My Little Pony: Sparkling Harmony: Camp Little Hooves

by Captain_Cosmos

Rating: everyone
Tags: Comedy, Random, Shining Armor, Sunburst, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Original Character
Length: 7552

The Medley kids are off to summer Camp! Time to gather around the Campfire and sing some Campfire songs!

It's summertime! And Melody and her siblings, along with Pearl and Lucky, are off to Camp Little Hooves, Which their uncle Shining recently took over as director. With this being their first planned trip away from home and their parents, what will our favorite herd get up to?

With new friends, and Melody's new CMC duty to help her siblings earn their cutie marks, one thing's for sure. It'll be FUN!

If this story gets 25 likes I'll update Sparkling Storytime. :)

Published 2022-07-03 18:30:00 UTC
Last updated 2022-09-08 22:58:22 UTC

Episode 1: Pilot

“Bye mom!” Melody and her siblings said, after which they left the castle with their uncle Shining.

Shining smiled as he led his nieces and nephews to a hot air balloon that was moored near the castle. “Alright. Who’s ready for Little Hooves?” He asked.

“We are!” Dark and Light responded, as did their siblings.

“This is gonna be so awesome!” Sky commented excitedly.

Shining chuckled. He was looking forward to this summer. He had recently taken over as director at his childhood camp, Camp Little Hooves. And he believed it could be an amazing time for Twilight’s and Sparkler’s kids. After just a little begging on the kids' part, and assurance from Shining that Camp Little Hooves was completely safe, Sparkler and Twilight agreed to let them go for the summer. He nodded as he started helping the kids into the hot air balloon. “Alright then, all aboard the Little Hooves express.” He said.

The winged foals happily flapped their wings and landed inside the hot air balloon’s gondola. Shining armor got onboard. “Everypony ready?” He asked.

“Ready!” All 11 kids responded.

Shining nodded and lit his horn the flame increased in intensity and filled the balloon with more hot air, making the whole thing lift off into the sky. And they were off.

From afar, Clear-Cut watched the hot air balloon lift off. He nodded as he spoke into his wrist. “Next Gen Medleys are en-route. Watch their backs son.” He said.

“Roger that dad, already at the camp.” Came a voice from the device attached to Clear-Cut’s wrist.

“Good luck.” Clear-Cut responded before cutting the connection. The main threat will focus on Sparkler should it arrive prematurely, but Silver-Mane most likely has it out for ALL Medleys at this point. He thought. Knowing full well it was possible Silver-Mane would be where Camp Little Hooves was.

Some time later, at a campsite located in an open area in a forest, Night Mare walked through the gates into Camp Little Hooves. Her childhood camp. She breathed in the fresh air and exhaled. “Ahh. Ooh does it feel good to be back!” She exclaimed as she trotted forward. It was an easy decision when Director Shining Armor asked if she was interested in being a counselor. “I can’t wait to nurture young minds on constellations when roasting Marshmallows.” She said.

“Ooh. That will be a fun segment. Constellations with Dr Night Mare.” Said a familiar voice. Night Mare turned to see who spoke, and smiled when among the crowd of arriving kids, she saw.

“Aqua? Aqua Blossom?” She asked as she approached the Light Blue Earth Pony mare.

Aqua smiled brightly as Night Shade approached. “In the flesh. Let me guess. You’re a counselor here too?” She asked.

“Are we both counselors here?” Night Mare asked.

“I think so!” Aqua responded.

Night Mare beamed as she and Aqua hugged excitedly. “This is awesome!” She exclaimed.

“I know!” Aqua responded.

“Night Mare? Aqua Blossom?” Said a stallion’s voice.

Aqua and Night Mare turned to see an orange unicorn stallion with a messy mane approach. Aqua smiled widely. “Sunburst! You’re here too!” She exclaimed.

“Counselor. Same as you two probably.” Sunburst responded.

“This is great! The three Little Hooves ponyteers, back together again!” Night Mare said happily.

“Yeah!” Aqua and Sunburst responded as the three of them hoofbumped. Excited that the three of them were back together, just like when they were kids.

“Auntie Night Mare!” Called out 11 kids. Night Mare smiled as she turned to see her nieces and nephews approach.

“Kids!” Night Mare exclaimed excitedly as they all dogpiled on on Night Mare. “You made it!”

“Yeah! Are you a camp counselor here?” Melody asked.

“I am!” Night Mare responded as the kids let her up.

“Awesome!” Light and Dark responded.

Sunburst and Aqua smiled at Night Mare. “Oh yeah. I did hear something about you being an aunt now.” Sunburst said.

“Yeah.” Aqua responded.

Night Mare laughed. “Yeah. Twilight had a few adoptions in the past year.” She said. “Sunburst, Aqua, these are my nieces and nephews. Melody Sparklehearts, Lumber Striker, Trail Blazer, Lightning Shield, Sky Flitter, Crystal Spark, Sprinkle, Pedal, and Mystic Medley, and the two newest additions, Light Wing and Dark Wing.” She introduced them. “Kids, these are two of my friends and camp counselors, Aqua Blossom and Sunburst.” She said.

“Hi!” The kids said.

