Author's Note

Hello everyone, I hope you enjoy this new story I created.

Things will get dark, so if you can't handle themes of Alcohol abuse, Drugs, and etc., I recommend that you turn back now.

S1, Episode 1: Trouble Times 10, Part 1

A Hero's Origins
By TheAlienBrony22

Trouble Times 10
Part 1

[Outer Space]

Within the the dark, sparkling star-littered vacuum of space, a battle was underway.

Within the rings of Saturn, a sleek red and white spaceship zoomed right past Saturn and through an asteroid belt. From behind, however, a large imposing gray ship, covered in what looked like pale and discolored white ribbons and tinted red glass bulbs, and purple pipes came up from behind. The ships had begun firing bright lasers back and forth, each of them trying to find a way to out-do or outmatch the other.

A stray beam of light struck the larger ship, causing the ship to rumble a fair bit, but still keep its trajectory focused on the smaller ship ahead.

Within the ship, several small pale yellow-skinned creatures with exposed brains typed away on computer modules. "Hull damage: 25 percent, weapons system's are still operational, however." The one-eyed creature announced.

A tall white creature sat on a shiny blue metal throne. It was pale white in most places, usually having black claws, talons and strange black protrusions growing from the side of its head. It had a hole in its stomach, supposedly rotting away as it revealed violet and red pulsing organs within. The top of the creature's head was comprised of a squishy dark purple bulb with lighter purple bulbs within it, as well as seven red eyes.

The tall creature leaned forward. "Proceed as planned, I've come too far to be denied, now!" The creature nodded as it typed away. "That foolish Cerebrocrustacean thought he was doing one good deed doing this, how pathetic! The Omnitrix shall be mine, and there is not a single disgusting being, some low-life stick-shaking vermin, in the galaxy that dares to stand in my way!" The creature declared.

[Marsten Residence, Morning]

Back on Earth, Chance Marsten, a 15 year-old teenage boy, immediately awakens from his slumber and sits up, wide-eyed as he tries to catch his breath. He looks around his darkened room, and groans. "Damn it all to hell, I gotta stop getting in-depth with my nightmares!" He uncovered himself, revealing his bare chest, covered in healing scars and a couple stitches. He walked to his closet, pulling out a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt with black detailing. He carefully opened his bedroom door and slunk out of his bedroom, closing it behind him.

Moments later, he walked back into his room, wearing the clothes he picked out and pocketed his phone. He saw himself in the mirror and sighed. "I need a change of pace, but what can be done?" Chance walks out of the room once more, leaving behind a packed bag full of camping stuff.

[MAY 2016, Canterlot Suburbs]

Chance felt the air blow in his face, walking forward. He pulled the sandwich he got out of the fridge from his bag, and began to snack on it as he walked down the street. For a brief moment, he stopped and sat down on a wooden bench, finishing off a sandwich as he checked the time on his phone. it was Seven-fifteen in the morning, probably the earliest he's ever been out the door. "Hmm, a quarter till seven, I still got time. May be the first time I show up on time this year, but by this point maybe I'd be better off skipping the day anyway, especially since it's the last day of the week. Not like anything I've learned will stick with me... well, anything useful, anyways." He remarked.

Before he could think of what exactly he was going to do, he heard the sound of a vehicle coming his way. He noticed that the car itself was a basic station-wagon, the inside of it was dressed and decorated to the nines in eighties and nineties memorabilia, all while it came to a steady and slow stop, till it was right in front of him. 'Oh great, the principals found me. Here I thought my troubles were over this morning.' He thought to himself sarcastically.

The window on the passenger seat rolled down, and out popped an older woman, somewhere in her mid-thirties. Dark black hair that cascaded down past her shoulders, dressed in her usual ensemble, a bright orchid top with a pair of blue jeans. 'Vice Principal Luna... well, this can only go well, here's to hoping this doesn't drag on too long.' He thought sarcastically. He took a deep breath, and calmly exhaled, letting a fake smile form on his face. "Hello, miss Luna. Good to see you, I suppose." he said with exhaustion. Luna clearly wasn't amused, and seemed more-so concerned. He sighed, his fake smile fading as something clicked in his mind. "She finally called the number, didn't she?" Chance inquired. Luna's head nodded, a sympathetic smile forming on her lips, which Chance responded with an exhausted look of displeasure.

Luna let her smile vanish. "Good morning to you too, mister Marsten," Her voice was soft, yet stern. "Why don't you hop in the back, we can continue our conversation on the way, maybe take things back to the office, if you're so inclined." Luna suggested.

Chance sighed, seeming defeated, but was more-so agitated. "I suppose this was gonna happen sooner or later, fine, but just this once. My morning was starting off good, considering the vaguely adult-shaped wackos were still asleep, I actually had time to prepare, but now, like usual, I'm getting another wellness check on the last week of the school year. I suppose I could use the company, better than being alone, but no funny business." Chance remarked.

He got up and stretched out his body as he slung his backpack into the back of the car, and climbed in himself. He buckled himself in as the car began to move. He looked over at Luna's older sister, the main principal of Canterlot High, Celestia. Her golden blonde hair cascaded down past her shoulders too, though she wore a white pan-suit with a Sun pin on it.

