TimberTwi Tales: First Impressions

by CapNTilfy

First published 22nd of December, 2019

Twilight Sparkle and Timber Spruce have had chaotic lives, and now their paths cross...

Ever since his parents passed away, Timber Spruce's life has been a mess. Nagging self-doubts, a stressed-out sister, his beloved camp is behind on its payments, and nobody to talk to about it. In spite of all this, he and Gloriosa Daisy must put on happy faces and pretend like nothing's wrong as Camp Everfree enters what very well could be its final week...

Ever since the Friendship Games, Twilight Sparkle's life has been chaotic. Having to adapt to a new school with a completely different set of ideals, learning the ropes of friendship, adjusting to the fact that magic exists... and to top it all off, she's been plagued by nightmares of her magically corrupted alter ego, Midnight Sparkle!

The week these two will have may just change their lives for the better...

(This is intended to be a slightly different take on Legend of Everfree, with more character development and additional scenes for Timber and Gloriosa, with maybe the teeny tiniest extra bit of TimberTwi.)

Sex tag is for implied masturbation, talk of masturbation, and non-descriptive nudity.

Volume II of TimberTwi Tales, which is set in Not Just Any Old Continuity. (But this can be read on its own.)

Here is a list of all my stories for convenient access!

Prologue I: Put On A Happy Face

An alarm clock went off, waking Timber Spruce from his sleep. He heaved a sigh and turned it off, wishing he could just go back to sleep and forget the rest of the world.

Slowly but surely, Timber got out of bed. As much as he wanted to just stay in his room, he had no choice. Camp Everfree, a camp his and his sister's great grandparents founded, had fallen behind on its payments. This had put the camp in jeopardy.

He and Gloriosa Daisy had been handling the camp ever since their parents' untimely passing. A sudden passing that Timber wasn't sure he'd ever recover from. He was once the outgoing sort, but that part of him had died along with his mother and father. He had mostly kept to himself lately, not opening himself up to anybody but his sister. His sister who, sadly, had been under a great deal of pressure from Filthy Rich.

You'll never be as good as your father was.

Timber sighed again. A group of students and a couple of faculty chaperones from Canterlot High would be coming today and staying for a week... a week that might turn out to be Camp Everfree's last. With a shake of his head, he walked into his bathroom and looked into his mirror.

Timber's hair was unkempt, and on his chin was a slight bit of stubble. He simply stared at his reflection. A tired, miserable and lonely young man stared back.

God, you're a mess. Is it any wonder why you isolate yourself from the world?

Timber slapped a hand on the marble sink as a surge of frustration flowed through him. Self-loathing or no, he would have to put up a facade. A facade he had trained himself to keep from breaking. He wasn't allowed to vent to campers. He had to keep his personal drama private. Just like always. He got out an electric razor and shaved himself clean, then splashed water on his face.

Looking back into the mirror, Timber saw that his face was clean and presentable.

You're still a goddamn mess, no matter how you look.

Timber grit his teeth, then began to run water for a shower. He almost wished he hadn't bothered to look at himself. It did little to improve his mood.

Timber lifted the stopper, and the shower water came down. He sighed as the hot water cascaded down his back.

Showers were one of Timber's very few escapes from reality. Even then, his worries would eventually catch up with him.

As the steam rose, Timber ran a hand through his hair. His relationship with Gloriosa had became strained lately, due to her stress from being under pressure. She had recently found some magical geodes, and Timber had begun to fear for her safety.

Timber shuddered. If anything were to happen to Gloriosa, he wouldn't know what to do! She was the only family he had left!

Time and time again, Timber had warned her about the magic... and time and time again, she would simply say "I've got this!"

God, Timber was getting sick of hearing her say that!

Despite it all, though, Timber loved her very much. He just needed some time to himself so he could cool off and collect his thoughts.

Your life is going nowhere.

His positive thoughts, that was. What very few he had, at least. Those only came when he was at Camp Everfree. Even then, those were few and far in between.

You're on the verge of losing everything,
and there's nothing you can do about it.

Frustration grabbed a hold of Timber and he slapped his palm on the tiled wall, then grit his teeth in pain as his hand tingled. He shook his wrist lightly, then sighed in relief. No major damage done.

What would his parents think if they saw how he and Gloriosa were handling things on their own? They'd probably step in and make things all better.

They'd think you were pathetic.

No, they wouldn't! His parents were good and decent folks!

You think you're pathetic. Why shouldn't they?

"Shut up," Timber roared, swinging a fist dangerously close to the wall. He had stopped just an inch short.

Timber heaved a deep sigh. He really was a mess, and had done nothing to get himself out of his stagnating personal hell.

Timber pulled at his eyelids. Negative thoughts or no, he sometimes wondered whether or not he truly deserved this life.

With a hollow feeling in his chest, Timber reluctantly left the shower and dried off. He left his bathroom and got dressed for the day, the gazed at an old picture of his parents.

Timber gently ran a hand on the glass covering the photo as a tear ran down his cheek. "God I miss you both," he whispered.

Timber walked back to his mirror and took a deep breath. It was arguably the hardest part of his day: putting on a fake smile. Keeping up his facade was just the easy part, but he absolutely loathed the inauthenticity he felt whenever he practiced smiling.

Smiling, Timber thought, was not something one should practice. Smiles should be genuine and contagious! And yet, here he was, being a goddamn hypocrite.

Just another reason for Timber to hate himself. As if he didn't have enough already!

Timber shook his head rapidly. There would be time enough for that later. For now, though, he had to put on a happy face.

Timber closed his eyes and imagined the most chipper smile. The happiest smile. The biggest over the top shit-eating grin he could think of! He opened his eyes and flashed his pearly whites, then stared at the mirror. It was ridiculous. It made his stomach turn. It couldn't possibly be further from what he was truly feeling, and he hated everything about it.

It was perfect.

Timber snorted. Then chuckled. He slowly descended into a laughing fit as tears fell from his eyes, and all he could think of was how terrible his life was until his laughter stopped, but his tears didn't.

Prologue II: Stressed and Overwhelmed

Gloriosa Daisy's alarm clock went off and startled her awake. She let out a groan, then shut it off. She did not want to face the world today, but she had no choice.

Gloriosa had been through a lot since her parents' deaths. Sudden financial control over Camp Everfree, without a clue how to go about it. Constant pressure from Filthy Rich to keep up with the payments. The family camp was at risk. All that and a brother that didn't understand that she had a good handle on this strange magic!

Stress for Gloriosa had been a near constant. It was a wonder she hadn't pulled her hair out! It was also a wonder she hadn't punched any holes in any walls!

Gloriosa got out of bed, expecting stress to be in abundance throughout the week. She would constantly say "I've got this!", but she had lately been wondering if she was only fooling herself. Or was it that she was trying to boost what little confidence she had in herself? She didn't know any more...

Nonetheless, Gloriosa had to put up a front for the campers. She didn't want her frustrations and negativity to bring down their spirits. Yet with each passing year that had proven to become increasingly difficult. She didn't have the money for a therapist, and she could only rely on Timber for so much. She sighed.

Gloriosa could barely bring herself to look at her own reflection. Oh, she had no problems with self-esteem. She knew she was attractive, but her issue with mirrors was that she didn't need to be reminded of how stressed and overwhelmed she had been. Besides, she could smile just fine.

Gloriosa heard her phone vibrate from the corner of her room, and she felt frustration well up. Couldn't she have a few moments of peace after she just freaking woke up?! Was that too much to ask?? Every goddamn day it was "Gloriosa, do this! Gloriosa do that!" Barely a moment of respite every day!

Gloriosa paused for a moment, then took a deep breath and exhaled. It was fine. She's got this. She picked up the phone and noticed she had a voicemail.

Missed call from: Filthy Rich

Gloriosa resisted a strong urge to hurl her phone out the nearest window. Filthy Rich had given her until the end of the month already, so what could he possibly want now?! That pompous businessman had been breathing down her fucking neck for the last couple of weeks, and she was sick of him!

"Smug son of a bitch," Gloriosa muttered under her breath as she began to listen to Filthy's message.

"Hello there, Gloriosa." Gloriosa grit her teeth at the sound of Filthy's voice. "I hope you're ready to enjoy your last week at Camp Everfree before I turn it into a luxury spa! Why, I can hear the soothing music of the lobby as we speak..."

Gloriosa became furious.

"See ya soon," Filthy said, then hung up.

Gloriosa gently placed her phone on a nightstand, then took a pillow and held it to her face. The room became full of her muffled screams of impotent rage for the next minute.

Damn him. Damn him! Camp Everfree had been in their family for generations, and now it was all about be taken away by some money obsessed asshole!

As Gloriosa headed to the shower, she wondered what her parents would think of her if they were still alive. Would they proud of how she handled things, or would they have been disappointed in her? She was desperate for the money, and she was trying to find anyone who would willingly help! It was a moment of weakness that led her to Filthy Rich!

The water began to run, and so did tears down Gloriosa's cheeks. She wasn't fit for this sort of pressure! Why did she and Timber have to suffer at someone else's expense?

Who was Gloriosa kidding? This was all her fault. If she had only kept a clearer head, Camp Everfree wouldn't have been in this mess! A vision of her parents' disapproving looks flashed through her mind, and she broke. The warm water cascading down her back did little to console her as she rode out her emotions.

Gloriosa finished crying, then stood back up to wash herself with a heavy sigh. She would have lost her mind long ago if it wasn't for Timber. They both kept each other afloat... yet their relationship had become tense. A clashing of ideals as to how to handle their current situation had strained things between them.

Gloriosa didn't want to fight with Timber, but she'd be willing to do almost anything to keep Camp Everfree running! She heaved another sigh. She didn't like the idea of pretending that there was nothing wrong, and she knew the campers would suspect something was amiss... but there was nothing she could do about it. The feeling of powerlessness only made her want to cry again!

Gloriosa shook her head as she got out of the shower. She had had more than enough self-pity for one day. She needed to think of the campers first.

Gloriosa found her geode necklace as she got dressed. She picked it up and gazed at it, wondering how on earth this sort of power came here in the first place. She shrugged. It didn't really matter as long as she put it to good use. No sense looking a gift horse in the mouth, after all!

Now fully clothed, Gloriosa felt her confidence return. With the geodes around her neck, she would make this the best week ever for the campers! She clenched a hand into a fist and grinned. Right now, she felt like nothing could stop her! "Gloriosa Daisy," she said to herself. "You've got this!"

Gloriosa headed over to Timber's room, ready for whatever the week would bring her.

If she knew what to expect, her attitude would have been drastically different.

Prologue III: A New Outlook

Twilight Sparkle looked out the window of the bus with a sigh. Ever since she transferred from Crystal Prep Academy, her life had completely turned around.

When Twilight was at Crystal Prep, she was constantly scorned by her peers. It was a competitive, winner take all environment with almost no friends.

If it wasn't for Lemon Zest and Dean Cadance, she might have lost her mind! Oh, and the regular masturbation helped too. It was amazing what an orgasm or two did to one when they were stressed.

When Twilight had her first day at Canterlot High, it was almost overwhelming! Everyone was kind, friendly and supportive... not to mention everyone knew her name!

Twilight had met her alternate universe self shortly after the Friendship Games, and was left with far more questions than answers.

Twilight was still getting used to being a bit more social, as well as getting to know her new friends better.

Applejack was the most commonsensical of the group, and wasn't afraid to tell the truth no matter what.

Rainbow Dash was a bit of a prankster, an athlete... and a friend who always be by her side.

Pinkie Pie was the hardest to get used to. In fact, Twilight wasn't sure if she'd ever get used to her! Still, she meant well, and there was never a dull moment when she was around.

Rarity. Twilight had never met a more giving person than her. She seemed to have an innate knack for fashion and trends.

Fluttershy reminded Twilight of herself before she joined the group. At least, her shyness did. Once she opened up to Twilight, they shared their knowledge and love of animals with each other.

Sunset Shimmer had been a kindred spirit to Twilight. Both had experienced magic overwhelming them, turning them into something... not quite themselves.

I'm always here... waiting for the right moment.

Twilight shuddered. Midnight Sparkle had been a constant presence over her shoulder. A reminder of the terrible destruction she wrought that day.

"How are you holding up," Spike asked from Twilight's lap.

Twilight blinked. She still wasn't used to her pet dog talking!

"I'm doing the best that I can," Twilight whispered.

Twilight had been having constant nightmares of Midnight overtaking her and killing her friends. Those nightmares had slowly taken a toll on her psyche, and she had tried to keep this knowledge to herself and Spike.

"We can't hide this from the girls forever," Spike whispered.

"I know, I know! I just don't want them to worry about me."

"But not telling them isn't doing you any favors."

Twilight sighed as she looked out the window again. Countless trees passed her vision, nearly making her dizzy.

Twilight turned away with a quick shake of her head to reorient herself. She adjusted her glasses, then checked her phone for the time.

"Don't worry about the time, silly," Pinkie Pie said cheerfully. "We'll get there when we get there!"

Twilight smiled warmly. It was nice to feel reassured.

"Surely there must be something you can do to pass the time, darling," Rarity said from a row down.

What little you have left...

Twilight grit her teeth for a moment, then forced a smile. "Y-Yeah," she said awkwardly. "I'm sure I can think of something..."

"You all right, Sugarcube?"

"I'm fine, I just have a lot on my mind."

"Hmm," Pinkie said as she got up to Twilight's seat and inspected her closely. "You do kinda look like you're having some kind of internal conflict..."

Twilight blanched. How did she know?!

"Either that or you're just bored out of your skull." Pinkie shrugged. "I can't tell the difference sometimes." She went back to her seat as Twilight inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

Spike gave Twilight a look of surprise and confusion.

Twilight simply shrugged in response.

"Aaaaanyway," Sunset said. "What are you guys going to do when we get there?"

Twilight smiled as she watched her friends discuss their plans.

There's nothing they could do that would help, Midnight taunted. You're going to be stuck with me forever!

Twilight shook her head in an effort to ignore Midnight.

You remember that dream you had? That's going to happen for real!

Leave me alone, Twilight thought.

Midnight laughed. Is that the best you've got? An attitude like that is the reason you have no chance of keeping me at bay for much longer!

Please, stop, Twilight thought in a quick fit of near desperation.

Midnight laughed again. I'll see you later.

Twilight shuddered. There had to be something she could do about Midnight! But what? Have one of her friends hypnotize her out? No, that sounded just as farfetched as an exorcism!

Maybe Twilight could banish Midnight via a medically induced coma! No, that sounded far too extreme.

You're going to be stuck with me forever! Midnight's words echoed in her head.

Okay, masturbation was far off of the table for this problem.

Twilight sighed heavily. There was no easy way out of this issue with Midnight, if there was a way out at all!

At least Midnight was only in Twilight's head, and not out there causing havoc and destruction. But what if she got out? What if she started raising hell?

What if Twilight Sparkle became responsible for the end of world?!

Spike licked Twilight, snapping her out of her panic attack. "You were nearly hyperventilating and pulling at your hair."

Twilight blinked, then hugged Spike. "Thank you," she said softly.

"Hey, what are friends for?"

Feeling slightly better, Twilight looked out the window and saw Camp Everfree off in the distance.

"We're almost there," Twilight said to Spike.

"Great! I could really use a good stretch of the ol' legs right about now!"

"I think we all could," Fluttershy chimed in.

Everyone murmured in agreement.

"Well," Twilight said. "I hope this week is eventful. Just not too eventful."

"It'll be fine," Rainbow said. "It's just a campground. It's not like anything magical happens there anyway."

The bus reached Camp Everfree, and a life-changing week for many had begun!

First Contact

Timber and Gloriosa left their cabin and began making their way to the outdoor stage. Timber glanced worriedly at Gloriosa's geode necklace.

Gloriosa glared at Timber. "Not. A. Word."

Timber narrowed his eyes. "'I've got this," he said mockingly with exaggerated hand gestures.

"If you weren't the only family I had, I'd-"

"You'd what," Timber asked in a challenging tone as he folded his arms. "Imprison me in a cage of thorns?" He scoffed. "Yeah, that's a healthy way of dealing with your problems."

Gloriosa barked a mirthless laugh. "That's rich, coming from you! Mister spends all day in his room feeling sorry for himself!"

She isn't wrong.

"You know what?" Timber shook with fury. "We don't have time for this. Let's just get on the stage, get this week over with, and speak to each other as little as possible."

"Fine by me." Gloriosa stormed over to the stage ahead of Timber.

Twilight got off the bus, followed by Sunset, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Applejack.

"So," Sunset said. "Ever been camping before?"

Twilight shook her head. "Closest I ever came to camping was right in our backyard with Shining Armor. How about you?"

Sunset put a hand behind her head. "Well... I guess you could say I camped out a lot during my first couple of years around here."

"Sunset, you don't have to go into details if it makes you uncomfortable."

Sunset smiled warmly and put a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "I appreciate the thought, but I want you to know as much about me as possible. It's part of friendship, after all." She took a deep breath and sighed. "When I entered this world, I had no place to go to, so I spent a majority of my time outside."

"That must have been awful."

"You have no idea, Twilight. You have no idea."

Rarity sighed. "I'm just after some R&R. The past year has all been a bit too much for my tastes."

"I'll say," Pinkie said. "We fought three evil sirens who tried to hypnotize everybody with their singing, one ridiculously competitive rival school, and two demon friends!"

Twilight felt a twinge of guilt and looked away. She didn't think she'd ever live that incident down!

"Uh," Pinkie laughed nervously. "No offense."

"None taken," Sunset said as she grabbed Twilight. "You'll get used to it." She lightly punched Twilight on the arm.

"Yup," Applejack said. "Canterlot High has become a regular magic magnet. Gonna be nice gettin' away to a place where we don't have to worry about that kinda stuff."

A blue haired student ran up to Twilight with her bag. "Here you go, Twilight."

"Thanks," Twilight said as she took her bag. "It's... Flash, right?"

"Yup, that's me! And you're you. And we don't know each other very well." He muttered something unintelligible under his breath.

"Right," Twilight said as she adjusted her glasses. "I guess I'll... see you around." She watched Flash away as she bit her lip. And she thought she could be awkward!

"You know how there's that girl who looks just like you when she's here but lives in another dimension and she's a pony princess," Sunset asked.

"Uh-huh," Twilight nodded.

"Flash kinda had a... thing for her."

"Oh."

Suddenly, the sound of feedback from the PA system filled the air, hurting the ears of all on the premises.

"Hey, everyone," A cheerful female voice said. "If you could start heading to the courtyard, that would be rad! It's time to start the best week of camp ever!"

Timber gave Gloriosa an incredulous look. "'Rad'? Seriously? Who the hell even says that anymore?"

Gloriosa put her hands on her hips and scowled. "Oh, and I suppose you would've come up with something better?"

"Well I sure wouldn't have said something as outdated as 'rad'," Timber said as he rolled his eyes.

Gloriosa scoffed. "You're just saying that because you wouldn't know what to say!"

You probably would've said something worse.

Timber grunted in frustration and handwaved Gloriosa away.

Moments later, campers began to assemble in the courtyard and Gloriosa walked up on stage for all to see her.

"Hi, everyone! Welcome to Camp Everfree! I'm Gloriosa Daisy, your camp director! Think of me as your friendly camp and nature guide. And this is my brother, Timber Spruce!"

Timber took the microphone. "Think of me as that awesome guy who should always be invited to fun things." He handed the microphone back to Gloriosa.

"We aim to please, so before we hand out our tent assignments, we'd like to hear from all of you. You're free to do whatever you like here."

"Uh," Timber said, as he walked forward. "Except hike near the rock quarry. That's off-limits."

"Y-Yes, but otherwise, your options are wide open. So what activities will make this the very best week of your lives ever?" Gloriosa took suggestions from several campers for a few moments, then stopped. "I'll be taking requests the rest of the time you're here, so if there's anything you'd like to do, anything you need, just ask."

Timber glanced offstage and noticed Twilight.

Twilight felt heat rise to her face, and the sight of her blush caused Timber to smile genuinely for the first time in months as his heart skipped a beat.

Maybe Timber should get to know her. Nobody ever made him smile just by looking at him!

Twilight continued to smile at Timber. He didn't look half bad! Maybe she should look into him.

"What about the camp gift," Principal Celestia asked. "That was my favorite Camp Everfree tradition."

"The camp gift," Gloriosa exclaimed. "Of course!"

"Really," Timber whispered inquiringly.

"Yes, really," Gloriosa whispered back.

"Well, I just thought-"

"Then you thought wrong!"

Wouldn't be the first time.

Back on the ground, Sunset whispered to Pinkie and Twilight. "Anyone else picking up on a little tension between Gloriosa and her brother?"

Pinkie and Twilight made noncommittal noises.

"A little," Pinkie followed up.

"Every year, campers work together to create something useful," Gloriosa explained. "A gift for future campers. Working toward this common goal is key to forming the strong bonds that will last well beyond your time here at camp!" She covered the mic and glared at Timber. "Which is why it's so important." She turned her attention back to the campers. "This gazebo was a gift from last year's group," she said, looking up at the stage they were standing on. Oh, oh, oh, and the totem pole and the sundial were also made by campers!" She pointed to a totem pole off in the distance and a sundial that sat nearby Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna.

"The sundial was our year's gift," Celestia chimed in.

Luna coughed. "Even though 'some people' thought it was a little impractical, since the sundial can't be used at night."

Gloriosa laughed awkwardly. "You all seem like a-a really amazing group. So I'm certain you'll come up with something inspiring to leave behind."

"Speaking of leaving things behind," Timber said. "Now's the time when we give out tent assignments so you can leave your heavy bags behind."

The boys got their assigned tents from Gloriosa, and the girls got theirs from Timber.

"Sapphire," Sunset said.

"Me, too," Twilight said as she took out her card. "I mean, I'm assuming I am." She laughed awkwardly. "Technically, sapphires aren't just blue. They can be pink, purple, yellow..."

Timber smiled as he approached Twilight. She seemed pretty knowledgeable, and he hadn't had an intelligent discussion with anyone for quite some time. "Yeah, but they're mostly blue. That's why they're named after the Latin word 'sapphirus'."

Twilight folded her arms with a smile. Not only was Timber kind of cute, he's also smart!

"That means 'blue'," Timber whispered.

"I know," Twilight whispered back. "But did you know that sapphires are just rubies without chromium?"

"No," Timber said, genuinely surprised. He reached to get the card back from Twilight, and accidentally touched her hand.

Heat rose to both of their faces.

"But," Timber said as he took the card from Twilight. "Did you know that Sapphire Tent is the best one?"

"No," Twilight said in mild surprise. "Why is that?"

"Because you're in it," Timber said, wiggling his eyebrows.

Fuck, that was cheesy.

Twilight rolled her eyes with a smile. "Oh, I bet you say that to all the campers."

"Not true," Timber replied, then looked at a muscular pale white male. "You're in the ruby tent? Hah! That's the worst one!"

"Aww, man!," the camper yelled.

"I'm just joking, buddy," Timber said, making finger guns. "Ruby tent is great. It's like a sapphire, but with chromium."

The camper simply stared at Timber in confusion.

Twilight giggled. He was slightly awkward, but that made him all the more charming to her.

"But the Ruby and Coral Tents do look an awful lot alike to the undiscerning eye," Timber said. "I better show you where it is." He walked back to Twilight. "See ya around." He ran back to the other camper.

Twilight smiled as she watched Timber run, only to be brought back to reality by Rainbow's laughter. "What?"

Applejack laughed. "Nothin'."

"Ooh, that was adorable," Rarity said.

Gloriosa blew a whistle. "Okay, everyone, go get settled in. We'll be meeting at the docks in fifteen minutes to go over some camp safety rules. Let me know if you need anything!"

"I need something," An irritatingly familiar voice said.

Gloriosa turned her attention to a limousine where a man in a blue suit stood. His light blue eyes oozed contempt as he grinned smugly, and his red tie with a dollar sign blew in the breeze. "Oh, shit," she muttered under her breath. "Filthy Rich."

Getting Settled In

Timber sighed as he headed to the Ruby tent. "So... um..."

"Bulk Biceps," Bulk said as he extended a hand.

"Right. Bulk." Timber extended his own hand and was shaken vigorously. He teetered around for a moment, then shook his head rapidly. "So... who was that back there?"

You don't stand a chance with her.

Bulk blinked.

"The girl I was just talking to?"

"Oh, you mean Twilight Sparkle?"

"Twilight Sparkle," Timber repeated.

"She's the smartest girl in the whole school, but that's about all I know," Bulk said with a shrug.

"Well, that's better to go on than nothing," Timber muttered under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing," Timber said with a sheepish grin.

"Filthy Rich," Gloriosa said. "So nice to see you." She took Filthy by the arm and pulled him towards his limo. "What are you doing here," she whispered sharply. "Camp is just getting started!"

"Just takin' in the scenery, Gloriosa Daisy. It's so..." Filthy hummed, then leered at Gloriosa. "...relaxin'."

"Well, you can look around when camp is over. Now if you don't mind..."

Gloriosa and Filthy narrowed their eyes at each other for a moment, then Filthy checked his watch. "Fine."

Sleazy bastard, Gloriosa thought as she watched the limousine drive off. She turned around to see confused looks from the campers. "Filthy Rich is, uh, an alumni of the camp," she explained. "He likes to check on his old stomping grounds every now and again. But enough about him. Find your tents and put away your things. We've got the best week of camp ever to begin!"

Twilight picked her bag up off of the ground and followed Sunset to their tent.

This dump won't last a week when I get free, Midnight taunted.

Twilight nearly stopped in her tracks, then shook her head and caught up with Sunset.

Gloriosa fumed as she leaned on a tree. Of course Filthy Rich would butt in. That smug, self-righteous arrogant prick! She already had enough on her plate as it was, she didn't need him breathing down her neck or taunting her! "Bastard thinks he can be all high and mighty just because he's rich..." She wanted to punch something, but she wasn't so mad that she'd lost all reason. With a deep breath and an exhale, she felt a little better. Still angry, but just a little better. It was time to get back to work!

Timber waved goodbye as he left Bulk at the Ruby Tent. Twilight's giggle echoed in his mind, and he blushed. He took a deep breath, then sighed. Okay. He knew he liked her, but he just met her barely ten minutes ago! It wouldn't be a good idea to just rush into this. He had a whole week to get to know her better, and he was going to make the most of it!

It won't work out.

Timber scoffed. What did the negative thoughts know?

Have you forgotten how messed up your life is? Twilight wouldn't want to get to know someone like you.

Timber rolled his eyes. He saw those blushes. Those smiles. The evidence was in his favor!

Don't come crying back when it's over!

Timber doubted he'd heard the last of his negative thoughts, but he savored his first victory against them as he continued forward with his day.