Sunburst and Aqua were predictably taken aback by Light’s and Dark’s appearance, but only for a split second as they smiled. “Well hello there. Aren’t you kids just a pack of cuties.” Aqua said.

“Welcome to Camp Little Hooves.” Sunburst said.

“Can’t wait for a fun time!” Dark exclaimed excitedly.

“Oh this WILL be fun.” Shining said as he trotted up to his counselors. “You can count on that.”

“Yeah!” Night Mare said. “You’ll have a blast. Just like your auntie and uncle did.”

“Yay!” All the kids said.

Shining smiled and got out a clipboard. “Alright, let’s get you kids to your cabins. Boys in one, girls in the other.” He said.

Melody raised an eyebrow. “Huh? Why’s that?” She asked.

“A, because the cabins aren’t large enough to house 11 kids.” Aqua responded.

“And B, boys and girls don’t share cabins with each other. Just a camp rule.” Sunburst added.

The kids looked at each other, before nodding. “Alright.” They all said.

“Right, girls, go with Aqua, boys, with Sunburst.” Shining said.

The kids nodded and the two genders went with their respective counselors.

“Here we are! Rabbit Cabin, or as campers and counselors affectionately call it, The Rabbit Hole.” Aqua said as she led the Medley fillies into their new home for the next two months.

The fillies looked around. There wasn’t much to the cabin, just a couple of bunk beds, a dresser, and a bathroom with a door on it.

Melody, spying a top bunk, smiled and flapped her wings. “I call a top bunk!” She said as she flew up to a bunk.

Her sisters quickly claimed bunks of their own. Aqua laughed. “Hang on there eager beavers, the way we do it here is we wait for all the campers to show up and then we pick names out of a hat. So that everypony gets a fair chance.” She explained.

“Who are we missing?” Crystal asked.

“Hey there Medley girls!” Said a familiar voice. The girls turned to see a pair of fillies all of them were excited to see.

“Pearl! Lucky!” Melody exclaimed.

“You girls are here too?!” Crystal asked.

“Yeah!” Pearl and Lucky responded excitedly. “We’re cabinmates!”

All right fillies hugged each other. Aqua smiled. “Now we have everypony.” She said. With that, she got a hat and some paper. “Right, time for the hat.”

Meanwhile, in another cabin, Sunburst was introducing the Medley bros to their cabin mates. “This is Thunder Arrow, Refract, and Midnight Knight.” Sunburst said. “Guys, this is Lumber Striker, Trail Blazer, Lightning Shield, Light Wing, and Dark Wing.” Sunburst said.

“Hello!” Thunder arrow said.

“Nice to meetcha.” Refract said.

“You too!” Light responded.

“Alright, now let’s get the hat and see what beavers are sleeping in what bunks.” He said.

Much later, Shining and Night Mare were watching as the campers all assembled in the main area of the camp for the opening orientation. He smiled. “Feels like yesterday doesn’t it Nighty?” He asked.

“Still peeved we were never able to convince Twilight to come. I’m sure she woulda had a blast.” Night Mare responded.

“Well, least we were able to get all her kids to come.” Shining said as he and Night Mare hoofbumped.

“Now, time to join Aqua.” Night Mare said as she trotted up to the stage, just as Aqua was addressing the crowd.

“Hey hey hey! What up campers!” Aqua said over the mic.

The gathered campers cheered. Aqua smiled. “We’re so excited to see so many new and returning faces in the crowd this summer. This summer is going to be a blast. My fellow counselors and I are sure of it.” She said. “Now, the camp director has a couple of things to go over with y’all but before that. Those of you who are returning, this will also be new. Every year the counselors do a little welcome number. And this year, I felt it could use a little update. So if my fellow counselors will join me on stage, we can HIT IT!” She called out.

Night Mare and Sunburst trotted up to join Aqua as the music started.

(Inspiration for the below lyrics)

🎵Clickety-clack, who’s that?
It’s ya girl Aqua, singing with a brand new track
Jamming up here, it's a brand new day
With fun that pops and site so big

Come on, get your groove on, your hooves going
Everypony’s shaking their tails now
Dance to the beat, dance to the beat

Who could ever sit still with a groove this sweet?

A place you can go
Where you already know
You can find your pony flow
When you step through the gates

Try something new, take a chance, just believe it
Let out your light, shining bright, can ya see it?
Whoa-oh-ohhhh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh, hey!
Whoa-oh-ohhhh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh

Try something new, take a chance, just believe it
Let out your light, shining bright, can ya see it?
At Camp Little Hooves, hey!
At Camp Little Hooves!

Let's go! with a sick new flow
got a wicked new crew
Let's have some fun!

A one stop shop
to make new friends
And have some fun
in the sun

Come on, get your groove on, your hooves going
Everypony’s shaking their tails now
Dance to the beat, dance to the beat

Who could ever sit still with a groove this sweet?

A place you can go
Where you already know
You can find your pony flow
When you step through the gates

Try something new, take a chance, just believe it
Let out your light, shining bright, can ya see it?
Whoa-oh-ohhhh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh, hey!
Whoa-oh-ohhhh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh

Try something new, take a chance, just believe it
Let out your light, shining bright, can ya see it?
At Camp Little Hooves, hey!
At Camp Little Hooves!

