Silver Hooves; Life in Ponyville

Chapters

Chapter 1: Moving in
Chapter 2: At the store
Chapter 3: Home sweet home
Chapter 4: The Day Out
Chapter 5: Family and Friends Part 1
Chapter 6: Family and Friends Part 2
Chapter 7: She'll never complain about snoring again...
Chapter 8: Spring's here, and you know what that means!
Chapter 9: A 'Press'ing matter
Chapter 10: The Talent Concert

Chapter 1: Moving in

Well, this was it. A new home. After spending almost a year doing petty jobs and earning money, Silver had finally made it. Ponyville, the perfect place to settle down and relax, possibly even follow her talents and dreams. A new life lay ahead. Taking one last look back at the dusty road that she had just walked restlessly upon, she sighed happily and made her way to the apartment she’d purchased.

Looking around, her eyes widened as she made her way down into the bustling town. Ponies laughing, talking, shopping, simply enjoying the scenery. It sure beat the quiet and rustic town from whence she came. Ponies of all colours and races walked side by side, no arguing, just happiness. Friendship. However, instead of rushing ahead to meet some new friends, she first decided to set her bags down at her place. Using her magic to unfurl her map once more, she saw that her new home was just round the corner, a house away from the hustle and bustle of the center but not too far that she’d be lonely. Skipping along at an excited pace, she rounded the corner and unlocked the door, shaking with anticipation. She knew what she’d see, an empty shell of a house. But she didn’t care. It was hers.
Throwing her bags to the side, she walked into the various rooms. The advert had promised a bed, simple kitchen appliances and various other living needs. They were all here. She immediately jumped onto her bed, like a filly after a day at school, closing her eyes and relaxing for the first time in a while... Only for somepony to knock on the door.

“Great” She sighed. “I’ve been on my hooves for aaages and the one time I get to lay down I’m wanted already”

Grumbling to herself, she made her way to the door, opening it before leaping back in fright as a young, pink and bouncy pony lept in, shouting excitedly with welcomes and so forth. Dusting herself off, Silver turned to the new face patiently and waited for her to calm down. That time never came.

“Welcome welcome welcoooome!” shouted the pony, bouncing around the room some more.

“Erm... Am I supposed to know you?” Silver asked, slightly worried about insulting her ‘guest’.

“No silly! But you will soon! And by soon I mean now as I’m Pinkie Pie! I came here to welcome you to ponyville! Ooh, ooh, I did have my welcome wagon prepared, but I kinda got cupcake icing stuck in it and it broke, sorry!” She cried, giggling to herself.

“Riiight... Well, I guess I’ll take your word for it. I’m Silver Hooves, and, as much as I love this... surprise visit, I’m real tired and like to get some rest, if that’s okay?”

“I came here to meet you and become your friend! I mean, what’s a pony without friends right?”

“Well, sure, I guess. I’ll be glad to have a new friend, but can you seriously go now Miss Pie?”

Pinkie smiled wider than Silver imagined physically possible. “Yahey! Okie dokie lokie, I’ll seeya later, and call me Pinkie!”

Quick as a flash, she had bounced out, leaving Silver rather confused and surprised. This was... different. A good, fun different. She relaxed once more, closed the door and climbed into bed, closing her eyes and resting. What a busy start. Maybe it’ll only get better tomorrow.

Chapter 2: At the store

Rays of light shone through the drapes onto the bed as Silver sat up, rubbing her eyes. Her first full day in Ponyville. Rising and walking to the bathroom, she splashed her face with water and combed her mane. Before long she’d eaten breakfast and was starting to unpack her stuff. So many thoughts came rushing through her mind at once as she did so. Where should I go first? How will I find work? Won’t I get lost? A worried look crossed her face. She needed to meet some ponies. Start getting organised.

“A pony with no friends... Didn’t that pony say something about that yesterday? Pinkie, yes, that was her name... I didn’t even ask how I could find her again. Ugh, I’m such an idiot.” She said to herself, sighing. It didn’t matter now, first she had to walk around and try her best to get used to the new area.

Closing the door and locking it behind her, she looked around. Still busy. Still full of happiness and laughter. Little fillies and foals running around, playing games. Carts full of apples being tugged around by a large, red stallion. Shaking herself to make her focus, she tried to think of a starting point to go. Maybe the local store? She saw the closest one seemed to be a general store, selling groceries and such. That’ll do, Silver thought.

Walking up to it, she noticed to the side of her a pony trip and fall, spilling her shopping bags all over the floor. Silver trotted over and picked some of them up, putting them back into the bags and helping the pony up.

“Heh... thanks...” The pony said, slightly embarrassed. She was hot pink with a deep yellow mane and deep, purple eyes.

