You followed Gloriosa and Timber to the thicket as they led you to a hidden area with a small pond as they sat down on a log and started to argue.

Timber Spruce: You are really putting us on thin ice, Glori.

Gloriosa Daisy: How so? They're the ones who wanted to build the dock for us.

Timber Spruce: And you're certain that they can do it? They aren't professional carpenters! They're just a bunch of high school kids!

Gloriosa Daisy: Well, it's not like we have any money left to hire carpenters, Tim! It's all we've got!

Timber Spruce: This is child labor, Glori! Do you know how long the jail time is for that?

Gloriosa Daisy: Oh don't give me that! They're all eighteen and if they aren't, they might be at some point in the future.

Timber Spruce: That's a pretty presumptuous statement, Glori.

(Y/N): Oh will you two just drop it already?

You spoke up which immediately got their attention.

Gloriosa Daisy: O-Oh, heeeeeey, Y/N.

She greeted while nervously scratching the back of her head.

(Y/N): Don't 'hey' me, Glori. Ever since the others and I got here, you two have been subtly bickering and arguing with each other for some reason. And for what? You two were never like this when you were younger. I know people change over time, Shad is living proof of that but I know for a fact that you two would never fight so consistently.

Timber and Gloriosa looked at each other while taking a few glances your way.

Timber Spruce: ** Maybe... we should tell him, Gloriosa. I mean, he is our friend from childhood after all. Maybe he'll be more understanding.

Gloriosa Daisy: No, Timber. That's not a good idea. I don't want him to see me-I mean us differently if we tell him about it.

Timber Spruce: Look, if you don't tell him, it'll only make it worse. This is a guy we haven't seen for years and he comes back to find us hiding something from him? What kind of friends does that make us? Besides, someone's going to find out eventually, why not let him be the first?

Gloriosa Daisy: ** Alright, I guess it's better since we know him personally than any of the other campers.

She turns to you and holds out a necklace she was wearing which had different colored stones on it. You immediately felt a sense of magical power emitting from it.

(Y/N): ** Oh, you have got to be kidding me. Why can't you just leave us alone, Equestrian Magic?! You're like the orcs from Shadow of Mordor/War who constantly stalk you just to kill you!

Gloriosa Daisy: Y/N, there's something you should know... about these geodes I'm wearing.

(Y/N): And I think I have a pretty good guess. They've given you some kind of magical power, right?

Timber Spruce: Y-Yeah! How do you know about that?

(Y/N): It's a long story but let's just say a lot of magic stuff like this has been happening ever since I attended CHS so I'm not surprised in the slightest.

Timber Spruce: Well, you're right. These things possess some sort of power and Gloriosa refuses to give it up. She's become some sort of megalomaniac!

Gloriosa Daisy: I have not! This is just so we can protect our camp!

Timber Spruce: By trapping it in a bunch of vines? That won't do us any good!

Gloriosa Daisy: I wasn't planning on that, Timber! I'm doing this to make this the best week of Camp Everfree ever!

(Y/N): You keep talking about making this the best week of camp ever. Does this have to do with Filthy Rich, Glori?

Gloriosa Daisy: ** You catch on really quick, Y/N. Yes, Filthy Rich is planning to have the camp demolished and turning it into some sort of spa.

(Y/N): Seriously?! Why would he bother with a camp as desolate as this? Uh, no offense.

Timber Spruce: None taken. We're just as curious as you are, man. Unfortunately, he refuses to give us any details about his reasoning for it.

(Y/N): That seems rather unprofessional of him. Why would he not share the details with you two? You're still the owners even if it's going to shut down soon.

Gloriosa Daisy: I don't know but it doesn't matter to me. What matters is that he's trying to take away our camp and I can't let him do that!

(Y/N): ...then we won't let him take it.

You said while placing a hand on her shoulder.

(Y/N): Look, I may not have a lot of money but I'm sure I can find a way to get it to you. These girls that I've been spending my time with over the past year have accomplished a whole lot and so have I. I promise you, we will make sure this camp doesn't fall into the hands of him.