Sunset began unpacking in her tent with Twilight. She took out her flashlight and shone the light on her face. "Oooooooo!" She imitated a ghost, then grinned as she turned it off. "That was weird back there, right," she asked as she looked at Twilight. "With that guy, Filthy Rich?"

Twilight stared off to nowhere in particular. "Huh? Oh. I-I guess so." She began to unpack.

"I just have this feeling that Gloriosa's hiding something." Sunset grinned. "Her brother is pretty cute though, huh?"

Twilight blushed, then turned around slowly. "He's okay..." She turned back around with a happy sigh.

"Oooh," Sunset said teasingly as she rested her hands on her bag. "Now look who's trying to hide something."

"No I'm not," Twilight snapped suddenly.

"Hey, you okay?" Sunset changed her tone to be sympathetic. "You seemed a little freaked out on the bus earlier."

"Probably had another one of her nightmares," Spike said.

Twilight tossed her socks on top of Spike. "I'm fine," she said sternly. " I mean, what do I have to complain about? Ever since I transferred here, everyone from CHS has been really nice and accepting, especially considering what happened at the Friendship Games..." she trailed off as she felt another surge of guilt.

"That wasn't your fault!" Sunset put a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "Principal Cinch is the one who encouraged you to try and use all that magic to win the Games for Crystal Prep. You weren't ready to have that kind of power." She smiled. "But it's over now. And if there's any group that's gonna forgive you for something that happened in the past, trust me, it's this one."

Rainbow Dash popped her head into the tent. "You guys coming, or what?"

"Be right there," Sunset said. "I just wanna put on some sunscreen."

Feeling better, Twilight walked back to her bag to continue unpacking.

"Huh," Sunset said as she put her hands on her hips. "Could've sworn I packed it..."

Twilight searched the floor of the tent, then spotted it. "Found it," she said as she pointed to the sunscreen. Her smile turned into a look of shock as it began to levitate... along with almost everything else in the tent. Shock became horror as she looked around the tent.

"D-Did you..." Sunset said to Twilight. "...How is this possible?!"

"I can't believe this... it's... terrible!"

"Amazing," Sunset said at the same moment Twilight spoke.

Everything fell down to the floor suddenly.

"Are you kidding," Sunset asked excitedly. "This is great! I mean, we've all ponied up before. Gotten the whole ears and wings and tail thing, shot magical rainbow lasers, but nothing like this has ever happened! How did you do it?"

Twilight folded her arms as she felt dread in the pit of her stomach. "I don't know!" The dread strengthened. "Maybe I didn't! Maybe it's her!"

"'Her' who," Sunset asked as she put a hand on Twilight's shoulder.

"Nothing!" Twilight smiled awkwardly. "Nevermind. Can we just... not talk about it? And could you please not bring this whole levitating thing up to the others?"

"Why not," Sunset asked in confusion.

"You heard Applejack. This is supposed to be the place where everyone can get away from magic. I don't want them to know I brought some crazy new kind with me."

Sunset sighed. "If you really don't want me to, I won't say anything."

"I really don't," Twilight said as she left the tent.

"Okay, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing."

Now alone with Spike, Sunset noticed the sunscreen on the floor. Maybe she had levitation powers too! She put a hand to her head and focused, but to no avail. She made a sputtering noise, then put both of her hands on her head and concentrated harder. No such luck.

"I think you're just gonna have to pick it up," Spike said.

Sunset groaned in disappointment, then picked up the sunscreen and applied to herself. "You ready?"

"You know it!"

Sunset and Spike left their tent.

The Great Outdoors

Gloriosa headed towards the docks to get things set up. She still couldn't believe Filthy had the nerve to show up like that!

Something collided with Gloriosa, interrupting her thoughts. She opened her eyes to see Sunset Shimmer, slightly dazed.

"W-What did you say," Sunset asked with a confused look once she regained her bearings.

"I... didn't say anything. Just here to make sure everyone was headed over to the docks! Did you need something?"

"Nope," Sunset said with a smile.

"Because if there is anything I can do to make this the best week ever, you just let me know." Gloriosa pointed her thumb at herself. "I've got this!"

"Thanks," Sunset said with a smile as she held out her hands. "I'm good."

Gloriosa nodded with a smile and walked over to the next tent where two other campers were conversing. "Hey there, are you guys ready to go over to the docks?"

Timber sat at the dock, alone with his thoughts while staring out at the vast wilderness before himself.

You're going to lose this beautiful place to someone who's going to tear it all down. Your family would be so ashamed of you.

Timber grit his teeth. He wasn't going to let that happen.

What could you possibly do to stop it? Face it. You're useless.

Timber sighed as he stared at his reflection on the water. It didn't take too long for those negative thoughts to return, and when they did it was with a vengeance. Thankfully, he was snapped out of them by a pair of footsteps from behind. He turned around to see the camper with a stetson hat and tied-up long blonde hair.

"Howdy," she said. "Hope I ain't interrupting anything."

"Don't worry, you weren't..." Timber trailed off, realizing he didn't know her name.

"Applejack," she said as she extended a hand.

Timber took Applejack's hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you."

"Same," Applejack said as the handshake was broken.

"So what'll it be?"

Applejack grinned. "Been a while since I went canoeing. I wanna really get in a good workout before everybody else gets here."

"All righty," Timber said as he made his way to the boats. He returned to see Applejack with a life jacket and a paddle.

"I'm ready an' raring to go," Applejack said excitedly.

Timber grinned. It seemed Applejack's enthusiasm was a little contagious!

It won't last forever... just like Mom and Dad.

Timber's smile remained, but his mood fell significantly. He sighed, then tied a rope to the canoe, then tied the other end of it to the dock's post. He then shoved it off.

Applejack eagerly got into the canoe, and Timber untied the rope.

"Have fun," Timber said, then watched as Applejack paddled off. He sighed as he let a frown show on his face. He didn't understand how she could possibly have fun being by herself.

Probably because she's not as lonely as you are.

Timber remained silent as he watched Applejack out on the lake.

Gloriosa ran a hand through her hair as she reached the clearing which led to the dock. Filthy Rich's unexpected arrival aside, today had started out smoothly! As she neared the dock, she saw Timber sitting and watching Applejack, who was whistling a cheerful sounding tune while canoeing.

Gloriosa neared Timber, and he turned around. "Hey," he said softly.

"Hey."

A moment of silence passed between Timber and Gloriosa. Timber slowly stood up and smiled warmly. "Apology hug?"

Gloriosa returned the smile. "Yeah. Apology hug."

Timber and Gloriosa embraced and sighed. When they were younger, they fought frequently. To remedy that, their parents taught them to hug each other after a cooldown period. The siblings decided to call it an "apology hug", and the name stuck.

"How are you holding up," Gloriosa asked as she broke the hug.

Timber put a hand behind his head. "As best I can, I guess. How about you?"

"Not as pissed as I was when Filthy arrived unannounced."

"What?!" Timber's eyes widened in shock.

"Yeah," Gloriosa said as she felt her anger return. "Right after you left. I managed to get him to leave at least." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then exhaled.

Timber peered over Gloriosa's shoulder to see campers arrive in the clearing. "Looks like it's back to work," he said as he pointed behind her. "Are you going to be okay," he asked as she began to walk away.

Gloriosa turned around and smiled. "I've got this," she said cheerfully.

Timber folded his arms as he watched her walk off the dock. "I sure hope you do," he said softly.

Because you sure don't.

Timber shook his head and grit his teeth, then turned around and cupped his hands to his mouth. "Hey, Applejack," he shouted. "Other campers are coming, you might want to start heading back!"

Off in the distance, Applejack gave Timber a thumbs up, then started making her way back towards him.

Twilight put on a life jacket and grabbed a paddle. She was looking forward to having a new experience or two out here, not to mention the fact that she needed a distraction from-

You can't ignore me. We're one and the same! Midnight cackled.

Twilight frowned, then shook her head and headed up to the dock. Fluttershy was sitting and feeding ducks near the front.

"Aren't they just the cutest," Fluttershy asked.

Twilight turned around to respond, only for one of the boards to break. She yelped and fell backward, only for Timber to catch her.

"Whoa," Timber said. "I know I'm charming, but you don't have to fall for me."

Twilight smiled.

"Here, let me get that for you," Timber said as he took off Twilight's life jacket.

"Oh my god, that was so cheesy," Twilight said as she playfully took a swing at Timber.

Timber grinned. "But you're smiling."

"Yeah," Twilight said softly with a nod. "I am."

Gloriosa walked to the dock ahead of Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna. "All right, everyone. Off the dock."

Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight and Timber vacated the dock as the trio inspected the damaged board.

"This is a safety hazard," Vice-Principal Luna said as she picked up Twilight's discarded life jacket. "I suggest we close the dock for the remainder of the camp."

The onlooking campers groaned and complained.

Gloriosa began to worry. She didn't want a single camper to fell left out or disappointed if she could help it. "Oh, I'm sure it won't have to be for the remainder of camp," she said with a hopefully reassuring smile. "It just needs to be... patched up a bit. I've got this!"

"Hmm," Applejack said as a smile formed on her face. "Or maybe we do!" She began walking up to Gloriosa. "If ya ask me, this whole dock needs to go." She effortlessly kicked the top off of one of the posts to prove her point. "Building a new one could be our camp gift," she said excitedly.

Gloriosa smiled widely. She could just hug Applejack right now!

"Sure, it would benefit us," Applejack continued. "But a nice new dock would benefit future campers too!"

"I dunno," Timber said. "It's an awful lot of work. I wouldn't want you guys to miss out on doing other fun camp stuff because you're so busy building a dock for-" he gave Gloriosa a nasty look. "-Future campers."

Gloriosa narrowed her eyes. "Didn't we just have an apology hug," she whispered just loud enough for only Timber to hear.

"We'll talk later."

"I hear what you're saying, Timber," Rainbow Dash said as she hurried over to Timber and put a hand on his shoulder. "But we're Canterlot Wondercolts! We've got a reputation to uphold! And there was no way we were gonna leave this place without contributing the most awesome camp gift ever! I'm with AJ. Building a new dock is definitely it! What do you guys think?"

All the campers cheered.

"Looks like it's settled," Gloriosa said with a smug expression.

"Looks like it," Timber said with a frown.

"Now why don't you come along and tell me what that 'future campers' remark was all about?"

Gloriosa and Timber walked away from the clearing as the campers began to dismantle the dock.

A Talk and a Dock

Timber and Gloriosa stopped, then looked around to see if anyone was nearby. Once they both realized they were alone, Gloriosa folded her arms and gave Timber the same nasty look he gave her.

"Well," Gloriosa said inquiringly. "I'm waiting."

Timber sighed heavily. "I... I don't like being reminded that this may be our last week."

Gloriosa's expression softened.

"I'm scared, Gloriosa. And I'm angry... and those goddamn negative thoughts aren't helping things either!"

"You're still having those?"

Timber held onto his left arm. "They... they never really left. It's like they're slowly chipping away at me." He hugged himself. "Like they won't stop until I'm a shell of a man. Completely broken."

Gloriosa ran over to Timber and hugged him. "Why didn't you say anything?!"

"Because you've got enough on your plate as it is, and we're constantly at each other's throats," Timber said as he returned the hug.

"Timber, you know I love you. There will always be room on my plate for you."

"Yeah," Timber said softly. "I know."

Twilight Sparkle and her friends were gathered around a picnic table where a pale pink-skinned girl sat. She scratched at her two-toned green hair under her red beret.

"We can reinforce the foundation," Twilight said, pointing to the picture the camper was drawing.

"Make it nice and sturdy," Applejack added.

"And little boxes with food so you can feed the ducks and fishies," Fluttershy said.

"Oh! We'll add lanterns so you can see at night," Rainbow said.

The camper took a close look at her drawing, then made a couple of revisions. She inspected it again, then held it up for all to see.

Rarity gasped. "It's stunning! And will make an absolutely perfect runway for my camp fashion show!"

"More importantly," Applejack said. "It'll be a great place for docking canoes and feeding the wildlife."

"Oh, you say 'tomato', I say 'perfect place to showcase glamorous boho-chic stylings'."

Everyone smiled and rolled their eyes as Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna walked over.

"What do you guys think," Twilight asked.

"Hmm..." Principal Celestia thought for a moment. "It's going to be a lot of work, but we can do it!"

"Yes!" Pinkie jumped up. "Adult supervision!"

"On the lighter side of things," Gloriosa said as she broke the hug. "It looks like you might have a crush on Twilight Sparkle."

Timber blushed. "Is it that obvious?"

Gloriosa grinned. "Yes. Yes it is." She put her hands on Timber's shoulders. "She seems nice, but I don't want you to rush things with her." She put her hands on her hips. "You only just met her, after all."

Timber sighed. "Yeah, I know."

"Get to know her better. Maybe make her laugh, tell her a little about yourself... just don't lay it on too thick. I've been on the receiving end of that, and it's a very, very uncomfortable feeling."

"Timber! Gloriosa!" Principal Celestia's voice rang out. "The campers are going to start building the dock."

"We'll be right there," Timber shouted back. "Good talk," he said to Gloriosa.

"Yeah. Good talk." Gloriosa watched Timber walk back towards the clearing with a smile. She didn't tell him she could tell that Twilight felt the same way about him. That would have made him overconfident, and she didn't want him to screw up a chance at happiness.

Timber smiled, feeling better after his talk with Gloriosa. He would have to take what she said to heart if he wanted a shot with Twilight. He would give her some space, but not completely ignore her either. Find that happy medium and stick to it!

Twilight entered Timber's line of sight, and he felt heat rise to his face.

"Hey, Timber," she said. "We're about to start work on the dock. Could you go get some wood?"

"Of course," Timber replied with a genuine smile. He turned around and walked away.

"Oh, darling," Rarity said to Twilight in a hushed yet excited tone. "I think he likes you!"

Twilight blushed. "Y-You think so?"

Rarity made one of her trademark sputtering noises. "Oh, I know so! I've seen that look before."

"Should I talk to him about it?"

Rarity smiled warmly as she put a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "No, dear, you shouldn't. It's far, far to early for that sort of thing."

"Oh," Twilight said in slight disappointment.

"What I believe you should do is take this week to get to know him better. There may be things about him you didn't know at first that you might find... disagreeable."

Twilight frowned.

"All I am saying is that you shouldn't rush this sort of thing. I don't want you to end up making a mistake and regretting it later."

Twilight smiled. "You seem pretty knowledgeable about this subject."

Rarity giggled. "Years of reading magazines, darling. Well, that and hearing stories from my parents about when they met and slowly fell in love."

"Thank you, Rarity," Twilight said, then hugged her.

"Don't mention it," Rarity said, then returned the hug.

Hours passed as construction on the new dock went underway. Campers sawed logs into planks, sanded them and nailed them together while others painted symbols on feeding stations.

Timber sat at a picnic table as he tightened the screws on a lantern.

Twilight watched Timber from a distance with a smile. Maybe now was a good time to talk to him. "Making lanterns out of solar-powered garden lights," she said, impressed with him. "Pretty crafty there, Timber!"

"You think that's crafty? You should see my macaroni art. I'm like the Pintocasso of noodles!"

Twilight giggled, and Timber's heart skipped a beat. It was a sound he wouldn't mind hearing again.

"All right now," Principal Celestia said. "You've made a lot of progress, but it's going to be getting dark soon. We can pick this up tomorrow between our other camp activities."

"Everyone get cleaned up and we'll gather by the fire pit at eight to share s'mores and scary stories," Gloriosa said excitedly.

Pinkie Pie came from out of nowhere holding a marshmallow pillow, a box of graham crackers and a chocolate bar. "S'mores!"

"Does she always do that," Gloriosa asked Principal Celestia.

Celestia nodded. "Pretty much, just try not to think too hard about it." She paused for a moment as Gloriosa began to walk away. "Aren't you going to join us?"

Gloriosa shook her head. "There's... something I need to take care of first."

"All right."

Gloriosa waited until everyone was out of sight, then sighed. She gazed at her geode necklace for a moment, then headed towards the rock quarry.

Safe Haven

Gloriosa began traversing through the woods, forging a path with her magic. This had become a near-nightly trip for her, as she went to check on the geodes to see if they were all still there. Just in case she needed the rest of them. It had been a strange and exhilarating thing, this magic. It gave her a greater sense of purpose.

"You don't know what those things are!"

Timber's words echoed in Gloriosa's mind. She shook her head slowly. She loved Timber, but he just didn't understand. If he had these powers, he'd probably feel the same way! She knew he'd do anything for Camp Everfree, so why didn't he agree with how she was going about it?

Gloriosa sighed, then turned her attention back to the pathway she was creating. She already had enough things stressing her out lately, and one more thing on her plate just might be the straw that broke the camel's back!

Ugh, Gloriosa needed to relax! She closed her eyes and focused on the sounds of the native fauna as she continued onward. The sounds of owls hooting and the rustling of leaves filled her ears, and she allowed herself a sigh as she began to calm.

Gloriosa was glad she took these walks, and not just because of her destination. The forest at Camp Everfree was like a backyard to her, and one of the few places she could find genuine peace. No worries. No slimeball tycoons breathing down her neck. Just nature, pure and nonjudgmental.

Gloriosa reached the rock quarry and smiled. It didn't look like anyone had been around here, or at the very least kept it undisturbed. That was just the way she like it, as this was her safe haven. Her place of peace. Well, not so much the rock quarry, but the cave itself.

Gloriosa entered the cave and beheld a sigh she would never get tired of.

The cave was spacious as stalagmites and stalactites filled Gloriosa's vision as she walked the wide-open path. Red gems protruded from the walls, and in the dead center was an unusual formation of stalagmites. A bright white light shone from it, and it radiated magic. In the center of the formation was an unusual stone with seven slots, five of them empty. A red geode and a purple geode remained.

Gloriosa glanced at her necklace again. She had five of the geodes: pink, white, blue, yellow and orange. Should she take the last two? That was a debate she'd been having with herself over the last couple of weeks. She had originally taken each of them one by one to get used to their effects on her, trying to keep her powers in check.

Gloriosa turned her attention back to the two remaining geodes, then took a deep breath and exhaled. She sat down, closed her eyes... then meditated.

The silence of the cave was soothing, and a much-needed calm washed over Gloriosa. She had been coming here nightly ever since she found it, and it was a great way to relieve all the stress she had been carrying. Oh, it would return eventually. She wasn't going to try to fool herself.

Nonetheless, Gloriosa was determined to stay positive. If she didn't, she honestly didn't know how long she'd last! Everything seemed to be falling to pieces lately. Nearly everything that could go wrong did.

Gloriosa felt a lump in her throat as some stress returned. Camp Everfree would be gone within a couple of weeks, and she and Timber were unable to do anything about it. There had to be some way to make money without stealing, and she didn't want to abuse her powers. She sniffled as tears began to fall.

"Mom... Dad..." Gloriosa hugged herself. "W-What would you h-have done?" Her voice cracked, and she broke. She felt miserable, but she also knew it was a necessary release. Truth be told, she was just as scared as Timber was. Without Camp Everfree, where would she and Timber go? What would they do?

...Would they even be able to live with themselves if they lost the Camp to Filthy? The very thought made Gloriosa shudder in the midst of her crying. These were thoughts that she wanted to avoid at all costs, but she couldn't help herself!

Several minutes later, Gloriosa calmed down. She heaved a sigh, then got back up on her feet as she wiped away her remaining tears. As good as she was with it, she didn't know how much longer she could keep up the positive attitude... real or fake!

Gloriosa shook her head slowly. So much for meditating. She began to walk out of the cave, then slowly turned back to take one last look at the purple and red geodes. She hesitated for a moment and bit her lip, then shook her head again. Only as a last resort. With the summoning of some willpower, she finally left the cave and made her way back to the main camp.

Twilight and the rest of the campers sat around the large fire they and Timber had built. Everyone had picked a spot, and s'mores were and marshmallows were being toasted over the fire as the flames crackled and the logs burned.

Twilight looked around as the campers all did their own things. Sunset and Fluttershy were going over song lyrics. Pinkie had a bouquet of marshmallows on sticks as she held them over the fire. Rarity was sketching designs for her fashion show. Applejack was a few feet away, lying on the ground and looking up at the stars. Rainbow Dash was just... sitting by herself doing nothing?

Twilight folded her arms. Should she talk to Rainbow? She hadn't been friends with the girls for too long, so she didn't know too much about them. This was a perfect opportunity to at least get to know Rainbow a little better. With her mind made up, she nodded to herself and walked on over.

Fireside Chat

Rainbow Dash gazed into the fire, bent over as she held her chin with her hands. She stared at the flames as they crackled, then turned her head as she heard footsteps approach her. "Hey, Twi."

"Mind if I sit here?"

Rainbow shrugged. "Knock yourself out."

Twilight sat next to Rainbow, who grinned. "So, you gonna ask him out," she asked, gesturing to Timber.

Twilight felt heat rise to her face, and Rainbow chuckled. "We can all tell you like him."

"W-What about you," Twilight asked, eager to shift attention away from herself. "Aren't there any cute guys you like?"

Rainbow snorted as she put her hands behind her head. "I'm not into guys."

Twilight blinked. "You're a lesbian?"

"Yup."

"Do the other girls know?"

"Yup."

"Does the whole school know?"

"Pretty much." Rainbow raised an eyebrow as she looked at Twilight. "Why'd you ask those questions?"

"Everyone back at Crystal Prep for the most part kept their sexuality to themselves. The only exceptions I'm aware of is that Lemon is bisexual and I think I heard that Indigo French-kissed a girl in the hallway."

"Huh," Rainbow said with a hint of surprise.

"So... did you think any of the Crystal Prep girls were attractive?"

"They were all kinda hot, really. Just not the type I'd date."

It was now Twilight's turn to raise an eyebrow.

"First off, Indigo Zap was annoying. I mean, before all that crazy shit went down she ran around playing airhorn noises on her phone! When she wasn't doing that, she got into shouting matches with Bulk Biceps!" She scoffed. "I think my ears are still ringing from that!"

"Second," Rainbow continued as she returned her arms to their original positions, "Sunny Flare was just a bitch. 'Sorry, dearie, but these games aren't about being nice'", she said, mocking the student. "Seriously, it's called the Friendship Games," she almost shouted as she rolled her eyes. "And don't get me started on her bullying." Rainbow clenched her teeth, then took a deep breath and exhaled, calming herself.

"Lemon's okay, it just bothers me that she keeps her headphones on like all the time."

Twilight blinked. "But Vinyl does too."

"Yeah, but I know Vinyl. She's cool. I don't know enough about Lemon to say anything else, really."

Twilight shrugged and rolled her eyes.

"Sour Sweet... well... I don't know what to say. She's kinda crazy."

Twilight frowned. If Rainbow only knew what happened back at Crystal Prep, she might think differently.

"I'm pretty sure Sugarcoat's straight and taken. You saw how she was all over that guy with the sunglasses!"

Twilight held back a laugh. "Yeah, they're both all over each other." She sighed. "So what about Canterlot High?"

Rainbow made a noncommittal noise and shrugged.

Twilight blinked and gave Rainbow a confused look.

"Don't get me wrong with that, Twi," Rainbow said as she rolled her eyes. "It's not like I'm attracted to every woman I see. I mean, okay, I find several girls at CHS sexually attractive, but none..." she paused, as though lost in thought for a moment, then snapped her finger. "But none of them are emotionally attractive to me. Like I can see myself hanging out with them, but not actually doing any of that mushy crap."

"Does that bother you?"

Rainbow gave Twilight a funny look. "Look, I'm not the kind of girl who likes to talk about her feelings. Let's just say if I find someone, great! If I don't, it's not the end of the world."

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize that was a touchy subject for you."

"Eh, it's okay. You didn't know." Rainbow looked back into the fire, then turned to Twilight. "What was Crystal Prep like?"

Twilight took a deep breath, then sighed. "It was a madhouse. Everyone was at each other's neck nearly all the time."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Twilight laughed mirthlessly. "Many students there referred to it as a hellhole, Rainbow, and I'd be inclined to agree with them. I went there for years, and coming to Canterlot High was such a huge transition!"

"I bet."

"CHS and Crystal Prep are polar opposites when it comes to values. I don't know how I would've gotten along without Lemon."

"Oh, yeah... I remember seeing you two talk just before the Shadowbolts had to leave."

Twilight sighed again, then frowned. "I didn't like leaving her behind like that, but I stand by my decision." She smiled. "You girls have been so great to me, and I can't thank you all enough!"

Rainbow grinned. "It's what we do."

Now if I could just get rid of this Midnight problem without telling anyone about it...

"All right, everyone," Timber said, gaining everyone's attention. "Who's up for some stories?"

Gloriosa heard Timber's voice a few feet away as she returned from the rock quarry.

"Gaea Everfree!"

She stepped out in the open, scaring the campers. "Hey, guys," she said cheerfully. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

"Then why'd you come out of the bushes," Sunset asked, gesturing in the direction she came from.

Gloriosa racked her brain. "I... took the scenic route because the forest is beautiful at night. But no one else should do it without a guide, 'kay?" She walked closer to the fire to be seen better. "All right, everybody, time to head to your tents."

Snips walked over to Gloriosa and put a hand on her shoulder. "Uh, hey Gloriosa. Do you have any extra toothbrushes? I forgot mine." He pointed to his teeth, which had a piece of lettuce stuck between them.

"Sure do! I'll get one for you."

Snails ran up to Gloriosa, shivering. "I'm scared of the dark! Do you have flashlights?"

"Of course," she said. "I've got this!" She walked off with the two, leaving Twilight with her friends.

Spike thrashed about it Fluttershy's arms. "Fluttershy," he said in a strained tone.

Fluttershy loosened her grip. "Sorry, Spike. I guess that story got to me."

"Why," Applejack asked with a laugh. "It can't be real."

"I dunno," Rainbow said doubtfully after she popped a marshmallow in her mouth. "Gaea Everfree could be some creature that got booted from Equestria and ended up in this world. That's what happened with the sirens."

Applejack made a noncommittal noise. "Sounded more like something that Timber was makin' up just to scare us." She paused for a moment. "At least, I hope it was. Last thing I want is to have camp ruined by some power-crazed magical creature."

Twilight glanced at Sunset, who smiled and rolled her eyes. Twilight hugged herself as memories of herself as Midnight played through her head.

"Oh, hear-hear," Rarity said as Twilight felt her heart sink. "We've had to deal with more than our fair share of those. At the Fall Formal, a musical showcase, the Friendship Ga-" She stopped mid-sentence upon seeing Twilight's face. "Well, I mean, you know, everything turned out all right of course." She laughed nervously.

Twilight heaved a sigh. She wasn't going to live that incident down, was she? "I'm kinda tired," she said, turning away in the hopes that her tears would be unseen. "I'm gonna turn in." She walked back to her tent with Spike not far behind, and the first day at Camp Everfree drew to a close.