“Hey now, its no problem. Just be careful next time”

Smiling, the pony picked up her bags and looked at Silver’s face properly. “I don’t think I recognise you. Are you new around here?”

“Well, actually, I kinda am. I’m looking around Ponyville to try and get better grips on my surroundings. I haven’t been to a town this big before...”

“Ah, now that just won’t do. How would you like me to take you for a tour?” The pony said sincerely, before adding “Consider it my way of saying thanks, and welcome”

“Would you be so kind?” Silver said, her face lighting up.

“Why sure! Call me Cherry Berry!” She said, offering her hoof. Silver took it, smiling “My name’s Silver. Silver Hooves.
Say, won’t you need to drop your bags off first?”

“Ah, yes, is it alright if we just drop by my house to quickly drop them off?” She asked, blushing at her own forgetfulness.

Silver, not wanting to be rude to a new friend, agreed and they both set off, chatting and laughing. They dropped off her bags and then walked around, going to the statue of Celestia, passing Twilight Sparkle’s library (they didn’t drop in, according to a note on the door they were out having a picnic), and even took some time to have lunch at the local café.

“So, do you know many ponies around here?” Silver asked, hoping to meet some more friends.

“A few, but they’re all busy currently. I’m not really known here, although I’ve bumped into most ponies.” Cherry replied, before adding with a chuckle “I’m quite disaster prone, you see. I’ve even been saved by a hero of sorts from a falling balloon!”

Silver laughed along. “Hero, you say?”

“Yes, but it turns out it was just a group of friends doing some good deeds. Not complaining, though!”

“Sounds like this place gets... interesting at times.”

“Well, there’s never a dull day, if you ask me!” Cherry said simply, taking a sip of apple juice before looking at Silver curiously. “So tell me, what do you do?”

“What do I do?”

“Yes! Your job, your talent! You must’ve got that cutie mark somehow!” She chuckled, pointing at Silver’s drum cutie mark.

“Ooooh. Well, I don’t have a job but my talent is... playing percussion. I have a rhythm pulsing through my body, and I can
make anything play it anytime” As she spoke, her horn glowed, picking up various cutlery, making them tap against each other, causing a catchy beat.

“Oh my, that’s fantastic!”

“I know... I just wish I could find work using it.”

Cherry smiled. “Well, I’ll tell you what. Tomorrow I’ll ask around and see if I can find you something”
Silver’s eyes glistened. This pony was offering so much for so little. “How can I ever repay you?”

“Haha, you don’t have to! It’s what friends are for, right?”

They walked round the market together, sharing old stories and watching the time fly by. As Silver arrived home, she waved her new friend farewell and closed the door.

Chapter 3: Home sweet home

“SURPRISE!”

Silver almost screamed when she turned the lights on and half a dozen ponies all shouted that one word at the top of their lungs, letting off party poppers and laughing. Composing herself, she looked around. Peeking through the window, Cherry looked in and winked, and Silver immediately realised why she’d delayed her so much before she went home. She then caught sight of a beaming Pinkie, bouncing up and down on the spot.

“Well, were ya surprised? Were ya?!” Pinkie stopped bouncing, waiting for an answer.

“Yeah, and this is wonderful! Wha... How... How did you even get this?”

“Well, I went to talk to Cherry earlier while you were in the shops and asked her to delay you so we could get a party going! I mean, a party for you! To say a big welcome from all of Ponyville!”

Silver didn’t understand how Pinkie had even got into her house but she no longer cared. All these people actually cared about her coming to live here, and they all wanted to meet her. Smiling from ear to ear, she darted around, greeting everyone, and letting Cherry in, before raising her voice to address the whole crowd.

“This is the first time anyone’s ever thrown a party for me... Thank you, thank you everyone.”

Pinkie started bouncing. “Well, are we gonna start or what? LETS PARTY!” before darting off to an unknown location.

Silver sighed happily. I guess that’s just her way, she thought, nobody knows what she’ll do next.
The party kicked off, with music playing and ponies dancing, playing games and eating and drinking. Looking around, Silver spotted Cherry and joined her in a game of apple dunking. Giggling, she tried over and over to grab a few, failing every time.

“Here, let me show you” Cherry said, before succeeding to slip and fall straight into the water. Silver laughed, before spluttering as water was thrown into her face.

“HEY!” She said, before picking up a bucket, filling it with water and pouring over Cherry. The water fight got worse as other ponies retaliated, until half the ponies and most of the room were drenched.

“Gee Silv, sorry about the mess” Cherry suddenly said, looking worried.

“Eh, don’t be” Silver said, smiling. “This is the most fun I’ve had in a while!”