1234 bring yourself right through the gates
5678 when you're here you'll have a blast
that's right, a wicked time

Branch out and try
the lake or climb the rock

Go, and have fun
It's your summer so flaunt it!

hey

Try something new, take a chance, just believe it
Let out your light, shining bright, can ya see it?
Whoa-oh-ohhhh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh, hey!
Whoa-oh-ohhhh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh

Try something new, take a chance, just believe it
Let out your light, shining bright, can ya see it?
At Camp Little Hooves, hey!
At Camp Little Hooves!🎵

The song came to an end and the crowd cheered. Shining clapped before trotting onto the stage. “Let’s hear it for the camp counselors everypony!” He said. “Now, onto the boring Little Hooves Handbook.”

That got a collective Aww from everypony. Shining nodded. “I promise it won’t be so bad and afterwards we can roast marshmallows.”

Some time later, late at night, while everypony else had gone to bed, Refract wandered into the woods surrounding the camp. He came up to a tree, looked around, and raised his right foreleg, which suddenly opened up to reveal a device concealed within. He pressed the device and spoke into it. “Refract to Clear-Cut, dad come in.” He said.

After a second, Clear-Cut’s voice came out of the device. “I read you Refract, what’s the sitch?” He asked.

“Did you just say sitch?” Refract asked.

“Is that not what the kids are saying these days?” Clear-Cut asked.

“Not usually, no.”

“Oh, ok. What’s going on?” Clear-Cut asked.

“I’ve made contact with the next gen Medleys. I’ve been assigned to the same cabin as the boys.” Refract responded.

“Good. That allows you to stick close to them.” Clear Cut responded.

“Yeah. And there’s more. Aqua Blossom is here.” Refract said.

“What?!” Clear-Cut responded in a surprised voice.

“Yeah. The third triplet is a counselor here.” Refract responded.

“Are you sure?” Clear-Cut asked.

“I saw her with my own optics dad, she’s pretending to be an Earth Pony but I sensed the magic around her.” Refract responded.

“Did she recognize you?” Clear-Cut asked.

“I don’t think so. Though we never interacted today. I’ll pull her aside some time in the next few days and update her on things.” Refract said.

“Make sure you do it out of earshot of the next gen Medleys. Any one of them could report back to their mother and she cannot know yet.” Clear-Cut said.

“Yeah…that’s something I never got. WHY is it she needs to be in the dark?” Refract asked.

“That’s just how it is son.” Clear-Cut responded. “She already knows more than she’s supposed to with Fleur. We cannot take another risk like that.”

“Understood.” Refract responded. “But you do realize the odds of Aqua wanting to go to her sisters is high right?”

“You’ll just need to tell her she can’t.” Clear-Cut responded.

Refract sighed. “Roger that. Refract out.” With that, the connection was cut and Refract’s leg closed back up. Refract took a deep breath. “I’ll say this about being an alien autonomous robotic organism…it comes in handy for helping ponies recall events from long ago.” He commented to himself as he made his way back to camp. “I just hope Aqua will listen.”

To be continued…

Author's Note

So Refract is working with Clear Cut. How interesting. And What could this have to do with Aqua Blossom? Only time will tell.

Thanks to Midnight Arrow for allowing me to use Thunder Arrow and Aqua Blossom. And thanks to MidKnight3333 for the use of Midnight Knight

THX FOR READING!

Episode 2: Setting Up Shop

It was a bright and Sunny day at Camp Little Hooves and while most of the kids were out and about playing, Melody and the occupants of both the Rabbit Hole and what Sunburst affectionately called, the Grizzly House, were in the Rabbit hole, Melody stood in front of a whiteboard. “Alright foals.” She said as she held up a marker in her magic. “Two months and 3 weeks. That is how long we have here to get each and every one of you a Cutie Mark.” She said as she used the marker to write CUTIE MARK IDEAS on the whiteboard. “Now, if anypony has any ideas. Feel free to speak up.” She told her friends and siblings, Refract, Midnight Knight, and Thunder Arrow being her newest friends. “No idea is too crazy.”

“Archery?” Thunder Arrow asked.

“Good one!” Melody responded as she drew a picture of an Arrow on the board.

“Flying!” Sky called out.

“Possible.” Melody said. She drew Rainbow’s cutie mark on the board.

“Sleuthing!” Pearl said. “I always wanted to be a detective.”

“Might need to find a mystery to solve around here but sure!” Melody responded as a magnifying glass was drawn.

“Hey Melody?” Asked Refract.

“What is it Refract?” Melody asked.

“Don’t you think this Cabin is a bit too small for 16 ponies to occupy?” Refract asked.

“What? Two ponies to a bunk bed mattress, it—“ Melody was cut off when everypony heard creaking. They glanced around and saw a bunk bed wobbling. While Crystal, Pearl, Lucky and Sky quickly got off. Melody scratched her head. “Hm. Yeah maybe you have a point Refract.” She admitted.

“You know what we need?” Midnight Knight asked. “We need a dedicated Base of Operations.”

“Yeah!” Lucky said. “A place where we can go and think up ideas and try to get Cutie Marks!”

“And not have to worry about breaking furniture.” Pearl added.

Melody nodded. “Yeah. We should try to find a clubhouse like the CMC. Hm. I wonder if Uncle Shiny knows of any places we can use.” She said.