A New Day Dawns

Timber opened his eyes and stretched.

Six days left.

Timber grit his teeth. He did not need any reminders. He wanted to enjoy himself in the moment. Get to know Twilight better, hear her giggle again...

You have six days left with her, too.

Timber resisted a sudden urge to hit himself in the head. It wouldn't do him any good, but he just wanted those negative thoughts to stop already! He heaved a sigh. At least they didn't respond to him. That would be weird.

Timber got out of bed, then stretched again. Yawning, he walked over to his mirror to get a good look at himself. As he looked at his reflection, he still saw a tired young man. However, he did look just a tad less lonely and miserable.

Timber's spirits brightened a little, and he cracked his neck, wincing slightly. He then walked over to the photos of his parents. He sighed as he gently ran a hand across the glass. "Miss you guys."

Timber walked back up to the mirror for his least favorite part of the day: the fake smile. He took a deep breath, then exhaled. He closed his eyes, then grinned and opened them.

Timber saw a big goofy grin in his reflection, and he snorted. It wasn't quite as over the top as yesterday's smile, which he found strange. Still, that smile would do for today.

With a nod of satisfaction, Timber got dressed, then left his room.

Gloriosa woke up. It was a new day, and that meant continuing to make good on her promise for the campers to have the best week ever! She yawned as she got out of bed, then turned her radio on. Upbeat music began to play, and she danced, trying to keep her stress and anxieties at bay. All she could think about before she fell asleep was that damned vulture, Filthy Rich! Acting all high and mighty just because he owns the land now! She wouldn't let him do as he pleased without a fight! Oooh, if she wasn't a pacifist!

Now Gloriosa felt fired up. Her anxiety was now anger, and she was going to channel that anger into energy! Energy that would ensure the campers would never, ever forget the week they had here! She cracked her knuckles, then left her room.

Timber neared the cabin's door when he saw Gloriosa out of the corner of his eye. "Check in," he asked as he turned around.

Gloriosa pulled her phone out of her pocket, then shrugged. "Eh, why not?"

"So how are you holding up?"

"A little pissed, but that's been the norm lately."

Timber snorted. "A little?"

Gloriosa gave Timber a death glare.

"Okay, okay," Timber said as he backed away with his arms outstretched. "Poor choice of words."

Gloriosa sighed as her facial expression softened. "No... you're right. All this bullshit we've been going through lately has sent my stress levels off the fucking charts."

Timber frowned.

"But enough about me. How are those negative thoughts?"

"They're still around... they're not something you can easily get rid of. Believe me, I've tried."

Gloriosa hugged Timber. "Don't let them get to you. Try to stay positive."

Timber scoffed as he returned the hug. "It's kinda hard to when it feels like everything you've ever known is slowly falling apart right before your eyes."

Gloriosa tightened her grip on Timber. "I am not going to give up easily, Timber Spruce, and you shouldn't either."

"Yeah," Timber said softly. "We'll figure something out... won't we?"

Gloriosa broke the hug and gave as confident a grin as she could muster. "We will. Now let's get out there and give those campers the time of their lives!"

Timber smiled, and he and Gloriosa left the cabin.

"No!" Twilight woke up from another nightmare. Her heart pounded in her chest.

Sunset leaped out of her bed. "What happened," she muttered blearily.

"Nothing! Sorry, Sunset."

Sunset rubbed her eyes, then opened them. She gasped, and they widened. "Uh... Twilight. I think something happened."

Twilight turned, then looked down at Sunset. Wait, down?! She screamed upon seeing nearly everything on her side of the tent levitating. Suddenly, everything dropped.

Spike grunted as his bed landed on the floor. "Is it time to get up already?" He circled his bed, then laid back down.

"Twilight," Sunset said as she folded her arms. "We really have to talk about this."

"No," Twilight said, feeling frustration build up. "We don't."

A moment of tense silence passed between Sunset and Twilight until the Equestrian relented.

"Okay," Sunset said.

Twilight sighed. "Thank you."

"So... do you want to change first or should I?"

"You go on ahead," Twilight said as she went under her covers.

As Sunset began changing clothes, Twilight had began to feel a slight urge. Her eyes widened, and she realized she had made a mistake. The warmth surrounding herself had began to arouse her! She couldn't masturbate while Spike was in the same room, let alone Sunset! It didn't help that she went without yesterday, either!

An even more worrisome thought struck Twilight. She'd have to go a full week without masturbating. Why didn't this occur to her sooner?! She cursed herself for not bringing anything that would help her in this situation...

"Okay, I'm done," Sunset said, and Twilight popped her head out from under the covers. "I'll wait outside for you, okay?"

Twilight nodded, and Sunset left the tent. Now alone, she took a deep breath, then exhaled. She closed her eyes and focused on the sounds of nature from the outside of the tent. A breeze blowing. The leaves rustling. Her fellow campers chatting as they passed by. All was calm. All was tranquil.

Once Twilight felt at ease, she got out of bed.

It won't be all calm and tranquil for long, Twilight Sparkle...

Twilight sighed heavily as Midnight's taunt echoed in her skull. What was she going to do about all this? Her friends couldn't help her...

Feeling down, Twilight got dressed, then left the tent.

Anxiety

Gloriosa wandered the campgrounds in search of ways to improve the week for the campers. So far, she had yet to find anything, but she'd be damned if she let that stop her! She'd check every last square inch of the entire campground and forest if she'd have to! She had only been outside for a little over an hour, so she doubted it would come to that.

Gloriosa eventually reached the clearing where all of the campers were gathered, but stayed out of their sight. It wouldn't be good if they all discovered she had magical powers! She noticed a boat in the middle of the lake, where one camper was trying to move it by blowing at its sail!

Gloriosa frowned slightly, then began to channel her geodes...

Twilight and Sunset walked towards the new dock.

"Hey," Sunset said. "I know you don't want to, but I really think we need to figure out what's going on with your magic."

Twilight tensed up, feeling a little fearful.

"If you could learn to control it-"

"But that's just it," Twilight snapped. "I'll never be able to control it!"

A sudden crash behind the two interrupted their conversation, and they turned around.

The dock was in shambles. The boat that Derpy and Sandalwood were on had crashed into it, and they both floated in the water. Timber had fallen on his bottom, looking dazed. Fluttershy had frozen up, horrified by the accident.

Rainbow Dash ran up to Sunset and Twilight. "What happened?!"

"I-I didn't mean to," Twilight said in a panic.

"We didn't see anything," Sunset said. "So we don't know what happened." She ran off with Rainbow to help the campers while Twilight simply stared at her hands as a chill ran down her spine.

"Are you okay," Sunset asked after helping Sandalwood out of the water.

"It was so weird," Sandalwood said. "We were stuck in the middle of the lake with no wind. Then all of a sudden, bam!" He pounded his fist in the palm of his hand for emphasis. "The wind picked up, and we were pushed right into the dock!"

While everyone was focused on the dock, Timber tossed some gem dust into the lake.

Pinkie gasped. "You don't think it was the spirit, do you?"

Another chill flowed through Twilight as guilt set in. "No," she said softly to herself. "It was me." She slowly walked away from the dock. She ignored whatever Trixie was saying with a heavy sigh, then ran into the forest.

Gloriosa stood still in shock. She didn't mean for that to happen! She grit her teeth, trying to turn herself away from the damage she had caused.

W-What if one them got injured... or worse?!

Gloriosa took a closer look at the dock, then heaved a sigh of relief upon noticing nobody was hurt. She put a hand to her chest and felt her heart pounding. Next time, she'd be more careful...

After checking up on the two campers involved in the crash, Timber fumed. He didn't have to guess what was behind the sudden propulsion of the boat... or rather, who.

"Dammit, Gloriosa..." What was she thinking? Timber had warned her about the magic, and what did she do? She used it and damn near killed the campers! He knew she couldn't control it!

Timber took a long, deep breath, then exhaled. He'd need to stay calm. No need for anger right now. The next time he'd see Gloriosa, however... He shook his head, then did a headcount of all the present campers. After doing some mental math, he realized that Twilight was gone.

Timber walked over to Twilight's friends. "Hey, have you guys seen Twilight?" They all shook their heads.

"She probably just went back to the Sapphire Tent," Sunset said. "I'll check over there."

"You should probably check the forest," Pinkie said with a grin.

"Now why in tarnation would Twilight be in the forest," Applejack asked.

Pinkie shrugged. "Just a hunch."

Timber blinked, then shrugged. A hunch was better than nothing to go on, so he walked to the forest.

Twilight heaved a sigh as she wandered through the forest. She needed some time alone.

You're never alone, Midnight taunted, then cackled.

Twilight just needed some time to think. What she was going to think about, she honestly didn't know... but she was at her best when she had some space to herself. And yet... it all used to be so simple. She understood pretty much everything.

Twilight reached a clearing in the woods and stopped for a moment, in awe of its beauty. There was a small waterfall that poured water into a pond, where several lily pads rested. She had been surrounded by foliage and trees with mushrooms growing out of them. Several rocks were scattered about, and daylight trickled through the treetops.

Twilight sat down on a nearby log and put her head in her hands. What was she going to do? Could she even do anything? There had to be a solution. Every problem always had a solution!

Twilight lifted her head from her hands, then gazed at her reflection in the pond. She watched as a frightened and unsure girl stared back, then slowly grew wings.

"...No..."

The reflection gave Twilight a sinister grin, and its eyes began to glow as a horn materialized on its forehead.

"No!" Twilight kicked at the water, and the ripples she created caused her reflection to turn to normal. She shuddered, then glanced at her reflection again. Tears were running down her... its eyes.

Twilight sniffled, then wiped the tears away. She didn't want her friends to see the monster residing within herself... not again. Not if she could help it. She hugged herself tightly, and her breath stuttered. She hadn't been this frightened since the Friendship Games!

Twilight rapidly shook her head. The Friendship Games were the last things she wanted to think about right now. She was never going to live that down, was she? She sighed again, then got up off of the log. She turned back to take one last look at the tranquility she knew she wouldn't ever have again, then walked out of the clearing.

Alone Together

"Keep it together," Twilight told herself as she continued down the forest path. "Deep breaths. You are not a monster." She passed a tree, then saw Timber out of the corner of her eye.

The two yelped, startling each other.

"Oh! Hi," Twilight said awkwardly. "What are you doing here?"

Timber hesitated for a moment, still slightly off-guard. "Looking for you," he said while making finger guns.

"Oh," Twilight said as she felt heat rise to her face. She had to come up with something so word wouldn't get out about Midnight. "I just... went on a nature walk and got a little lost," she said with a shrug.

"Let me show you the way," Timber said as he pointed his thumb in a certain direction. "I'm kind of an expert at these woods. I've lived here my whole life."

"That must've been nice, growing up at a camp."

"Yeah, though it has its downsides. When I was younger I wished we'd sell this place so we could live in a town like normal people."

Your wish will come true soon enough.

Timber barely ignored the thought.

"Really," Twilight asked skeptically, putting her hands on her hips.

"I was ten. I really wanted to hang out at the mall."

The two shared a laugh.

"I've never told that to anyone," Timber said as he walked up to Twilight, heat rising to his face. He noticed Twilight was blushing as well. "You must be special."

A moment of silence fell between the two as they awkwardly avoided eye contact.

"And not because you have a tree branch in your hair," Timber said as he plucked a small twig from Twilight's hair.

Twilight gasped and pawed at her hair. "How long has that been in there?"

"Not long," Timber said with a grin. "Just the whole time we've been talking."

Twilight nudged Timber's back with her elbow. "Well why didn't you say something," she asked with a laugh.

"Because you looked cute. I-I mean, you are cute!" Timber blushed furiously as his mind struggled to come up with the right words to say. After a moment, he simply sighed and shrugged. "Yeah," he said softly. "You're cute."

Twilight stood still as her heart raced. Rarity was right... he did like her! "T-Thanks," she said shakily, then laughed awkwardly.

Definitely cute, Timber thought with a smile as he watched a flustered Twilight stumble with her words.

Twilight took a deep breath, then exhaled, composing herself.

"It must be nice, living in the suburbs," Timber said.

"It's... okay."

"Nothing special?"

Twilight shrugged. "Eh."

"So what year are you?"

"I'm a Junior. What about you?"

Timber grinned sheepishly as he put a hand behind his head. "I graduated from Everton High this year."

"Oh. Congratulations!"

Timber laughed softly. "Thanks. You know, you're really smart. Are you in the advanced classes?"

Twilight scoffed. "Of course I am... though I wasn't always a student at Canterlot High."

"Oh?"

"I transferred from Crystal Prep Academy a few weeks ago."

Timber blinked, stunned. "The ultra-competitive school?"

Twilight nodded. "It was a real hostile environment. Fights were breaking out, everyone was at each other's throats... It was terrible."

"Wow," Timber said in awe. "How'd you make it out alive?"

Twilight smiled. "I was lucky enough to have a friend there."

"That's cool."

"Do you have any friends?"

Timber heaved a sigh. "Not really... I've been spending most of my time here."

Twilight put a hand on Timber's shoulder. "Speaking as a former shut-in, I think you should get out more. It's not healthy to spend so much time alone."

"Yeah..."

"What about family?"

Timber paused, and dread began to well up inside him. "...Gloriosa's all I have," he said softly.

"What about your parents?"

There it was. The question Timber knew was coming. He shuddered as a lump formed in his throat.

"...Timber?"

"That's... not something I'm comfortable talking about."

Silence fell, save for the breeze.

"...Oh," Twilight said quietly after what seemed like an eternity. She clutched her arm with her hand. "I'm sorry," she said as a pang of shame hit her.

"I-It's okay," Timber said as reassuringly as possible. "You didn't know." Another long pause caused further awkward silence until he sighed again. "We should be out of the forest soon."

"Okay."

As the two continued their walk in silence, Twilight frowned. Why did she have to ask about Timber's parents? She should have known it was going to be a sensitive subject! She walked up to him, and stretched out her arm... then withdrew it as she bit her lip.

The lump in Timber's throat had disappeared, but countless bittersweet memories of his parents had surfaced. Laughing and playing with them. Spending quality time with them. A tear fell, and he shook his head. He didn't want this silence to go on.

"Twilight?"

"...Yes?"

"What's your family like?"

Twilight smiled warmly and her mood brightened. "My parents are amazing people. My mom's a bit of a thrill seeker." She giggled. "She loves rollercoasters, skydiving, paragliding... she's a risk taker."

"Wow," Timber said in awe. "Sounds like there's never a dull moment in her life."

Twilight nodded. "She also writes adventure books."

Timber grinned. "Are you saying your mother is A.K. Yearling?"

Twilight barked a laugh. "No, my mom's not that famous... but she does write the Pierced Jacket series."

Timber nearly keeled over. "Y-Your mom is Twilight Velvet," he all but shouted, scaring away several birds.

Twilight blushed and nodded.

"I love the adventures of those guys from Camp Halfbreed! I have all the books," Timber gushed. "What about your dad? What's he like?"

Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes. "Oh, he's just your typical dad. Caring, loving, terrible puns..."

Twilight and Timber shared a laugh.

Timber sighed happily. "Hey... thanks. I needed that mood booster."

Twilight felt heat rise to her face. "N-No problem. Maybe you'll meet them sometime." Upon realizing what she just said, she buried her head in her hands in embarrassment.

Timber laughed, then noticed an opening. "Twilight... we're almost out."

Twilight lifted her head with a smile as the friendly conversation continued, and they exited the forest.

Magical Mayhem

"So," Timber said as he and Twilight neared the rock climbing wall. "Got any siblings or are you an only child."

Twilight smiled warmly. "I have an older brother, Shining Armor. He's my BBBFF."

Timber blinked in confusion.

"Big Brother Best Friend Forever."

Timber smiled and rolled his eyes.

Rainbow Dash stood before them, her back turned as she watched Applejack steadily hold onto the rope that was keepin Rarity safe. She turned around and smiled. "Oh, good," she said excitedly. "Twilight, if you spot me, I can finally go. I'll go get another harness." She ran off.

"I-I'm not sure-" Twilight said before Timber put a hand on her shoulder.

"I'd better make sure my sister doesn't need anything. See you later," he said, then tossed her a salute as he walked off.

Twilight watched Timber walk away, and she smiled warmly. Yeah... she definitely liked him.

Gloriosa continued wandering the forest. It had been a while since she had found something she could fix, and she had mixed feelings on the matter. On one hand, it was nice that things seemed so perfect around here. On the other hand, however, that meant that there was nothing she could do to improve the campers' experience here!

Gloriosa happened upon a dried up lake and noticed Trixie and Micro Chips staring at each other in surprise as they held fishing rods. She looked off in the distance and noticed several boulders blocking the river's flow. Concentrating, she channeled the geodes and summoned vines to dislodge them.

"Twilight," Sunset said as she found her, carrying Spike in her arms. "There you are! I was looking for you." Before she could say another word, there was a loud explosion and the ground shook.

"W-was that an earthquake," Spike asked once the shaking stopped.

"We aren't near any fault lines," Twilight said before adjusting her glasses.

"Hey," Bulk called out. "Who left this crystally, dusty stuff here," he asked as he pointed to the ground. Just under him was a small portion of grass covered by sparkling dust. It was mostly pink, but twinkled yellow, blue, purple, and other bright colors.

Rarity screamed, and Twilight and Sunset watched in horror as she began to plummet to the ground.

Applejack grabbed the rope just in as Rarity was mere inches away from a fatal landing.

"Applejack," Rarity bellowed. "What are you doing?!"

Principal Celestia ran up to the two. "Is everything okay over there?"

"I-I don't know what happened," Applejack said as Sunset, Twilight and a few other campers gathered around. "I didn't even pull that hard! It's like she was as light as a feather or something."

Rarity frantically tried to take off her harness as she hyperventilated. "I was scared half to death," she exclaimed.

"It wasn't my fault!" Applejack sighed. "Let me help you get your harness off."

"No thank you". Rarity said as she threw her arms forward. Much to everyone's surprise, a large blue gem shot out, pushing Applejack away until she disappeared behind some bushes. A splashing noise soon followed, and a soaked Applejack spat out water as she exited the bushes.

"What in the world just happened," Principal Celestia asked as she hurried over to Applejack.

"Oh, dear," Rarity said. "I am so sorry... I think." She turned to Sunset and Twilight. "Did I just do... whatever that was?"

Twilight felt a surge of guilt. "I don't think it was your fault," she said. "I'm gonna go get Applejack a towel."

"Me too," Sunset said, then followed Twilight.

Timber sighed happily as he left the rock climbing area. The look on Twilight's face was something he'd treasure. The ground suddenly shook violently, and he nearly lost his footing. Once it stopped, he grit his teeth. He really needed to find Gloriosa before something terrible happened to the campers!

"My, oh, my," said an irritatingly familiar voice. "If it isn't Timber Spruce."

Timber grit his teeth harder, then took a deep breath and turned around. "What can I do for you, Filthy Rich?"

Timber really, really needed to find Gloriosa.

Sunset and Twilight walked side by side.

"You're not the only one with new magic," Sunset said excitedly. "This is great!"

"No, it's not," Twilight exclaimed. "Rarity and Applejack could have really hurt each other!" She clenched her hands into fists. "Why is this happening?! I don't-"

"Hi, girls," Gloroisa said, interrupting Twilight. "Anything I can do for you?"

"Applejack just fell into the lake," Twilight said, gesturing to the rock climbing area.

"Oh, no! She's gonna need towels, dry clothes... ooh, and a hot cocoa! I've got this!" Gloriosa ran off, and a muffled explosion sounded off in the distance, followed by a familiar-sounding scream.

Sunset and Twilight looked at each other worriedly. "Fluttershy?" The two and Spike ran to the source of the noise, which was the camp's mess hall. They burst through the door and stared in disbelief.

The tables, walls, floor, and even part of the ceiling were covered in cookie dough! Fluttershy stared at her dirty shirt in alarm and confusion, and Pinkie Pie was grinning widely.

"What happened," Sunset asked with a hint of awe.

"I don't know," Fluttershy said as she wiped some cookie dough off of her cheek. "We were just decorating cookies and-"

"And I was all 'you need more sprinkles, and you need more sprinkles'," Pinkie chirped.

"So, standard Pinkie Pie stuff," Sunset said with a smile.

"I was just tossing sprinkles to Fluttershy, when all of a sudden," Pinkie said as she reached into a sprinkle bottle and took some out. "They glowed pink and exploded!" She tossed the sprinkles. They glowed pink, then exploded, pelting Pinkie, Fluttershy, Sunset, Twilight and Spike with bits of cookie dough. Pinkie vigorously shook her head back and forth, like a dog drying itself off.

"Just like that," Pinkie said, now fully clean. "Only earlier." She smiled and put her hand on the table.

"Ooookay," Sunset said as she walked up to Pinkie. "Why don't you lay off touching stuff for a while?"

"Oh, dear. We really should clean all of this up." Fluttershy walked over to the kitchen area. She struggled to reach a roll of paper towels on the top of a shelf. "Can someone help me out?"

Sunset, Twilight and Spike began their cleaning, unaware of the conversation Fluttershy was having until...

"Oh, no. Please don't call for your friends." Several birds landed and perched themselves on Fluttershy, who had seemingly extended her arms outward as though on instinct. "It's nice to meet all of you too," she said with a genuine smile.

Sunset blinked in surprise and confusion. "Were you just talking to the birds?"

"Um... yes?"

The mess hall doors were flung open, startling Fluttershy and the birds. Rarity and Applejack walked in.

"Did you tell 'em what happened," Applejack asked. "I hoisted Rarity up the rock-climbing wall like it was nothin'! Like I have way more strength than I usually do!"

"And I made a diamondy thing appear out of nowhere, which normally I'd be excited about," Rarity said excitedly. "I mean, the facets were just perfect, and the-"

"Rarity!"

"Oops! Sorry," Rarity apologized sheepishly. "It knocked Applejack over, then disappeared!"

"Speaking of disappearin', has anybody seen Rainbow Dash?"

The doors to the mess hall flew open, and a rainbow blur shot past Applejack, completely drying her off. A familiar yell followed it, and the blur stopped as Rainbow smacked into the wall, then fell to the floor.

"Ow!"

"Whoa," Applejack said as she ran over to Rainbow. "How'd you do that?"

"I-I don't know," Rainbow said as Applejack helped her up. "I started running to get the harness, and the next thing I knew I practically back in town!"

"But if you had some sort of super speed," Rarity said, wiggling her fingers to mimic a person running. "Why were you gone for so long?"

"Because I lost it when I got far away, and then it came back when I got close to camp!" Rainbow cupped her chin in confusion.

Pinkie gasped. "Being at camp is giving us all-new magical abilities!" She hopped in excitement.

"Not all of us have gotten new abilities. "I haven't," Sunset said, gesturing to herself. "But Twilight-"

Twilight frowned and shook her head.

"...Hasn't either."

Applejack folded her arms and sighed. "So much for my that leaving CHS would leave any new magic business behind."

"Something at the camp must be making this happen," Sunset said.

"Um... Gaea Everfree?"

The door burst open again, and Fluttershy screamed, then calmed upon seeing Gloriosa, who was holding several towels with a stetson hat on top.

"Applejack! I was looking for you! Here, I brought you some towels and dry clothes!" Gloriosa ran over to Applejack, handed her the towels and put the hat on her head. She caught sight of all the cookie dough. "Uhhh... what happened in here?"

"We're kinda trying to figure that out," Sunset explained.

"Well, don't worry about it," Gloriosa said. "I've got this!"

"Gloriosa!" Sandalwood pushed open the doors with Derpy accompanying him. "I kicked my bean bag into the lake."

Gloriosa's eye twitched. Was she not going to be able to relax today? "I'll get you another one," she said with a smile. Did they even have any extra bean bags?

"And I'm all out of arrows," Derpy said, holding up several broken arrows.

"Say no more. New arrows coming right up!"

"There you are," Timber said, shoving past Sandalwood and Derpy. He walked up and whispered in her ear. "Filthy Rich is back. Do you want me to handle it?"

Oh, for fuck's sake! Gloriosa fumed with rage. "Absolutely not," she snapped. "I've got this!" She screamed internally as she and Timber left the mess hall.

"Fluttershy, enough with the screaming," Sunset said in exasperation.

"I didn't scream."

"For once," Rainbow chimed in.

"Nobody did," Rarity said with a shrug.

"Huh?" Sunset was confused.

The PA system turned on. "Attention, campers," Principal Celestia said. "Anyone who's interested in making floating paper lanterns please meet us by the picnic tables."

"I don't know about the rest of y'all," Applejack said, "But I've been looking forward to coming here for a month. Maybe we forget about this 'new magic' for a bit and just try to focus on enjoying our time at camp."

Twilight felt terrible. She was responsible for all of this!

"I was oh so excited about the designs I've come up with for the fashion show," Rarity said, clapping her hands excitedly.

"And I've barely gotten to whup anybody in tetherball," Rainbow said.

"I think we should try and figure it out," Sunset said. "But if letting it go for now is what the rest of you want..." Everyone murmured in agreement, and she shrugged. "All right then."

Everyone left the mess hall, and Twilight heaved a sigh of relief. She decided to walk up to Applejack to talk with her.

Friends and Family

Twilight caught up with Applejack, who smiled suggestively. "Saw ya walkin' with Timber out the corner of my eye while I was spotting Rarity. What were y'all talkin' about?"

Twilight blushed. "Oh, nothing much... just friends and family."

Applejack's suggestive smile became warm. "Two of the most important things in life."

Twilight returned the smile. In the short time she had known Applejack, she had learned that the farm girl had a very strong bond with her grandmother, sister, and brother. She started to wonder...

"Do you have any extended family?"

Applejack laughed. "You should see the Apple Family Reunions, Twi. Apples, Oranges, and other kinfolk as far as the eye can see!"

"Sounds like a good time."

"And then some," Applejack said with a wide grin.

"Why haven't I seen your parents before? It seems like they'd be a huge part of your life."

Applejack's face fell, and she took her hat off and held it against her chest as she closed her eyes. "Rest their souls," she said quietly as she stopped walking.

Twilight stopped walking, then looked down on the ground in shame and embarrassment. "I'm sorry."

Applejack slowly put her hat back on, then put a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "It's all right, Sugarcube. Ya didn't know."

"How did they..." Twilight trailed off, worried she was prying too much.

"It's all kinda fuzzy to me," Applejack said. "All I remember was the cattle getting riled up over something, and I was in their way." She paused, then shuddered as tears began to fall from her eyes. "I... I-I got pushed outta the w-way..."

"...Applejack..."

Applejack sniffled. "Happens nearly every time I talk about 'em. I go and get all misty-eyed..."