The room was alive with activity. Pegasi of all colours filled the air, earth ponies and unicorn ran around, dancing and making more noise than a sleeping dragon. Fillies were in the corner, chucking a ball around, play fighting too. Silver couldn’t help but smile as she witnessed it all. This was her new life. She’d found ponies who cared for and appreciated her. Those who’d help her in times of need and just be there in others. And she’d do the same for them.
Eventually the party died down. Sick fillies who’d eaten to much of the food went first, followed by groups of tired ponies, before all there was left was a still energetic Pinkie, an exhausted looking Cherry and Silver, who was currently in the process of picking up the litter from the main room and wondering how on earth the fillies had gotten the ball stuck THERE.

“Well, I’m off” Cherry said, rubbing her eyes. “I’ll see you tomorrow Silv, sleep well. Fancy walking me home Pinkie?”

Pinkie nodded “Yup! I’m off to Rainbow’s after, I here she’s got a few new pranks to show me.”

Silver pondered who this Rainbow was, before waving goodbye to her two closest friends. She didn’t even bother going to bed, she simply locked the door before collapsing and falling to sleep immediately. As she snored loudly, she dreamt of tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that, and the day after...

Chapter 4: The Day Out

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.

Chapter 5: Family and Friends Part 1

A gentle breeze blew as soft, cotton like clouds moved overhead as rays of sunlight shone through every break possible. Upon a little rock on the outskirts of Ponyville lay Silver, looking dreamily at the sights around her. This truly was a beautiful place. If only her parents could see her now. She sighed slightly, casting her mind back to early years.

She grew up in a small port town known as Hooven Bay. Her family owned the port there, and the town was pretty much run by them. Her mother was a local nurse, and her father a manual labour stallion. She had three brothers and a couple of sisters, but was only really close to her brother and mother. Hours upon hours of her time were spent watching the waves move back and forth from the beach, a constant rhythm, supplying and nourishing the beach while at the same time tearing it apart. The planet’s heartbeat, she liked to call it. It kept her calm, made her feel safe... She’d get into no end of trouble mimicking the rhythm whenever she could, causing people to become annoyed with her whenever she did.

And then the fateful day came. She awoke with the same rhythm she knew and loved pulsing through her. Constantly. Before she could stop herself her horn glowed and started to play it with her pens and pencils on her desk. Her dad burst in and told her to stop, before letting his jaw drop as her cutie mark appeared. A drum. Suddenly, he and her mother became extremely supportive of this instrument playing. But they both knew there was nothing here she could do. So they started to save up what money they could. Ten years past, and a now grown Silver walked downstairs casually.

“Morning all” She said happily. Her face immediately dropped as she saw the reluctant look in her parents eyes. “W-what’s going on?”

“You’re moving.” They both said sadly, after a long pause.

“I’m... WHAT?!”

“It’s time you followed your dreams, your talents. Let them be seen by others. We’ve got enough money saved, and have the whole trip planned for you. You’ll be living in Ponyville, nice town, plenty of opportunity.”

Silver’s eyes dropped to the floor. She knew she had no choice in the matter. “I... I don’t know what to say” she muttered as she looked back up, her eyes filling with tears, before running to her parents and holding them close.

She’d never forget that moment when she looked back at her family, her mother sobbing, her father holding her while ushering me to go. As tears rolled down my cheek, I looked down at my flank. Why couldn’t I have a talent I could use here? She thought sadly, as the cart she sat in rolled away from her past.
The same feeling entered her body as she looked at the letter laying at her hooves.

“Dear Silver,
I hope everything is going alright for you. Mother and I are fine... But there’s something you should know. The family has fallen apart. Your brothers and sisters have left for good, and the business is failing us, so we have gone into retirement. We’ve moved abroad, I’m sorry we couldn’t visit you, there simply wasn’t enough money left. I hope you can understand hun...
With love from all of our hearts,
Your father, Heavy Hooves.”

A single tear fell down her cheek... She’d never see her parents again.

Chapter 6: Family and Friends Part 2

Silver trotted sadly homeward, looking around her. In her mouth she carried a ticket to the city her parents were staying in. She’d miss this place. It’d been a short and sweet stay, and she had really enjoyed it, but... She couldn’t let her parents do this. Sighing, she opened her door to see Cherry come bundling towards her.

“Silver! There you are! I’ve been looking all over! Listen, Presspass is back in town and I was thinking maybe we can go out for a picnic and... Silver?” She broke off, seeing her friend close the door, blanking her out entirely. Cherry knocked on the door, trying the handle, to no avail.

“Silver, hun? What’s wrong?” She said, suddenly sullen. No response. Her face clouded with worry. “We don’t have to have a picnic today, if that’s what’s wrong?” Again, no response. Sighing, she knocked again, peering through the window.