He sat in silence for a moment, before trying to break it with his words. "I'm pretty sure I can put two and two together and assume that for once, that mess of a lady finally called you. It's the only rational explanation, and I certainly don't wanna take your time and waste it, my time is the only thing that needs to waste away. Why'd she pick now, of all times, to get you to do something?" Luna looked back, only to write something down. Chance frowned and felt an uncomfortable sense of deja vu, and he certainly wasn't liking the vibe that was coming from the one-sided conversation. "If you're gonna sit in silence, and not answer my questions, guess it was stupid of me to answer any questions you may have. This ain't a game show, and if it was, this is the stupidest game on network television, it's a miracle this boring show wasn't cancelled in its infancy." He jokingly remarked, despite the hopeless visage hiding in the reflection of his eyes.

Luna's serious expression faded, and while she wanted to say something, she saw the look in his eyes. A look that only a few people have when they believe that they're beyond fixing. Luna, however, knew that this boy was savable, he just doesn't seem to believe it. "Y'know, you don't have to be difficult, mister Marsten. You look exhausted, and seem to be expecting something awful to happen twenty-four seven! For the past few years, you've made numerous reports that your home life is, in your own words, and I quote, 'Unsafe, unhealthy, so mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically unstable, it's a miracle the house itself hasn't collapsed on top of them just to end the cycle of misery', and 'It looks like if a mortuary, a graveyard, a crack den, a drug cartel, a Christian household, and a horror movie were all rolled up into one'. Those are just two of the many quotes you've made about your own home, and the things you've said about the parental figures in said home, are even more concerning," Luna pulled out a file that had Chance's name on it and handed it to him, and he opened it on a highlighted excerpt of one of his writing assignments.

He knew where this was going, yet he didn't stop her. "This highlighted segment, was the final bit of straw that broke the camel's back. I can't even begin to fathom how such a bright young mind such as yours, could delve deep into such dark subject matter. You know that aside from being Vice Principal, I am also legally qualified to be a counselor, but in order for me to do anything of the sort, you have to open up." Luna added, a twinge of fear in her voice.

Chance rolled his eyes, looking both uninterested and nearly asleep as he made eye-contact with the vice principal again. He saw the concern, the guilt she felt, and while he could relate, he was adamant on keeping up his front. "Ma'am, for me to open up, that would imply I have friends, or anyone worth their salt that I can actually trust to open up to. I don't have anything or anyone like that, let alone have something of worth to say. If you saw what kind of mess my 'home' was in right now, you'd see why there's nothing substantial to say, let alone anything positive," Chance took a deep breath and contemplated his next set of words carefully. "You see the problem here, or should I say everything back to you five hundred times over, just to simplify it for ya?" He asked with a tired and unimposing smile.

Luna opened her mouth to say something, yet Chance continued to speak. "I do have acquaintances, not very few, but I got some! That's as far as I've gotten with everyone else, but no friends. Hell, by this point, I don't think I have any actual family left, because that mess of a lady that calls herself my mother, she's a shell of her former self. Far as I'm concerned, she died when my father left on Christmas, and I found out he ended up dead when his dog tag was sent home on my tenth birthday. Talk about one hell of a birthday gift, right? Doesn't help one of his buddies is basically mooching off of my mom, and to top it all off, she ended up a fuckin' junkie too, just like him!" Chance stated, his voice raising higher as it begins to break.

Luna could see him drop his guard, but he still continued to speak. "I guess experiencing happiness through a high is all they really care about nowadays, since my mom and Moonshine sold off most of my dad's stuff just for more drug money! If I had no other choice but to grin and bare it, I'd like to take that option, please! But hey, that's a fantasy, since when do people like me ever get a good ending, or a chance to better themselves? No one knows the real me, and I'm fine with that. The less people know, the better off I am, dealing with my problems, so others don't have to get themselves mixed up in a toxic whirlwind of desperation and hatred. I'm better off without friends, because what's the point of having friends if they don't have your back when things get tough? I don't even have my own back, most days, because why should I, I'd be giving myself pity!" He remarked with a somber smirk, his head felt a bit heavier as he held it down, obscuring his face.

Silence suddenly filled the inside of the car, you could hear a pin drop. Celestia was justifiably uncomfortable by what the young man had said, but Luna, she could see that this boy not just looked bent out of shape, he was so bent out of shape, he hasn't the single bit of respect for himself. Then again, when she met this boy five years ago, he looked bent out of shape back then too, and somehow looked worse than he did back then. He may not say it, but he also looks like he's getting worn too thin, and he knows it.

He cleared his throat, letting a melancholic smile form on his face. "Besides, me? Benefitting from a talk? Is that your honest opinion, or do you read minds like that Sunset girl can? Trust me when I say this, you don't want to know what I know, considering I know what'll happen if I let the truth spill out, willingly or not..." After a couple more moments of silence, he continued. "Anyways, if I wanted to talk, I'd talk to a brick wall first before talking to you. We're not friends, I don't have friends, I already consider myself an orphan because the lady in my house is not my mother, not anymore! I'm not looking for anything right now, or any time soon. Better for me to be the only target than to get someone else roped in with my bullshit, anyway. The less others know, the less targets there are." Chance remarked, a solemn look of sadness and rage now painted across his face.

Luna looked back at the boy, a mild look of difficulty formed on the older woman's face. Then, an idea came to her. "I'll keep all of that in mind, mister Marsten. We're nearing our destination, so let me give you one more question, and some helpful advice, since you clearly won't admit that you need assistance," The boy looked her in the eyes, ready to hear whatever empty words she was gonna say. "Do you remember what you once said to me, back when we had that superhero costume party at CHS?" Luna asked.