Twilight hugged Applejack. "It's okay. I'm here for you."

Applejack sighed. "I appreciate that, Twilight." She wiped a tear away from one of her eyes, then fished around in her pocket and pulled out her phone. She swiped around, then gave it to Twilight.

Twilight took the phone, and saw a picture of a picture on a table. In the picture was an infant Apple Bloom and a younger Applejack and Big Mac. Standing just behind them was a tall pale yellow man with bright red hair hidden under his stetson hat. His green eyes gazed lovingly at the woman next to him.

The woman had fair peach skin, with sparkling light blue eyes that gazed at the man with the same facial expression. Her long and frizzy orange hair had been tied up much like Applejack's.

Both the man and woman had their arms around the Apple siblings.

"Are those... your parents?"

Applejack nodded, then pointed to the man. "Bright Mac..." she paused, then moved her finger to the woman. "...Pear Butter."

Twilight couldn't help but sigh. "Your mother is beautiful, Applejack."

Applejack smiled. "Yeah... she was."

"Why don't you just carry the picture around with you?"

"Don't wanna lose it. I also want to able to look at it anytime."

Twilight looked at the picture one last time, and the feeling of the love between Bright Mac and Pear Butter felt palpable. She sighed happily, then gave Applejack back her phone. "Do you ever think you'll have a family of your own someday?"

"I sure hope so," Applejack said as her mood brightened. "I'd wanna have at least five kids."

"Five?" Twilight's jaw nearly dropped in disbelief.

"Bare minimum."

"What's the maximum?"

Applejack cupped her chin, thinking for a moment before answering. "Eight. Maybe nine."

Twilight's eyes went wide.

"I'm so proud of havin' such a big family that I'd like to have a large family of my own."

"Don't you think that's a bit excessive?"

Applejack shook her head. "Shoot, no! I've got a couple of older cousins with five already!" She grinned and nudged Twilight with her elbow. "How about you? See any youngins in your future?"

Twilight blushed furiously. "M-M-Me?! I don't know..."

Applejack laughed. "I'm just teasin' ya. No need to get so worked up." She lightly slapped Twilight on the back, causing her glasses to go askew on her face.

"O-Oh!" Twilight laughed awkwardly as she readjusted her glasses. "G... Good one, Applejack!"

"Yaknow, Twi," Applejack's tone softened again.

"Y-Yes?"

"Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Sunset, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and you? Y'all are my family too." Applejack smiled warmly and hugged Twilight. "I love you girls to pieces, and you're all like sisters to me."

Twilight blinked in surprise. "We haven't known each other for that long..."

"That don't matter. What does matter is the trust we share in each other. The memories we'll make here'll make us all grow closer together as friends." Applejack broke the hug. "Y'see, it's all about togetherness. You didn't enjoy all that time bein' cooped up in your lab, did ya?"

Twilight looked away. "No," she said softly as she held onto her arm. "Not all of it... even when Spike was with me."

"And ya ended up makin' friends with Lemon Zest, right?"

Twilight nodded.

"I could tell. The way she reacted when she found out you were transferrin'. Heck, everyone heard her shoutin'. Y'all must've been through thick and thin!"

Twilight sighed, recalling the distraught look on Lemon's face. "I wouldn't say that. We were only friends for..." she trailed off, and her eyes widened. "...a week." She turned to Applejack, who had her arms folded and sported an 'I told you so' smile. "I see your point."

Applejack nodded. "Let's get caught up with everyone. We've fallen way behind."

Twilight nodded, and she and Applejack ran to the clearing where everyone would make floating paper lanterns.

Arts, Crafts, and Struggles

It had been a couple of hours since Twilight had her talk with Applejack. The sun had begun to set, and she sat with Spike at a bench as she made her floating paper lantern.

Midnight Sparkle had been relentless in her taunting ever since Twilight sat down.

Soon, I will be free!

You can't keep me away forever!

All your friends and family are doomed!

And yet, for all of her taunting, Twilight had began to wonder why Midnight hadn't said anything about the girls' new magic... how curious.

"Hey, Twilight," Spike said, snapping Twilight out of her thoughts. "Why aren't you with everyone else?"

"Sunset said something at camp is causing the other girls to get new magic." She leaned over to Spike and whispered. "I think it's Midnight Sparkle. She's still a part of me... I can feel it, and I think her magic is infecting my friends!"

"What are we gonna do?"

"I don't know what I can do!"

Timber sat at his own table, making his floating paper lantern. Well, he had been. He finished a few minutes ago. Now he was simply watching Twilight, smiling warmly as he rested his chin in his hands.

You don't know enough about her.

She was smart... cute...

She doesn't really like you. It's just teenage hormones.

Timber sighed and put a hand to his forehead. He doubted it was just teenage hormones.

Twilight's mind could change, you know.

Timber clenched his hand into a fist. Why did these thoughts persist?

You'd be all alone again.

Timber picked up his lantern, and looked at the drawing of his face in a genuine smile. A tear fell from his cheek as he hoped he would see more of that when he looked in a mirror.

On the outside, Gloriosa was chipper. Upbeat. Excited. On the inside, however... she was livid.

Goddamn opportunistic parasite vulture son of a bitch!

Filthy Rich had returned earlier, so Gloriosa had enlisted Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna's help to oversee the lantern making while she spoke with him.

Gloriosa sighed. "Thank you both for the assistance on such short notice," she said to Celestia and Luna.

"It's why we're here," Celestia said with a smile.

"It looked like that Filthy Rich person was giving you a hard time," Luna said as she cupped her chin with her hand. "Is there anything we can do to help you," she asked, gesturing to herself and Celestia.

Gloriosa smiled. "I appreciate the offer, but this is a personal matter."

"Understood. If you ever change your mind, however..."

Gloriosa nodded. "Noted." She turned to face the campers. "Okay, everyone," she called out. "It's time to watch your lanterns fly!"

Twilight walked over to the dock, only to be stopped by Timber.

"Hey, cool lantern," Timber said.

Twilight looked away, feeling a little insecure due to Midnight Sparkle.

"Mine's my face!" Timber showed Twilight his lantern.

Twilight laughed awkwardly, then sighed and walked past Timber.

Timber blinked in surprise, then walked over to Twilight. "Are you okay?"

"Uh-huh."

"You... don't seem like yourself tonight."

How do you know that this isn't how she normally acts?

"I appreciate it, Timber... but I'm fine." Twilight smiled.

Timber sighed, then followed Twilight to the dock where Luna and Celestia lit their lanterns.

Twilight looked into her lantern, then decided to do a most unscientific thing... she made a wish. A wish to be free from Midnight Sparkle. Feeling a semblance of hope, she smiled.

"Ready... set... go!" On Gloriosa's cue, all the campers let go of their lanterns, and they all began to float into the sky.

Timber and Twilight watched their lanterns fly off, then bump into each other. The two glanced at each other, and they blushed, then looked away.

Gloriosa sighed as the lanterns continued their ascent. It was such a beautiful sight... it only served to strengthen her resolve in thwarting Filthy Rich's plans. She grasped her geodes and grit her teeth.

Tomorrow.

Twilight, Sunset and Spike walked back to their tent.

You will never be free of me, Twilight Sparkle!

Twilight winced and yelped.

Sunset turned around. "You okay, Twilight?"

Twilight laughed awkwardly. "Yeah! I just... ran into a spider web, that's all."

"We aren't even near any trees," Sunset said flatly, gesturing to the open area before herself.

Twilight blushed out of embarrassment and began pulling at her hair.

"Is there something you're not telling me, Twilight?"

Twilight took a deep breath, then exhaled. "I'm tired. Can we talk about this tomorrow?"

Sunset raised an eyebrow and folded her arms as she eyed Twilight with uncertainty for a moment. "If that's what you want..."

"It is."

Sunset slowly turned back around, and Twilight wiped some sweat off of her brow. She didn't want to talk about it. Not at all...

Later that night, while Sunset slept, Twilight slowly got out of bed, still in her camping clothes. She nudged Spike awake.

"Huhwha?" Spike blinked, then stretched with a yawn. "Are you sure you want to do this, Twilight? I don't like the idea of running away."

"I don't either, but if I want to keep our friends safe, I'll go through with it."

"If you say so."

Twilight and Spike left the tent and hurried away from the campsite. They reached the forest and neared the exit, when...

"Twilight?"

Twilight stopped dead in her tracks upon hearing Sunset's voice. She turned around nervously.

"What are you doing out here," Sunset asked.

"We're..." Twilight paused, racking her brains to think of a lie, only to fess up. She couldn't lie to Sunset anymore. "We're meeting a cab to take us home."

Sunset raised an eyebrow, then looked down at Spike.

"She thought you'd talk her out of it."

"Because I would." Sunset said, then looked back at Twilight. "Twilight, you can't leave," she said as she took her by the hand. Suddenly, her eyes glowed for a moment, then went back to normal.

"Twilight," Sunset said sympathetically. "There's no Midnight Sparkle. There's only you."

Twilight pulled away. "How did you know what I was thinking?!"

"When I touched your hand, I could see things. I could understand why you were leaving." Sunset paused as realization dawned on her. "My new magic... this is my new magic! This is incredible," she said excitedly with a big smile.

"No, it's not. I'm infecting you now!"

"Twilight, you have to stop looking at this as a bad thing."

"Easy for you to say. Magic turned you into something beautiful! The last time I tried to use it, it turned me into a monster." Twilight sighed heavily. "I... I'm just so afraid it's going to happen again."

"Yes," Sunset admitted. "Last time, I turned into something amazing, but I've let magic turn me into a monster, too."

Twilight's eyes widened.

"So if anyone understands what you're going through, it's me. And the rest of our friends can be there for you too... but not if you run away."

Twilight sighed. "I'll stay, but I still don't think it's a good idea for me to be near the rest of our friends right now. Not until we know why this is happening."

"Understood." Sunset nodded with a warm smile.

A sudden rustling noise interrupted the moment, and both Sunset and Twilight looked around for the source of the noise.

"What was that," Sunset asked worriedly.

A few feet away, seemingly out of nowhere, an ax pierced through the darkness.

Twilight and Sunset screamed in terror.

Quality Time

A masculine scream joined Twilight and Sunset's, then died down suddenly.

"Wait..." Timber stepped out of the shadows with an ax in his hands. "Twilight?"

"Timber?" Twilight sighed in relief, putting a hand to her chest. "I'm so glad it's just you! Wait, what are you doing out here?"

"With an ax," Sunset added, pointing at Timber.

Timber looked down at his ax, then reached back into the darkness. "I was chopping down firewood," he said as he pulled a cart of logs from where he had stood.

"In the middle of the night?"

"We needed more for tomorrow night's campfire. And if I didn't take care of it tonight, it'd be one more thing Gloriosa would add to her list!" He sighed. "I've got this," he said, mocking her.

Twilight giggled, and Timber's heart felt lighter.

"What about you two? Why are you hanging out in the woods in the middle of the night?"

Twilight racked her brain, struggling to come up with a lie.

"I was sleepwalking," Sunset said with a smile and a roll of her eyes. "Twilight found me and was bringing me back to camp."

Twilight nodded, deciding to just go with it.

"Come on," Timber said. "I'll walk you guys back. I'll protect you from..." He turned quickly with a spooky-looking expression. "Gaea Everfree. Everfree, Everfree!"

"Come on," Sunset said doubtfully. "That's obviously just some spooky story you made up to tell around the campfire."

"Oh, no. It's legit. How else would you explain what happened at the docks? And that weird thing when the earth shook? Come on," Timber said as he extended a hand. "I know a shortcut back to the tents."

Twilight blushed as she took Timber by the hand, and they walked together as Timber took the cart of logs.

"So... feeling better?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah, a little."

"Good. Wouldn't want you to not enjoy your time here."

"Oh, I am." Twilight couldn't believe she was actually holding this cute guy's hand! It was warm, reassuring... yet there was something about it that led her to believe he was lacking in confidence. A slight lack of strength. She would have to look into that later, she didn't want to pry any more than she already had the last time they were together. Speaking of which...

"Sunset? Spike?"

"We're right behind you guys," Sunset said from the rear.

"Yeah, don't let us get in the way of your conversation," Spike chimed in.

Twilight couldn't help but smile. It felt great to know people... and a talking dog, for that matter, had her back. She sighed happily.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Timber snapped Twilight back to reality.

Twilight grinned. "You couldn't afford them."

"Ouch," Timber said in mock offense as he put a hand to his chest. "You wound me!"

Twilight giggled, and Timber returned his hand to the cart.

"Timber."

"Yes?"

"You said you graduated from Everton High... did you ever happen to be a part of the Everton Independent Study Program?"

Timber shook his head. "No. I was already busy working here at Camp Everfree." He gestured to the forest around himself. "I already had enough on my plate as it was. Why do you ask?"

Twilight smiled sheepishly. "I... might have had a chance to become part of it, but changed my mind just before transferring."

"Huh."

For a moment, Twilight debated as to whether or not she should tell Timber about Applejack's parents. She knew that common ground was a good place to start a friendship, and from the sound of things, it sounded like he could use more friends. She had decided against it, however, because she felt that that knowledge wasn't hers to divulge.

Timber sighed happily. Holding Twilight's hand was comforting to him, like a presence he didn't know he needed. This felt good. It felt... just so right. He felt some of the stress in his life melt away, and he turned to her with a genuine smile.

Twilight blushed and returned the smile. How many times was heat going to rise to her face this week? She had to think of something more to say. She wanted to at least get to know him better before the end of her week here.

"We're almost there," Timber said, and Twilight's brain began to race. Why was her brain racing? She still had several more days to get to know more about him!

Enjoy this while it lasts, Twilight Sparkle, Midnight taunted from within, causing Twilight to flinch.

This won't last forever. The sudden negative thought caused Timber to flinch.

Twilight and Timber took notice of each other's flinching and gave themselves looks of concern. "Are you okay," they asked each other in unison. The two stopped and stared at each other momentarily.

Twilight bit her lip nervously. Now that Sunset knew about her issues with Midnight Sparkle, Timber was the absolute last person she wanted to know about them! She would tell her other friends later... "I-I'm fine," she said almost shakily. "What about you?"

Timber looked away for a moment. As much as he liked Twilight, he didn't want to burden her with personal problems. Not before getting to know more about her, at least. "I... I'm fine too. Just had a sneeze coming on."

After a moment, Twilight and Timber resumed walking until Sunset caught up with them. "What happened," she asked. "You guys stopped and looked worried all of a sudden."

"It's... nothing," Timber said quietly.

"I'll tell you later, Sunset."

"Oh... okay, then." Sunset started walking back until Timber put a hand on her shoulder.

"No need to go back," Timber said, then pointed an opening in the foliage. All the tents in the main campsite were visible from their standpoint.

Spike joined up with the group. "Hope I didn't worry you guys," he said. "The night's full of animals that could use a good chasing!"

Twilight snorted, then picked Spike up. She smiled at Timber. "Thanks."

"Anytime," Timber said as he threw Twilight a salute, then headed back to chop more firewood.

Twilight, Spike, and Sunset exited the forest.

"So what was that all about," Sunset asked, folding her arms.

Twilight sighed heavily. "Midnight's been taunting me relentlessly in my dreams and in my mind."

Sunset put a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "We'll figure this out tomorrow. Okay?"

Twilight nodded, and the three went into their tent for the night.

Calm Before the Storm

Twilight woke up abruptly with a gasp. She had had yet another nightmare involving Midnight, and she wasn't sure how much more she could take!

Twilight put a hand to her forehead and sighed. "Sunset..." she trailed off upon noticing that Sunset's bed was empty, made, and had a note left on it.

Went to help the girls with the dock, and hopefully their new magic too.

- Sunset

Twilight frowned. She knew she wanted to... no, had to stay away from her friends, but at the same time she sort of felt left out.

This is for the best, Twilight thought to herself. She slowly got out of bed, then peeked outside to see if anyone was around.

With the coast clear, Twilight closed the tent flaps and began changing into her day clothes.

Timber woke up and jumped out of bed. Today was a new day.

Camp Everfree only has a few days left.

Timber sighed. He would have to speak with Gloriosa about plans to keep the camp afloat.

You should have taken action sooner.

There was still time to do something! Timber just didn't know what that something was, though.

You don't have enough time.

Timber grit his teeth, and a scream came from Gloriosa's room. He gasped, then high-tailed it to her.

Gloriosa sat upright in bed, panting as sweat fell from her forehead. She buried her head in her hands as she shook.

Timber ran inside. "Gloriosa! Are you okay?"

"I-I just had the most godawful dream..."

Timber took Gloriosa by the hand.

"I watched helplessly... powerlessly... as Camp Everfree was destroyed right before my eyes." Gloriosa sniffled.

"That's not going to happen," Timber said reassuringly. "We won't let that happen."

Timber's words seemed to slowly light a fire within Gloriosa. Her eyes narrowed in determination. "You're right. We won't. Get things started for the campers, then meet me in the lakehouse."

Timber threw Gloriosa a salute, then left, closing the door behind himself.

Gloriosa sighed. She knew what she was going to do. She was going to do what she should have done from the beginning... whether Timber liked it or not!

Timber walked around the campsite, checking inside tents before heading over to the lakehouse. He would announce his presence if the flaps were closed, as he would rather not walk in on campers when they weren't fully clothed. He reached the Sapphire Tent, then peeked in upon seeing the flaps open.

Twilight sat on her bed, reading a book. Spike was laying down next to her.

"Twilight?"

Twilight jumped, then looked up from her book. "Oh! H-Hi, Timber." She blushed, then laughed awkwardly.

"Why aren't you with everyone else?"

"I just wanted some alone time."

Timber smiled. "Fair enough. I'll get out of your hair then. Later!"

Twilight smiled and waved as Timber left, then sighed and went back to reading her book. Unbeknownst to her, Spike had an ear perked up and a grin on his face.

Gloriosa was fully clothed now, and a woman on a mission. After the dream she had, she'd be damned if Filthy was going to get his way! All the beauty and nature around her only served to fuel the fire she felt within as she chided herself for feeling powerless. She had magic on her side, she was anything but powerless!

Gloriosa grit her teeth as her determination increased with each step she took. She would let nothing stand in her way...

...not even Timber.

Timber reached the lakehouse, then paused for a moment as he saw Twilight's friends and other campers work on the dock. Applejack was carrying things far heavier than herself as Rarity shot a diamond towards a boat to save a camper from falling in the water. Rainbow ran at a speed faster than his eye could follow as she painted the dock. Fluttershy got assistance from the woodland animals. Pinkie Pie was... throwing sprinkles to create holes for nails?

Timber shook his head. He didn't have time to deal with that right now. Figuring out how to save the camp with Gloriosa was his number one priority.

Timber entered the lakehouse and shut the door behind himself.

Gloriosa reached the lakehouse and stared in wonder as Twilight's friends exhibited magical powers of their own. She swiftly shook her head. First things first. She opened the door, then closed it behind herself.

Timber stood in front of Gloriosa, frowning with his arms crossed. "I get the feeling I'm not going to like what I'll hear."

Gloriosa sighed.

"Do you think I'm an idiot, Gloriosa," Timber asked angrily.

Gloriosa shook her head. "I was going to tell you even if you didn't figure out what I had in mind."

"I don't like what those geodes are doing to you. It's like... it's like they're changing you."

Gloriosa raised an eyebrow. "For the worse," she asked coldly.

"Well... yes."

Gloriosa scowled. "How many times do I have to tell you? I'm doing this for the camp. I'm doing this for us!"

"By nearly killing the campers?!"

Gloriosa flinched.

"Even after that incident, you still kept going! I mean, you were using magic all over the place," Timber exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air. "I had to tell them something to cover for you. What did you want me to do? Give them false hope?!" His eyes widened upon realizing what he had said.

Tears began forming in Gloriosa's eyes. "You... you've lost all faith, haven't you?"

"Gloriosa..."

Gloriosa turned around and headed for the door. "Don't follow me," she said softly. "I-I don't want to hurt you." She flung the door open, then left.

Timber stood still for all of a moment, then went after her, unaware of the person pressed against the door.

It took a great deal of willpower and focus for Gloriosa to keep moving. She hated leaving Timber like that, but her mission was far too important for reconciliation to get in the way. Hopefully he would understand that in the long run, she had done what was best for all.

Just to be absolutely certain that she wouldn't be followed, she blocked off all paths but the one she took with several boulders, creating another earthquake.

With no other obstacles in her way, she entered the cave at the rock quarry.

Timber felt absolutely horrible.

You were just speaking the truth.

He didn't mean what he said... did he?

You did.

Timber grit his teeth. He had to make up with Gloriosa before it was too...

Timber looked behind himself. He could have sworn he heard some rustling. Not taking any chances, he ran ahead, only to be stopped in place by several boulders falling in front of him. His path had been blocked. "No..." Anxiety took hold of him, and he hurried off to another path.

Twilight was in her tent when the earthquake struck, and she nearly leaped out of her bed. Her phone buzzed, and she checked her messages.

"It's from Sunset," Twilight said to Spike. "She says to meet her by the rock quarry."

"I thought we weren't supposed to hike out that far."

"She says it's important!"

"Then what are we waiting for?"

Twilight and Spike ran out of the tent and onto the path that lead to the rock quarry. An eerie red glow emanated from their destination, distracting Twilight and causing her to run face-first into a spider web. She nearly screamed until a familiar hand swatted off the web and covered her mouth.

"Shh," Sunset said. "Keep your voice down." She took Twilight by the hand and headed to a cave.

"What's going on down there," Twilight asked.

"Honestly, I don't know. What I do know is that Timber and Gloriosa got in a huge fight... and that Gloriosa's responsible for all the magic!"

Twilight eyed Sunset skeptically. "Do you have any proof?"

"Timber said she was 'using magic all over the place'."

Twilight folded her arms. "I don't know. It sounds like hearsay to me."

"Look," Sunset said as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Just follow me into the cave, and we can get this whole thing sorted out. Okay?"

Twilight paused for a moment, then nodded. "Okay."

Twilight, Sunset and Spike entered the cave together.

Of Battles Internal and External

Gloriosa walked through the cave reverently, as though it were a sacred site. She felt relaxed. Unfortunately, there was no time for relaxation. She had to get to work. She reached the spire, and stretched out her hand to grasp the last two geodes...

Gloriosa's eyes widened as she heard footsteps off in the distance behind herself. She hid in the shadows, then listened intently for the new arrivals.

"Whoa..."

"This place is beautiful..."

Gloriosa recognized those voices. Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle! How did they find the only open path?

"There's Equestrian magic here," Sunset said in surprise. "I can... I can feel it!"

Gloriosa shifted, and another voice spoke up. "Did you guys hear that?"

Gloriosa's eyes widened. Spike, Twilight's dog, was with them too!

"Hear what," Twilight asked.

"I... I think I smell something else in here. Someone else!"

Gloriosa sighed. No sense in hiding any longer. She stepped into the light. "Let me save you the trouble, Spike."

Twilight, Sunset, and Spike all yelped in surprise.

"How did you three find your way in here," Gloriosa asked.

"I heard your fight with Timber, so I followed him," Sunset said, folding her arms. "I lost him, then stumbled into the rock quarry. I called Twilight to follow me." She narrowed her eyes. "My turn to ask a question. Why are you 'using magic all over the place'?"

Gloriosa scoffed as she walked towards the white spire. "I don't think you'd understand, Sunset Shimmer. Timber certainly didn't."

"I beg to differ," Sunset said, then grabbed Gloriosa by the arm. Her eyes glowed a bright white for a moment, then went back to normal as she let go. She stood frozen for a moment, an expression of shock on her face.

"Are you okay," Twilight asked.

"Yeah. I am." Sunset gave Gloriosa a sympathetic look. "Gloriosa... why didn't you say anything about Camp Everfree being in financial trouble?"

Gloriosa gasped. "Wait... how did you know?" She paused for a moment. "You have magic too? I thought it was just your friends!" She neared the spire while keeping an eye on the three.

"Gloriosa," Twilight said. "Do you even know what you're doing? If you take those last two stones, who knows what'll happen!"

"Oh, I know what'll happen. I'll save Camp Everfree!" Gloriosa ensnared Sunset, Twilight, and Spike. She grabbed the remaining geodes, then became engulfed in light.

Once the light disappeared, Gloriosa emerged in an entirely new form! Her red hair was now neon green and waving. She sported a dark green dress covered in ivy. Her necklace now contained all seven geodes. She leered at the three with her tar-black eyes. "Sorry, girls... but I've got a camp to save." She left the cave, then closed it with the rocks.

Gloriosa grinned widely, but something in the back of her mind bothered her. She shook her head, then floated over to the clearing.

Another earthquake caused Timber to nearly fall flat on his face. His heart raced as he finally reached the rock quarry, only to see it sealed off by large boulders. He grit his teeth and swore under his breath. He was too late. Where could she have gone?

Screams from the camp's clearing alerted Timber, and he ran as fast as he could.

Gloriosa reached the clearing, then grinned widely. "Attention, campers!" Something didn't feel quite right.

Trixie gasped. "It's Gaea Everfree!"

Flash panicked. "She's real!"

"We're all gonna die!" Bulk Biceps hid his face in fear.

Timber reached the clearing and saw the twisted, magically corrupted form of his sister. "Gloriosa?! What are you doing?" A chill ran down his spine.

"That's Gloriosa," Applejack exclaimed in surprise. "Am I goin' crazy, or are her feet not touchin' the ground?"

"Freaky-deaky," Pinkie said while somehow being in midair.

"I have an announcement to make," Gloriosa said. "Filthy Rich wants this to be the last session of Camp Everfree... but don't worry. I've got this!" She clawed into the ground, and brambles sprouted out of the ground and enclosed the camp, destroying the dock in the process.

A nagging feeling crept through Gloriosa.

Applejack, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity and Rainbow Dash leaped out of the way, just narrowly avoiding the brambles.

"Oh, come on," Rainbow roared. "We just freaking finished that!"

Timber stood still, horrified at what Gloriosa had become. He watched as she enclosed the mess hall, then forced himself to snap out of it. He had to save the campers... he had to save Gloriosa. He had to do something!

Timber saw his axe on a tree stump. He narrowed his eyes in determination, then grabbed it and began to hack away desperately. The brambles and vines were cut, but more took their place. He swung again, only to feel resistance. Turning around, he yelped as Gloriosa looked deep into his eyes.

Time seemed to slow down as Gloriosa gazed coldly at Timber. She remained silent and still for a moment, then threw his axe off to the side. Her cold stare slowly morphed into a sinister grin as she slowly ensnared his hands in vines. Why did a part of her feel awful for what she just did?

There's nothing you can do.

Timber remained still. The situation was hopeless...

Pinkie Pie ran up to Timber and put a small amount of sprinkles on his vines. One small explosion later, he was free.