Gloriosa Daisy: Well, I appreciate your concern, Y/N, but don't make promises you can't keep.

(Y/N): Shadow has all of Crystal Prep on his side. I'm sure he can convince someone to give you a share of their wealth.

Timber Spruce: Do you really think they'd do that for us?

(Y/N): Well to be perfectly honest, I don't know, but Shadow and I have gotten back on good terms so I think he'd do what he can to help us. Besides, he cares about you guys just as much as I do and I'm sure if he heard that this camp was being taken down, he'd do what he can to stop it.

Gloriosa smiled at your dedication. She was happy knowing that your kind and caring side hadn't faded away thanks to time. However, she was still uncertain to take your word for it as she couldn't stop worrying about losing her camp.

Gloriosa Daisy: I guess... at this point, any help is acceptable. Thank you, Y/N.

(Y/N): No need to thank me, Glori. You guys are people that I deeply care about, so it's my pleasure.

Timber Spruce: See, Gloriosa? I told you he would understand. Now we don't need those things anymore so you can just go put them back.

Gloriosa Daisy: ** I suppose you're right. But, do you think I can hold onto them for just a little longer? I won't use them unless I absolutely have a good reason to.

Timber Spruce: Fine but you better not make this magic power known or else we'll have to come up with some cover story.

(Y/N): Guys, relax. They already know about the magic. Though I guess they wanted to be able to take a break...from...it. Okay, yeah we'll need a cover story.

Gloriosa Daisy: Fair enough. Now, we better go before anyone starts questioning where we are.

You all began walking away as two figures watched from behind two trees. The figures revealed themselves to be V/N and Hollow Moonshine. V/N held a glare as his aura flared up from his body as Hollow grew a little fearful as a result.

(V/N): That loathsome weaker side of me will get what he deserves in due time for stepping in my way!

Hollow Moonshine: Sir, I think this is a bad idea.

(V/N): Yes! This is a very wickedly bad idea for the greater good of bad!

Hollow Moonshine: But I'm saying this is a kind of bad that...Okay, you might think is good in your bad perception, but from a good perception it...it's just plain bad.

(V/N): Oh, you don't know what's good for bad. Looks like we'll have to step up our game if we ever hope to get those stones.

Hollow Moonshine: About that, there was a certain magical presence in the rock quarry that had an unstable amount of magical power emitting from it. I think we'd be better off going after that rather than those.

(V/N): Unstable? What do you mean?

Hollow Moonshine: The power I sensed was far greater than anything I've ever felt. It almost exceeds your power.

(V/N): What?! Show me, immediately!

Hollow Moonshine: As much as I want to, I strongly recommend we don't take any action until everyone has left the camp. If Y/N discovers any abnormal behavior regarding magic, he'll call my predecessor and we aren't sure how much of a threat he stands against us.

(V/N): Grrrrr! Fine! Once they leave this camp, then we'll investigate this anomaly you sensed. Until then, we will rely on Midnight to keep our enemies "entertained". I want those stones if it's the last thing we'll do.

Hollow Moonshine: ** Sire, with all due respect, those stones will only ruin everything you've worked for.

(V/N): You don't seem to grasp the concept, Hollow. Do you know what would happen if Y/N and those pathetic girls get their hands on those stones? They will become far more formidable than we can imagine.

Hollow Moonshine: True, but there is the unstable magic which is far superior than any of those stones. It's definitely something that would work in our favor. But if we go for those stones, not only will we be risking our secrecy but they will also get their hands on everything and that may include the unstable magic that lies within the rock quarry. Trust me, I want those stones as much as you do, but they're too out of reach for us to do anything about it without attracting attention.

V/N started taking in Hollow's words which was honestly a first in a while. He huffed before voicing his answer.

(V/N): Very well, we shall wait until they either leave this place or have Filthy Rich demolish it and then we'll investigate this strange power. Does that make you happy?

Hollow Moonshine: Nothing makes me happier than to serve you, my lord.