Chance was taken aback. A cold, yet comforting feeling pulsed through him. "That was four years ago, and I was a quiet and conserved kid back then... I'm still quiet and conserved now, but that's not the point. I do remember what I said, and for the record, I was just a hopeful and delusional kid," Chance shrugged and scoffed. "As if I could ever be a hero... I gave up on that dream. I can't even save myself, how could I ever save anyone from danger, or their own problems? Not that I have a choice in whether I suffer or not." Chance wondered bitterly.

Luna let a small and hopeful smile form on his face. "Even heroes face hardships, but by overcoming those hardships, looking for another way to solve a problem, rather than try to punch or kick their problems away, heroes are just as capable of developing as people, growing and learning to be better. Mistakes become cautionary tales of what not to do, and I think you're capable of learning from everyone else's mistakes. There's always a choice, and sometimes, people in your position just can't see there's another way, until someone helps you down that forgotten path. That's what makes you capable of doing better, to better yourself." Luna explained.

Chance had no words. No remarks, no jokes, no retorts, he just sat there, letting those words echo around in his head, and for the first time in years, he felt something. He felt warm, he felt uncertain, he felt bad, almost regretful. It felt strange, but he didn't have enough time to ruminate on this feeling, as the car came to a stop, and CHS was right in his peripheral vision.

Luna looked back, smiling warmly. Chance made an uncertain expression as he got out of the car, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. "Why don't you try to communicate with your classmates today, and try to make some friends? If you can make one friend by the time the buses get here to take us back to Camp Everfree, I'll reward your efforts." Luna waged.

Chance frowned at that, but he felt a sense of uncertainty as he approached the building.

[Canterlot High]

The day started like any other, and was expected to end all the same, with the obvious change that summer vacation could possibly help him escape the confines of his home, but it felt as if today, the last day he'd spend, dedicated to conversating for a moment, waiting on the buses, yet he felt like it all droned on at a snail's pace.

In Cheerilee's classroom, everyone was excited to go back to Camp Everfree. Everyone was excited to make this last week something to remember, but Chance just couldn't vibe with what others were feeling. 'Damn it, why'd she want me to make friends? I know nothing of anyone here, aside from those seven girls that have magic, but everyone knows that. I still feel new here after five years, and I eventually picked up on that tidbit.' Chance thought to himself.

Chance was about to move to the back of the class, like he usually does, just so he can slump in his seat and sleep, until he saw a familiar blonde girl come his way. Her yellow-ish golden eyes may have been in different directions, but she was, at least, pleasant to be around. 'And so it begins. Maybe I can talk to her, see if I can't move things further with her. Everyone likes her.' Chance thought.

The quiet and conserved boy moved over to her direction, hoping to have an easy time with making an attempt, until he finally noticed the other girls she was sitting with, and suddenly, he froze up like a deer in headlights caught in a blizzard. There were four other girls sitting with her.

A girl who was as quiet as he was, if not more, with tinted glasses on her face and headphones in, steadily bobbing her head to whatever song she was listening to. Vinyl Scratch.

The girl beside her was sharing the headphones with Vinyl, letting her neatly styled dark brown hair contrast with her light brown skin, she was holding a book about classical music artists. Octavia Melody.

Two other girls. Both were pale as day, and from what all he's seen in passing, those two were practically attached by the hip. Lyra Heartstrings and Bon-Bon.

Chance was unsure of what to do, but he felt very nervous. His palms were sweaty, his knees felt weak, ready to collapse. His arms felt heavy, like they suddenly turned into thick arm-shaped pieces of titanium steel. He felt his stomach churning, and was uncertain of what to do. 'Well, this suddenly became a lot harder than it was supposed to be. Maybe if I'm fast enough, I can get back to my seat and play it off like I was just stretching. Yes, stretching, that's a good way to put it, least I think so-'

Before Chance could make a move, that's when he noticed it. Eyes were on him. The girls were staring at him, and seemed to be expecting him to say something. His eyes went wide as he started to shudder, his face becoming a bit red. He didn't know what to do, he never got this far, it was uncharted territory. He felt like a stranger in No Man's Land, only so much worse.

The yellow-eyed girl stood up, seeing the hesitation, the anxiety, the uncertainty in his eyes. His face was turning redder by the second, and much to his chagrin, a couple of the people in his class saw a ripe opportunity to poke fun.

A tan-skinned girl with bright blue stylized hair simply pointed at him, laughing. "Look, it's the beet-necked beat-neck!" the girl called out, laughing at the shuddering boy.

Another guy, a lighter tan-skinned guy with messy black hair looked in his direction, only to snicker. "Nah, he looks more like a strawberry! And here I thought Trixie looked fruity, he's the whole farmer's market with how red in the face he is!" The boy remarked, taking part in the teasing. The girl from earlier, known as Trixie, now seemed a bit offended, but went back to laughing at the quiet and conserved boy.

Chance could only keep quiet, but he did try to hide his face. As much as he hated to admit, he felt nothing more than shame. The blonde girl in front of him, however, had more of a negative reaction than he did, as did her friends. Lyra and Bon-Bon stood up and looked at the black-haired teen, less than amused. "What's so wrong with being fruity, hm? Besides, didn't you fall in love with a horse once, Flash?" Bon-Bon shot back. The teen, known as Flash, stopped laughing.

