I woke up the next day and it was a really bright day, probably a bit on the hot side, but with a camping trip I'm gonna take part in today, I guess I can leave my normal suit to one side and just have my shoes on. I then heard a knock on the door, I opened it to see Sweetie Belle and Rarity with many bags...and a cart full of other stuff...where does Rarity get all this?

"Morning Bond, are you ready to go?" Sweetie asked whilst showing a bit of exhaustion.

"I sure am...and morning to you and Rarity too." I replied.

"Fabulous, let's go on catch up with the others." Rarity said as we made our way out of the town.

I noticed that Rarity was dressed in a summer outfit with a yellow napkin wrapped around her, she did look very gorgeous today...I guess she really wants to show me her love now that I'm single again...but probably won't be for long. We approached a forest by a hill and just outside, we saw Applejack along with Applebloom and Scootaloo who were within speaking range from my ears.

"Hey!" Rarity greeted as we walked towards them.

"Oh hey there Bond...are you alright today after what happened yesterday?" Applejack asked.

"I am okay now...I guess Trixie and I just weren't meant to be." I replied while still thinking about my sadness.

"Well don't you fret over it, we're all here for you and we'll always love you."

I smiled again as she gave me a hug. "Thanks Applejack."

She then turned to notice the cart of packed bags. "Gee, Rarity, did you remember to pack?"

"Oh, well, let's see who gets the last laugh when you're absolutely desperate to curl your lashes, and you realize you didn't bring your eyelash curler." Rarity replied whilst putting on her pink shades.

"Well, looks like we're all set now."

"But what about Rainbow Dash? Isn't Rainbow Dash coming?" Scootaloo asked.

"'Course she is, sugarcube. She's gonna meet us up at our first campsite."

"Oh."

"Alright, y'all, let's move 'em out!"

We then began walking up the hill and through the forest, noticing the bottom of the waterfall on our right side. Sometime later, we were far away from Ponyville, but we could still see it. Rarity and I were behind the group, trying to get a chance to speak quietly without them knowing.

"So how are you darling?" she asked quietly.

"Much better after you and I shared that wonderful kiss." I replied. "That reminds me..."

I then moved my head close to hers and kissed her on the cheek which caused Rarity to slightly blush.

"Thank you, dear..."

We then moved away slightly from each other so none of the other ponies would get any ideas if they saw us close.

"Oh, are we there yet?" she asked.

"The last thousand times you asked that, the answer was no." Applejack replied before we stopped at a huge area, "This time, it's actually yes. There's Rainbow Dash up there right now."

Dash then flew down towards us in her boasting but genuine way.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash! What's up?" Scootaloo greeted although she seemed a bit nervous of her idol.

"What took you guys so long?" Dash asked.

"Well, some of us didn't pack as light as the others. So we were slowed down a bit." Applejack answered, pointing to the big cart behind Sweetie.

"So is this a check point?" I asked.

"It sure is, it's gonna take another day before we get to the top of Winsome Falls, let's get unpacking." Applebloom replied.

We began unpacking a few tents whilst I collected firewood with stones and placed them around the centre of the big area.

"Looks like you'll be sharing a tent with me, huh?" Dash asked as she sat beside Scootaloo.

"Heh, if that's okay with you." Scootaloo replied.

"Sure! Long as you don't snore. You don't snore, do you?"

"Nope. No way. Not me. Never snored a day or night in my life."

"Then you and I are gonna get along just fine."

Just then, we saw one of Rarity's cases transform into a huge tent house.

"You have got to be kidding me." Dash commented, summing up what the other five of us were thinking.

"Sweetie Belle, do be a dear and see if you can find some fresh flowers for my bedside vase." Rarity said as she threw a vase down from the balcony before it landed on Sweetie's back who trotted it inside the huge tent.

"Scootaloo, do be a sweetheart and see if you can gather some firewood." Dash requested whilst impersonating Rarity, which made the rest of us giggle. "Seriously though. Can you get us some wood for the fire?"

"Of course!" Scootaloo replied as she went off to get more wood.

Sometime later, it was almost the evening time, the fire was well lit, we had eaten well made food, but now Dash had something to say.

"Okay, everypony get comfortable, 'cause I'm about to tell you the best story you've ever heard." Dash said to us as the CMC's sat on the log with Applejack beside her tent whilst I was sitting beside Rarity who was relaxing on a posh sofa.

"Is it about the time when Rarity had wings, and then they got ruined, and then you saved her from plummeting to her doom?" Scootaloo asked.

We were taken back by that one...I don't think any of us wanted to be reminded of that event.

"Okay, maybe it's the second best story you've ever heard. But probably still the scariest. You like scary stories, right?"

"Mm-hmm."