(V/N): Well said, my subordinate. For now, I'll continue manipulating Filthy Rich into tearing this place down for our benefit while Midnight Sparkle plagues her lesser half's mind.

Hollow Moonshine: Something tells me that we may be getting a new recruit after this all plays out, sir.

(V/N): She'd better or else she'll have to see what happens when those lesser than me fail at their task.

He finished before he slashed at the space in front of them creating another rift as they both stepped in.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, back with you and the others, you were all focusing on fixing the dock as you were all gathered around a wooden table while Watermelody was drawing up some plans for the dock.

Sci-Twi: We can reinforce the foundation.

Applejack: Make it nice and sturdy.

Sunset Shimmer: And we can add a wood-carved sign that says "Camp Everfree".

Fluttershy: And little boxes with food so you can feed the ducks and fishies.

Rainbow Dash: Oh, we'll add lanterns so you can see at night!

Watermelody was finally finished with her drawing as she showed it to all of you.

Rarity: ** It's stunning! And will make an absolutely perfect runway for my camp fashion show!

(Y/N): That's besides the point, Rares. This dock will be here for future campers too. Once we leave this place, it'll go back to being a dock.

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

(Y/N): ** Some things never change.

Sci-Twi: What do you guys think?

She asked Principal Celestia.

Principal Celestia: It's going to be a lot of work, but we can do it!

Pinkie Pie: Yes! Adult supervision!

(Y/N): Never thought I'd see someone get so excited over something like that.

Sunset Shimmer: Granted, she is Pinkie Pie, Y/N.

(Y/N): Heh, that's true, sunshine.

As you all started getting to work on rebuilding the dock, Rainbow was hammering in a nail as Applejack watched her.

Applejack: Huh, nice hammer. Where did you get it?

Rainbow Dash: Uh, duh. The toolbox?

Applejack: Hah, that's cool. I made mine.

She gloated as she held up a hammer that would have put Macgyver to shame.

(Y/N): What even are you, AJ? Minecraft Steve?

Applejack: Heh, like I said before hon, I prefer to work the hard way.

(Y/N): Eh, to each his own, I guess.

Meanwhile Timber was sitting over at a bench by himself on a lantern when Sci-Twi approached him.

Sci-Twi: Making lanterns out of solar-powered garden lights! Pretty crafty there, Timber!

Timber Spruce: You think that's crafty? You should see my macaroni art. I'm like the Picasso of noodles.

(Y/N): Picasso... of noodles. Well, that's a new one, Tim. What's next? The Leonardo Da Vinci of bird houses?

Timber Spruce: I have yet to achieve that, Y/N. Someday...

(Y/N): So Sci-Twi, how are you holding up?

Sci-Twi: I-I've never been better! I love every second of being here with you all! Hehehe!

She laughed nervously while her eyes darted left and right. You and Timber looked at each other and shrugged.

Timber Spruce: Uh, are you sure about that? You seem really tense.

Sci-Twi: Positive!

She quickly blurted out before slowly backing away which only confused you both even more.

Timber Spruce: You got any ideas on why she's acting like that, Y/N?

You shook your head.

(Y/N): Not a clue, Tim. Not a clue at all.

Meanwhile, Sci-Twi hid behind a tree to take a breather.

Sci-Twi:What am I gonna do? I can't just tell them about this and the last thing anyone wants to worry about is some magic going on at this camp.

Then she remembered the words Shadow had told her the day before they left.

Shadow Moonlight: This is your problem so I'm leaving this decision up to you but, if you really want to be rid of Midnight Sparkle, then I'd suggest you let them know.

Sci-Twi: ** I guess he has a point but we came here to get away from magic. What would they think if they found out about her still haunting me? I just don't want to bring anybody down. Ngh! I wish I could just get rid of her!

(Y/N): Get rid of who, Sci-Twi?

She jumped at your voice and noticed you standing behind her with worried eyes.

Sci-Twi: O-Oh! Y-Y/N! It was... uh... nobody! Y-Yeah, that's it!