Trixie, along with the rest of the class, however, erupted in laughter. "Trixie, you don't have any ground to stand on, either. When was the last time you had a girlfriend that loved your crazy-ass, the fourth grade?" Lyra remarked. Soon enough, Trixie had stopped laughing, and was more-so just infuriated, and the cacophonous laughter was now focused on Flash and Trixie.

While the constant string of laughter was no longer aimed in Chance's direction, he didn't seem that interested, let alone feel any better in taking jabs at other people, especially since they didn't know him that well, and he didn't know any of them that well either, just from what was heard in passing.

Before Chance could go back to his seat, now that everyone's attention was off of him, the yellow-eyed girl stopped him. She gave him a smile, and handed him a muffin. He wasn't sure what provoked such a response, but decided to give a polite smile and take it, munching down on it. 'Chocolate chip, guess I got lucky, at least it's my favorite.' Chance thought, downing the muffin in a few large bites.

Before Cheerilee could get her class back in order, the PA system suddenly sparked to life, leaving the classroom silent. The speakers crackled a bit, till Principal Celestia's voice finally came through. "Attention all students, we would like to inform you that the buses to Camp Everfree have arrived. Everyone is to gather their things, clean out their lockers, and prepare for departure at this time, we leave in two hours. That is all. Also, Chance Marsten and Sunset Shimmer, please come to the office before following your classmates, please. Thank You." Celestia announced.

As the PA system quieted down, Chance was basically silent, nearly choking on the tiniest bit of muffin he had left. He felt ashamed, he felt like his face was frozen with fear, yet it burned like it was on fire. He couldn't put words to what he was feeling, but he felt a special type of bad, a type of bad that was so special, it's rarer than finding fifty-four four-leafed clovers in one patch of grass.

Everyone seemed to be expecting something, considering their eyes were back to being on him. His face stung, it was like he dunked his face in a mixture of salt and lemon juice. "The universe is enacting a sense of strong karma on the wrong person. What did I do in a past life to deserve this?" He muttered, grabbing his backpack and leaving the room.

[Meanwhile...]

Sunset sat alone, writing something down on a sheet of paper. She had a caucasian skin complexion, brown hair that was cut short and seemed a bit wild as it stuck out a bit, and shimmering bright green eyes. She wore a cropped deep blue and white shirt, a green tank top underneath, as well as gray sweatpants and blue sneakers.

She typed away at a calculator she had by her side, until she felt her phone buzz. She sighed and pulled it out, seeing a text message in a group chat.

"Hey sugarcube, any chance you'd be willing to talk?"

Sunset frowned disapprovingly at the message. "Applejack..." Sunset whispered under her breath. She typed away at her phone and sent the message.

"What do you want?"

Sunset waited, but eventually she got a message back.

"I understand if you don't wanna talk, so I'll keep it brief. I'm sorry about what happened during Anon-A-Miss. I definitely said some things I didn't mean, and so did the others, but ya gotta believe me, I truly am sorry for not believin' ya when you said it wasn't you, honest. I know I ain't perfect, and throwin' insults at you without good reason wasn't gonna change anything, except make me feel even worse. Could you find it in your heart to forgive me, so we can be friends again?"

Sunset gnawed at her lip. She wanted to forgive her, she wanted to forgive the rest of them, but she couldn't, not right now. The things they said, the things they did, it still hurt. Even after three months had passed since the incident was resolved, it still hurt too much. She typed her message, and after sending it, she shut her phone off.

"I may have to put up with you and the others for a week when we head to Camp Everfree again, but after what happened, I'm probably gonna cut my losses and think about everything. Till then, you and the girls can sit around all summer and really think about how sorry you really are. For now, the answer is No. I don't know if that answer will change, but if you give me my space, and not overwhelm me, then maybe I'll consider it. Till then, goodbye, AJ."

Sunset pocketed her phone and laid her head down, feeling an aching in her heart. She so desperately wanted to take that text back, but she still felt the sting, the pain brought onto her because of what happened during Anon-A-Miss. She couldn't forgive them for the time being, she needed more time. She felt as if she was gonna break down into tears, until the PA system came on.

The speakers crackled a bit, till Principal Celestia's voice finally came through. "Attention all students, we would like to inform you that the buses have arrived. Everyone is to gather their things, clean out their lockers, and prepare for departure at this time, we leave in two hours. That is all. Also, Chance Marsten and Sunset Shimmer, please come to the office before following your classmates, please. Thank You." Celestia announced.

As the PA system quieted down, Sunset raised her head and tried to calm herself down. She wasn't sure who the other person was, but it was another student at Canterlot High, she had nothing to worry about. She took a few deep breaths, wiped her eyes and put her stuff in her backpack, slinging it over her shoulder as she left the library and made a bee-line for Principal Celestia's office.

After cleaning out his locker and keeping whatever was worth keeping and throwing away what he felt was meaningless garbage, Chance moved through the steadily growing crowd of people, and finally made his way into the office. As he entered, he was met by a familiar face amongst the two principals.

He knew who this was, even judging by the sudden change in appearance. She once turned into a demon during the fall formal, she supposedly fought against sirens, one of her friends who got corrupted by magic, that counselor lady from Camp Everfree, but she wasn't alone in those battles. She had friends by her side, something Chance wished he could say the same about. This girl was Sunset Shimmer, a girl who supposedly came from a foreign country, and has been a main-stay in Canterlot ever since.

Chance swallowed hard and tried to keep a straight face. "Hello." He replied.