“Cherry, what’s going on?” came a voice from behind. Presspass had came over to see what all the fuss is about.

“It’s Silver. She’s ignoring me entirely and won’t come out.” Cherry said, looking down.

“Maybe she’s busy?” Press offered, before knocking on the door. Hearing it unlock, he turned to Cherry once more. “See? She was just busy doing somethi-” He suddenly went quiet as Silver barged pass, not saying a word to the two of them, shedding a tear as she walked past. “Thing...”

Cherry gave chase, but to no avail. She came back heavy hooved, her golden tail dragging in the soil. “It’s no use... She’s really hurt about something... What did we do?” She sighed, looking up at Press, who was also very down.

“No... It wasn’t us. What could we have possibly done to cause that? You saw the tear.” He looked down, before turning his head to Silver’s open front door. Cherry did the same, before gasping.

“We really shouldn’t, she’s in a state as it is... Going through her stuff won’t help!” Cherry tried to stop Press, but he’d already walked in. “I guess we’re going through her stuff then...” She rolled her eyes and followed. It was blatantly obvious what was going on when they got inside, but neither wanted to accept it. On her bed lay the ticket and a bulging suitcase. Her room was bare. The only thing remaining was a tearstained piece of paper, the letter. Both read it, tearing up.

“She’s not thinking straight... Her parents want her to stay, but she’s going to them anyway...” said Cherry, wiping her eyes and sniffing. Press remained silent, turning back towards the door. You could see him planning the next step, scrapping ideas and making new ones. “We have to stop her.” He said simply after.

“Are you sure? We really shouldn’t butt in...” Cherry replied, despite her wanting to stop her too.

“We have to. She’s making a terrible mistake.” Said Press, looking back at Cherry with sheer determination.

“What’s the plan?” she asked simply.

Silver returned homeward once more, cursing in her mind that she’d ignored her closest friends like that. No no, it was for the best, she thought, rather than having teary goodbyes, it’ll be like I was never here. As she arrived, she saw the wide open door. Oh no.

Walking in, she saw nothing had changed, and her briefcase was still there on the bed. Picking it up, she was about to leave when she saw a note left on her bare desk.

“Come to the airport, now.”

Wondering the meaning, she carried her case out and made her way towards the airport, as it was the way she was leaving anyway. As she arrived, she saw... nothing. The buildings were baron and empty, no balloons were there, no ponies, no... nothing. Looking up, she saw no pegasi flying around. Something was amiss.

Then she saw it. A message written in a clouds. One that caused her eyes to go watery.

“This is how empty Ponyville will be to us without you, Silver”

Presspass and Cherry joined her side, hugging her from the side. “Please don’t go” Both said, sadly. The other ponies came out, including the mayor, all their faces seeming sad and upset.

“You... organized this all for me?” Silver looked at them all. Press nodded.

“All of these ponies are the ones you’ve met on a daily basis. Your friends. Your co-workers. The ponies you’ve bumped into and made happy conversation with. Your parents wanted you happy Silver. They wanted you to live away, with a job and a new family. They didn’t give you their address so you could join them. They wanted you to send them letters, to keep in contact, to let them know how happy you truly are here.”

Silver simply nodded. It was all so much to take in. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. Looking around at the ponies surrounding her, she let the tears stream down her cheeks. She murmured something.

“Silv?” Cherry looked at her, nudging her slightly with the edge of her nose.

“I’m sorry!” sobbed Silver, closing her eyes and laying down, burying her face. The ponies moved closer, reassuring her, before moving back once more, leaving the mayor to step forward and offer her hood.

“Well, Silver? Are you still going? If you are, we’ll let yo-” Before she had finished her sentence, Silv had jumped up and cuddling the mayor tightly.

“I’m staying! I’m so sorry everypony... I was foolish... And scared”

The ponies gave a warm hearted, reassuring cheer and surrounded her, picking her up and carrying her and her suitcase back home, chanting her name over and over.
There was still much to enjoy here in Ponyville after all, thought Silver, wiping her eyes.

Chapter 7: She'll never complain about snoring again...

Weeks passed since the events of that afternoon. Life went back to normal, turning into a predictable routine of work and rest for the three of them. Press went back to the Trotter to work on his articles, popping over to Ponyville to visit from time to time. Silver spent most of her time creating new kinds of rhythms and beats for her work, until she was put behind money wise, having to install sound-proofing as some ponies didn’t really appreciate the early morning practise. She couldn’t imagine why. Cherry spent a lot of her time going between friends and work. She’d spend some of her evenings going on picnics with Silv and Pinkie, others finishing work early so she could have a relaxed day the next. Days turned to weeks, and life carried on.