"Thanks, Pinkie."

"No problemo! Find someplace safe." Pinkie grinned, then joined her friends as they began their efforts to save Camp Everfree.

Spike had gnawed his way out of Gloriosa's vines, and had just finished freeing Sunset and Twilight.

"Nice work, Spike," Sunset said, patting him on the head. She went up to the boulders and pushed hard against them, but they didn't budge. "Twilight," she said as she turned around. "You have to use your magic!"

Twilight grit her teeth. She didn't want to risk Midnight getting free! "I don't think I can lift something that big!"

"It's our only chance of getting out of here and helping our friends!"

Twilight looked down at Spike, who gave her an encouraging nod. She took a deep breath, then exhaled and gently set him on the ground. She walked up to the boulders, swallowing nervously. She closed her eyes, then concentrated.

Twilight grunted and strained as the magical power flowed through her. A bright blue dot appeared on her forehead, but she pressed on. She didn't want to lose her friends!

The boulder moved, and Twilight stopped, nearly falling over were it not for Sunset catching her. Now free from the cave, Twilight, Sunset and Spike hurried to the clearing.

Filled with rage, Gloriosa confronted Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow and Applejack. "Why are you fighting me?! I'm doing this to save our camp! I'm doing this for you," she gestured to the girls.

Something about this felt off.

Rarity laughed nervously. "Gloriosa... let's just think about this for a moment, shall we? I mean, I think Camp Everfree is absolutely delightful, but I just don't know that I'm quite ready to give up my weekly trips to the spa."

"'To the spa..." Gloriosa shook with fury. "To the spa?!" She summoned roots and sent them after the girls.

"Oh, crap."

Rainbow hurried over, only to be tripped by a vine. She slammed into her friends, causing them to topple over.

Gloriosa's lower half became covered in the roots, turning herself into a tree.

Timber ran to Gloriosa in a full-on panic. "Gloriosa! This isn't the way!"

"I appreciate your concern, Timber, but I've got this!" Gloriosa summoned large roots to ensnare Timber.

There was a tiny feeling of sadness in Gloriosa, but she paid it no mind.

"No! You don't!" A lump formed in Timber's throat. His greatest fear seemed to be coming true...

...he was going to lose his sister.

Sunset and Spike pushed and pulled against the brambles, but nothing had happened.

"Twilight," Sunset said. "Do you think you can use your magic?"

Twilight bit her lip. "I-I don't want to use too much. Midnight Sparkle could take over!"

Sunset grunted in frustration, then took Twilight's hands and clasped them with hers. "Twilight! Our friends are in there!" In a flash of light, she ponied up.

Twilight hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Okay." She closed her eyes, then focused...

"Please, Gloriosa," Timber begged. "What you're doing is crazy! You have to listen to me!"

"That isn't Gloriosa," Sunset said from behind.

Twilight and Spike emerged from an opening in the brambles, and the magic dissipated. Twilight shuddered as they closed behind her.

All I need is one more push... and I'll be free!

"Twilight," Rarity exclaimed.

"Sunset," Applejack said in relief.

"You're okay!" Rainbow smiled.

Sunset and Twilight hurried over to Timber. "That isn't your sister," Sunset said. "It's someone who's been consumed with Equestrian magic!"

Timber looked up as the brambles extended and began to form a dome. "Whoever you are, you have to let my sister go!" Tears began to run down his cheeks. "Please, Gloriosa, come back! I need you!"

Oh please god no I don't want to be alone

Timber watched helplessly as the vines consumed Gloriosa. "Gloriosa!"

Sunset grabbed Twilight by the arm and pulled her away as Timber was buried under wood.

The dome had been completed, and green thunder struck and crackled all around the clearing, causing even more vines to sprout from the ground.

Sunset and Twilight found themselves surrounded, and the rest of their friends hurried to them.

"Rarity," Applejack shouted.

Rarity stepped in front of everyone, then extended her arms outward, creating a diamond barrier that became a dome. "I can't... keep this up forever," she said in a strained tone.

"It's up to you," Sunset said, grabbing Twilight. "You can use your magic to pull the brambles apart!"

"No! There's too many of them!" Twilight hugged herself. "It would take too much magic. I can't!"

"It's the only way! You have to embrace the magic inside of you!"

"What if she takes over?" Tears ran down Twilight's cheeks. "What if instead of saving everyone, I turn into Midnight Sparkle and only make things worse?"

"That won't happen," Sunset exclaimed, then gave Twilight a reassuring smile. "We won't let it."

It's a life or death situation... what will you do, Twilight Sparkle?

Twilight grit her teeth, then focused on her magic with all of her might. The brambles budged, and she felt just the faintest hint of doubt.

A crack formed in Rarity's shield, and she fell over from exhaustion.

"Come on, Twilight," Sunset said as she grabbed Twilight by the arms. "You have to be stronger than she is!"

Twilight focused harder... then everything went white.

Twilight opened her eyes to find herself in a pink void that resembled outer space. Stars twinkled, and bits of clouds passed her by.

Midnight Sparkle appeared before Twilight, laughing menacingly. "You will never control me. I will always be a part of you!" She transformed into green energy and enveloped Twilight.

Twilight grew black wings, and her eyes glowed green. A magical horn protruded from her forehead. "NO!" She cowered.

"Twilight!" Sunset appeared from behind her in a pillar of red light. "Listen to me! You are in charge!"

Rarity appeared in a pillar of white light. "You are a light, darling! A force for good!"

"Yeah," Rainbow said as she appeared in a pillar of blue light. She cracked her knuckles. "You can kick the darkness' butt!"

Pinkie appeared in a pillar of pink light. "We're here for you, Twilight!"

Applejack appeared in a pillar of orange light. "And we'll be here no matter what!"

Fluttershy appeared in a pillar of yellow light. "We believe in you!"

"You are not Midnight Sparkle," Sunset declared.

Twilight opened her eyes. "No," she said as her eyes stopped glowing. "I... am... Twilight Sparkle! And the magic I carry inside me is..." she balled her hands into fists as her horn and wings cracked. "...the Magic of Friendship!" The wings and horn shattered, and everything went white again.

Now fully confident in herself, Twilight sprouted purple wings as her magic reached a new level. She shot out of Rarity's shield, then flew up to Gloriosa and began to part the vines.

Gloriosa appeared from the vines. "No! Stop!" There was a sudden crackle, and her geode necklace broke. The geodes separated, then went to Twilight and her friends. In the hands of their new owners, they spun for a moment, then glowed and disappeared, causing the girls to transform!

Magical energy surged through Twilight and her friends, and an explosion of lasers and light obliterated the bramble dome as bright green sparks fell.

All was at peace again.

Author's Notes:

Yes, that's where I'm leaving the chapter. I hope you'll understand why when the next one comes out.

A Sibling's Love

"Gloriosa!"

The vines swallowed Timber, and everything went dark.

Darkness. Absolute darkness.

Timber Spruce could see nothing. He could hear nothing. He could feel nothing. He could do nothing.

As far as Timber was concerned, he was nothing.

Gloriosa Daisy, the one person Timber cared about the most, was lost to him. Consumed by madness. It was more than enough to make him cry... but all he could do was stay still and breathe.

Timber was broken. A mere shell of a man, staring into nothingness. That was what his life had amounted to. Nothing. It was all he had. Nothing.

Was he even alive right now? Had the roots smothered him? Crushed him? Timber sighed. It didn't really matter now...

Suddenly, there was a blinding flash. The next thing Timber knew, he was back at Camp Everfree while tiny green sparks showered down. He... he was alive? Then what about-

Timber's heart stopped as he saw Gloriosa lying on the ground, motionless.

"Do you want to hold him?"

"Yes, mommy!" Gloriosa walked over to her mother, then carefully held her newborn baby brother. "He's so tiny!"

Gloriosa's mother giggled. "You were about that size when you were born, too."

Gloriosa's eyes widened. "Really?" She looked into Timber's eyes, then hugged him. "I love you, baby brother."

Timber stood still, stunned. His brain caught up with him, and he made a mad dash for Gloriosa.

Two bullies laid flat on a grade school playground as Timber scowled. "You pick on my sister, you pick on me!"

Gloriosa ran to Timber and grabbed his shoulder. "Timber! That was mean!"

"Yeah, well, they were being mean too!"

"That doesn't make it okay!"

Timber sighed. "You know how I feel when people tease you, Glory."

Gloriosa smiled warmly. "I do... but you're probably gonna be sent to the Principal's office."

Timber grinned. "Worth it!"

Gloriosa laughed.

Tears clouded Timber's vision as he reached Gloriosa.

Please be okay please be okay please god be okay

A preteen Gloriosa hung up the house phone in a panic. "Mom and Dad are gonna be here in an hour and the whole house is a mess!"

Timber yelped. "If they come back and see this we'll be grounded forever!"

"They won't let us have the house to ourselves for the rest of our lives!"

Timber and Gloriosa scrambled around the house, frantically cleaning anything that looked like it had so much as a speck of dirt. Time had passed, and the siblings grinned at each other.

"You've got this, Glory!"

"No, you've got this."

By the time they had both finished their cleaning, Timber and Gloriosa high-fived, then passed out on the floor from exhaustion.

"Gloriosa!"

Gloriosa and Timber held each other tightly. They had just found out that their parents fell victim to a plane crash, and they were beside themselves with grief.

"I... I-I can't believe they're gone, Glory..."

Gloriosa sniffled. "N-Neither can I."

"What are we going to do," Timber asked as he broke the hug. "We can't run Camp Everfree on our own!"

"We're going to have to if we want our family business to stay afloat!" Gloriosa sighed. "We... we'll have to make some sacrifices."

Timber nodded. "I'll drop out of Everton High to help."

"You will do no such thing, Timber Spruce," Gloriosa exclaimed while folding her arms.

"What? Why?"

"One of us has to graduate."

"B-But... But you're in your Senior year, Glory!"

"As I said. We'll have to make some sacrifices." Gloriosa looked away and sniffled. "I-I'll do anything to keep Camp Everfree open."

"But-"

"Not another word," Gloriosa snapped. She paused in surprise, then sighed as she put a hand on her forehead. "I-I'm sorry..."

"No," Timber said softly. "It's okay. We're both going to have it rough for quite a while." He put both of his arms on Gloriosa's shoulders as a sign of support. "You've got this."

"Yeah... I guess I do."

Timber stopped next to Gloriosa and gently shook her as tears ran down his cheeks. "Gloriosa..."

No please no please no please no

It was a warm early Summer afternoon, and Gloriosa was staring out the window wistfully. Today would have been her graduation ceremony.

"Glory?"

"Yes, Timber," Gloriosa asked as she turned around.

"Close your eyes for a moment."

Gloriosa closed her eyes, then felt something on the top of her head.

"Okay, you can open them."

Gloriosa opened her eyes, then walked over to a mirror. She gasped upon seeing that her head had been adorned with a crown of daisies!

"Timber... it's beautiful..."

Timber smiled. "I know it's not exactly a mortarboard, but I did what I could."

Gloriosa felt a lump in her throat. "Y-You... you remembered?"

Timber nodded. "Of course I did. I had the date marked and everything." He smiled warmly. "Think of it as thanks for everything you've done for Camp Everfree... and for being my rock ever since Mom and Dad... you know."

Gloriosa shot over to Timber and hugged him tightly. "Thank you... y-you're the best brother I could've asked for."

Gloriosa stirred, then slowly got up. "Wh-What... what happened?"

"Timber Spruce!"

Timber took his High School Diploma with a big smile, then went back to his seat. He fought back tears in a war of attrition as the rest of his class was called up. God, he was so emotional right now... he had to keep it together until the right time!

"Congratulations to the graduating class of Everton High School!"

Timber threw his mortarboard in the air, then caught it and ran to Gloriosa. The sight of her all teary-eyed nearly made him lose his composure, and he finally burst into tears as they hugged tightly.

"M-Mom and Dad would have been s-so p-proud..." Gloriosa sniffled.

All Timber could do was nod.

"Glory... Oh god, I thought I'd lost you..." Timber shuddered, then grabbed and hugged her tightly.

Gloriosa's eyes widened. "D-did... did you just call me G-Glory?"

Timber nodded. "I-I'm so sorry for what I said back in the lake house. C-Can you f-f-forgive me?"

Gloriosa returned the hug. "Of course I c-can. You're my l-little brother." Tears ran down her cheeks. "Can you forgive me for going off the deep end?"

Timber tightened the hug. "Of course I can. You're my big sister... I love you, Glory."

"I love you too, Timber..."

Timber Spruce and Gloriosa Daisy broke together.

Up in the sky, Twilight Sparkle smiled warmly as she watched Timber and Gloriosa reconcile.

A Game Plan

Twilight Sparkle and her friends touched down on the ground, and all the campers had cheered. Spike ran, leaping into her arms.

"You did it!" Spike glanced at Twilight's new necklace. It held a purple pendant roughly the size of a quarter, with her Power Symbol in the center. "Whoa... nice bling."

"What... what are these," Applejack asked as she held her orange pendant.

"I'm not sure," Sunset answered. "But clearly, we have some kind of connection to them!"

"I almost don't care what they are," Rarity said as she admired her white pendant. "They are gorgeous!" She gasped. "And will totally go with the other collection I was working on for the camp fashion show!" She giggled giddily, then her face slowly fell. "That's probably cancelled, isn't it?"

"'Fraid so, Rarity," Applejack said sympathetically as she put a hand on the fashionista's shoulder.

Rarity made a sputtering noise in disappointment.

"I think we should check on Gloriosa," Twilight said to Sunset.

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea."

Timber and Gloriosa held each other even after they had finished crying.

Timber sighed happily. "That felt good... I didn't realize how badly I needed that."

Gloriosa shuddered. "...Oh, god..."

"Glory?"

"I remember everything, Timber," Gloriosa whispered. She tightened her grip on him. "I was completely out of my mind."

"Glory..."

"I-I could have killed you."

"Glory!" Timber grabbed Gloriosa, getting her attention. "That wasn't you."

"Timber's right," Sunset said as she Twilight approached Timber and Gloriosa. "You were corrupted by Equestrian magic."

Gloriosa let go of Timber. "Is... is that supposed to make me feel better? That I wasn't in control of what I was doing? That doesn't excuse what I did!"

"Timber," Twilight said softly. "Can you leave me and Sunset to speak with her," she asked, gesturing to Gloriosa. "Girl talk."

"Right now," Timber asked incredulously.

Twilight gave Timber a reassuring look. "Trust me."

Timber blushed furiously as his heart skipped a beat. "O-Okay. I t-trust you." He slowly walked off.

Twilight knelt down to Gloriosa. "Gloriosa... how are you doing?"

Gloriosa sighed heavily. "I feel terrible. Why didn't I listen to Timber? Why didn't I listen to either of you," she asked, gesturing to Twilight and Sunset.

"You weren't in your right mind," Sunset said softly.

Gloriosa snorted. "Oh, what do you know about what I went through?"

"A lot, actually..." Sunset briefly told Gloriosa of her Equestrian origins, then skipped to the night she transformed. How it felt, how it affected her, and the long road of recovery that had followed.

Gloriosa's eyes went wide. "Oh my god," she whispered.

"I went through something similar," Twilight said, gesturing to herself.

"So if there is anyone who knows what you're going through, it's us," Sunset added. "If you ever want to talk, we'll listen."

Gloriosa slowly got up, then walked away.

Twilight glanced at Sunset. "Should we-"

"No," Sunset cut Twilight off. "I think she just needs some space. She's got a lot going through her head right now."

Twilight sighed and frowned.

"We should go help with cleanup."

"Yeah..."

Sunset smiled warmly. "I know you're worried about her, Twilight, but I doubt she'll do anything reckless."

"You mean like trying to run away by calling a cab in the middle of the night," Twilight asked with a grin.

Sunset laughed, then put a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "Yeah. Now c'mon, we've got work to do!"

Gloriosa slowly walked over to Luna and Celestia, downhearted. "I am so sorry," she said. "I only wanted this to be the best week Camp Everfree has ever had, and instead I've made it the worst." She sighed heavily. "Maybe it's for the best that I'm losing the camp to Filthy Rich..."

"No," Principal Celestia said firmly. "It's not. This camp has meant so much to so many people, myself and my sister included!"

"Why do you think we wanted our students to come here," Vice-Principal Luna said.

"We can't let Filthy Rich take this place away," Twilight said, feeling fired up. "If camp meant so much to you two, maybe it meant as much to the other campers who came here in years past."

"And maybe we can get them to help save it," Sunset said.

Applejack stopped cleaning. "Oh! Like a fundraiser!"

"Or a ball?!" Rarity's head began to swim with the design possibilities!

"Our band could play!" Rainbow grinned widely.

"I could help write a new song just for the occasion," Fluttershy said.

The campers chattered among themselves, nodding in agreement.

Gloriosa's sadness faltered, and for a moment she felt a bit of hope. "Those are all good ideas, but where would we hold it?"

Sunset cupped her chin in thought, then an idea came to her. "The crystal cave!"

Rarity gasped. "A crystal ball?! I love it," she squeaked.

Gloriosa smiled for a moment. She'd love nothing more than to stick it to that goddamned Filthy Rich... but at the same time, time was short. Logistics would likely be a nightmare, even with all of the campers more than willing and able to help. It would be far too short of a notice.

Gloriosa sighed. She had to face facts. "I admire everyone's enthusiasm. Really, I do. But I-I just don't know how we're going to plan a ball by tomorrow and invite everyone."

Sunset, Pinkie, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow all glanced at each other, confidence written all over their faces.

"Don't you worry, Gloriosa," Twilight said as she cracked her knuckles.

"We've got this," Everyone said in unison.

A solitary tear fell from Gloriosa's cheek. There it was. Hope. The hope she and Timber had thought was lost. She sniffled, then wiped away the tear. She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Th-Thank you."

"Don't thank us just yet," Rainbow said.

"Thank us when it's over," Applejack said.

The seven friends held out their arms, stacking their hands on top of each other.

"All right you guys... let's do this," Sunset shouted, and they all jumped together.

"YEAH!"

Gloriosa smiled warmly.

Mom... Dad... I hope you're watching. We're going to make you both proud.

Just "Hanging Out"

Twilight walked over to the Sapphire Tent. She had just finished planning the Crystal Ball with her friends. Sunset was in charge of logistics, Pinkie Pie was in charge of refreshments, Applejack would do heavy lifting, Fluttershy and Rarity would be decorating, Rainbow would be out delivering invitations using her newly-found super speed, and Twilight? Twilight was going to be making invitations with Timber, much to the amusement of her friends.

Twilight didn't understand what was so funny about it. She was just helping out a guy she liked while spending time with him. It was just hanging out! Still... she wouldn't mind it if Timber asked her out. The very thought sent heat to her face as she went inside the Sapphire Tent and grabbed a book and pillow to sit on.

Twilight walked out of the tent with a smile, grateful that all the magical chaos was done and over with. She was especially grateful that Midnight Sparkle was no more. No more magical nightmares. No more magical worries. She sighed happily, feeling free for the first time in recent memory.

Twilight found Timber sitting next to a tree with countless envelopes and invitations on the ground.

Timber caught sight of Twilight and waved her over. "So how'd it go with Gloriosa?"

"She didn't say much, she just... got up and walked away," Twilight said as she approached Timber.

Timber hissed through his teeth. "Yikes."

"Is she going to be okay?"

"Gloriosa doesn't usually do that unless something's really bothering her. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that that happened." Timber sighed. "She'll be fine, she just needs some time and space to think."

Twilight frowned. She wanted to help Gloriosa, but Timber knew her far better, so she decided to take his word for it. "If you say so..."

Timber gave Twilight a reassuring smile as he put a hand on her shoulder. "I wouldn't be sitting here if I knew she needed help."

Twilight visibly relaxed, then propped the pillow up against the tree.

"Whatcha reading," Timber asked, gesturing to the book.

"Oh, this?" Twilight showed Timber the book.

"'Quantum Physics for Beginners'?" Timber blinked in surprise.

Twilight nodded. "I haven't read this in ages, and I wanted to brush up on the basics."

"T-the basics?" Timber's heart skipped a beat. He had always found intelligence to be an attractive trait, and Twilight seemed to have it in abundance! "That's hot," he whispered.

"I'm sorry, could you speak up? I didn't hear you."

Timber shook his head rapidly, then started working on the invitations. He didn't want to come on too strongly. "I-I said it's hot out here." He laughed nervously.

Twilight couldn't help but giggle. It felt so refreshing to see someone else act so awkward for a change!

"Twilight," Timber said as he regained his composure. "What was it like? When you transformed?"

Twilight smiled warmly. "It was like a feeling of calmness washed over me. Like an assurance that everything was going to be okay, as long as I was with my friends. It was... borderline intoxicating."

Timber raised an eyebrow.

"That's the best way I can describe it, really."

Timber shrugged. "Hey... now that all the craziness has settled down.... can you show me your powers?"

"I don't see why not." Twilight pointed to the invitations. "Put the invitations you've finished and empty envelopes in separate piles."

Timber did so, then gestured for Twilight to begin.

Twilight channeled her geode, and a purple light enveloped both piles. The envelopes and invitations rose from the ground and floated around for a moment, then stopped. The envelopes opened by themselves, and the invitations went in and were sealed inside, then gently descended into a neat stack in front of Timber as the purple light disappeared.

"Wow..."

Twilight giggled. "I'm still kind of getting used to it myself."

Timber grinned. "If you used your magic, we'd be finished with these invitations in no time!"

"Yeah, but then I wouldn't have as much time with you!" Twilight gasped and put her hands to her mouth, surprised at what she had said. Heat rose to her face and she laughed even more awkwardly than Timber had!

She's just being nice to you. She doesn't really mean it.

Timber watched Twilight with amusement. Seeing her flustered was endearing, to say the least. It was a sight he could easily get used to.

Twilight took a deep breath, then exhaled as she fanned herself with her hand. "I guess it really is a little hot out here..."

"Yeah..." Timber trailed off, then sighed as he smiled warmly at Twilight.

There was a slight rustling in a nearby bush, nearly startling the two.

"Probably just an animal," Timber said.

Twilight shrugged, then went back to reading her book.

"So... how many books have you read?"

Twilight cupped her chin in thought. "I couldn't tell you off the top of my head, but if I had to guess, somewhere in the millions."

You'll never be as smart as she is.

Timber's eyes widened momentarily. "I-I've read about a million books myself!"

"Oh, really," Twilight asked teasingly as she raised an eyebrow. "How many of them can you name?"

"I... um..."

Twilight giggled. "I'm just kidding, Timber."

"Right," Timber said as he put a hand behind his head.

There was another rustle in the bushes, but Twilight and Timber ignored it.

"So, what do you do in your spare time? It must be boring just staying in one place."

Timber sighed. "Not much, really. I go outside and walk around just to get some exercise, but that's about it."

"I think you'd feel better if you did more than just go out to exercise."

Heat rose to Timber's face. "I wouldn't mind that... If I wasn't so alone..."

"Timber..."

"Oh, for goodness sake, just kiss already," a familiar voice shouted from the bushes that had rustled.

Twilight raised an eyebrow and walked over to the bushes. She channeled her geode, parting the branches to reveal Rarity, blushing furiously.

Rarity laughed nervously. "...Chirp?"

"Timber, can you give us a minute," Twilight asked, shaking slightly.

Timber nodded. "Come back when you're finished. I'll be here!"

"Thank you." Twilight turned her attention to Rarity as her expression changed to anger. "You. Me. Woods. Now."

Rarity swallowed nervously, then followed Twilight to what she suspected to be her untimely demise.

A Talk Among Nature

Twilight and Rarity reached a clearing the forest, then stopped.

"What the hell, Rarity?!"

Rarity flinched as her blush deepened.

"Timber and I were just having a nice conversation, and you eavesdropped on us?!"

"Twilight..."

"I thought you knew better than that!"

"I'm sorry..." Rarity looked away, clearly ashamed of herself.

Twilight relaxed slightly, but was still angry. "Care to explain to me why you were listening in?" She folded her arms.

Rarity heaved a sigh as she looked away. "I was initially going to check in on you, but then I saw you and Timber talking, and getting along..." She trailed off. "An old habit of mine returned."

Twilight raised an eyebrow.

"When I was a child, I used to watch so many animated movies. You know the ones... star-crossed lovers, talking animals... It got to the point that I was enamored of the feeling of romance!"

Twilight looked at Rarity skeptically. "What does that have do with your eaves-"

"Darling, let me finish."

Twilight closed her mouth.

"In grade school, every time I saw a boy and girl talk to each other, I'd hide in the bushes, hoping that something would come from their conversation. Perhaps a hug, or even a kiss on the cheek!" Rarity giggled, then sighed again. "So when I saw you and Timber talking..."

Heat rose to Twilight's face. "That's no reason to do what you did!"

"I know, Twilight, I know... and the worst part of it all was that I was almost certain Timber was going to ask you out. And I ruined the moment. I truly am sorry."

Twilight's shade of red darkened slightly. "A-Are you s-sure?!"

Rarity snorted. "Just as sure as I was when I told you I thought he liked you."

"W-What about you? I'm surprised I haven't heard of you dating anyone if you're into romance yourself!"

Rarity barked a mirthless laugh with a wave of her hand. "Lord knows I've tried, Twilight, but in this world of teenage hormones it's hard to tell who wants to get into your pants from who wants to get into your heart."

Twilight frowned. "Rarity..."

"Just look at me, Twilight," Rarity said as she posed, showing off her hourglass curves. "I've seen boys and girls ogling me when they think I'm not looking." She twirled, revealing toned legs and thighs then stopped on one foot. "And don't even get me started on my breasts," she said as she rolled her eyes.

Twilight looked away, blushing. She had to admit, Rarity did have one of the larger busts among female students.

"I mean," Rarity continued. "They just stare or pretend to grab them from a distance..." She looked downhearted. "Is it too much to ask to find the right man? The kind of man who'll take you by the hand wherever you go with him. The kind of man who'll kiss you like it's been a month since you've seen him when it's only been a few hours. The kind of man who tells you he loves you with all of his heart every day."

Twilight was at a loss for words.

"I just want to be in love, Twilight. To be held close. To experience true happiness, the kind that all those damned fairy tales promise. I want to experience the Ultimate Act of Love, intimately holding hands with my lover in the process..." Rarity heaved a deep sigh. "Yet, here I am, living vicariously through other people's romances via eavesdropping and trashy, smutty novels." She smiled sadly. "It's kind of pathetic, isn't it?"

Twilight shook her head. "No, Rarity, it's not. It's perfectly normal to want to be loved. It's a basic human need."

Rarity scoffed. "A basic need that hasn't been met," she said bitterly. "And here you are. You didn't want to be in love, and you seem to have found someone!"