“Let’s go find and ask him!” Lucky responded.

“You’re doing great guys! Keep it up!” Shining called up to the rock climbing campers, which he was supervising to make sure there were no accidents.

“Hey Uncle Shiny!” He heard his niece Melody call.

He turned and saw Melody and her friend Lucky racing up to him. “Oh, hey there Melody, Lucky, here for rock climbing?” He asked.

“Nah. We were just wondering. Is there anywhere around here that we could turn into a Clubhouse? You know like the CMC in Ponyville have?” Melody asked.

Shining raised an eyebrow. “What are you looking for a clubhouse for?” He asked.

“The cabins are too small and we want a place where we can try to earn Cutie Marks.” Lucky explained.

“Yeah. And me being a Cutie Mark Crusader, it’s my job to help foals find their special talents.” Melody explained.

“Yeah. I have heard of that group.” Shining responded. “And I also heard about some of the insane things those fillies tried to do to get their Cutie Marks.” He added.

Melody laughed, immediately getting what her uncle was saying. “Yeah. They told me. Don’t worry Shining, we won’t try anything dangerous.” She assured him.

Shining nodded. “Hm…well, I know one spot.” He said. He turned to Sunburst, who was helping him supervise. “Hey Sunburst.” He called.

“What is it Shining?” Sunburst asked.

“You remember that one spot at the bank of the lake? Near the old dock?” Shining asked.

“Are you talking about that old abandoned cabin?” Sunburst asked. “Yeah I remember. You me NightMare and Aqua would go there all the time.” He explained. “Cadence too.”

“Ooh. Cool!” Lucky said.

“Is it bigger than the cabins here?” Melody asked.

“Relatively. Not TOO much bigger but it should be good for a clubhouse.” Shining explained. “Wanna show them to the FoalCave?” He asked Sunburst.

Sunburst smiled. “Come on kids.” He told Melody and Lucky.

Melody and Lucky smiled and followed Sunburst. Excited to see the FoalCave.

Meanwhile from afar, Refract watched Sunburst lead Melody and Lucky away. He smiled as he deactivated his superhearing. “Can’t wait to see what this Foalcave is.” He commented to himself. He turned his head and saw Aqua helping a group of foals on the lake. A plan formed in his mind as he discreetly went after the three.

“And here we are! The FoalCave!” Sunburst told Melody and Lucky. The three of them were standing outside a clearly abandoned and rundown cabin not even a two minute walk from the main camp.

Lucky and Melody looked at the Cabin. “Wow.” Melody responded.

“I can see why you say it’s abandoned.” Lucky said.

Indeed, the cabin had seen better days. The windows were boarded up, there were cracks in the roof, honestly? It looked like a haunted house more than anything.

“Yeah. I know it’s not in the best shape, but it’s completely safe.” Sunburst responded. “This is exactly how it looked when your aunts, uncle, Aqua and I used it.” Sunburst said.

“Well, if you’re sure Sunburst.” Lucky said as she trotted up the stairs on the porch. “Come on Melody! Let’s take a look, I think we can fix this up.” She said.

Melody smiled and followed her friend. From afar, Refract was studying the cabin with glowing eyes. “Empty aside from a few tables, a basement, attic, yeah. Quite a few places for an ambush to come from.” He said to himself. He raised his hoof and it opened and projected a holographic list on the ground. “To do list, item 4, scout out structure interior to make sure it’s not harboring Silver Mane.” He said. He was no fool, he knew that Silver Mane and his lackeys could very well be hiding in that cabin. his words were added to the list being projected, and once it was done, the hologram disappeared and his hoof closed up again. “Faust I hate that my thermal vision isn’t working.” He commented. “Just will have to make due with what I have. But for now…to prepare for my rendezvous with a certain Earth Pony Pretender.”

Later on, well into the night, Refract managed to lure Aqua out of her cabin and led her by the nose out to the FoalCave.

Aqua, being the curious pony that she was, was woken up by strange sounds and had followed them. They took her to one of her favorite Hangouts back when she was a camper. “The FoalCave…hadn’t been here in a while.”

She heard a crash coming from inside the abandoned Cabin. Curiosity getting the better of her, she decided to enter, but not before a horn appeared on her head. “Good thing I was adopted by a unicorn mother.” She commented as she entered the FoalCave. She had her horn lit and she moved slowly. Looking around on the inside, and finding nothing. “I wonder what’s making those noises…” She whispered to herself. She then got the sense she was being watched. She stood still. “I know you’re out there.” She called out. “Show yourself.”

“Hello Aqua Blossom.” Refract said, stepping out of the shadows behind Aqua.

Aqua whirled around, and was shocked to see Refract there. “Refract? What are you doing here? It’s WAY past the camp curfew.” She said.

“I know. But you and I need to have a talk and this is the only time, and the safest place to do so.” Refract responded.

Aqua raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Did you lead me out here?” She asked, guessing what was happening.

“I did.” Refract responded.

“Why?” Aqua asked.

“Because this must not reach the Medley’s ears. Under any circumstances.” Refract responded. “Aqua, your triplet sisters have resurfaced, and the darkness that has plagued this world for millennia will soon rear its ugly head once again.” He told her. “The time is near.”