Cherry sighed, trying her hardest to relax for the night. She’d spent the day transporting rubbish from local businesses. It had gone quiet well until her and Bon Bon were attacked by a rather impatient Pegasis. They’d spent most of the day cleaning the mess up, and she was utterly exhausted. Tucking herself into bed, she finally started to relax. Maybe some early rest will help. She closed her eyes and slowly started to drift off.
An hour later she was awoken by a loud noise that resonated throughout the room, shaking both her bed and her.

“Oh for crying out loud!” she yelled, stomping outside to see a group of workers adjusting the house across the street, the loud noise coming from their construction equipment. She walked over impatiently and nudged what seemed to be the leader. “What in the world do you think you’re doing?!”

“Pardon me ma’am?” He said.

“I said, what in the world do you think you’re doing!” She yelled at him.

“Building, what does it look like?” He replied cockily. Cherry’s eye twitched as she started to lose her usual, calm
demeanour.

“I can see that! But why now?!” She replied, distressed.

“Say that again?”

“I sai- oh forget it! I’m going over to Pinkie’s” She sighed, going back and locking her door before walking off toward the Cake household. The worker pony looked on, completely confused and bemused as to what the stranger wanted.

Shrugging, he carried on working.

Cherry walked up to the store and knocked. Mrs. Cake opened the door, before politely letting Cherry in.

“Thank you, Mrs. Cake. I was wondering if I could stay the night with Pinkie, I’m having some... difficulty sleeping at my house” Cherry stated, smiling tiredly.

“Well now, it’s no hassle, I’m sure Pinkie will be happy to have you stay. She’s up in her room right now with Gummy.”
Cherry smiled and walked up to the room, before getting pounced on by the pink blur she was looking for.

“Woohoo! I heard what you said, and we’re gonna have a sleep over party! It’s gonna be great, with balloons and cakes and music and laughter and spooooky stories~” Pinkie laughed, bouncing up and down in her usual manner.

“Actually Pinkie, I-“ Before she could finish she was dragged away and thrown onto a chair with a platter of all sorts of sickeningly sweet delights thrown all over the place, some hitting a rather irritated Cherry. Rolling her eyes, she walked over to Pinkie, who was currently swimming around in a bath with what seemed to be pure cake mix. No wonder she seemed slightly more hyper than usual, if such a thing was even possible. “Look, Pinkie, I am real tired and I just want some rest.”

“But... The party is just starting... Don’t you like it?” Pinkie stopped, looking down with a quivering lip.
“Well yes, but...” Stopping herself, Cherry sighed. There was no choice other than to let Pinkie have her fun first. Maybe it won’t take long.

3 hours later and Pinkie was still bouncing around and partying.

“That’s it! I am going over to Silver’s to get some REST! Maybe she’s asleep, I sure wish I was!” she growled, storming out from a shocked Pinkie.

Cherry almost dragged herself to Silv’s house, knocking weakly on the door. No answer. “Oh come on!” grumbled Cherry, opening the door to a rather large torrent of drumming, walking in and covering her ears, closing the door behind her.

“SILVER!” She shouted as loud as she could. No use. She tried again, her voice cracking, but to no reply. Silv was in the zone, her horn glowing brightly and her eyes closed, concentrating. Cherry sighed, and as she was about to leave, the door bust open for Pinkie to come tumbling to Cherry’s feet.

“I’m sorry Cherry!” She cried, as the noise stopped. A rather shocked Silv walked towards the kneeling Pinkie and a very tired, very angry looking Cherry. Closing the door, she looked at them both and simply said “What?”
“I.... am just trying... to get some stupid... simple... SLEEP!” whined Cherry, collapsing.

“Why didn’t you say so? You can stay here.” Silv said simply, before getting a weak hug.

“Oh oh oh! Can I stay too?” Pinkie asked excitedly. Silv nodded, but Cherry glared at Pinkie. “Oh, and I promise we’ll be quiet and let you sleep Cherry, sorry” She added in a hurry.

They spent the rest of the night chatting quietly, before the three settled down and started to sleep. Cherry closed her eyes, sighing happily. She knew she could count on her friends. Even though they are a pain in the hind at times.

Chapter 8: Spring's here, and you know what that means!

“Up and at ‘em Silv! It’s time!” Bellowed Cherry through Silver’s window, followed shortly after by a groan and grumble from Silv, tumbling slowly out of bed. She rubbed her eyes and looked at the calendar, before seeming to tense up. It was
March the 20th, and she was late for her first Winter Wrap Up. Rushing hither and thither, she grabbed her things and rushed out, colliding with Cherry in one of their frighteningly routine pony piles.