Heat rose to Twilight's face. "I'm not in love with Timber. I mean, yes, I like him, but I hardly know the first thing about him!"

"Well you've got the rest of the week for that, darling. As for me..." Rarity sat down and propped herself up against a tree. "I'm going to sit and wallow in self-pity."

Twilight opened her mouth.

"Don't you even think about giving me that 'I'm sure you'll find the right man', speech," Rarity snapped. "It sounds so patronizing and disingenuous. Just... just leave me be." She lifted her legs up and held them in her arms.

Twilight began to walk away from Rarity as the fashionista lowered her head, then stopped for a moment. As much as she wanted to speak to Timber some more, there was a more pressing matter she had to deal with.

Twilight slowly walked back to Rarity, then sat down and put a supportive hand on her shoulder.

Rarity raised her head. "Twilight, I thought I said I wanted to be left alone."

"You were right, Rarity."

"About what, darling?"

"I do have the rest of the week to get to know Timber better, but I also have time enough to be there for you, and it looks like you need me."

Rarity's eyes widened. "Twilight..."

Twilight hugged Rarity. "I'm not going anywhere until you feel better," she whispered.

Rarity returned the hug with a happy sigh. "I'm sorry that I lashed out at you like that. Love is sometimes a bit of a touchy subject for me."

"So I've noticed."

Rarity and Twilight held each other closely, enjoying each other's warmth.

"Twilight! Rarity!"

Rarity and Twilight looked up to see Timber heading towards them.

"There you two are. Is everything okay," Timber asked.

"Yes, everything's fine, darling," Rarity said with a genuine smile. "Twilight and I just needed to talk about some things."

Timber raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. "Girl talk?"

Twilight giggled. "Something like that."

"As long as everything's okay..."

"Speaking of which," Rarity said. "How's Gloriosa?"

"Oh, she's around. She just went for a long walk to clear her mind. She only does that when she feels really troubled."

"Are you sure she doesn't need any help," Twilight asked.

"If she really did, she'd come to me." Timber smiled. "Trust me, she's going to be just fine."

Rarity stood up and dusted off her shirt and shorts. "Well, now that 'girl talk' is over, I suppose I'll be on my way. Oh! Twilight?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

Twilight smiled. "What are friends for?"

Rarity returned the smile, then walked off, leaving Twilight and Timber alone.

A Long Walk

"So if there is anyone who knows what you're going through, it's us," Sunset said with a warm smile as she gestured to herself and Twilight. "If you ever want to talk, we'll listen."

Gloriosa slowly got up, then walked away. This was far too much for her to deal with right now. She needed some time to herself. To gather her thoughts. She resisted the sudden urge to look back and inwardly cringed as she imagined their disappointed, hurt, and confused expressions.

Gloriosa hated feeling like she let people down, even if she knew she didn't. The worst part about that feeling now, however, was that she felt she had let herself down. She had let her anger and frustration get the better of herself, and that led her down a dark path that endangered everyone, including Timber!

Gloriosa slowly shook her head. There was nobody to blame for this fiasco but herself. Not Timber. Not Filthy Rich. Just... herself.

Gloriosa put a hand to her head and sighed heavily. She needed peace of mind badly, and the Crystal Cave was being redecorated for the ball tomorrow night! She had one other option, but now was most certainly not the time for it. She would have to wait until very early tomorrow morning.

Gloriosa grit her teeth and grunted in frustration as she clenched her hands. Guilt began to nibble at her resolve bit by bit, and it was an alien feeling. Aside from the incident with the boat and the dock, she couldn't remember the last time she felt this way!

Gloriosa walked into the forest and closed her eyes as a small gust of wind caused the leaves in the trees around her to rustle. As calming as the sound was, however, it wasn't enough. Her mind began to swim an image surfaced in her mind.

"I have an announcement to make," Gloriosa said. "Filthy Rich wants this to be the last session of Camp Everfree... but don't worry. I've got this!" She clawed into the ground, and brambles sprouted out of the ground and enclosed the camp, destroying the dock in the process.

Gloriosa shuddered. She still couldn't believe she had destroyed the dock! All of the campers' hard work, ruined!

Time seemed to slow down as Gloriosa gazed coldly at Timber. She remained silent and still for a moment, then threw his axe off to the side. Her cold stare slowly morphed into a sinister grin as she slowly ensnared his hands in vines.

How could Gloriosa have done that?! Timber was worried about her, and she... she...

Rarity laughed nervously. "Gloriosa... let's just think about this for a moment, shall we? I mean, I think Camp Everfree is absolutely delightful, but I just don't know that I'm quite ready to give up my weekly trips to the spa."

"'To the spa..." Gloriosa shook with fury. "To the spa?!" She summoned roots and sent them after the girls.

Gloriosa grit her teeth, and her pace slowed.

"Gloriosa! This isn't the way!"

"I appreciate your concern, Timber, but I've got this!" Gloriosa summoned large roots to ensnare Timber.

Gloriosa stopped in her tracks.

"Whoever you are, you have to let my sister go!" Tears ran down Timber's cheeks. "Please, Gloriosa, come back! I need you!"

Gloriosa shuddered again. "...Oh, god..."

"Gloriosa!"

Gloriosa's knees buckled, and she fell to a kneeling position. Timber needed her. Timber needed her... and she was too goddamn lost in herself to care.

A wave of anxiety nearly caused Gloriosa to empty the contents of her stomach. How could she have fallen so low?! This walk was supposed to make her feel better, but instead she felt worse. Far, far worse. It was becoming difficult for her to bear!

"Glory!" Timber grabbed Gloriosa, getting her attention. "That wasn't you!"

Tears began to fall down Gloriosa's cheeks. She knew Timber, Twilight and Sunset were just being nice to her because they felt sorry for her. And yet...

"So if there is anyone who knows what you're going through, it's us," Sunset said with a warm smile as she gestured to herself and Twilight. "If you ever want to talk, we'll listen."

Gloriosa wiped the tears from her face and slowly stood upright. Regardless of whether or not Twilight and Sunset were being sincere, they offered to help... and by the Universe, did she need help! She began to walk forward, then an old memory returned...

Gloriosa and Timber's parents were at the door that led to the garage at home. The siblings stood at attention as their father spoke.

"All right, listen up." He faced Timber. "You're the man of the house now, son. Be responsible, you hear?"

Timber nodded. "'Course, dad!"

Their mother leaned into Gloriosa and whispered. "He's just saying that to boost Timber's ego."

Gloriosa giggled.

"Gloriosa," her father said. "As the oldest, you're in charge."

Gloriosa nodded. "I won't let you down! I've got this!"

Timber and Gloriosa's parents smiled warmly as they headed for the door.

"We'll be back in about a week," Their mom said. "You know, standard business trip stuff."

"We love you," Their father said.

"Love you too," Gloriosa and Timber said in unison as the door closed.

It would be the last time they ever saw their parents.

"As the oldest, you're in charge."

"You're in charge."

Gloriosa's heart shattered. Everything became clear to her. She let down the campers. She let herself down. She let Timber down...

She let her parents down.

Emptiness filled Gloriosa, and all she could do was walk around aimlessly. No destination in mind. She would just walk, and walk, and walk until her feet and legs gave out.

Time didn't matter to Gloriosa anymore. She could have been walking for several hours, and it wouldn't have made a difference to her. Off in the distance, she thought she heard something. She decided to pay it no mind, as nothing could help or hinder her in any way, shape or form.

Gloriosa saw two people standing in a clearing in the direction from which the noise came. She neared the pair, and she began to feel something in her throat. Her walking speed increased as the emptiness within slowly dissipated. Tears began to fall again, and she sniffled.

Gloriosa's walking became running as the pair heard her coming, and she grabbed hold of Timber as tightly as she could, then broke.

"Glory?"

"I'm so sorry," Gloriosa wailed out between sobs. "I-I'm so sorry!"

Timber returned Gloriosa's hug as Twilight gave him a confused look. He answered her with as good a shrug as he could muster.

Twilight began to walk away.

"Twilight," Gloriosa said shakily. "P... P-Please d-don't l-leave..."

Twilight blinked in surprise, then stood still.

It had taken several minutes for Gloriosa Daisy to calm down. She took a deep breath, then shuddered and broke her hug with Timber. "Twilight... I want to talk now."

Three of a Kind

Within a matter of minutes, Sunset and Twilight met Gloriosa in the one place she felt their discussion could truly be private: her room.

Twilight and Sunset sat on the floor while Gloriosa sat on her bed.

"Why don't you come sit down here with us," Twilight asked as she patted the floor.

"I'm more comfortable on my bed."

Twilight glanced at Sunset, who shrugged.

"Fair enough," Sunset said. "So how do you want to start?"

Gloriosa took a deep breath, then exhaled. "Well..." She told Sunset and Twilight about the memories that surfaced during her long walk, then ended with the moment she hugged Timber. By the time she had finished, she was in tears again.

Twilight's jaw had dropped when she heard of Gloriosa and Timber's final moments with their parents, and tears were in her eyes as well.

"Please don't tell Timber I told you that story," Gloriosa said after a sniffle. "He's a little sensitive about it."

"I-I won't," Twilight said as she wiped away a couple of tears.

Sunset got up off the floor and sat on Gloriosa's bed, then put a supportive hand on the camp counselor's shoulder. "I'm all too familiar with those feelings of guilt and failure," she said softly. "Of course, I already told you my story so you already know that. My point is, I've been there."

Gloriosa heaved a long sigh. "You also said it took you months to recover from it." She looked at Twilight. "What about you?"

"Same," Twilight said. "Though my case was a little different from Sunset's. You see, I used to be from Crystal Prep."

Gloriosa blinked in surprise.

Twilight nodded, then told Gloriosa of her experience there and what happened during the Friendship Games, with Sunset adding her own perspective here and there. She then finished with the moments where she regained her confidence just earlier in the day.

"Wow..." Gloriosa was awestruck. "I didn't know you were going through so much, Twilight. Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because I didn't think anyone could help me."

"But, here we are," Sunset said. "Twilight and I are fully confident in ourselves now."

"So... what is it that I have to do," Gloriosa asked.

"The first step is to be able to forgive yourself."

"I don't know if I can."

Sunset smiled warmly. "It doesn't have to be right now. Take your time. This isn't something that can just be done overnight."

Gloriosa sighed as she got off her bed, then hugged herself as a vision of Timber's teary-eyed face entered her mind. "How... How did you live with yourselves," she asked as she walked over to the bedroom window.

"As best as we could, Gloriosa," Twilight said. "As best as we could."

Gloriosa shivered. "It... it hurts." She grit her teeth. "It hurts a lot. Almost as much as the night Timber and I lost our parents..."

"And how did you cope with that loss," Sunset asked.

Gloriosa turned around with sadness in her eyes. "Unfortunately, I didn't have the time for that. Not initially, anyway. The next round of Camp Everfree was a month after they died, so Timber and I had to pour pretty much all of our energy into adding on what our parents had planned out."

"And you had no outside help?"

"Timber and I had enough to go on, but it wasn't easy. You know, with the constant reminder of their untimely passing."

"I can only imagine," Twilight said in a hushed tone.

"There was one thing that I used to do before the magical geodes arrived..."

"And that is?"

"Well... I used to walk around the forest. Naked."

Sunset's eyes widened. "While people were camping?"

Gloriosa shook her head. "Only in the earliest hours of the morning. If I were to give it a time frame, I'd say maybe about an hour before the time I set for those early morning nature walks Fluttershy enjoys." She sighed as a smile slowly formed on her face. "You should both try it sometime, it's very liberating."

Twilight and Sunset glanced at each other, then blushed furiously.

Gloriosa snorted. "Of course, you don't have to if you don't want to."

"I can understand the appeal of naturism," Sunset said. "After all, ponies don't normally wear clothes."

Twilight's blush remained. "I-I don't want anyone to see me naked unless it's medically necessary."

Gloriosa nodded. "Fair enough."

"So... feeling better," Sunset asked.

Gloriosa smiled faintly. "A little, for now."

"Is there anything else you want to talk about with us," Twilight asked.

"Nah. I'm good." She walked up to Sunset and Twilight, then hugged them both. "Thank you."

Twilight and Sunset returned the hug, enjoying the warmth and love. After a few moments, they broke it.

"You're welcome," Sunset said.

"Call on us if you need anything, okay?" Twilight headed for the door.

"Of course," Gloriosa said as she waved goodbye. Twilight and Sunset left, and she resumed staring out the window, her thoughts swimming and processing the meeting she just had.

Twilight and Sunset exited the cabin, and Sunset stretched. "I think that went well, don't you?"

Twilight nodded. "That felt good, making Gloriosa feel better like that."

Sunset grinned. "Welcome to the team, rookie," she said as she gently punched Twilight on the shoulder.

Twilight laughed. "Thanks, leader."

Sunset smiled and rolled her eyes. "So what do you want to do now? Everything's pretty much set up in the cave, thanks to your organizational skills."

Twilight cupped her chin in thought. "I don't know. There's plenty of possibilities."

"Well, we could always go back to the Sapphire Tent and figure things out from there."

Twilight shrugged. "Eh, why not?"

Twilight and Sunset walked in companionable silence, enjoying the breeze and the occasional chirp of the birds.

Twilight sighed. Such serenity around her redoubled her determination to keep Filthy Rich from taking this outdoor paradise. It would be such a waste and a great shame to see it go.

Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer reached the Sapphire Tent, then went in...

...only to be attacked.

Ambush

It all happened too fast for Sunset and Twilight as they walked in. All they could do was yelp before being struck. The sound of soft fabric hitting the floor caused them to open their eyes.

There, inside the Sapphire Tent, were Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack, and Fluttershy, each of them grinning widely. Behind them was a massive pile of pillows that nearly reached the top.

Twilight and Sunset glanced at each other, then joined their friends in grinning.

"One rule," Sunset said, sticking out her index finger. "No powers. Agreed?"

Everyone nodded.

"Oh," Rarity exclaimed. "Hold on a moment." She closed her eyes and channeled her geode as she hummed a formless tune. Within moments, all things fragile were encased in miniature diamond domes. "There! Now the tent is a little more fabulous, and we don't have to worry about anything breaking!"

"Excellent idea, Rarity," Sunset said. "Everyone ready?"

"Free for all," Pinkie said in an announcer voice. "Three... two... one... GO!"

Within moments, countless pillows were flung.

Pinkie Pie grabbed three pillows. One in each hand, and one in her mouth. "Three Pillow Style..." She twirled rapidly and began moving around randomly. "...Pinkamena Twister! Wheeeee!" She ended up hitting Fluttershy in the back of the head twice, and gave Rainbow a face full of pillows, then fell over as the tent spun around her.

"Goodness," Rarity exclaimed as she hurried over to Pinkie. "Are you okay?"

Rarity was answered with three pillows to the face and a giggle that ended with a snort.

Rarity sighed. "Yes... well, I suppose I should have seen that coming." She grinned as she picked up a nearby pillow. "You shall pay for that transgression. Have at you, ruffian!" She hit Pinkie square in the face with a giggle.

Applejack laughed, then glanced at Rainbow. The farm girl jumped with all of her might and raised a pillow above her head, then swung downward as hard as she could.

Rainbow blocked the blow using a pillow as a shield, then pivoted and hit Applejack on her side.

"Ya'll got lucky there."

Rainbow snickered. "Luck had nothing to do with that!"

Fluttershy ran past Rainbow and Applejack with a pillow in each outstretched hand, nailing both girls in their heads. She looked by with a sly grin and wink, then squealed with laughter as two pillows hit her back.

"Photo op," Pinkie trilled as she jumped to her feet. She swiftly took her phone out of her pocket as Applejack and Rainbow Dash resumed their duel and turned on the built-in camera. "Ooh, action shot!"

"Incoming!" Sunset launched a pillow forward, and Rainbow and Applejack dodged as Pinkie took the photo. The pillow flew over her, only for Twilight to catch it from behind.

"I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to warn people in a pillow fight," Twilight said with a smug smile.

"Eh." Sunset shrugged, then yelped as she was struck from behind.

"I do believe she has a point, darling," Rarity said as Sunset turned around.

"I rest my case," Twilight said, satisfied with herself.

Sunset smiled and rolled her eyes. "Okay, you both got me." She quickly grabbed a pair of pillows off the floor. "Now, it's my turn." She boxed Rarity's ears with them, then tossed them in Twilight's direction.

Twilight dodged the first pillow, the dropped her guard as she was hit from the side by a stray pillow. The second pillow hit her square on her chest.

"Hey, are we keeping score," Rainbow asked in the middle of the fray.

"How could we possibly keep score-oof!" Rarity was hit in the back of her head by one of Pinkie's pillows.

"Consarn it, Rainbow," Applejack shouted loud enough to be heard over the din. "Why do ya have to make everything into a competition?"

Rainbow barked a laugh. "You're just saying that because you know you'd lose!"

Applejack narrowed her eyes. "Y'all know them's fighting words, right?"

Sunset put the palm of her hand to her face. "Oh, for the love of Celestia," she muttered under her breath as she shook her head slowly.

"Oh dear, here we go again," Rarity said, rolling her eyes as she folded her arms.

"Oooh," Pinkie squealed. "I wanna be the announcer! I wanna be the announcer!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow as the pillow throwing stopped. "Ummm... what's going on?"

Fluttershy sighed as she walked up to Twilight. "Just watch."

Rainbow grinned, then held her hand out. "Duh! Of course I do!" She lowered and raised all of fingers at once, inviting Applejack to battle.

"You asked for it, then!" Applejack charged forward, and their one-on-one pillow fight began.

"This happens more often than I'd like," Rarity said as she sat down on one of the beds, then rested her head on her hands.

"Rainbow Dash and Applejack are very competitive with each other," Fluttershy said as Pinkie began providing play-by-play commentary. "Once they get started, neither of them will stop until they're worn out!"

"It's usually best to just let them get it out of their systems," Sunset said as she sat down next to Twilight.

"Ohh, That's gonna leave a mark," Pinkie shouted gleefully.

"They're not going to try to use their powers, are they," Twilight asked worriedly.

"Oh, I certainly... hope not, darling..." Rarity trailed off as she began to swoon. "I think I feel... a little woozy..." Her diamond shields flickered.

"Oh, goodness," Fluttershy exclaimed as she hurried over to the fashionista.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash stopped their fight as they saw Rarity.

"Rarity! Are you okay," Rainbow asked.

Rarity's diamond shields disappeared, and she collapsed. "I... think I... just overexerted my magic just a tad. I should be... fine with some rest."

"Land's sake, Rarity. Don't scare us like that!"

Rarity smiled faintly. "I appreciate your concern, Applejack. Could you please carry me to my tent?"

"'Course I could!" Applejack picked Rarity up.

Rarity giggled weakly. "Thank you." She faced the rest of the girls. "I'll see you all at the fire tonight. Ta-Ta!" She closed her eyes as she was carried off, with Rainbow following.

"Interesting," Twilight said. "Maybe I should test the limits of my powers, too..."

"I don't think that's a good idea, Twilight," Sunset said. "One of us out of commission is enough."

"Yeah, you're right. Another time, then."

"See you all at the fire," Pinkie said as she darted out of the tent.

"Goodbye," Fluttershy said as she followed Pinkie.

"So what do we do now," Twilight asked.

"Whatever we want. I'm sure Rarity's going to be fine, so we don't have to worry about her." Sunset stretched. "I don't know about you, but I'm going to assess the damage done to the dock."

"You know what? That sounds like a good idea." Twilight stopped. "Wait... what about all these pillows?"

A rainbow blur whooshed into the tent, and in the blink of an eye, all of the pillows were gone.

"Huh. Handy. Thanks, Rainbow," Twilight shouted.

"Don't mention it," Rainbow said from off in the distance.

Twilight followed Sunset to the dock, spending most of her time there until night fell.

Author's Notes:

The Fire of Friendship

Evening had fallen at Camp Everfree, and Twilight and Sunset arrived first.

"Huh," Sunset said as she sat down. "We must be early. I would've figured-"

A rainbow blur shot past Sunset, blowing wind in her hair and causing the fire to billow.

"Hey guys!" Rainbow sat down.

Sunset smiled and rolled her eyes as Fluttershy walked past.

Applejack was the next to arrive.

"Any word from Rarity, AJ," Rainbow asked.

Applejack smiled. "Don't ya worry. She'll be along shortly."

Pinkie giggled as she skipped towards the fire with a bunch of twigs wrapped in a blue and pink piece of paper. "Ooooh, yeah! Gonna get my 'mallow on!" She reached into her hair and pulled out a rather large bag of marshmallows.

"Pinkie," Twilight said. "Why not wait until Rarity gets here?"

Pinkie blinked, then smiled. "Good point. Wouldn't be right if one of us was missing out on the action."

"You guys thinking she'll try to pull another grand entrance," Rainbow asked with a grin.

Applejack laughed. "Wouldn't surprise me."

"I heard that," Rarity said from a few feet away.

Sunset raised an eyebrow. "No flashy, showy fanfare this time?" She gave a mocking gasp. "Who are you and what have you done with Rarity?!"

Rarity rolled her eyes with a scoff. "Oh, please, darling. I'm not about to waste my six foot red carpet by getting dirt on it."

"Your what now," Twilight asked flatly.

Rarity blinked. "Never you mind, Twilight." She took out a stick with a purple rubber handle and pink tassel with a white bead on it. "It's marshmallow time," she trilled.

"You said it," Pinkie chirped as she opened the bag of marshmallows, then passed them out to everyone.

Twilight looked around herself and sighed happily.

Pinkie had made a bouquet of marshmallows and held them over the fire. Fluttershy and Spike were laughing while Rarity grunted in frustration over her marshmallow being burnt.

Applejack chuckled and took out her phone. "Looks like a keeper to me," she said.

Twilight took notice of Applejack's intent, then smiled genuinely.

"Yup," Applejack said with a satisfied nod as she looked at the photo. "Definitely a keeper."

Twilight watched as Rainbow sped off, then returned almost immediately with her guitar. She began playing it, and Twilight closed her eyes as a feeling of gratitude began to wash over herself. This sense of inner peace would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of the six young women gathered around the fire with her! She felt moved.

"Applejack... Rainbow Dash... Pinkie Pie... Rarity... Fluttershy... Sunset Shimmer..."

Each of Twilight's friends looked at her.

"I just want to thank all of you for freeing me from Midnight Sparkle. And more than that... for giving me a new outlook on life. Even with my family's constant love and support, I felt lonely." Twilight laughed a soft yet mirthless laugh. "The thought that someone outside of my usual circle of comfort would care about me hadn't occurred to me."

The girls were all listening intently.

"You six have no idea how drastically my life has changed..." A lump formed in Twilight's throat. "A-And it's changed for the better... because of all of you. So many doors have opened for me. So many possibilities that I hadn't even considered. More happiness to share... more fun to have..." She sniffled. "Without all of you... w-who knows what kind of dark place I'd be in right now? I... I love you all!"

Everyone came over to Twilight and hugged her, and she broke. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she cried softly in the embrace, reveling in the warmth and friendship of it all. For the first time in recent memory, she felt as though she could take on anything!

Twilight sniffled one last time as she finished crying, and the girls all smiled at her warmly as the hug was broken.

"We all love you too, Sugarcube." Applejack grinned.

"You're one of us," Rainbow said. "We stick together no matter what!"

"Indeed," Rarity said. "If you ever need help, do not hesitate to call on us."

"We'll do everything we can for you," Fluttershy said.

"And we won't stop until you smile," Pinkie said, punctuating her sentence with the firing of a portable party cannon hidden in her hair.

"Twilight," Sunset said softly as she put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm so glad we could make such a positive impact on your life." She gestured to the rest of the girls. "It means a lot to us, coming from you."

Words of agreement rang out.

Sunset smiled. "Rainbow, can I borrow your guitar for a sec?"

"You bet," Rainbow said as she gave it to Sunset.

Sunset tuned it slightly, then began to play a tune and sang.

As dawn shines on us every morn,
The fire of friendship is reborn.
And all the friendships we have made,
We cherish in every way.

Loyalty binds us and makes us strong,
Honesty shows that we belong,
And kindness shared will unite us through each day.

The fire of friendship lives in our hearts,
As long as it burns, we cannot drift apart!
Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few
Laughter and singing will see us through.

We are a circle of true, true friends!
A circle of friends we'll be to the very end!

Though the winter brings all its cold and storm,
The glow in our hearts keeps us warm!
The friends we now call our family,
Will always see us through!

Loyalty binds us and makes us strong,
Honesty shows that we belong,
And kindness shared will unite us through each day.

The fire of friendship lives in our hearts,
As long as it burns, we cannot drift apart!
Though quarrels arise, their numbers are few.
Laughter and singing will see us through

We are a circle of true, true friends
A circle of friends we'll be to the very end!

Rarity shed a tear. "Goodness, darling, that was simply marvelous!"

Sunset blushed slightly. "It's basically an Equestrian Christmas carol. I had to modify it a bit because... you know... we're not all ponies."

Pinkie blinked. "Christmas? It's not even winter."

Everyone laughed together.

How lucky was Twilight to have such an amazing group of friends? She would spend the rest of her evening hanging out, and that night she fell asleep with a big smile.

Author's Notes:

Break of Dawn

Gloriosa Daisy's alarm clock went off, startling her. She had barely gotten any sleep, as she was still haunted by her actions from the previous day. With a heavy sigh, she got out of bed and stared out her window.

The sun was slowly rising, and outdoor visibility was at the bare minimum as birds chirped.

Gloriosa stretched, then cracked her neck. If she was going to do this, she'd have to do it now. She turned around, then got dressed and headed out.

Gloriosa reached her favorite clearing in the forest, where a stump lay in the middle. She checked the time on her phone, then nodded in satisfaction. It would be about an hour before the campers would show up for an early morning nature walk. She took a deep breath, exhaled, then slowly stripped, leaving her clothes on the stump.

Gloriosa sighed as a light breeze caressed her bare body. She felt comfortable again, being in one of her natural elements. She giggled as her feet were tickled by the grass. Her thoughts drifted to Timber, and how he wouldn't leave her side ever since her... transformation.

A quick pang of guilt hit Gloriosa, and she yelped.

That wasn't you, that was the magic.
That wasn't you, that was the magic.
That wasn't you, that was the magic!

Gloriosa sighed heavily. The mantra she had thought up overnight to keep her undeserved guilt at bay seemed to help, even if just a little. She rapidly shook her head, then continued on her way.

While Gloriosa felt optimistic about the Crystal Ball, she also felt she needed to be pragmatic. Hope was fine and all, but she needed to think up a 'Plan B', should things not work out tonight. Better to err on the side of caution, after all.

Gloriosa's thoughts were interrupted by a sound she had never heard before. It was very faint, and it sounded similar to a cell phone vibrating, but with the addition tiny of wind chimes. This caused her to raise an eyebrow, and she followed it.