Sunset smiled, nodding in his direction. "Hi, you must be the guy Vice Principal Luna was talking about. It's nice to finally meet you," Sunset held her hand out for a handshake. "I'm Sunset, nice to meet." She introduced.

A sour taste was now present on his tongue, and glanced in the Vice Principal's direction, seeing her smile, unwavered by his glare. "You really are a counselor, because apparently, nothing is sacred," Chance shook Sunset's hand as he took his seat next to her. Sunset's smile faded, her eyes flickered white for a moment, and she seemed to see something. While she couldn't piece together what she had seen in an instant, it did have her looking scared for a brief moment before collecting her thoughts. Chance noticed that, but knew that wasn't important, not now, at least. "So, what happened this time, and how in the world does it involve me?" Chance inquired casually.

Celestia cleared her throat. "Well, you're not in trouble, nor are you suspected of causing such. Starting to think that's become a bad habit of yours, mister Marsten," Chance scowled at that remark and looked away. "Either way, it's good since you both are here now, so I figure now would be a good time for me to rally the students and get them on the buses. You two will join the rest of them in a moment, but there's something important that my sister, Luna, wants to discuss with you both. She won't tell me why, or for what reason, but this is her field of expertise. Don't take too long, Lulu!~" Celestia said in a singsong tone, leaving the office.

The two students looked at each other, then at the Vice Principal, who sat in her sister's chair, staring intently at the pair of them. They felt uncomfortable, and as they tried to get up, Luna sighed. "You two seem to be having... how I would say, complications." Luna stated vaguely.

The pair looked back at Luna, then at each other. Chance's curiosity, as well as concern, had been piqued. Before he knew it, he was back in his seat. "I know it's not any of my business, but what could you be dealing with that gets you lumped with me?" Chance inquired, concerned for whatever answer the girl may give.

Sunset looked away, sighing. "I'm just having problems with my friends, that's all. There was a misunderstanding that escalated into a shouting match, things were said that shouldn't have been, turns out they didn't have their facts straight, and after stopping the problem, I'm just trying to get some space from them, even when they try to get into contact with me to apologize," Sunset turned to face the boy. "Luna told me that you don't have friends, only acquaintances. I find that hard to believe, since Pinkie's friends with everybody." Sunset remarked.

Chance rolled his eyes, a frustrated expression formed on his face. "You're talking about little miss 'Life's a Party', right?" Sunset nodded her head yes. Chance sighed, seeming annoyed. "Figures. Look, don't get me wrong, I don't hate her, but I don't want a friend, let alone multiple. Besides, she knows everybody... everybody but me, and I personally prefer that. My life is what one would call, satanic happenings given sapience. In other simpler words, a literal living-"

"Hey, none of that language, young man! It may fly at home, and I let it slide during the car ride here, but that language will not be tolerated here, in this school, and in mine, or my sister's office! No one said anything to warrant that type of language to be used in-kind, so kindly watch what you say, mister Marsten." Luna sternly warned, leering in a sinister manner as she interrupted the conversation.

Chance's eyes went wide, surprised by her reaction, but soon frowned and groaned. "Snippy today, aren't ya," Luna frowned at that response. He looked back at Sunset. "Look lady, you get the point I'm trying to make. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, I'm not your parents, at least your parents love you," Sunset reacted in a surprised and almost worried manner. "I'd rather suffer in silence and let my problems sort themselves out any way they can be, rather than rely on people who don't know what my life is like behind closed doors, and claim that they know what it's like as they make half-baked assumptions," Chance looked down at the floor, contemplating what else he could say, till a question finally popped into his head. He looked back at Vice Principal Luna. "What's the common denominator between the both of us, anyway? Why are we even still here?" Chance asked, getting impatient.

Sunset thought about it, and aside from Chance's rather defensive attitude, she was curious about why she and this guy were even in the same vicinity. She couldn't tell why though, but she knew he had more than just walls up, there was something about him that she couldn't figure out. "Yeah, why exactly are we here, Vice Principal Luna?" Sunset asked, keeping her voice calm and collected.

Luna sighed. "It's clear that both of you have no, as mister Marsten would put it, an 'escape', to your situations. Miss Shimmer, you'll still see your friends around town, and sure, it's easy to manage if you're dealing with one or two of them at a time, just making sure you can avoid them, but then it might become a hinderance later on, it could drive you mad without a proper way to comprehend these emotions, or drive you to do something you'll regret," Sunset leaned back in her chair, letting Luna's words ricochet in her head for a moment.

Luna's attention shifted focus on Chance, and she sighed. He tensed up, unsure of what she was about to say. "Mister Marsten, there's not enough words in every iteration of the dictionary that can describe what you have felt or experienced, for what must've been a long time," He raised an eyebrow, almost surprised by her immediate bluntness. "Your relationship with your family, or lack of one, is so unstable, I'm afraid the slightest touch of improvement could cause it to explode like an atom bomb. You're trapped, trapped in what, I couldn't begin to tell you, but here's what I can tell you," Chance raised his eyebrow higher, not objecting to everything the Vice Principal has stated, but at the same time, wondered where she was going. "To answer your question, Mister Marsten. You, like Miss Shimmer, are trapped. Sure, there's different ways to describe how different your traps are, but a trap is a trap, and you both clearly need a permanent escape, to reflect on your respective situations, maybe share perspectives to get another view. So, I have a proposition for you both." Luna explained.