“We really need to stop colliding” Groaned Cherry, helping her friend up, before they both cantered off in the direction of the central square. Today was going to be a stressful day. After they arrived at the square, they moved swiftly into the crowd of ponies that had gathered, listening to the mayor’s speech, eager to get to work. Shortly after, they were arranged into squads. Sadly, Cherry and Silv were separated into different ones due to their vastly different talents. Silver would be with the animal team, working alongside pegasi and earth ponies to wake up the hibernating animals, while Cherry would be working along with Pinkie, breaking the ice up so that it can melt easily and safely.

Silver’s job, however, wasn’t as simple as she thought it’d be as she soon realised that she had been assigned with the task of waking the larger animals. Her percussion was too loud for the squirrels and hedgehogs, and so she’d be waking the... less eager ones. Namely bears and manticores, who do not take kindly to the simpler methods of waking, they needed to be awoken then unable to return back to sleep, otherwise they would turn aggressive before returning to their slumber. Sighing, Silver looked to the sky, before deciding that, while it may be a tad dangerous, at least it wasn’t Ursa majors she was dealing with.

Her group arrived at the first cave, and then she was left with a pegasi to sort out the bear within. The task was simple; Silver would wake the bear by creating beats as loud as possible, causing the bear to lose it. Then, while it was distracted, the pegasi would close its cave behind it, allowing the bear time to calm down from its tantrum and begin gathering its food. The only problem was Silv would have to keep calm as a bear would try and keep her quiet. She was in no harms way, the bear was aggressive but knew what was happening. He was just going to be extremely grumpy, sort of like being awoken on a Monday morning. Magicing up her drums, waited for her signal. Thinking to herself, she realised that this would be the perfect opportunity to try a faster paced tempo in her music. She struggled with the faster tempos as they require more... adrenaline. If she kept her heart pumping, she might be able to pass that stage.

Then it came. The pegasi signalled, and Silver began to play. A roar sounded from the cave, as a bear with baggy eyes dragged itself outside, looking in the direction of Silv with a look of pure irritation. Slowly, its growls started to heighten as he took a step forward, before rushing forward and starting to go after her. Silv’s eyes widened as she turned tail and ran, her heart pounding inside her chest, the blood rushing through her body as the pace of both her hooves and her beat increased, her horn glowing immensely. The thrill of the chase, she thought, is what I’ll call this piece. But there was no time for these simple thoughts. The pegasi dropped a boulder in front of the cave, and the bear turned towards her. Realising that he could no longer return to his slumber, he stretched and slumped away, grumbling. Turning back, she chuckled. In her eye, for a brief second, she saw herself in that bear’s actions, when she’d been waked by Cherry.

The rest of the day was much the same. At one point a manticore had offered to carry the two ponies to the next cave, despite minutes before chasing Silv, hell bent on quieting her. As they finished the last cave on time, she panted hard and collapsed. She didn’t want to see another cave for at least a year. Returning home and telling the mayor about their success, they were rewarded with cakes as thanks for their hard work and Silv waited for Cherry. She couldn’t help but burst into laughter, a soaked wet Cherry approaching.

“Ha ha bloomin’ ha” She grumbled, shaking her mane.

“W-what happened?” Giggled Silver.

“Somepony forgot to warn me the ice had begun to melt and I fell in” She was bluntly interrupted by Silv’s laugh once more, before joining in the laughter too. “Come on Silv, I don’t know about you but I am beat... Fancy coming over to mine?” Silver nodded, and the two headed down the road.

Chapter 9: A 'Press'ing matter

“Right, everypony, we’ve been assigned with the task of making this event great, so I want you all to put your very best into it, alright?” Presspass shouted to the few hundred or so ponies who he’d be working with the next few days. He couldn’t believe his luck, what better way to make an article on this whole thing than to be one of the ponies who made it happen? The other ponies cheered, and rushed off to where they’d be working. Press smiled. He was going to try to make this the greatest Talent Concert the entirety of equestrian has ever seen. Then he’d have the perfect article too.

It was a first for the entirety of Ponyville. Usually, talent contests were held on a small scale, for fillies and colts. But this year, everypony had agreed to one huge contest for all. That being said, it was all for fun really, but some may take it seriously, and because of this the prize winner would get a grand room in one of the fanciest hotels in Canterlot for a whole week. Press had heard about it, and eager as ever to get the best for the Trotter, he leapt at the chance to be one of the ponies to organize the whole event. He’d know every detail, perfect for any kind of article he’d write. Of course, he wanted the best concert too, but his work meant a lot to him. He began trotting around with his notepad, taking notes as to what everypony who had volunteered was doing, making suggestions and occasionally giving orders. The first, and biggest task, was constructing the venue. They had little over a week to create the entire thing, and ponies from all over Equestria had volunteered to make the task easier. Earth ponies carried the heavy duty materials around, pegasi flew around, working on the higher up construction, while the unicorns helped with their magic to slowly but surely create what would be a large stage.