Aqua blinked, before breaking the silence that had befallen the room. “What the watering can are you talking about Refract?” She asked.

To be continued…

Author's Note

What? Camps always have a "special spot" Away from the main area right?

As for Refract. What connection could he and Aqua have?

THX FOR READING!

Episode 3: The Third Revelation

“What the watering can am I talking about?” Refract asked, mirroring Aqua’s words in disbelief. “Are you joking Aqua?” He asked.

“No?” Aqua asked uncertainly. “I…I really have no idea what you’re talking about Refract.”

“Did your adopted parents NOT explain to you who you were?” Refract asked. This was not how he expected Aqua to react. “Did they not ever tell you where you came from?”

“I know they explained SOMETHING to me.” Aqua responded. “But it’s a little fuzzy. Must be my Selective Memory Disorder.” She explained. “Hang on a second how did you know I was adopted?” She asked.

“Your what?” Refract asked. “And I know more about you than you realize it would seem.” He added.

“Selective Memory Disorder. I was diagnosed with it in kindergarten. Basically some things stick with me all throughout my life, and others, no matter what I do, just…fade into the back of my mind and I can’t recall it.” Aqua explained.

Refract stared at Aqua for a moment, before sighing. “Oh ponyfeathers. If we had time I’d take you to the Newtons to fix that but we don’t have time.” He said under his breath before nodding. “Alright, hold still Aqua.” He said as his eyes lit up and shot a beam of light into Aqua’s eyes.

“Refract, what are you—whoa!” Aqua froze in place when the beam of light hit her eyes and made them glow too.

The two stood stock still for several moments and a wave of memories flooded into the forefront of Aqua’s mind, making Aqua gasp. It all came back to her. While her memories were being restored, her sides glowed until wings revealed themselves, revealing Aqua for what she really was, an Alicorn.

The beam retracted from Aqua’s eyes after a few moments and back into Refract as his eyes stopped glowing, as did Aqua Blossom’s. “Ok, NOW do you recall your real identity?” Refract asked.

Aqua breathed in and out as the memories sorted themselves out as her brain processed them. “Yes.” Aqua nodded. “I…I remember. I remember Sparkler, Fleur, Mom, Dad…and you. Refract it’s been a while.” She told Refract.

Refract smiled. Grateful that he was able to remind Aqua of who he was to her, and who she herself really was. “Yes. It has, last time we saw each other was when you were a newborn filly. I’m glad you’re doing alright after all this time Aqua.” He said.

“Yeah.” Aqua responded, still trying to process the sudden recollection Refract initiated. “Refract, what are you doing here?” She asked, now that she knew exactly who Refract was.

“My father assigned me to keep an eye on the Next Gen Medleys. I assume you’ve heard of the now Ex Nobles?” He asked.

Aqua scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Yeah. I have. Despicable.” She said. “And Silver-Mane. Ugh! He’s the WORST.”

“I believe a certain orange Alicorn will agree with you there. Given his involvement in her life.” Refract responded.

Aqua nodded, before a thought came to her. “Wait, Refract did you just say Next Gen Medleys?” She asked. “As in…they’re related to Sparkling Medley?” She asked.

“I did.” Refract responded. “Congratulations Aqua, you’re an auntie to eleven kids.” He stated.

Aqua couldn’t believe it. “My Faust.” She said as she took a seat on her rump. “Sparkler…” She whispered. “I haven’t seen her or Fleur since…”

“Since you were separated.” Refract said.

Aqua nodded. Still reeling from the revelation that at least one of her sisters was a mother. She shook her head as a plan formed in her mind.“I…I gotta talk to Shining. Ask him if I can take the weekend off to go see Sparkler, and then Fleur—“

“No!” Refract responded. Cutting Aqua off. “I regretfully cannot allow you to go meet Sparkler.” He told her.

Aqua’s jaw dropped. “What?! Refract she and Fleur are my sisters! You seriously expect me to just stay put when we can finally be together again after so long?!” She shrieked.

“Oh I’m not stopping you from contacting Fleur.” Refract responded. “Contact her all you like, but it is paramount that Sparkler, and her kids, remain in the dark that you are related to them in any way. At least for the time being.” He clarified.

“And why’s that?” Aqua asked. “Why is it paramount that Sparky and her children don’t know I’m a part of their family?”

“If I had to guess, it’s because she needs to live her life as happily as possible before the inevitable crap storm that is the darkness returns.” Refract responded. “Although sending her to Saddle Arabia was apparently a mistake.” He stated, going off what his dad told her.

“Why’s that?” Aqua asked.

“Let’s just say she nearly committed accidental suicide.” Refract responded, shocking Aqua to the core. “But don’t worry. She’s in a much better place now in Equestria.” Refract added quickly.

“Refract, what happened.” Aqua asked sternly, her protective sister instincts kicking in.

“Bullies. That’s what happened. But what matters is that Sparkler is safe, and happy. And it’s going to STAY like that for as long as possible.” Refract responded.

“I just don’t get it.” Aqua responded. “How would learning I’m her sister NOT make Sparkler happy? I would be if I learned I had more biological family out there.”