Chance and Sunset looked at each other, uncertain of what exactly she was about to propose. Luna cleared her throat and showed a small map of the United States. She then displayed a photo of a motorhome. It was painted black and purple, with accents of gold paint and glittering stars dotted everywhere. "I want to take you both on a road trip. A trip across the world, getting far away from the chaos of Canterlot City, as well as getting you both as far away from your problems as possible, for the summer, at least." Luna offered.

The two looked at each other, confused. "Okay, now I know this has to be some kind of joke. Why us? She has a problem with her friends, and I have a problem that's been unresolved since two-thousand-seven, and things haven't gotten any better, and I know what comes next if it's interfered with." Chance remarked.

Luna contemplated and chose her words carefully. "Well, since this is the second to last year of schooling, and this town has been through so much already. From magic to superheroes, a bit of normalcy would be appreciated, no? Need I remind you, it'll be a great way for you both to expand your horizons. See the sights, experience things that could benefit you in the future, that sort of thing." Luna explained.

The pair of them seemed skeptical, but Chance was more-so. "How about we stop being cookie cutter about this, and you tell us what the catch to this offer is. Nothing like this seems like it'd come out of the goodness of your heart, like you keep implying it is." Chance suggested, suspicious of Luna's words.

Luna simply nodded her head. "Believe me, I'd take great joy in knowing that this could help you, but you're half-right. This isn't a standard-issue trip, you see. I recently came into possession of an RV from a kind man over in the south. Said it reminded him too much of the past, it belonged to an old friend he rarely ever saw before he passed, and wished for me to take it off his hands and give it one more round across the country. Since summer vacation is a week from now, and Celestia nor Cadance wanted to go with me, so I figured it'd make for a great way to get to know two of my most unique students. Sunset, you had a rocky start and a bit of a mean streak, but you came around and became the soul of this school, and you've done pretty well with your grades. Chance, you don't have any friends, and your home life has left you in pieces, yet you've made it this far. By staying and hearing me out on my proposition, you proved to me that there is potential to save you, and this trip might do just that." Luna explained.

Chance rolled his eyes. "Well, I just had to ask if there's catch, but it wasn't what I was expecting... maybe part of it was expected, but still. As long as you don't expect me to get in my feelings, then I suppose I could use a lift back to my place so I can pack a travel bag. I can at least make the excuse and say that it's for my second trip to Camp Everfree," Chance turned his attention to Sunset, who seemed to really think about the offer. "What do you think? You gonna go on this road trip, or is it just gonna be me and the VP for the whole summer?" Chance inquired.

Sunset fixed her attention on the boy next to her, then back at Luna. She took a deep breath, and slowly let it all out, letting a smile form on her face. "I'm more than honored to go on a cross-country road trip! I'd love to go, It'd be great to see the sights, and to get out of Canterlot City for the summer! Besides, anything that happens on this trip, it will be a learning experience. For one of us, or for all of us." Sunset affirmed.

Chance let a small smile form on his face before it disappeared. Luna seemed content with their answers, and looked at the clock. An hour has nearly passed, and the buses are still out front. "Well, those are some exceptional answers, but it's time for us to go, can't keep them waiting forever, one more thing before we make haste to the RV," Chance and Sunset got up and went to the door, but kept their eyes on Luna. "When we get to Camp Everfree, why don't you two try to get to know each other better, and maybe think more about why you made the choice to accept my offer with more diligence? After all, you don't wanna rush into something you may or may not regret later on." Luna cryptically stated.

Chance felt as if his eyebrow couldn't raise any higher than it already was, yet he was still feeling skeptic, but knew his choice was clear. Luna smiled and motioned for the two to pick up the pace, and the pair already knew something about their choice. For Chance, this trip meant he could finally get away from the irresponsible adults in that crack den he had to call a house, even if it was just for the summer, and that was a feeling of liberation he had never felt before, and he grasped it. Although for Sunset, she didn't express it, but she did feel uncertain about her choice. While she does love her friends to bits, and is thankful to have gotten so far with her second chance, after the incident of the fall formal, she couldn't help but feel a sense of worry. Either struggle to avoid her friends, or spend the summer with the Vice Principal and a classmate she knew nothing about.

As the three of them left the office, the lights to it were out, and the door was locked. Soon enough, the three of them jogged down the hall and made their way to the front entrance of the building, running out of the doors as they followed Luna to her car as the buses soon departed.

[Sunset Shimmer's Apartment]

Luna's car came to a stop, and as Sunset exited the vehicle, Chance got out as well, seeming incredibly confused. To his recollection, Sunset was an exchange student from a part of the world that was in Scandinavia, specifically a village that was more Norse, but if that was the case, then the choice to live in a garbage-rate apartment was just baffling to him. 'An exchange student lives in a trashy apartment. That speaks volumes about our country, and they aren't particularly positive.' Chance thought to himself, a pitiful expression forming on his face.

Sunset soon left the apartment and now carried not just a different backpack, but a duffle bag, as well. Chance was surprised, but more confused than ever. "Hey, you okay? You look like you saw something that wasn't supposed to exist." Sunset spoke up, snapping her fingers in front of Chance's face.

Chance finally snapped back to reality and just shrugged. "I'm just surprised an exchange student would willingly choose to live in a bad apartment. Almost makes me appreciate the literal drug den my home has become. Almost." Chance remarked with a wry smirk.