As the day went on and flowed into the next, Press slowly became more and more stressed. The whole stage had taken longer than they had expected and because of that he was behind schedule. As Silver arrived on the scene to offer to help out, she watched, half worried, half amused, as he ran around willy nilly, setting tasks here and there in a desperate attempt to claw back time.

“Woah woah woah, Press, what in Celestia are you doing?” She asked when she finally caught him.

“W-we’re behind... Need to finish the props for today... start decorations tomorrow” He panted as a sort of reply.

“You do realise that its all for fun, and doesn’t need to be-“ Before she could finish he’d rushed off again. Sighing, she picked up the equipment she’d brought and walked off in the direction of rehearsals. Hopefully, he wouldn’t work himself to hard, she thought to herself.

Press carried on in his rushed manner, helping some of the earth ponies with moving props around, arguing with a few as they took the whole thing light-heartedly. It seemed everypony was doing the same, not really trying hard. Press was the only one panicking. He grumbled and rushed off to the next job, much to the bemusement of the ponies as they took a lunch break. As he arrived, he almost shouted in frustration as the materials he needed had not arrived. A grey, cross-eyed pegasis had offered to deliver them but it seems she may have gone the wrong way. Press spent the rest of the day dashing around, gathering up what he could for what would be the entrance.
Another few days passed, and the project was finally on schedule and nearly finished, but Press was still in a state of overwork. He’d spent the whole night at one point making sure everything was perfect. Silver and Cherry had arrived to finish up and try and talk to Press. They pushed him away from the site, much to his dismay, and sat him down at a local café.

“What in the world is making you so stressed, Press?” Cherry asked, looking rather worried. The same look was on Silv’s face.

“I just want everything to be perfect... It has to be... If it isn’t then...”

“Look, just relax. The concert isn’t meant to be Canterlot standard. The whole point of it was to be a community project for fun, and you’re acting like it’s the Grand Galloping Gala!” Silver reasoned.

“I don’t... If I made it as perfect as possible... Everypony in Equestria would come... Not only would that make it so special... I’d have the perfect article... and the perfect event for my friends” He sighed, looking up at the two of them with a glint in his eye.

“Awe... Look, Press, it doesn’t have to be perfect for that... I’ve read the Trotter, your articles are perfect as it is... As for everypony coming, that’s just crazy. We all just want a good time, and for you to have a good time.” Silver replied, feeling rather ashamed for not helping him.

“Press, you got all worked up because of the pressure, don’t worry about it. Me and Silver will help you finish up, then we’ll go down to Aloe’s spa and just relax, okay? I’m sure the mayor will have a reward for such a hard working pony too~” Chimed Cherry. Press smiled and agreed. They spent the rest of the day working as a team, chatting and laughing as they worked, relaxing after. Press pulled out his notepad, and scribbled out some of the notes he’d put before. In a mind map he’d made, he removed the word perfect with the word he should’ve done it for all along. “Fun”.

Chapter 10: The Talent Concert

The stage was set. Ponies of every variety were pouring into the makeshift stadium, surrounding the stage. Silver, Cherry, Press and Pinkie all stood at a distance as a massive line spewed from the stadium, each of them with an excited grin on their face. As thanks for the help, both Silver and Press had been given VIP (Very Important Pony) status for themselves and however many ponies they liked, with access to backstage and a private balcony. Silver would be getting the best seat in the house though. She’d volunteered to help some of the acts by providing percussion, much to the others envy.

She’d be working with most of the ponies, from the average Joe’s to Vinyl Scratch. She couldn’t wait.
Of course, they skipped the queues. What kind of VIP waits for entry? As they arrived at the stadium gates, Pinkie and Cherry charged in, looking for their seats eagerly. Press entered shortly after, readying his notepad. This’d be great for the Trotter. Silver was about to enter when she heard a noise that made her stop. Somepony was very upset over something...

“Whaddya MEAN I’m not allowed in!” Roared a rather hot-headed, white pony with a pink and white striped mane. She was yelling at the guard ponies, who for some reason were denying her access. “I bought my ticket! See! It’s right here!” She shoved it into the guard’s face, who gave her a glare.

“I told you, someone’s already claimed that seat! Either you got a dodgy ticket, or you’re trying to forge your way in” the guard replied with an angry tone.

“I don’t CARE! Fix it before I fix YOU!” She looked almost ready to swing for the guard.