“Because we cannot risk her having a magical breakdown and dying.” Refract responded simply. “She has already had two. And both times it really came down to the wire.” Refract responded.

Aqua listened to Refract, and sighed. “I just…you mentioned near accidental suicide. Hearing that makes me wish we were all sent to the same place. So that we would at least have had each other.” She said.

“I know how you feel.” Refract responded. “But dad and I had our orders when it came to you three.”

Aqua nodded. “So…what now?” She asked.

“We keep the Next Gen Medleys safe here at camp.” Refract responded. “We watch for Silver-Mane, and the coming darkness.”

Aqua nodded. She stood up, making up her mind. “Are you certain I can only contact Fleur?” She asked.

“And Celestia and Luna.” Refract responded. “Really, you can reveal your self to anypony in your family EXCEPT Sparkler and her kids. Oh and her fiancé.” Refract added.

“Fiancé?!“ Aqua responded. “Oh for the love of, ok, NOW I’m really ticked off that Sparkler, Fleur and I were separated. Sparkler has a lover, kids, does Fleur have anypony?”

“Husband.” Refract responded.

“So I missed the wedding. Just great.” Aqua pouted. “Stupid darkness, forcing us apart.”

Refract laughed. “I know that feeling.” He said.

Aqua nodded. “So, Sparkler and Fleur are doing alright…have you heard anything from the others?” She asked.

Refract’s smile faded as he shook his head. “No, I haven’t. Neither myself nor dad know where they are.” He explained.

“Oh…ok.” Aqua responded with disappointment.

“Don’t worry though. I got a scout probe searching the globe for them. So it’s only a matter of time.” Refract assured her. “We’ll get your family back together Aqua. I promise.”

“Thanks Refract.” Aqua responded. “Let’s get back to the camp.”

A few days later, in the city of Canterlot, Fleur, Celestia, Luna, and Fancypants were all reading a letter that Fleur had received. Although it was addressed to Celestia and Luna too. Fancypants was looking at the included picture. “Holy Faust. Is that you’re family Fleur?” He asked.

Fleur meanwhile had tears in her eyes as she nodded. “Yeah. It’s them.” She said with a smile.

Dear Fleur, Celestia, and Luna,

Hey guys! It’s me. Aqua Blossom. I don’t know if you remember me but I’m told you do. So here’s hoping that’s true. I’m so happy you all are doing well. As well as Sparkler. 11 kids and a soon-to-be wife? And a husband Fleur? Darn I wish I could’ve been there for the wedding.

I wish we didn’t need to hide this from Sparkler. I wish we could all just be one happy family. But alas, Darkness had other ideas. I’m so ticked to hear how Sparkler was treated growing up. And about the Ex Nobles. Shameful. Thank Faust she’s in a better place now.

I just wanted to send this along to let you know that I’ve missed you three, and I’ll be in Canterlot as soon as I can so we can catch up. And so I can meet Fancypants. He sounds like a lovely stallion.

Until we meet, take care. And PLEASE, look out for Sparkler. I do NOT want to hear that she blew up in a magical breakdown before I get a chance to be a sister to her.

Your sister and cousin,
Aqua Blossom

To be continued…

Author's Note

Don’t have much to say about this one. Stay tuned to see what happens next.

THX FOR READING!

Episode 4: Watery Surprises

Aqua Blossom dropped the last water gun into the final boat and smiled to herself as she gazed upon the sight along the bank of the lake directly connected to Camp Little Hooves. On the bank, a line of forty, four creature rowboats, each loaded with four water guns. “I have to say this might be my favorite every year.” She commented.

“The best lake day of the summer. That’s for certain.” Night Mare responded.

At the other end of the line, Sunburst walked up to Shining. “Hey Shining? Aren’t you a little concerned about doing this?” He asked.

“What do you mean Sunburst?” Shining asked as he went over his checklist.

“Well, of course the goal here is for all the campers to have fun…but there’s an uncertainty on fairness. Mainly surrounding the resident six princesses and five princes.” Sunburst explained, referring to the Medleys.

“You mean my nieces and nephews.” Shining responded, to which Sunburst nodded.

“I’m not saying they shouldn’t be barred from participating, but it’s undeniable the advantages that they have in this event.” Sunburst responded.

Shining nodded. “Precisely why I modified the event to balance things out. Why do you think I told you guys to only load four of the boats with both water guns and water balloons while the rest just get the water guns?” He asked.

Sunburst, being as smart as he was, took a look at the boats and it clicked with him what was going on. “Four against 36?” He asked. “Are you trying to make them hate you by having the whole camp gang up on them?”

“Trust me Sunburst.” Shining responded. “I talked to them last night, they understand the advantages they have, and we layed out what’s going to happen in regards to what is and isn’t allowed for them.” He assured Sunburst.

“And you trust that they didn’t try to make it unfair to the other campers on their own accord?” Sunburst asked.

“My sister and her fiance are not raising sneaky little liars. And besides, I’ve gotten pretty good at detecting deceptions. Thanks to a certain enemy Changeling.” Shining responded.

“If you say so Shining.” Sunburst responded.