Sunset chuckled, which threw Chance for a loop, surprising him. "If you think the outside's bad, just imagine how tidy it actually is on the inside. Besides, I'm sure your place is fine." Sunset remarked with a smile.

Chance frowned, watching the trunk of the car open up. "Trust me, I wasn't exaggerating, but hey, whatever makes you happy." Chance remarked, getting back inside the car as Sunset packed her bags into the trunk.

As Sunset got back into the car, Luna started the car and drove down the road, leaving Sunset's apartment behind them. Sunset looked back at Chance, smiling. "I get the feeling you don't like your home. Why's that?" Sunset asked.

Chance gave Sunset a deadpanned expression. "Oh, you'll see. If the outside looks like a mess, just imagine how much worse it is on the inside. I swear on my life, my room and the bathroom are the only clean rooms in that house." Chance explained.

Sunset seemed confused, but figured it couldn't've been as bad as he was letting on.

[Marsten Residence]

After a couple minutes of navigating the streets and sitting in silence, the car finally pulled up to a very disheveled home. It had a couple windows boarded up, covered by curtains, or straight up have holes in the glass. Cans and bottles littered the lawn, and Chance exited the vehicle. "Okay, here's how it's gonna go down. You two keep Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Drunk busy at the front door. I'll go around the back, open my window, grab my bag, and be out before they ever knew I was here." Chance suggested.

Luna and Sunset looked at each other, then back at Chance, who seemed pretty dead-set on that chain of events. They were less amused, and more-so concerned that he thought that was a normal plan. "You make it sound like we're helping you rob the place, and are you talking about your parents? I guess you either hate them, or love them. It's clear which one you picked." Sunset stated, her concern starting to grow.

Chance smirked. "They rigged the vote against them, so they're both Tweedle Dumb." Chance remarked.

Luna exited the vehicle. "Miss Shimmer, I'd like to request that you stay in the car, and I'll talk with mister Marsten about how to go forward." Luna stated. She closed the door, and the two of them walked to the front door.

As the pair got to the front, Chance immediately tried to run and go to his bedroom window, but soon found that he was stuck in place, with his hand being held by Luna's. "What are you doing?" Luna asked.

Chance's eye twitched. "I was gonna go to my bedroom window, as I initially planned," Chance held up the hand that was clasped with his Vice Principal's. "What are you doing?!" Chance was a bit irate that his plan wasn't working as he hoped, and more so embarrassed that the vice principal was holding his hand, with a surprisingly strong and firm, yet very gentle grip, keeping him from running and stuck at the front door. So embarrassed, that his face was turning red. "Don't you think this is a bit much, what do you want from me?" Chance asked.

Luna turned towards the boy and simply put her other hand on his shoulder. "I want you to relax, mister Marsten. I get that this isn't easy for you, it wouldn't be easy for anyone in your position, but with me by your side, I can at least assure you that this won't be as bad as you're making it out to be. It will certainly help keep the police from getting involved because they'd suspect that I kidnapped you." Luna explained.

Chance was going to give her a rebuttal, until the front door opened, revealing a pale caucasian lady with messy bleach blonde hair, in a stained crop top and sweats. Chance looked disgusted and disappointed, and Luna was more so disgusted, but faked a smile. "Hello, miss Marsten, are you well?" Luna asked.

The woman looked at Luna for a moment, then at the boy beside her. "Hey, I was wonderin' where you went. Got ready for school and left without as much as a good morning! How's my favorite son?" The woman smiled as she pulled Chance into a hug, one that he did not reciprocate.

Chance groaned. "I'm your only child, Jean," Chance broke free of the hug and stared the woman down, her expression seeming more confused. "I just wanted to come by and get my bag. I'm taking another week-long trip to Camp Everfree, and after that, I might not be around for a while, most likely because you know why I don't like it here." Chance remarked, pointing towards an unconscious man who was shirtless and unconscious on the kitchen floor.

Luna gasped and covered her eyes and Chance just looked more disgusted than he already did, all while Jean simply chuckled innocently. "Don't you worry about him, he'll be fine, he just had one Merlot too many. I'll need some confirmation on why you won't be here after your trip, but I suppose every baby bird has to leave the nest at one point," Jean kissed Chance's cheek, something that made him look repulsed as he moved inside and went directly to his room, taking a napkin off the counter and wiping his face furiously. Jean smiled nonchalantly.

Luna raised an eyebrow at her response, but shook her head. "Before you ask, he's not in any trouble. He's just been through a lot, and needs time to recuperate. I offered him a spot on a road trip, something to do after the 2nd Camp Everfree trip, so he can better himself. I have another student who was given the same offer, and hopefully it'll be beneficial to them both." Luna explained.

Jean nodded. "As long as he's out of the house, then do what you must. He's clearly not happy here, not that I blame him... just wish he knew how to fake it, for his sake." Jean said in a dismissive manner, gesturing to the unconscious Moonshine, still unconscious on the ground.

Luna seemed a bit concerned about the state of the home, but if Chance was to be believed that his room and the bathroom were the only clean rooms in the house, Luna shuddered to imagine that this was the same environment a ten year-old boy was being raised in.

She felt her blood boil, and simply took a deep breath. 'How did either of them think it was a good idea to raise a child in these conditions? No wonder Chance ended up the way he is, now. The sooner we leave here, the better. Whether it's on the open road, or Camp Everfree, anywhere is better than this.' Luna thought to herself, trying to ease her tension.