Dash then sat down on another log and began to tell her tale, "It all happened on a night just like this one, in a forest, just like this..."

Let's be honest here, I'd rather focus on finding out how much Rarity would love to be with me than some old fashioned story told by a toned-down boaster, but that's that just me.

"...And then, The Olden Pony asked, 'Who's got my rusty horseshoe?'" Dash said as she impersonated an elder pony.

"Not me!" Sweetie answered.

"You do!"

This scared the CMC's whilst Dash laughed.

"Something in my throat." Scootaloo said as she coughed for a moment, "I wasn't scared at all, heheh. Good story."

"Knew you wouldn't be scared. The way you jumped that cart the other day, you're like me – fearless."

"Yeah. Fearless."

Even though we hear a hoot from an owl, Scootaloo shivered for a moment...as I looked at Sweetie Belle who felt sad and scared.

"Don't worry. Rarity is here to keep you safe and sound. Ooh!" Rarity said to her sister.

Applejack then yawned, "Think it's about time for me to hit the straw." she saw Applebloom trembling beside her. "Don't you worry, little sis. There's no 'Olden Pony' in our tent."

"Haa, that sure was funny, wasn't it? Heheh. How they were all afraid of The Olden Pony? Heh, but not me, heh!" Scootaloo said nervously.

"That's because you're tough, just like when I was your age!" Dash replied. "I'm hitting the sack. Come in whenever you feel like it."

"Oh wait, where am I sleeping again?" I asked.

"With me and Sweetie Belle, darling, come in." Rarity said as I walked in.

It was a little bigger on the inside, I looked around to see a small bed which is probably for Sweetie and a huge bed which was obviously for Rarity and me.

"Goodnight Bond and sis." Sweetie said as she yawned before walking over to her bed and wrapped the covers around her.

"Goodnight, Sweetie." Rarity replied as she took off her summer outfit and got in the big bed first and I followed afterwards.

We got ourselves comfortable in bed and turned out the lights...this was only the third time I had to share a bed with Rarity and this time...I felt like I wanted to be close to her. Although, she seemed to pick up on my current mood and she looked at me as we noticed a ray of the moonlight coming from the top window.

"Come a little closer to me if you want, darling." Rarity whispered.

"Are you sure?" I asked whilst whispering.

"I am dear...goodnight."

This put a smile on my face as I moved myself closer to her and began to sleep peacefully.

The next day arrived and we had to pack and move on to the next checkpoint further up the hill. I volunteered to pull the cart so that Sweetie could have an easier journey. Although while we were making our way up to the next area, I noticed Scootaloo sleeping whilst riding her scooter, which made me wonder if that ghost story did scare her.

"Ohh... Am I sweating? Oh! I think I'm sweating! Oh, uh, but it's absolutely worth it to get to spend time with my little sister. It's just that this cart feels like it's getting heavier all the time!" Rarity moaned.

"Ah don't care if that's cart's as heavy as a pack of mules. If we don't get a move on, it'll be dark before we get to the campsite!" Applejack responded.

"Dark?!" Scootaloo gasped as she began to move faster, "I'll just ride ahead and make sure the path is clear. We don't wanna be out here after dark, right?"

"Doesn't matter to me." Dash replied.

"Well, y'know, it's for the scaredy-ponies, heheh."

Now I was beginning to worry about Scootaloo and that maybe she's trying to not be scared so that she can impress her idol and perhaps take her under her wing. Before I could ponder more about it, she scooted off at a fast speed...good thing there's no road signs about speed limits around here, although there should be, but then again vehicles don't really exist around here.

After a while of walking through the forest and getting nearer to our next camp site, we saw Scootaloo floating down from the sky and onto a hedge bush and landed neatly which confused us slightly.

"Um... don't come this way! Take the path! It's, heh, way better than going through the bushes." Scootaloo said to us as she joined us again before we continued walking.

"You're more nervous than a worm in an apple on cider making day. What gives, Scootaloo?" Applejack asked.

"Heh, nothing, just thought I heard something, aheh." she replied.

"You sure you're okay? You seem a little jumpy." I asked her.

"Just getting my exercise! You know how important it is to stretch out those hindquarters every so often, aheh." she then zoomed and stopped in front of Rarity. "Uh, d-do you need a little help?"

"That's so sweet, thank you." Rarity replied as I got out of the saddle cart.

"Um... what are friends for?"

Scootaloo then got herself in the saddle cart and began to pull away, least it will help take her mind off the spooky story.

Time seemed to go by quite fast as we carried on getting higher and higher up the hill, until we came across another camping area but with a cave entrance.

"No need for outdoor tents tonight, y'all. We'll just take shelter in that cave." Applejack said, pointing to the cave.