The sound gradually grew louder, and off in the distance Gloriosa could see a faint yellow glow flickering. This worried her, so she decided to sneak towards it. She neared it, just barely able to make out the shape of a person...

A sudden yet familiar scream startled Gloriosa, and she placed the voice in her head almost immediately.

"G-Gloriosa," Fluttershy exclaimed in alarm. "Why are you..." she trailed off and made a squeaking noise.

"What are you doing here so early, Fluttershy? The nature walk isn't going to be for a while."

Fluttershy squeaked again, and a bear slowly plodded towards Gloriosa.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!!" Gloriosa entered a panic. "What the..."

"I-It's okay," Fluttershy said. "Sh-She's a friend."

The bear continued its way to Gloriosa, who was on the verge of hyperventilation. It sniffed her, then... hugged her?

"W-Wait... what?!"

"H-He... he recognizes you."

"W-Well," Gloriosa said as her mind raced a mile a minute. "I d-do kind of... live here, after a-all." A sudden implication occurred to her. "Wait... were you just... were you just talking to the bear?!"

"Do you remember those magical powers the girls and I got? Apparently, I... I can talk to animals, and understand them as well."

Gloriosa blinked.

"A-and not only that, I've also gained enhanced hearing, night vision... traits of various animals. I... I just woke up extra early to try to get better at using them." Fluttershy shook her head rapidly. "So... um... why are you... n-naked?"

"Normally, I'd get some peace of mind by meditating in the Crystal Cave. Since that isn't an option, however, I decided to go with this," Gloriosa said, then gestured to herself and the forest.

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"Not if you know the whole forest by heart like I do."

"I... see..."

There was an awkward pause between Gloriosa and Fluttershy that lasted several moments.

"Do you want to join me," Gloriosa asked. "It's very liberating and mentally refreshing," she said as she twirled around.

Fluttershy squeaked.

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite understand you."

"I-I... I-I don't k-know..."

Gloriosa kept her smile, hoping it would reassure Fluttershy. "What are you worried about?"

"...I-I'm worried about how you'll react."

Gloriosa tilted her head. "How I'll react?"

Fluttershy nodded.

"Are you saying you're worried because you think I'll make fun of your body?" Gloriosa shook her head. "I would never, Fluttershy. Everyone is blessed with the body they're given! Be it short, tall, fat, slim, what have you... I promise you, I won't judge."

Fluttershy hesitated for a moment. "What about... sexually?"

Gloriosa blinked. "Sexually?" She barely stifled a giggle. "Oh, don't get me wrong," she said quickly as she saw Fluttershy's face fall. "I do think you're beautiful... but I mean that in a completely platonic way." She waited for a response.

More silence.

Gloriosa smiled warmly and put a hand on Fluttershy's shoulder. "If it helps you make your decision, I'm asexual."

"You... you are?"

Gloriosa nodded.

"I'm... um... pansexual."

"And are you sexually attracted to me?"

Fluttershy stood silent again.

Gloriosa smiled warmly. "I won't be offended if you say no, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy sighed. "Not really."

Gloriosa looked at the bear. "Do you think the animals around here will judge you? They don't wear clothes, after all."

Fluttershy turned her gaze to the bear, who growled. She turned back with a mildly surprised expression. "Huh."

"See?"

Fluttershy closed her eyes, then swallowed. She took a deep breath, exhaled...

...and slowly took her clothes off, completely baring herself to Gloriosa, who didn't even so much as bat an eye.

"So," Gloriosa asked. "How do you feel?"

"Different..."

"Good 'different' or bad 'different'?"

"I'm not sure," Fluttershy said as she cupped her chin. "I... guess I'm just sorting my feelings out here."

"Take your time, we've still got about an hour before everyone else wakes up."

Fluttershy slowly walked around with her eyes on the ground. She hadn't walked barefoot in the grass in a long time! There was something so... so right about it. A warm breeze blew, eliciting a gasp from her. "O-Oh, my..." A smile slowly spread on her face.

"Enjoying yourself," Gloriosa asked with a smile of her own.

"Actually... yes."

"See? It's not so bad."

Fluttershy slowly laid herself down and let out a long sigh. She raised her arms, then laced her fingers behind her head as she stared up at the trees. "I think I understand why you like doing this," she said quietly.

"Right," Gloriosa said as she laid next to Fluttershy. "So for the next... oh... fifty minutes, it'll be just you, me, and the animals."

Fluttershy giggled. "I like the sound of that."

"I thought you would." Gloriosa sighed happily and enjoyed her companionable silence with FLuttershy.

"...Gloriosa?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you keep what we're both doing just between you and me?"

Gloriosa laughed softly. "Of course."

The pair closed their eyes as they formed a bond together.

A Nice Early Morning

Timber Spruce's alarm went off earlier than normal. He woke up and muttered under his breath as he turned it off. With a sigh, he got out of bed, then got dressed and headed over to Gloriosa's room.

Upon reaching Gloriosa's room, Timber immediately noticed her door was wide open. "Hey, Glory," he said as he approached the entrance. "You in here?" He glanced down at her bed and saw a note. "Wha..."

Hey bro, decided to get up extra early to take a "walk". I'll catch up with you on the nature trail!
- Glory

Timber gently bit his thumb. Whenever Gloriosa put quotation marks around the word 'walk', it only meant one thing... he shrugged with a sigh, hoping that she wouldn't get caught naked. That'd be the absolute last thing they'd need on top of everything else that had happened. He slowly shook his head as he left his sister's room to head on outside.

Twilight Sparkle stirred in her sleep, then opened her eyes to a blurry world. With a yawn and a stretch, she turned over to see a blurry humanoid figure making Sunset's bed.

Twilight grabbed her glasses, then put them on. "Morning, Sunset," she said sluggishly as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

Sunset turned around with a smile. "'Morning, Twi. Sleep well?"

Twilight nodded. "Best sleep I've had in ages!"

"Great! I'll get out so you can change," Sunset said as she left the tent.

Twilight got dressed, then gently nudged Spike. "Spike," she said softly. "Nature walk!"

Spike's ears perked up, and he stretched with a yawn. "Sweet. Squirrel chasing time!"

Twilight giggled, then walked out of the tent with Spike, joining Sunset.

Both Sunset and Twilight's phones buzzed, and the two exchanged glances with one another. Twilight took her phone out and checked her messages.

Just a heads-up, y'all. Vinyl told me Fluttershy left a note on her bed saying she went on ahead to the forest to practice on her magic. She'll meet up with us shortly. - Applejack

Twilight blinked, then sent a message of her own.

Thanks for telling us, Applejack. - Twilight

No prob, Sugarcube. - Applejack

Twilight pocketed her phone as Sunset read the message on her own phone.

Sunset smiled, then sent a text. "That's not such a bad idea, now that I think about it," she said as she put her phone away.

"What," Twilight asked.

"We should take some time to master our new magic now that we've all embraced it. Who knows if... or when we'll need to use it again?"

"Without overtaxing ourselves."

Sunset nodded.

"Sounds like a plan to me."

A rainbow blur hurried past Sunset and Twilight, causing wind to blow in their hair.

Twilight readjusted her glasses. "I'm going to have to get used to that happening, aren't I?"

"Yup," Applejack said as she walked past Twilight and Sunset.

Sunset giggled, and they all headed to the forest.

Gloriosa and Fluttershy left the forest together, smiling at each other over their shared time.

"Do you see yourself doing that again," Gloriosa asked.

"Maybe... in the comfort of my own home. But even then, I'd still be worried about being seen naked."

"Understandable. I get that way too sometimes."

"Oh... before everyone else gets here," Fluttershy took Gloriosa's hands, then clasped them in her own. "Thank you. For getting me to try something new."

Gloriosa smiled warmly. "Of course." The pair broke the hug as Timber approached.

"Fluttershy," Timber said in surprise. "What are you doing out here this early?"

Fluttershy ran a hand through her hair. "Oh, just talking to the animals."

Timber folded his arms. "...Right."

A sudden gust of wind blew by, causing Timber, Gloriosa, and Fluttershy to shield their faces. When they lifted their heads, Rainbow Dash stood before them.

"'Sup?"

Fluttershy giggled, and the rest of her friends arrived shortly after.

"O-Oh! H-hey, Timber!" Heat swiftly rose to Twilight's face, much to the amusement of those around her.

Timber smiled awkwardly as his heart skipped a beat. "Hi."

"You guys wanna take a picture," Pinkie asked as she took her phone out of her pocket. She was answered with a chorus of yeses. With a wide grin, she handed her phone to Timber, who flinched. She giggled, then snorted. "It's not gonna explode, silly! My powers only work on sugary things!"

Timber blinked, then reluctantly took Pinkie's phone from her.

"See?"

Timber shrugged. "All right, everybody get into position!"

Twilight smiled as Fluttershy sat on the ground with Spike in her arms. Rainbow and Sunset stood on opposite sides of her, and Rarity and Applejack stood next to Sunset and Rainbow respectively.

"Pinkie," Everyone called out.

"Oh! Right!" She ran over to the group, then jumped and slid on her bottom. "Wheeeee!" She stopped just below Sunset and Rarity, flashing a peace sign.

Timber took the picture, then gave Pinkie her phone back.

Pinkie carefully examined the picture for a moment, then gave a satisfied nod. "Yep! That's a good one!"

"Gloriosa, darling," Rarity said as she approached her. "After this little walk, would you be so kind to remind me that I have something for you in case I forget?"

Gloriosa blinked. "Ummm... sure."

"Wonderful," Rarity said as she clasped her hands, then proceeded to walk into the forest.

"Woohoo!" Pinkie ran past Rarity, leaning forward with her arms stretched out behind her. "Slice of liiiiiiiiife!"

"Oh for heaven's sake," Rarity muttered as she put the palm of her hand to her face.

Timber stared forward, clearly confused for a moment, then shrugged and entered the forest.

Once everyone was inside the forest, Fluttershy twirled with a giggle as a pair of birds flew to her. She smiled. "Good morning, Ava! Good morning, Humphrey!"

Rainbow raised an eyebrow, then leaned over to Applejack. "They actually have names?!"

"Of course they do, Dashie," Fluttershy said. "If nobody had a name, it would be hard to communicate!"

Rainbow's eyes widened. "You... you heard that?"

Fluttershy nodded. "Animal hearing."

A grin slowly formed on Rainbow's face. She leaned into Applejack, then whispered. "Bunnies are overrated."

Fluttershy rushed over to Rainbow with a fire in her eyes. "Bunnies are cute, bunnies are fluffy, and if I ever hear you say that again from even a mile away, so help me Rainbow Dash..."

Droplets of sweat fell from Rainbow's forehead as her eyes went wide in surprise. "O-Okay, okay," she said as she held out her arms. "I get it. I take it back."

"That's what I thought," Fluttershy said, then turned around and walked off in a huff.

Applejack chuckled softly as Rainbow stared on in awe.

Twilight giggled, having seen the whole thing from a few feet away.

Timber stopped next to Twilight, and his heart did the same.

"I've never told that to anyone... you must be special."

Heat rose to Timber's face, and it was at that moment he knew... he had to ask Twilight Sparkle out on a date. He decided that now was not the time, however.

The ball, Timber thought to himself. The atmosphere would be perfect for it. He smiled, the clapped his hands. "All right, ladies! Cross that bridge with me, and we'll take the trail on the left."

Spike began to squirm in Fluttershy's grip. "Can you let go of me, please? I hear smell sooo many squirrels!"

Fluttershy giggled. "After we cross the bridge."

Rarity cupped her chin as she looked at the bridge, then her eyes lit up. "Ideeeeaaaa", she trilled excitedly. "Girls, get on the bridge! It looks perfect for a picture!"

The girls all exchanged glances, shrugged, then got on the bridge as Rarity took her phone out.

"Ready? Three... two... one..." Rarity took the picture, then smiled. "Simply exquisite."

Everyone crossed the bridge, and Fluttershy let go of Spike.

"CHARRRRGE!" Spike barreled through some nearby bushes, rustling through the leaves on the ground as his hunt began.

Twilight shuddered.

"What's the matter, darling," Rarity asked as she approached Twilight.

"I'm just remembering the last time Spike actually caught a squirrel."

"He only does it because he wants to provide for you," Fluttershy said.

Twilight sighed. "I know... and I just can't say no to that adorable face of his sometimes..."

Gloriosa walked across the bridge and up to Timber. "Nobody else came, so I just came over to you guys." She glanced over his shoulder. "Just them, huh?"

Timber nodded. "Better than nothing, though." He turned his attention back to the girls. "All right everyone, get ready for a scenic tour of the Everfree Forest!"

Roughly two hours later, everyone had looped through the trail.

"Oh, thank heavens," Rarity said as she took a handkerchief out of her pocket and dabbed it on her forehead. "My feet are positively killing me, and I'm sweating!"

Twilight wiped some sweat from her forehead. "That did take a bit out of me."

Applejack took her hat off and fanned herself with it. "Nothin' like a light workout to start off the day." Her stomach growled, and she blushed. "Y'all wanna get some breakfast?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," Sunset said.

Everybody left the forest, eager to eat.

Author's Notes:

First Time for Everything

The girls left the mess hall, full from breakfast.

"So what now," Twilight asked as the door shut behind her.

Applejack hummed. "I reckon whatever we do next should be low-key. We oughta conserve our energy for tonight." She was met with a chorus of agreement.

Everyone stopped mid-stride to think together.

"Say, Twi," Applejack said after a few moments. "Ever been fishing?"

Twilight blinked. "...No, actually."

"Wanna give it a try?"

Twilight mulled it over for a few moments, then shrugged. "Eh. Why not?"

Rarity sighed. "I suppose I'll join you. My father constantly swears by it, and I believe it's high time I see what all his fussing is about."

Pinkie grinned widely. "Sounds like fun! Count me in!"

"Ditto that," Sunset said.

"Same," Rainbow chimed in.

Everyone looked at Fluttershy, who simply shook her head. "You go on without me."

"Are you sure," Twilight asked. "We wouldn't want you to feel left out."

Fluttershy smiled sweetly. "I appreciate your concern, Twilight, but my answer is no."

Twilight tilted her head. "O-Okay then... I guess we'll see you later then."

Sunset gently put her arm around Twilight's shoulder. "Pretty sure she doesn't want to see worms or fish being impaled."

Twilight blushed furiously, then whirled around. "Sorry for being insensitive!"

Fluttershy giggled. "It's okay, Twilight."

"C'mon, Twi," Sunset said. "Those fish aren't gonna catch themselves!"

Twilight nodded.

The girls got into their canoes. Rarity, Applejack and Twilight share one while Pinkie, Sunset, and Rainbow shared the other. Only two fishing rods were available, so they had to share.

Applejack grinned. "Pinkie, didja bring the stuff?"

Pinkie returned the grin. "Sure did, AJ!" She reached into her hair and produced a green one gallon bucket with three apples painted onto it. She took the lid off with a barely audible popping sound, then laid it on the floor of the canoe as Sunset and Rainbow took a good look at its contents.

Rainbow's eyes widened in awe, and Sunset's jaw dropped.

"Whoa," the three said in awe.

"Right?" Applejack beamed with pride. "Twilight, could ya bring that bucket over here?"

Twilight nodded, then channeled her geode. Applejack's bucket became enveloped in a purple aura, then gently floated towards her.

The bucket landed safely in Twilight's lap, and she took a look inside. The bucket contained two sections separated by a bit of cardboard. One side contained tiny maggot-like creatures and the other side had nightcrawlers. "Tenebrio molitor larvae and Lumbricus terrestris," she said as she adjusted her glasses. "These are fine specimens."

Rarity blinked. "Ten-eh... Lumber..." She scratched her head, then leaned over to look inside the bucket.

Applejack laughed. "Twi's just usin' their fancy names. They're only-"

Rarity yelped. "Mealworms and earthworms! Ew, eww, eee-he-he-heeeewww!" She backed away to her original spot in the canoe with wide eyes and gritted teeth as the canoe rocked from her movement.

"Land's sake, Rarity, be careful!"

Rarity shuddered. "What in the world are those for," she asked, pointing to the bucket as soon as the boat stopped.

Applejack sputtered in disbelief. "Are y'all kiddin' me? Those're bait, Rarity!"

"Bait?"

Applejack sighed heavily as she put the palm of her hand to her face.

Rarity reached over to Applejack and gently put a hand on her shoulder. "Applejack, darling. We've been friends for years," she said softly. "It should come as no surprise to you that I don't even know the first thing about fishing."

Applejack lowered her hand and smiled. "Yer right, Rares." She chuckled. "Ya know how I can get with these kinda things."

"I do. Now, why don't you teach me?"

"Ya mean it?"

Rarity nodded.

"All right!" Applejack said as she grabbed a fishing rod and dipped her other hand in the bucket, taking a worm out.

For a brief moment, Rarity flashed Twilight an expression that all but shouted 'what have I gotten myself into?!'.

After barely managing to stifle a giggle, Twilight mouthed the words 'you'll be fine', then shot Rarity a thumbs-up and gave her an encouraging smile.

Rarity frowned, then smiled again as Applejack turned around to face her.

"Now, first thing you oughtta do," Applejack said. "Is make sure that the bait you've chosen stays on the hook. Like this." She brought the worm to very tip of the hook, then impaled it, much to Rarity's shock and horror.

Applejack continued until a majority of the worm had the hook inside it, then bent it so the hook's sharp end was sticking out. "This way you'll be able to snag a fish when it chomps down on the lil' critter."

Rarity swallowed, trying not to get sick. "I-I s-see."

Applejack paused, then smiled. "Don't worry, we're past the gross part."

Rarity heaved a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank heavens", she said as she wiped sweat off of her forehead.

Applejack held a small red and white sphere with a tiny cylinder sticking out, which was attached to the line.. "This here's a bobber. Where ya put it on the line determines how deep yer bait goes. More importantly, though, it also lets you know when a fish is bitin'."

Rarity nodded.

Applejack grabbed the bottom of the rod, then put her thumb on a button. "Now that ya know all that, I think it's time to show you how to cast." She raised both of her arms until they were behind her shoulder. With a deep breath and exhale, she pressed the button, then whipped the pole forward.

Everyone watched as Applejack's fishing line flew through the air, then landed in the water several meters away.

"Now all I gotta do is wait for the fish to bite."

Rarity blinked. "We wait?"

Applejack nodded.

Rarity folded her arms. "I fail to see the excitement here."

Applejack rolled her eyes, then sighed to calm herself down. "It's about the anticipation, Rarity."

"If you say so." Rarity picked up a rod, then turned to the bucket of bait. She hesitated.

"Let me help you with that, Rarity." Twilight took the rod from Rarity, then impaled the worm.

"Thank you, Twilight. I simply couldn't stomach doing that myself."

Twilight smiled as she returned the rod to Rarity, who raised her hands, then cast...

...only for the line to land just over a foot away from the boat.

Rarity made a sputtering noise.

"Aw, don't worry," Applejack said. "If'n ya get a bite, ya won't have to reel it in for long!"

Rarity sighed. "I suppose I'll take consolation in that."

"Hey, Sunset," Rainbow said. "What's fishing like in Equestria?"

Sunset cupped her chin. "Actually, I don't think I-"

Rarity yelped, cutting Sunset off. "Oh my goodness, I think I have a bite!"

"Yank your pole upward," Applejack said.

Rainbow grinned. "That's what she said."

Rarity did as she was told. "What now?"

"Let it swim away a bit to tucker it out, then reel it back in! Repeat that process until you feel less resistance!"

Rarity nodded, then waged war against the fish. She let it swim away a little, then reeled it in until it finally popped out of the water.

"You did it," Sunset cheered.

Pinkie grinned widely as she swiftly took a camera out of her hair and took a picture of the moment.

Rarity yelped as the fish flopped around on the boat.

"Not bad for a first catch there, Rares," Applejack said as she gave Twilight her rod. "Hold on to that for a sec, will ya?" She walked over to the fish, freed it from the hook, then threw it back in the water. "Now you can tell yer dad you went and caught a fish!"

"Indeed," Rarity said. "For the only time. I still fail to see the appeal of this."

"That's fair enough. Least ya gave it a try." Applejack took Rarity's rod and gave it to Twilight. "All right, y'all. How's this sound: we each catch at least one fish, then go from there."

Everyone agreed.

"All right then! Best of luck, Twi," Applejack said as she took her rod back.

A couple of hours had passed since everyone went fishing. Applejack had caught three, Rainbow caught two, and everyone else caught one.

Applejack wiped some sweat off of her forehead. "Hoo-wee! That was a blast!" She checked her phone. "Looks like it's about time for lunch. Y'all hungry?"

Everyone nodded.

"Well let's get goin' then!"

The girls headed back towards land, then to the mess hall.

After lunch, preparations for the Crystal Ball would begin.

Author's Notes:

The Jitters

It was now nighttime, and the Crystal Ball was in full swing.

Timber Spruce's heart beat rapidly as he felt chills throughout his body. He wasn't going to ask Twilight out until after the Rainbooms' performance, but he already felt very nervous! He took a deep breath, then shuddered.

You're going to get rejected.

Timber shook his head. He had to ignore those negative thoughts and focus on what he'd say to Twilight.

...What would Timber say to her, exactly? How would he say it?

Twilight Sparkle, you're an amazing woman... would you like to go out with me?

No... that might come off as a bit too strong. Or would it? Timber shook his head again. He didn't want to take that risk.

Hey... Twilight? Wanna go on a date?

No... he growled in frustration. Why was this so hard?!

Twilight giggled. "Timber, I'm flattered... but I'm already spoken for."

Timber's eyes widened. No. He didn't want that to be the case! He didn't know what he'd do with himself if got turned down! Twilight came around at such a good time, it was almost too good to be true... and he hoped to the Universe it wasn't.

Twilight Sparkle paced back and forth backstage, pulling at her hair. This was going to be her first time performing as a Rainboom, and she was freaking out!

"Hydrogen, helium, lithium..."

Sunset raised an eyebrow as she walked towards Twilight.

"Beryllium, boron, carbon..."

"Twi," Sunset said softly.

"Nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine..."

Sunset blinked. "Are you... are you reciting the Periodic Table of Elements?"

"Neon, sodium, magnesium..." Twilight paused for a moment, then nodded. "It... helps me calm down. Sometimes. Aluminium, silicon, phosphorus..."

Rainbow went wide-eyed. "Reciting it by memory? Geez, you know everything."

"I don't know everything," Twilight said. "I just know what I know. Sulfur, chlorine, argon..."

"Ya nervous about goin' on stage an' singin'," Applejack asked.

Twilight nodded again. "Potassium, calcium, scandium..."

"Potassium's an element," Pinkie asked in genuine surprise.

"Guys, we need to focus," Sunset said, then put a supportive hand on Twilight's shoulder. "Twilight," she said softly. "It's going to be okay. We're all going to go on stage together."

"B-But what if we mess up? What if I mess up," Twilight said shakily.

"If we mess up, it won't be the end of the world." Sunset gave Twilight a reassuring smile. "It's a part of life."

Twilight slowly but surely began to relax, then sighed. "I just couldn't help myself, Sunset. Crystal Prep's high-pressure, winner-take-all mentality has left an indelible mark on my psyche."

"We'll help you through it," Pinkie chirped.

Everyone else sounded off in agreement.

Twilight smiled. "Thanks, guys. I needed that."

"It's what we're here for," Sunset said.

"Um... do you all think we should get on stage," Fluttershy asked.

"In a minute or two, I reckon," Applejack said.

Twilight closed her eyes and listened to the crowd milling about, thankful that her nerves were no longer affecting her focus.

Gloriosa Daisy was gritting her teeth. She had just seen Filthy Rich enter the cave, and he was the absolute last person she wanted to see! She knew he'd show up, but had hoped against hope that he wouldn't. Him arriving could be a good thing, however. If enough money was raised, she could rub it in is smug face! But if they didn't raise enough...

Gloriosa shuddered. That would mean Filthy would rub it in her face, and Camp Everfree would be doomed despite everyone's best efforts! She could not let that happen... but what more could she possibly do? Everyone that was invited was here, and that was a good sign, but she needed some reassurance!

Gloriosa began searching the crowd for Timber, keeping an eye out for Filthy Rich as she walked around. She didn't have the time, energy or patience to deal with that bastard right now! As each moment passed, her heart began to pound as the fear of failure slowly took hold of herself.

"...Glory?"

Gloriosa stopped in her tracks, then turned to face Timber. She hugged him as tightly as she could.

Timber returned the hug as tightly as possible. "Are you nervous too?"

Gloriosa nodded, then sighed and closed her eyes. "I-I don't want to lose this place, Timber. It means too much to the both of us!"

"I don't want to either, Glory."

"What are we going to do if this whole thing falls through?"

Timber stood still for a moment, racking his brain for an answer that would calm not just Gloriosa's nerves, but his own as well. After some mental deliberation, he made a tough decision.

"...I don't know," Timber said softly.

Sunset checked her phone, then looked to her friends. "All right guys, are we ready to do this?"

"YEAH!"

"Then let's go!"

Everyone rushed on stage. The audience took notice and applauded.

"Uh... Glory," Timber tapped her on the head.

Gloriosa's eyes shot open and she yelped. "Talk later?"

Timber nodded, then watched his sister make a mad dash for the stage. Once he knew she was out of sight, he allowed a stray tear to drop. He and Gloriosa were both worried, but he didn't want her to see how scared he truly was.

Just the fact that losing their home was a very possible reality made Timber feel sick to his stomach. He didn't know if he'd be able to even live with himself if that happened! As he watched Gloriosa get on stage and grab the microphone, one thought had dominated his mind...

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Gloriosa said as the girls readied themselves. "The Rainbooms!"

All we can do now is hope.

The Concert

The Rainbooms' first song began, and Twilight felt a warmth spread through herself as she sang. Free from the darkness. In a far better place than she was months ago. The happiest she had felt in recent memory. She projected her joy in each note, each movement, and each expression.

Twilight held nothing back, letting herself go all out with a passion she didn't know she was capable of until now. It was exhilarating. It was liberating. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before... and she relished in it.

Timber watched Twilight, in complete awe of her performance. His heart skipped a beat as she twirled around, belting out note after note. She reached the edge of the stage, making eye contact, then twirled again...

...and winked at him.

Timber froze up for a moment, then grabbed his chest and staggered backward a few steps.

Heat rose to both Timber and Twilight's faces almost immediately, and Twilight hurried back to the center of the stage, much to the visible amusement of her friends.

Gloriosa barked a laugh at the sight, and her anxiety eased slightly. She was impressed that the Rainbooms didn't miss a single beat during that little interaction. She allowed herself a small smile, thinking to herself how cute of a couple those two would make, then headed off to count the donations.