Meanwhile, at the camp mess hall, most of the talk was about that day’s major event, the Camp Little Hooves Lake Water War. Most of the campers of the Rabbit Hole cabin and the Snake Pit cabin, the Rabbit Hole’s colt counterpart, sat at the same table. “Are you guys pumped for the Little Hooves Lake Water War today?” Thunder Arrow asked.

“Are you kidding? Do you know how fun playing in the water is?” Pearl asked. “I will admit though that I’m surprised Mr. Armor had it so it walkie be Rabbit and Snake Cabins Vs everypony else.” She commented.

“He told us why remember?” Midnight Knight said. “It’s because we got six Alicorns on our team.”

“Yeah.” Lightning said. “We had a whole meeting going over what we would be allowed to do in terms of attacks and defenses so that we wouldn’t need to waste time this morning.” He said.

“And everypony here has a little pamphlet outlining how the event is going to go.” Lucky added.

It was true, on their way into the mess hall, there was a stack of pamphlets that every camper was to pick up. The pamphlet outlined how the event was going to go down, just so everypony was clear on what was happening, in no uncertain terms.

Sky was getting giddy. “I can’t wait to air strike the competition. I’m so fast they’ll never see me coming!” She said excitedly.

“Sky, the speed limit for flyers is 10 miles an hour. To give the No flyers a real chance to hit you.” Crystal told Sky. “And altitude no higher than 5 meters. For similar reasons.” She added.

Sky rolled her eyes. “Yeah yeah.” She said.

At that moment, Pedal and Dark Wing joined them after getting breakfast. Pedal had a perplexed look on her face. “Hey guys?” She asked. “Does the guy in the kitchen look familiar to any of you?” She asked.

“What?” Mystic asked.

“The guy in the kitchen, the one hoofing out the meals, I don’t know why but I have the feeling I’ve seen him before.” Pedal explained.

“Maybe you saw him in passing?“ Refract asked.

“Maybe, but my gut is telling me he’s not what he seems.” Pedal responded.

Refract, knowing full well of Pedal’s mental link with her mother, knew better than to write off Pedal’s gut, because he knew that it was just as likely Pedal was getting a memory from her MOTHER. So he glanced up at the kitchen and studied the pony at the window, making note of his facial features. If one of the clones gets a feeling, take it seriously. His father grilled into him when he told him about the clones.

I’ll keep an eye on that guy. Refract thought.

Later on, the campers all gathered by the lake bank in front of the counselors and Director Shining. Shining got out a megaphone and addressed the crowd. “Alright everypony! Who’s ready to get wet?” He asked.

The crowd cheered and Shining chuckled. “Figured. Now, if you recall I visited each cabin last night to talk about today’s water war. A couple of reminders. 1, it will be every Cabin Vs Rabbit and Snake Cabin, reason being those two cabins have Alicorns, and have other advantages to the other cabins. 2, due to the Rabbit and Snake cabins being outnumbered 9 to 1, they will be able to use special moves with timers and cooldowns, as well as water balloons while everypony else gets just water guns. 3, flyers are permitted to use their wings to fly but the max altitude is 5 meters above water, and the max speed is no more than ten miles per hour. And finally, a boat is considered out when all 4 targets fall off the boat.” He said. “Now, for this first scenario, Rabbits and Snakes are going to defend the dock from an invading force. All naval vessels, board your ships and sail to the far end of the lake, Rabbits and Snakes strategize in the meantime.” He said.

As the kids ran past Shining and all boarded their boats, the Rabbit and Snake cabins huddled together to strategize. “Alright, it’s 36 vs 4, and we got special moves. What’s the plan?” Light Wing asked.

“Pearl and I spent all night coming up with a plan.” Crystal responded. “We have three unicorns, a changeling, two Earth Ponies, a pegasus, three thestrals, and six Alicorns. We can mix and match since we’re all one team. Midknight, you can do magic correct?” She asked.

“Yes, I can.” Midknight responded.

“Right.” Pearl responded as she summoned a paper with a diagram on it. “We can mix and match since we’re one team so here are the boat layouts. Mystic, myself, Thunder Arrow and MidKnight will take up the rear of each boat. Acting as the boats’ maneuverability and providing water fire when needed.” She explained.

“The next seats towards the bow of the boats will be filled by Alicorns. Two of us in two boats, one for another two boats.” Crystal explained. “We’ll fly when needed and will be the main weapons against the enemy.” She said. “We’ll also do the special abilities, shield, shockwave, and heal.” She explained.

“And finally, the other seats will be filled by the thestrals and Sprinkle.” Pearl said. “We’ll be, well, the main flyers on offense.” She explained.

Their teammates listened intently and were smiling as their friends described the plan. “That sounds like an awesome plan.” Thunder Arrow said.

“Well of course it is.” Crystal said.

“We came up with it together after all.” Pearl said as she and Crystal hugged.

Everypony nodded and all hoof piled. Eventually Shining gave them the go ahead to board their vessels. And once they got into position, Shining blasted the airhorn to signal the start of the battle. Within minutes water was flying everywhere and the gun commenced.

Later that night, after everypony had gone to bed, Refract and Aqua wandered the woods surrounding the camp, Refract having told Aqua she needed to come with him. “Refract where are we going?” She asked. Her horn and wings in full view.

“My father sent me a code red message, meaning something’s happening and he’s coming HERE.” Refract responded.

