getting two kisses from a princess is pretty impressive. I mean come on, she wouldn’t do that for just anypony. Besides, this assignment was made to challenge us” Silverstream turned back into her hippogriff form as she spoke. “When it comes to us hippogriffs, we never get to go on a journey despite the wars we had in the past. Doing this activity is a once in a lifetime for me and I hope we do more of these in the future.”
“Also to us, you may look nervous, but on the inside you know you want to do whatever it takes to do the right thing.” Sandbar finished.
Star Tracker felt calm and learned something. The fact Sandbar and Silverstream were willing to help him in a respected way made Tracker feel better about the situation.
“Thanks guys, I didn’t know you could be serious.” he chuckled a bit and lowered his head slightly at the quip
Silverstream, giggling as well, put her hoof under Tracker’s chin so he’d look at her in the face. “Just because we make jokes doesn't mean every moment of time should be full of happiness. There are tons of emotions we have, and each one needs to experienced. The School Of Friendship reopened weeks ago so things have gotten way better for everyone.” Suddenly Silverstream has an idea. “As a matter of fact, if you meet somepony there who becomes a close enough friend you could bring them back to the school. That way, you can get to know him or her better, and you could impress Twilight.” Silverstream said the last bit with a wink and nudge.
Star Tracker smiled and blushed again. “You’re right! Silverstream you’re a genius.” He hugged her happily. The talk has gotten him looking forward to what they’re going to do at the village. Silverstream didn’t expect Tracker to hug her but went with it anyway.
“Ohh you!” She hugged back with her lifting him up in the air as she flew up in the air. “I hope we do well at the village.”
“We will.” Tracker responded.
“Hey! Are we going to walk or fly our way there?! Make up your mind!” Sandbar shouted as he’s still on the land.
Tracker and Silverstream laugh as they land on the ground. They get back to their journey to Starlight’s village with a bit more mirth in their steps. As for Star Tracker, he’s hoping he can make a friend who’s willing to join him in the School Of Friendship.