The first song ended, and the Rainbooms were met with applause as Timber replayed what had just happened in his mind over and over again. His heart raced, and it took him several moments to calm down. That seriously just happened... and he loved it. This only made Twilight more desirable to him.

The second song began, and Twilight was still surprised at herself for that sudden bit of flirting! As she sang, she wondered what else she could do that she was unaware of. She glanced back at her friends, then closed her eyes with a smile. The possibilities felt endless with those six girls having her back, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Another thought entered Twilight's mind. What would her parents and BBBFF think of all that happened here? She remembered how worried they all were when Dean Cadance told them everything that happened during the Friendship Games. They're going to be so relieved that she's doing much better, that's what they're going to think!

For Twilight Sparkle, life was good.

Time passed as song after song was played, and Timber suddenly blanched. He was so entranced by Twilight that he forgot the whole damned point of the Crystal Ball: to save Camp Everfree! How could he have forgotten?! He pulled himself away from the stage, then ran off to find Gloriosa.

"Timber Spruce!"

Timber stopped, gritting his teeth at the sound of Filthy Rich's voice. He slowly turned around, not even making an effort to fake a smile. He sighed. "What do you want, Filthy?"

Filthy grinned. "I wanted to thank you for 'sprucing' up the cave for me. I'm coming up with so many ideas for the spa when I take over!"

It took a great deal of restraint for Timber to not slug Filthy square in the jaw. He narrowed his eyes. "We'll see about that once all the money's been counted."

Filthy kept his smug expression. "Indeed we will, Timber. Indeed we will." He walked away, likely to schmooze with the investors.

"Asshole," Timber muttered under his breath, then hurried off to where Gloriosa was. He would let nothing get in his way. No matter what happens to Camp Everfree tonight, he needed to be with her. To celebrate... or to mourn.

Timber found the room he was looking for, and all but threw the door open. "Glory!"

Gloriosa turned around slowly, tears running down her cheeks. "T... Timber..."

Timber's whole body went cold with fear, and he rushed to her side.

Gloriosa sniffled, then hugged Timber tightly. "W-We..."

Timber returned the hug as a lump formed in his throat.

"W-We got enough m-money... we're gonna be okay..." Gloriosa broke, and Timber followed. Tears of joy and relief fell from their eyes. At long, long, last... their nightmare was over. Camp Everfree still had a future. They still had a future.

The Rainbooms' second to last song was almost over, and Twilight had started to worry. Timber looked like he was in such a panic before he bolted off to who knows where. It had been roughly half an hour since she had last seen him, and she hoped to the Universe that everything was okay.

Out of the corner of her eye, Twilight saw Timber and Gloriosa return to the audience. The siblings scanned the stage, then made eye contact with her. They shot her an enthusiastic thumbs up.

The song ended, and Twilight put her hand to her chest with a deep sigh of relief. Everything was okay... which meant all was right with the world. She smiled widely.

"One, two, three," Twilight shouted, and their final song began.

I used to think that stories were just that
Set in stone, concrete as a fact
It didn't dawn on me
That I could change history

Now I know I'm writing my own song
Fight my way to the ending that I want
I'll turn a tragedy into an epic fantasy

Hey, hey, hey
You can be a hero (hero) too
Oh-oh-oh
Take my hand, I'm here for you

Come away with me
Be the legend you were meant to be
You'll always be Everfree

Oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah
To be the legend you were meant to be
Oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah
To be the legend you were meant to be

There was a time when fear would hold me down
'Cause I let it chain me to the ground

Look at me now, I'm soaring high
It's never boring in the sky

When I know I've got friends on my side
Whatever trials, I'll take them all in stride

Together we will shine so bright
A radiant brilliance in the night

Hey, hey, hey
You can be a hero (hero) too
Oh-oh-oh
Take my hand, I'm here for you

Come away with me
Be the legend you were meant to be
You'll always be Everfree

Oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah
To be the legend you were meant to be
Oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah
To be the legend you were meant to be!

The song ended, and Gloriosa hurried up on stage with a giddy expression. "Thank you all so much for coming, and for helping us raise enough money to... save Camp Everfree!"

The audience cheered, and Gloriosa saw Filthy Rich walk out of the cave. Good fucking riddance, she thought, then turned to the Rainbooms. "Thank you," she said softly. "For everything. Oh, if I just asked for help in the first place..."

"Hey, don't sweat it," Rainbow said. "It's kinda what we do."

"And we're glad we could help," Twilight said.

A few minutes later, Gloriosa walked offstage after supervising logistics for the Rainbooms' instruments. She saw Timber eyeing Twilight from afar, then grinned.

"You know," Gloriosa said. "This just might the perfect moment to ask her out. The mood is right, Camp Everfree got its happy ending... you should get yours."

Timber took a deep breath, then heaved a sigh. "You know what? You're right."

Gloriosa giggled. "Then go get her, Tiger," she said as she pushed him forward, then watched as he walked towards Twilight, eager to see the outcome.

New Beginnings

Timber took another deep breath as he neared Twilight. This was it. The big moment. He closed his eyes, calming his nerves, then opened them.

"Not to brag or anything," Timber said. "But it's pretty cool how I saved all those campers from those Rubus fruticosis." He paused for a moment. "Blackberry brambles."

"I'm familiar with the genus," Twilight said, then grinned. "It's just a little weird you say you saved the campers. I thought I saved them."

"Yeah," Timber countered. "But I saved you from falling on the docks so that you could save the campers. So technically, it was all me."

Twilight giggled, a sound that caused Timber's heart to stop momentarily.

"I'm really glad I met you," Twilight said with a warm smile.

Timber's heart fell significantly, but still managed to keep his smile. He couldn't lose this girl, he just couldn't! It was time to make his move! "Uh-oh," he said, allowing a little bit of disappointment to show.

"What," Twilight asked worriedly.

"That sounds like a... goodbye." Timber steeled himself, praying to the Universe for success. "And... here I was hoping we'd still be able to hang out." Heat rose to his face. "M-Maybe get dinner and catch a movie?" He eyed Twilight hopefully, feeling equal parts excited and terrified.

Twilight paused for a moment as she blushed. Did Timber... did Timber just ask her out?! With no further hesitation, she answered. "Yeah. I'd really like that."

Twilight Sparkle and Timber Spruce simply stared at one another, unaware that the other was jumping for joy internally.

"Oh, good," Timber said as some lights began to levitate around the two of them. "I was hoping that was what this meant," he said as he gestured to the lights.

Twilight took Timber by the hand, then held it as they moved closer together. She felt herself blush again as she stared at her hand before placing it on his chest.

Having watched the whole interaction, Gloriosa had went through many emotions. Concern, amusement, worry, pride... then gasped when she saw Twilight and her brother were about to kiss. Scoring a date was one thing, but kissing so suddenly was too much too soon!

Timber closed his eyes and puckered up his lips as Twilight closed in...

...only to be pulled away by Gloriosa.

"Oh, come on," Rarity roared from several feet away, then blushed furiously and slowly walked out of sight with a sheepish expression.

"Oh, uh..." Gloriosa chuckled nervously. "Sorry. I need to borrow Timber. There are some donors I really want him to meet. They were good friends with Mom and Dad." Timber smiled, then walked off with Gloriosa.

"Save me a dance, okay," Timber asked.

Twilight nodded. "Uh-huh."

"Adorable," Rarity said, having quickly recovered from her faux pas.

"He does seem like a pretty cool guy," Sunset said with a smile.

"You know what else is cool," Rainbow said after she rushed forward. "Our awesome new superpowers!" She zoomed around the cave with surprising precision. "I handed out like four hundred fliers, set up the stage, and still had time to pick up pizza. I love my super-speed!" She smiled giddily.

"About that," Sunset said. "I think the crystals are the source of the superpowers."

"You're not gonna ask us to give them up, are you," Fluttershy asked worriedly.

"No," Sunset said, shaking her head. "In fact, I think maybe we were meant to have them all along."

"Me, too," Twilight said.

Everyone else chimed in in agreement.

Timber sighed happily as he walked alongside Gloriosa.

"When I said 'go get her'," Gloriosa said with a mischievous grin, "I didn't think you'd go that far!"

Timber blushed. "I was in the moment, Glory, I couldn't help it!"

Gloriosa laughed. "Well, you got your date with Twilight. That's what matters."

"Yeah," Timber said dreamily. "And a dance, too." He smiled. "Everything's finally starting to look up for us."

Gloriosa nodded. "But we shouldn't get complacent. There's a lot of work that needs to be done. Repairs, getting staff..."

"I get it," Timber said softly. "We've still got a long road ahead of us... but at least it's going somewhere we want this time."

"Timber? Gloriosa?"

Timber and Gloriosa turned around to see a middle-aged man with two-toned green hair tied back in a ponytail, with matching facial hair. He smiled as light glinted off of his eyeglasses, then revealed reddish-brown eyes.

"Canter Zoom!" Gloriosa rushed over and gave Canter a hug, which was returned.

"Hey, Canter," Timber said as he threw him a salute. "How's the movie biz?"

Canter broke the hug with Gloriosa, then beckoned Timber forward. "I'm not supposed to tell anyone, but I can trust you guys," he said quietly, then looked left and right, making sure nobody else was either nearby or paying attention to their conversation. "But right now?" He lowered his voice to a whisper. "I'm in talks to direct a Daring Do movie."

"WHAT?!"

Nearly all background chatter had stopped and a majority of the people in the cave gave Timber and Gloriosa a wide range of funny looks.

"No need to worry folks," Timber said. "We were just, uh..."

"...Surprised at how much Canter Zoom here had donated to us," Gloriosa said, thinking quickly.

Everyone in the cave gradually went back to going about their own business.

"Wow, this cave has good acoustics," Canter said in surprise, then grinned. "So yeah. That's a thing that's happening."

"That's incredible," Timber said.

"We wish you the best of luck on that," Gloriosa said.

"Would you guys like to see the movie set while we film? As celebration for Camp Everfree?"

Timber and Gloriosa glanced at each other, then smiled and nodded. "Actually," Timber said slowly. "Gloriosa and I can think of a few people who'd be a... little more deserving of that honor."

Canter raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Some time later, Timber approached the Rainbooms, who were talking excitedly among themselves. Especially Rainbow Dash and Twilight, who ran up to him and gave him a huge hug.

"ThankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouaAAAAAAAH!"

Timber snorted. "It's the least I could do for you girls," he said as the hug was broken, then looked at Twilight. "So... about that dance."

Twilight looked to her friends as heat rose to her face. They all smiled and gave her words of encouragement. "Okay," she said softly. "I'm ready."

Timber took Twilight by the hand, then walked to the dance floor with her.

First Dance

Twilight and Timber reached the dance floor, then turned to face each other. Violet eyes met green as the two waited for the music to play.

"Are you nervous," Timber asked shakily.

"Me? Nervous? No, not at all! Why would I be nervous? I'm only about to dance with a guy I like in a somewhat romantic setting shortly after almost kissing him when he asked me out!" Twilight laughed awkwardly. "Nervous?" She made a sputtering noise as she waved her hand.

Timber barely managed to suppress a laugh as his nerves began to calm. Twilight seemed to be full of endearing quirks!

"What," Twilight asked, puzzled.

Timber smiled. "You are so adorkable, you know that?"

Heat rose to Twilight's face as she laughed awkwardly again.

"Twilight," Timber said calmly as he put a hand on her shoulder. "There's nothing to be nervous about. If either one of us stumbles, we'll laugh, then move on."

Twilight took a deep breath, then sighed and relaxed. "You know what? You're right."

Music began to play, and Timber wrapped an arm around Twilight's back as she took his hand. Both stared at each other for a moment, then began to move in time with the tempo.

Timber sighed happily. "Gloriosa and I can't thank you and the girls enough for all that you've done for us and Camp Everfree." He laughed softly. "Getting you all to the set of Daring Do doesn't feel like it's nearly enough to convey our gratitude."

Twilight smiled. "You don't have to worry about that. It's like Rainbow said: 'It's kinda what we do'."

"I don't think you understand. When I said 'I've lived here my whole life', that wasn't hyperbole. You didn't just save our camp, Twilight Sparkle... you saved our home. You saved us." A tear slowly formed, then fell from Timber's cheek.

Twilight stopped in shock, causing Timber to nearly trip. "I had no idea."

Timber wiped away his tear. "Now you do," he said softly, then hugged her tightly. "Thank you... from the bottom of my heart."

Twilight returned the hug, then began to step back in time with the beat of the music as Timber did the same. "You're welcome," she whispered, then closed her eyes as she enjoyed her contact with him.

Timber sighed, then lifted his head as he broke the hug. He and Twilight smiled at each other as the music continued, neither one of them speaking.

Twilight's heart beat rapidly as she gazed into Timber's eyes. She was still having a hard time believing that the man in her arms asked her out! This whole week had been nothing but surreal for her, and there were still two full days left! She wondered what else could possibly happen before they all had to leave...

Timber stared into Twilight's eyes. For the first time in years, he truly felt secure. No longer would Filthy Rich threaten Camp Everfree. His negative thoughts had decreased significantly. He met a wonderful girl, and he had a date with her! It felt like nothing but a bright future awaited himself and Gloriosa with open arms, and he would meet it in the same way.

Off to the side, Gloriosa watched Timber and Twilight's dance with a warm smile. She was happy for the both of them, and Twilight was a pretty cool girl in her book. Smart, a little socially awkward, endearing... yeah, those two would make a great couple. She turned away for a moment, only to stop. Maybe she should stick around, just in case their teenage hormones reared their heads again.

"I hope I'm not asking you something too personal," Timber said. "But I was wondering... had you ever been asked out before?"

Twilight shook her head. "I spent most of my time alone and reading books, so I didn't really come off as approachable. After all that's happened to me lately, keeping to myself doesn't seem like much of a life to me anymore."

Timber laughed softly. "I can relate to that."

Twilight gave Timber a surprised expression. "Really? I thought you were more of an outdoor person."

"I was, before my parents passed away. If I wasn't home, I was in downtown Everton. It's a nice small-town place, filled with quaint shops and a few tourist traps peppered about."

Twilight quirked an eyebrow. "That sounds... unusual."

Timber shrugged. "What can I say? It's part of its charm. Maybe I'll show you around some time."

Twilight giggled. "I look forward to it... so what about you?"

"What about me?"

"You're a cute guy... haven't any girls asked you out before?"

Timber blushed. "Just one or two... but none of them have captured my attention like you."

Twilight giggled as her cheeks reddened. "Charmer."

The music died down, and Timber and Twilight reluctantly let go of each other.

"Thank you for the dance," Twilight said softly.

"Thank you. Allow me to escort you to the exit, milady," Timber said with a bow.

Twilight giggled. "Such a gentleman!"

Timber walked Twilight to the mouth of the Crystal Cave, then stopped and took her hand. "See you tomorrow morning, Twilight," he said, then gently kissed her hand.

Heat rose to Twilight's face as she took his hand. "Yeah. See you tomorrow." They parted ways, keeping contact with each other until they were too far apart to reach one another.

Twilight sighed dreamily, then walked outside to see Sunset alone and sipping out of a cup. She couldn't very well leave one of her best friends alone out there, now could she?

Beaming with happiness, Twilight made her way over to Sunset.

Kindred Spirits

Sunset turned to see Twilight, then grinned and wiggled her eyebrows.

Twilight snorted, then lightly punched Sunset on the shoulder.

"Look at you," Sunset said proudly. "Not so long ago, you were an introvert. Now? You've conquered your demons, saved the day with friends... and even got the guy!" She laughed. "How many girls can say that?"

Twilight giggled. "Not many, I imagine."

"So what's next for our heroine?"

Twilight shrugged. "Who knows? Whatever is next, though, I know I'll be able to face it with you and the girls."

Sunset put a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "That's the spirit!" She hugged her friend.

Twilight returned the hug with a happy sigh, enjoying Sunset's love and warmth. Several moments later, the hug was broken and they both leaned against a rock as they enjoyed a companionable silence.

"Sunset," Twilight said softly.

"Hmm?"

"Now that I'm comfortable talking about it... when I was corrupted by all that magic, you had mentioned that time you put on a... a crown."

Sunset's smiled faded. "Before I tell you about that, Twilight, there's something I need you to know about me."

"And that is?"

Sunset took a deep breath, then heaved a long sigh. "When I first arrived to this world, I was a completely different person. I was selfish. Arrogant. I was all about power." She sighed again. "I spent three whole years dividing people. Damaging and even destroying relationships... including those of the five girls that are our friends."

Twilight's jaw dropped.

"For those three years, I made everyone at Canterlot High miserable because I was miserable. And lonely. Oh, Celestia, I was lonely."

Twilight blinked. "What does Principal Celestia have to do with this?"

"Not Principal Celestia, Twilight... Princess Celestia."

"P-Princess?!"

Sunset nodded. "It's funny, isn't it? Your Equestrian counterpart is the Princess of Friendship. Celestia and Luna's counterparts are the Princesses of the Day and Night, respectively. Cadance's is the Princess of Love, though I never met her in person before."

"Does Cinch have a counterpart?"

"Not that I've seen or know of, but we're getting off track here."

"Right," Twilight said sheepishly. "Sorry."

"Anyway, the only reason I used Princess Celestia's name like that is because, well, she's the ruler of Equestria. It's basically the pony equivalent of saying 'oh, god, I was lonely.'"

Twilight nodded.

"As for what she has to with all of this... well... I was the Princess' protege. As a unicorn, I had an immense amount of magical potential. All of that power was what made me so arrogant. It made me believe I deserved to be a princess. When I was denied that, I basically threw a temper tantrum and ran away to this world."

"What made you change your ways?"

"When I learned that there was a fourth Princess, I was livid. I traveled back to Equestria and stole Twilight's crown, switching it with the one for the Fall Formal. She followed me, then brought the whole of Canterlot High together on the day of the election for the title of Princess. The title I had won the last three years."

Sunset looked away from Twilight. "That night, Princess Twilight and the girls united against me. I threatened to break the portal that linked our world together, only for her to refuse. A struggle for her crown broke out, and I came away from it the victor. That was when I put it on." She shuddered. "The magic from that crown twisted me. It warped my mind, body and soul. I literally became a demon... and I tried to kill them without so much as a second thought!"

"Sunset..."

"They survived, of course, but then they transformed and shot me with a rainbow..." Sunset turned around to face Twilight, tears streaming down her eyes. "And I was transported to my own personal hell, where I had to relive everything that happened to me, then my demonic form tormented me with visions of everything I did. I-I'd never been in so much pain before, Twilight."

Sunset wiped away her tears. "Yet after all that, I found myself back at the point where I was going to shatter the portal. I couldn't bring myself to do anything but just drop the sledgehammer I held as I rejected their friendship. Not because I was angry, but because after all I did, I felt I was unworthy." She shed a couple more tears, but her voice had not cracked.

"I got no sleep that night because I couldn't stop having visions of all the people I'd hurt. Even now, I'm amazed that I returned to Canterlot High the day after, because when I did I only felt worse. Far, far worse. Everyone gave me these terrible looks, and I deserved them."

"I could barely keep myself together," Sunset continued. "Then, I saw Wallflower Blush."

"That name sounds familiar," Twilight said as she cupped her chin. "Wasn't she one of the Anon-A-Miss perpetrators?"

Sunset nodded. "Because of the way I emotionally manipulated her, she was dead set on proving to the school that I hadn't changed after the musical showcase... but those details aren't important now."

Twilight blushed. "Right. Getting sidetracked again."

Sunset took Twilight's hand. "Telling this part is the hardest, so I-I'm going to need some support."

"I understand. Continue."

"When I saw her in the hallway that next day, I couldn't live with myself anymore. I-I went to the roof, then... then... I j-jumped off." Sunset's voice cracked.

"Oh my god," Twilight whispered.

"I was treated to vision of my own grave, where Princess Twilight and the girls visited and mourned my death. It was... heartbreaking and surreal."

"I can only imagine..."

"Then I found myself in a place of love and light, where the girls were enjoying themselves. One hug from Pinkie, and I started bawling my eyes out because her warmth took me back to happier times." Sunset sniffled, then let go of Twilight's hand and wiped away her tears.

"The story may be a little confusing, but that's because I was in that rainbow vortex the entire time." Sunset sighed heavily. "It may have been a few minutes for everyone else in reality, but for me? It felt like an eternity."

Twilight wiped a tear of her own. "I had no idea your experience was far more severe than mine."

"Yeah," Sunset said softly. "Even after the whole of CHS rallied around me, my guilt hasn't completely gone away... but I have learned how to cope with it."

"That's good."

Sunset nodded, then paused. "After everything that's happened during this trip, there's one thing I'm still wondering about."

"What's that," Twilight asked.

"Where did the magic that hit this cave come from?"

Twilight shrugged as Sunset finished her drink. They both walked back into the cave and enjoyed the rest of their night, blissfully unaware of the magic emanating from the crack on the plinth back at their school.

Another Morning in Camp Everfree

Timber Spruce opened his eyes to a bright and beautiful morning, sighing happily as he stared up at the ceiling. He still couldn't believe everything that had happened last night! His heart fluttered as he recalled his time with Twilight... the flirting, the concert... the dance...

Timber had a date. An honest to god date! It was almost too good to be true. All of it was almost too good to be true... but it was all too real. With a chuckle, he thanked whatever higher powers there may have been, then leapt out of bed.

After taking a shower and getting dressed, Timber approached his mirror. His reflection smiled back.

That near-kiss last night was just teenage hormones, it meant nothing.

Timber's smile faltered slightly, but stayed on. He wouldn't let his negative thoughts get the better of himself now that things were actually looking up for a change!

Eager to see what the day had in store for him, Timber left his room.

Gloriosa woke up smiling. For the first time in ages, she actually had a decent night's sleep! For a change, she had very little to worry about! No more Filthy Rich breathing down her neck. The camp was safe.

Gloriosa closed her eyes and relished in this feeling of joy. It was something she had missed so very dearly... A stray tear of happiness fell as she laughed softly. She wiped away the tear, then took a quick shower and got dressed.

After she finished, she went to the mirror with the crown of flowers in her hand. "Now for the finishing touch!" She put the crown on her head, then snapped both of her fingers, making finger guns with a huge grin.

Gloriosa snorted, then paused as she felt a small wave of guilt pass through her. She sighed, remembering all the damage she had done in that monstrous form.

With a slow shake of her head, she forced herself to move on.

Timber and Gloriosa met in the hallway and smiled at each other.

"How are you feeling," Timber asked.

"Like I'm on top of the world," Gloriosa replied happily. "It's a new day, and for once it feels like the possibilities are endless."

"I hear that. Now let's go out there and sieze the day!"

Timber and Gloriosa gave each other a high five, then exited their home.

Twilight woke up, feeling rested. She looked around the tent to see Sunset still asleep, then peered over the end of her bed to see that Spike was still asleep as well. She flopped back down on her bed with a sigh of contentment...

...then felt an all too familiar urge creep up on her, stronger than normal.

Twilight shot upward with a small gasp. She had been so preoccupied by all of the chaos that surrounded her, she hadn't even so much as thought about masturbation! She took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly.

Okay. Time to explore my options.

She could relieve herself right here and now... but what if Sunset or Spike woke up and caught her in the act? Even if she did finish before that happened, Spike would still smell the aftermath!

Twilight grit her teeth. She wasn't going to let that happen. Maybe she could leave the tent and do her thing elsewhere? No. She might get caught by early morning nature walkers!

Maybe she could distract herself. This wasn't the strongest urge to masturbate she's ever had, nor was this the longest she'd been without... so far.

Twilight shuddered, remembering the family vacation where she almost got caught. It had been a little over a week since she felt that wonderful sensation of relief, and she was alone in the hotel room while Shiny and her parents were at the swimming pool...

Gah! Why was she thinking about that at a time like this? It wasn't helping her situation whatsoever!

Twilight glanced in Sunset's direction. Her eyes widened. Of course! She could talk to Sunset about it! Unfortunately, her friend was asleep. She rolled her eyes with a groan.

Would it be a bad idea to wake Sunset up because she was feeling horny? Twilight blanched, feeling that that was a poor choice of words.

No. Twilight would leave Sunset alone. Unfortunately, that brought her back to square one. She put a hand to her forehead and sighed. She hated setbacks.

Maybe Twilight could read a book! Those would always help her... but she had already read all of the books she brought... twice!

A slight noise diverted Twilight's attention. She reached over to her nightstand and grabbed her glasses, then put them on. She looked around the tent, then stopped as she saw Sunset stir in her sleep.

Twilight crawled on her bed, then peeked on the floor to see Spike still asleep, then made a sputtering noise. Her urge was still there, but at least it wasn't as strong.

Sunset stirred in her bed again, then slowly sat up. "Mornin," she slurred, half awake.

"Morning, Sunset."

"Sleep well?"

Twilight nodded.

Sunset grinned. "Did you dream about your boyfriend?"

Heat rapidly rose to Twilight's face. "T-Timber's not my boyfriend! He's a boy that's my friend, and were going to hang out together sometime!"

Sunset snickered. "I'm sorry, Twi. I just can't help teasing you."

Twilight smiled, rolling her eyes.

A small yawn came from below the edge of Twilight's bed, and Spike jumped on. He stretched, scratched his ear, shook rapidly, then hurried over and gave her morning kisses.

Twilight giggled as her face was tickled by Spike's tongue.

"Morning, girls," Spike said once he finished. "What's the plan for today?"

Twilight and Sunset glanced at each other questioningly, then shrugged.

"I've got nothing," Sunset said.

"I guess we'll just have to play it by ear," Twilight said as she stretched.

"Nothing wrong with that." Sunset crawled out of her bed. "Why don't you both go outside for a moment? I'm going to change clothes."

Twilight nodded, then picked Spike up and left the tent.

"Were you dreaming about Timber," Spike asked Twilight once they were outside.

Twilight blushed again. "You too?"

"'Me too' what? I thought I heard you say his name in your sleep."

Twilight blushed harder. "I-I d-did?!"

Spike nodded. "Yeah. You said something about hanging out and holding his hand."

Twilight calmed a little, but she could still feel heat on her face. At least she wasn't saying anything indecent!

"Oh, you also said something about mastur-"

Sunset left Sapphire Tent, fully clothed. "Okay, Twi, your turn!"

Twilight gave Spike to Sunset before he could say another word, then hurried into the tent to get dressed.

Sunset, now fully aware that she was holding a puppy in her hands, blinked in confusion. "What was that all about?"

Spike shrugged.

Moments later, Twilight emerged from the tent. "All right. I'm ready to face the day!"

"Let's get something to eat," Spike said.

"Good idea!"

Twilight, Sunset and Spike made their way to the mess hall, eager for whatever the day had in store for them.