"All right! A deep, dark cave! Perfect for the story I've got for tonight. All we need is a campfire, and we're good to go." Dash added.

"Uh, of course..." Scootaloo replied, hesitating, "I'll be right back with lots of firewood from the deep...dark...not-scary-at-all forest!"

"Thanks."

We walked inside the cave to first of all check that there was living being in there, which there wasn't and soon we unpacked our camping equipment and with the stones and logs in place, we were now waiting for Scootaloo with the firewood.

"Bbbbrrr! Hoo-wee! It's colder than a timberwolf's toenail. Bbbrr! Where's that Scootaloo?" Applejack said.

"Here you go!" Scootaloo replied who came back with a few twigs.

"That's it?" Dash asked.

"It's all I could find, 'cause, y'know, there aren't that many trees around here!"

Most of us stood there confused, seeing that there were plenty of trees behind her.

"It's all we need. Why don't you sit with Rainbow Dash for a while?" Applejack suggested.

Scootaloo zoomed to sit by Dash.

"Now, where was I? Oh yeah, the scary part." Dash said who imitated an evil laugh.

"Hey, I have an idea! How about I tell tonight's story?" Scootaloo said.

"Alright, just make sure it's a horrible one."

"There once was a really really nice pony who lived in a bright and sunny land, where there are rainbows every day, and lots and lots of happy friends, and-"

"No offence, but it's not a real campfire story unless somepony's shaking." Dash said, cutting her off, "I've been told that these very woods are haunted...by The Headless Horse! It gallops only at night-"

"If it doesn't have a head, then how in tarnation does this pony know where it's goin'?" Applejack asked.

"It's headless, not brainless...looking for little lost ponies-"

"So where's its brain?"

"Ugh...fear was dripping from the air..."

We then heard all of the story as unknown to the other ponies, I was beside Rarity and I took a risky move by having my right hoof holding her left hoof behind the log so they couldn't see it. Rarity and I blushed for a moment, quickly looking at each other.

"...and they were never heard from ever again!"

"Never?" Sweetie asked nervously.

"Never!"

The fireplace then flew up slightly, scaring the fillies before they laughed...except Scootaloo who was now trembling more than ever. Sweetie Belle went inside the big tent as Applebloom went inside the green tent and Dash went inside the other tent.

"It's not time for bed yet, is it?" Scootaloo asked.

"'Fraid so, Scootaloo." Applejack replied.

"Uh, but we haven't even sung any campfire songs yet!"

"Maybe tomorrow."

"Aww."

"Seems like you don't really wanna go to sleep tonight. Is there some reason why?"

By then, I activated my lie detector spell, one of the spells I learnt from the book I read.

"Pfft, of course not! I just love camping and hanging out with Rainbow Dash so much that I don't wanna waste a single minute with sleep! Heh, silly sleep."

A red buzz went off around my horn, but nopony noticed. I knew straight away that Scootaloo's answer was a lie.

"That's cool and all, Scoot, but this pony needs her shut-eye and she needs it now!" Dash said as she walked into her tent, with Scootaloo in tow.

I went inside Rarity's tent and same as before, I got into the big bed with Rarity. After a few minutes of calling it a night and with the others asleep, I tried getting some sleep, but my mind was getting worried for Scootaloo and that if she really is scared, she may do something stupid.

"Rarity, I can't sleep...I'm worried about Scootaloo." I whispered to her.

"Are you, dear?"

I nodded.

"...I have to admit, she isn't really herself." Rarity replied whispering.

"Maybe I should go and talk to her about why she's acting like this."

"Alright darling, please do...and if she goes out, be careful."

"I will, Rarity...I'll be safe."

She the gave me a quick kiss on the lips which made me smile a lot as I quietly got out of bed and sneaked out of the huge tent. I looked around the camping area to find the mares all sleeping...except Scootaloo who wasn't there. I gasped, thinking that she may have ran out of the cave and somewhere in the forest. I had to do something and maybe get Dash involved for help too.

"Dash...Dash, wake up." I whispered loudly to her.

"Ugh...Bond...what is it?" Dash asked feeling sleepy.

"Scootaloo's missing, look..." I pointed to her sleeping bag which was empty. "...I think she may have gotten scared of the stories you've told and ran out to the forest."

"Oh Scoots...let's go find her quick."

I nodded as we walked sneakfully out of the cave and then flew up above the trees to find her...after a while, we heard a loud cry for help and we flew in the direction of the voice to find Scootaloo getting washed away by the river before falling down a waterfall.

"There she is!" I pointed to her.

Dash wasted no time in zooming down the waterfall and grabbed Scootaloo before we flew to a safe spot.