(Y/N): Sci-Twi, something's obviously on your mind. Do you wanna talk about it?

Sci-Twi: A-As I said before, Y/N, I've never been better.

(Y/N): ** Alright, if you say so.

Sci-Twi: Look, I'll... I'll let you know if there's something bothering me, okay?

(Y/N): Okay, just checking on you.

You walked away as she sighed in relief.

Sci-Twi: ** I'll tell them when I'm ready. No rush. No rush at all.

Principal Celestia: All right, now. 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.

Gloriosa Daisy: Everyone, get cleaned up, and we'll gather by the fire pit at eight to share s'mores and scary stories!

Pinkie Pie: S'mores!

She exclaimed while hugging a pack of marshmallows, crackers, and chocolate. You and Sunset chuckled at Pinkie being Pinkie until Sunset glanced up at you and then looked away with a bit of a saddened frown. You noticed this and wrapped an arm around her waist.

(Y/N): Hey, what's wrong, Sunshine?

Sunset Shimmer: I-It's... It's nothing, Y/N.

(Y/N): Sunset, come on. I'm worried about Sci-Twi not telling me what's bothering her and I don't wanna see you worried either. So, what's up?

Sunset Shimmer: ** Y/N, I know she's in a rough situation right now but I can't help but feel jealous. She's not exactly part of the harem, you know, so I don't have a reason not to be envious.

You sighed sadly.

(Y/N): I know and I'm sorry, Sunset. It's just that there seems to be something going on with her and as her friend I can't help but worry. On top of that, Timber and Gloriosa are constantly arguing with each other. I'm sorry if you're feeling neglected, Sunny. You know that despite all of that, I love you and the girls, right?

Sunset Shimmer: Yeah, I know. I guess it's pretty selfish of me.

(Y/N): No, it's not selfish at all, Sunset. This getaway was meant to be a sort of date for us, but there's just so many things constantly getting in the way. You're not the only one feeling disappointed by the turnout of it all.

Sunset Shimmer: Yeah, this trip is kinda turning out to be disappointing.

She rested her head on your shoulder as you got an idea.

(Y/N): Hey, how about this? If this trip turns out to be a total disaster or something close to it, then why don't I make it up to you and take you and the girls out on a date?

Sunset Shimmer: You'd really do that for us?

(Y/N): Of course, Sunset. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't spend time with the girls of my dreams?

She smiled before pulling you in for a hug.

Sunset Shimmer: Thanks, Y/N. I'm really grateful for you being in my life.

(Y/N): And I'm happy to be part of it, Sunshine. I love you.

Sunset Shimmer: I love you too.

You shared a brief kiss before heading over to the others as they continued working on the dock.

()

Later that night, you and everyone else were sitting around a campfire as Rarity was telling a "scary story" if you can call it that.

Rarity: ...And that's when she looked down and realized she was wearing purple socks with a burgundy dress!

You looked at her with confusion as she clarified.

Rarity: Purple and burgundy, darlings! The same color family!

(Y/N): ** Heh, maybe to a fashionista, that would be scary. I bet Sunny Flare might get a kick out of that.

Applejack: Uh... that was a terrifying story.

Rainbow Dash: ** Yeah, I'm terrified she'll try to tell it again.

Vice Principal Luna: ** Anyone else have a spooky story?

Timber Spruce: I have one. But I'm warning you, you might as well hug a friend now. That's how scary it is!

In response to that, Snips and Snails hugged each other as Fluttershy buried her face into your chest as you rubbed her back to calm her down and then your harem along with Sci-Twi ran over to you and locked you in a tight group hug. You glare at Timber.

(Y/N): Was that necessary? I'm losing oxygen now thanks to you.

Timber Spruce: Heh, it was totally necessary, dude. Now, it's time I told you about the legend of Gaea Everfree.

You raised an eyebrow.

(Y/N): ** Gaea Everfree? How have I never heard of her before?

Timber Spruce: Many years ago, my great-grandparents came to this forest.