“WAIT!” Silv jumped in between them. She turned to the guard “My apologies, sir, she’s with me” She smiled apologetically. He rolled his eyes and let the two in. The mare was speechless.

“Wha... Who... Who are you?! Why did you do that for me?” She asked, rather to the point.

“I’m the mare who just saved your sorry flank. The name’s Silver, and you’re welcome.” She smiled, hoping she’d not take offence. She didn’t.

“The name’s Sugar, Powdered Sugar” She laughed. “Save my flank? That guard wouldn’t have stood a chance”

“Yeah, yeah. Pleasure to meet you. Come on, you can join me and the others on the balcony.” Silver retorted jokingly.

The two of them arrived with the others, and Silver introduced them to Sugar. Press seemed amused by her fiery nature, but Pinkie wasn’t so impressed. Regardless, they all got along well and chatted until the show began. Then Silver took her leave and told the others to simply enjoy themselves, and Cherry to watch Sugar doesn’t try to make any more trouble, much to Sugar’s amusement.

As she arrived backstage, she started to prepare her stuff. In two acts she’d be on with a new DJ, one who was just starting out. She was kind of nervous, but knew it was all in good fun. As she grabbed her drum kit and started to assemble, someone bumped into her and the two fell over in a messy heap.

“Cherry?” Silver giggled, before turning around to see a rather confused looking zebra, who quickly bustled about cleaning up the mess he’d made.

“Cherry? No, I’m not cherry. I’m sorry, this probably put you back quite a bit, not good, not good.” He tutted, seeming a tad relaxed, despite his frantic movements.

“Woah, woah, calm down, it hasn’t. Don’t be so worried” She said, trying to calm him.

“I’m not worried, no no, not worried at all” He smiled calmly. This was the first time she had ever seen a Zebra up close, and frankly, they looked stunning. This one in particular was glowing with confidence and optimism, but seemed to be completely in love with his work. His cutie mark was a grey, upward arrow. “Pleasure to meet you. Even more of one to work with you. The name’s Quagga! I’m sure you’ll do fantastic out there, miss...?”

“Silver, Silver hooves” She shook the hoof of Quagga and the two started to talk. “So, what do you do around here?” She asked.

“Me? I’m a skills pony. I help others with their talents, and identify new ones!” He beamed.

“Sounds like great fun! You’ve already made me feel a lot better about all this...”

“No need to have those cold hooves! You’re gonna be great! The audience will LOVE you!” He grinned, seeming to take great pleasure in helping others.

“Say, Quagga, want to hang about sometime, like, after all this?” Silv asked, hoping for a positive answer.

“Messing round’s bad for work, but after, sure! Nothing I’d love to do more!” He replied, smiling wide and trotting off after the two organised a meet up. Silver was now fully prepared, and they were only an act away. She magicked her set over to the stage side, ready for when it was needed, and went off to find this DJ. Upon asking Quagga, he pointed her in the direction of a white pony assembling a rather complicated tape deck. Seemed she’d found him.

“Hello? I assume you’re Mr. Varia?” Silver asked, as the pony popped his head out and seemed to blush as he looked at her.

“U-um, yeah, that’s me.” He replied, growing redder by the minute. “Please, call me Varia. You’re my helper on stage?” He asked, seeming real friendly.

“Yeah, the name’s Silver.” She smiled, shaking his hoof.

“Wow, that’s a pretty name...” He chuckled, not wanting to take his eyes away from her. She had a feeling he wasn’t just being friendly. His mane was orange and grey striped, and he seemed very confident in his own abilities as he started to test the sound system, still gazing at Silver from time to time. She blushed, taking a liking to him, but wasn’t sure she felt the same way as him yet, not even sure he felt that way about her. Gulping, she watched him work until she shook herself out of it.

“How long have you been DJing?”

“All of my life, I only just started on a larger scale, however” He replied, filled with passion. He certainly loved his music.

Then Quagga called out their names. “You ready there, Silv?” He grinned. Nodding, she followed him out and started to play alongside him. She was totally stunned by his talent, he seemed to love what he did, and she couldn’t help but join in with his fiery passion. After they finished to a roaring applaud and walked offstage, Varia thanked her and promised to meet up with the others on the balcony, before galloping off. Silver smiled and went off to finish work with the others.
The night went by so fast after that, and Silver found herself finished in next to no time. Exhausted, she arrived to see all of her friends there, old and new. Quagga and Press were chatting busily, while Cherry and Sugar were chatting loudly, laughing at one another. Varia came up and greeted Silver, and the seven spent the rest of the night relaxing and enjoying themselves. New friends come when you never expect, Silver mused as they all watched the finale together. What a great night.