"Rainbow Dash! Is that you? Thank you, thank you!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

We then landed on a safe spot with the moon shining down on us, hoping to get an explanation.

"What were you doing out here in the middle of the night?!" Dash asked with a demanding expression.

"It is time for you to face your real fear, Scootaloo!" said a distant voice which I was able to hear...was that Princess Luna?

"I'm so, so sorry, Rainbow Dash! I just wanted you to hang out with me and see how cool I was so you'd take me under your wing, teach me everything you know, and become like my big sister!" Scootaloo explained before she head a few tears. "But then you started telling those spooky stories and I got scared! I thought I heard The Headless Horse so I ran out here by myself, and...well, I guess you know the rest."

"So that's why you've been acting like this since yesterday evening." I said.

"Hey, I'm gonna tell you something, but if you ever tell anypony else, I'm gonna deny it. First time I heard those stories... I was scared too." Dash said to her.

"You were?"

"Sure! I mean, I got over it because I realized pretty quick that if there was such thing as a Headless Horse, I could totally take it on. So, you're looking for somepony to take you under their wing, huh?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Yeah, I might be up for something like that."

"Really?"

"As long as you don't go falling into any more rivers in the middle of the night."

"It's a deal!"

I smiled at the loving and warming scene as they shared a friendly hug...I had to admit, with them together, they do look like long lost sisters...but it was still the night time and we needed to go back to the cave.

"Girls, we need to go back and get some sleep...and just to be sure, why don't you share the sleeping bag so you don't get scared." I advised with a wink.

"Oh I don't think I need that much affection, Bond, cause I know that Dash will save me in my dreams."

We shared a giggle together before we flew with Scootaloo on my back and we returned to the caves, we walked in quietly and I saw Dash and Scootaloo getting to sleep in their sleeping bags as I walked sneakfully inside the big tent and quietly climbed into the big bed where I felt Rarity's warmth once more, leaving me happy enough to sleep.

The next day arrived and we packed up and left the cave to carry on the walking. After another long walk, we finally made it to the top of the waterfalls to find a waterfall and a lake pouring down rainbow coloured waterfalls. We all looked up to see that it was coming from Cloudsdale and the city was almost like above us.

"I call sister teams!" Sweetie exclaimed. "Last herd to make it to the falls is a mouldy carrot!"

"Ugh, if you insist." Rarity replied before galloping with her sister "It is so on!"

"They think they can beat the two of us?" Dash asked as she grabbed Scootaloo by the hoof and they flew fast towards the falls.

Applejack and Applebloom joined in by galloping to the top. I trotted along and watched them have fun like close sisters and in a way, one big family...if only my sister was here, we could take part in it too.

After we had our fun at the waterfall, we agreed to declare the camping over and a success, we walked all the way down from the hill, past the forest and back into Ponyville...it took a long time as well...it was already sunset by the time we got back.

"Well I have to say, it was great fun and we should do this again soon." Applebloom said.

"It sure was fun." Sweetie agreed.

"I'll say and I got myself a flying tutor out of it." Scootaloo boasted.

"Hold your hooves for a moment, I'll train you alright, but it'll have to wait till tomorrow." Dash said.

"Alright, we'll see you all soon."

Scootaloo and Dash then waved at us and then left.

"We best be headin' on back home too, see ya soon, partners." Applejack said as she and Applebloom trotted off to their farm home.

"Lemme help you with some of the bags." I said as I took a few bags off the cart and brought them into Rarity's carousel boutique. Sweetie then went up the stairs and carried one bag with her, which is probably her own one, leaving me and Rarity outside her home.

"I think Sweetie Belle and I can take it from here...I'm also very happy that you finally found your smile and love back." Rarity said as he gave me a loving hug which I accepted.

"It's all thanks to you as well...this was a great trial I thought, I now believe we are ready to have a loving relationship." I said.

"I agree darling...I just feel so much love when I'm with you...I'll see you soon dear, I love you Bond."

"I love you too, Rarity...I'll see you soon as well."

We then shared a loving and romantic kiss before waving as I walked back home with a smile on my face.

I headed inside and taking my shoes off, I went straight to my bed and thought over the few days that went by. I knew Scootaloo looked up to Dash but I never thought she was really scared of campfire stories. Still, at least she now has a big sister to learn so much about flying from. I still think they would be perfect as sisters...of course there could be such a thing as adoption, but that can wait for the time being.

As for me, I meant what I said that I now love Rarity and that she loves me too. But when would be the right time for her and me to break the news to the others? Because there is Spike and we know that he would be crushed if he ever found out about his crush dating me...I guess that can also wait for now as I began to sleep in my own bed with a smile. Next Chapter: Wonderbolts Academy Estimated time remaining: 14 Hours, 41 Minutes