“But I thought Clear-Cut was assigned to watch over Sparkler?” Aqua asked.

“He is.” Refract responded.

At that moment, a cloaked figure dropped down from a tree and stood. Refract smiled. “And speak of the devil. Hey dad.” He said.

The cloaked figure smiled as he removed his hood to reveal Clear-Cut. “Greetings Refract. Aqua Blossom, it’s been too long.” He said.

“Nice to see you again Clear Cut, now that I actually remember you.” Aqua responded.

Clear Cut nodded. “Yes. Sorry to hear about your Selective Memory Disorder.” He said.

“Eh, at least I won’t be forgetting this any time soon.” Aqua said with a shrug. “Thanks to Refract here etching all this into my brain permanently.” She added.

Refract nodded. “So, what did you want us out here for dad? You’re supposed to be in Ponyville.” He said.

“I came here because I need your advanced optics.” Clear-Cut responded.

Refract and Aqua then saw something shocking, an unfamiliar, grey Alicorn filly flew down and landed next to Clear-Cut. “What the…” Refract and Aqua both said in synchronized shock.

“Who are you?” Refract asked.

“I am Melody Frost.” The Alicorn Filly responded. “Distant cousin to Sparkling Medley and her sisters.” She stated.

Aqua’s eyes widened. This little Filly was her cousin?! “But…but…I thought everypony in my family except for my sisters was gone!” She exclaimed.

Frost chuckled. “You thought wrong.” She said.

Refract spied the pendant Frost was wearing. “Dad, she has the pendant.” He said.

“I know. But just to make sure…” Clear Cut responded.

Refract blinked, it clicking with him what his father wanted. He nodded. “Frost, Aqua, hold your hooves out to me.” He instructed.

Frost and Aqua presented their hooves to Refract. Refract then blinked once and his eyes glowed, each eye shooting a beam onto the outstretched hooves. Through these beams, Refracted searched their genetic makeup and blood, trying to find anything that could prove Frost’s claims around her bloodline. After a moment, he found it and the beams retracted, his eyes were blinked back to normal and he turned his attention to his dad. “She’s genuine dad. It’s a DNA match between Frost and Aqua.” He said.

Aqua stared at Frost as she retracted her hoof. “W-what did you say you were to me and my sisters again?” She asked.

“Distant cousin.” Frost responded.

“Alright then. Start talking.” Refract responded. “How do you know about us? You must have known about us if dad brought you here.”

Frost chuckled. “Most of the world may have forgotten about you, but the legends lived on in my branch for the Medley family. For generations, the legends were passed down along with the mission we have been given.” She explained.

“And that mission is?” Aqua asked.

“To watch for the darkness that has plagued this world since its dawn. A darkness that is fast approaching. In the last three weeks, there have been two ultramonster encounters. One during Sparkler’s reign as acting princess, and another just the other day. Though the latter claims it just wants a peaceful life living with the Element of Kindness.” Frost explained.

Aqua blinked. “Peaceful?” She asked.

“I know. I have a hard time believing it too.” Frost responded. “But so far the ultramonster has yet to attack Sparkler so…yeah.”

“All the same, you two should probably get back to Ponyville. While Sparkler is capable, her reign proves she will need help should anymore ultramonsters attack.” Refract said.

“Right.” Clear-Cut responded. “Let’s go Frost.” He told the filly.

“Before we go, Aqua, I assume you have a similar pendant to mine?” Frost asked.

“I do.” Aqua responded. He lit her horn and a pendant that was similar in design to Frost’s poofed around her neck. “It was the only thing that I had on me when my adopted parents took me in.” She explained.

“Fleur De Lis has one too. As do your sisters that are currently MIA.” Frost responded. She took her own pendant in her magic and touched it to Aqua’s, the two glowed brightly and the lights blinked in sync for two blinks before they dimmed. Frost nodded as she put her pendant back on. “There, now, we’ll be able to talk to each other anytime we need to. Without using our magic.” She said.

“Whoa. These things are communication tools?” Aqua asked.

“Yep. Give me enough time to connect Fleur’s pendant to the web and you’ll be able to talk to her too.” Frost responded.

Aqua, after processing what Frost had done, smiled as she got misty eyed. She reached out and hugged Frost. “Thank you.” She said.

Frost smiled as she hugged Aqua back. After a moment, they parted and Clear Cut and Frost took off into the air. When they were out of sight, Refract nodded. “Right, you go on ahead back to camp Aqua, I’ll be along after I add Frost to my record of the Medley family tree.” Refract said.

“Right…” Aqua responded, still reeling. “I can’t believe we have a cousin…”

Refract chuckled. “Oh believe me Aqua, I was CERTAIN the only family that was MIA were your older sisters.” He said.

Aqua nodded as she trotted back to camp, giddy at the thought that she now had a direct link to others in her family.

To be continued…

Author's Note

I’ll let you guys decide which team won. Mainly because I didn’t know how to make the Rabbit and Snake cabins not appear overpowered.

Thanks to Fluttercry for 12 for allowing me the use of Melody Frost in this series. I promise no more Sparkler family reveals until the next installment when she FINALLY learns everything.

THX FOR READING! Now I’m gonna go work on the two year anniversary blog post.