Chance went into his room and found the bag he was looking for. A duffle bag with a camo pattern, his dad's old school bag. Chance held the bag close to him, feeling his hands shake and tremble.

He flicked the light switch on, illuminating the room in a shining light. There was barely anything in the room, other than a desk, a couple shelves collecting dust, a bedside shelf, a lamp, and a bed.

Chance looked in the drawer of his bedside shelf, noticing the same thickly-packed envelope he received from the same man that broke the news about his father on his tenth birthday. He still hadn't opened it, but figured now was as good a time to.

Chance sat on his bed and opened the envelope, seeing a letter, as well as an old photo. He carefully unfolded the letter and set the photo on his lap, prepared to read whatever was written.

"To my only Son, my pride and joy;

Hey Chance, I hope you're doing alright. Happy 10th birthday, buddy! Uh... I don't know how to tell you this, but if you got this letter, it means I'm not comin' home, plain and simple. I know it must sting, I already missed three of your birthdays already, and now I'm gonna miss the rest of them? Believe me, I get it. My old man wasn't there for me when I was your age, but I was able to handle myself... but I know you're more sensitive at such a young age, and leaving on Christmas tore us both up.

I didn't want to leave, you know? The world needed my help, and as much as I wanted to stay, to raise you right and prepare you for the world, I couldn't turn my back on the world, like my father turned his back on me, but I know you can handle yourself. You're a smart kid, you're kind, you're caring, you're selfless, you're my pride and joy, and I couldn't be more proud. I'll always be with you, son. In spirit, in your heart, and in your head.

...

On the off-chance that you're reading this in the future, like three, maybe five years after I'm gone, however, let me give you some advice. If your mom's givin' you grief that I'm not around, that ain't your fault. It's mine.

If anyone starts to thinkin' they can mess with people whenever they want, just because they think they're better, you gotta stand up for the people that can't stand up for themselves. If you find yourself in this position, then you have to fight back.

Just keep pushing forward, I'll always be with you."

XOXO

-Dad

Chance couldn't see properly, due to all the tears that had formed in his eyes. He tried to pull himself together, he tried so hard to stay strong, but he felt like everything inside him was collapsing. The tears cascaded down his chin, and Chance grabbed one of his pillows, jamming his face deep into it as he let out a muffled, but still incredibly loud auditory sound of distress and anguish.

He dried his tears and continued to scream into the pillow. He knew it wasn't healthy to bottle up his emotions, especially if they were this volatile, but he blames that on his father's supposed friend. 'Some friend he turned out to be,' Chance lifted his face from the pillow, and stared at his father's dog tag. It sat on his desk, glistening in the light that pushed past his curtains. 'He sleeps with his friend's wife, becomes a junkie, turns my mother into a junkie, not that she was doing a good job as a mother anyway when dad passed,' Chance examined the dog tag carefully, examining it with such delicate care, as if he knew that one wrong move, would besmirch and eradicate it forever. 'Then we move to some magical city, and life hasn't gotten any better! They're still junkies, dad's still dead, I'm still miserable and lost, and by this point, I'm willing to make a deal with the devil and his merry band of lawyers, why not, I've run out of solutions!' Chance thought.

He felt his blood boiling, he wanted to grip the dog tag in his hands with such a fierce and unrestrained tenacity, yet he still carefully put the dog tag back where it was on the desk. He swiftly punched the wall, a loud crack echoed out as a damaged spot the size of Chance's fist was now present on the dimly lit baby blue wall. Chance backed away, his anger, his anguish, it all started to overflow, and the tears came back in full-swing.

Chance collapsed to his knees, yet it felt like a hand was on his shoulder. It was large, it was firm, yet gentle and sympathetic in its touch. Chance silently sobbed into his hands, only to notice the picture he still had in his hand.

The picture was from Christmas, 2007. Chance went wide-eyed, seeing his father kneeling right by his bedside, he and his younger self were smiling, both of them wearing Christmas-themed pajamas. His dad wore a Santa hat, and his younger self wore an elf hat. Chance flipped the picture around, and saw writing on the back.

"Just keep pushing forward, buddy. I'll always be with you."

Chance got up, turning around to see who had witnessed his breakdown, only to be surprised. There was no one there, and despite his best efforts to look around for the individual, he did end up right back at his father's bag. He wiped his tears away, pocketed the letter, dog tag and picture, then took a few deep breaths, grabbing the bag's strap and going back towards his bedroom door, ready to leave.

After a moment or two of waiting, and hearing a sudden loud crack echo from the back of the house, Luna looked down the hall, seeing Chance sling a camo-patterned duffle bag over his shoulder. "Nice bag, mister Marsten. I almost forgot you were a military child, silly me." Luna commented with a smile. Chance let a brief smile twitch across his face as he nodded in silence.

Jean looked at the bag, only to be surprised. She knew whose bag that was, but before she could even say anything, let alone reach out to see the bag, Chance immediately walked back to the car, hiding his face behind his bag. Luna watched as Chance left in a huff, packing his bag into the trunk as he started to hesitate. He stared into the trunk of the car, only sneer and slam it shut, then returned to his seat in the car.

Jean looked tired, and despite the smile on her face, she seemed to reflect a sense of guilt. Luna sighed and shook Jean's hand. "Your son is in good hands, you don't need to worry. I promise you, he'll benefit from this." Luna reassured.

As Luna left the abysmal state of the home, seeing Chance stare at her from the backseat window, she definitely felt as if something else was amiss. As Luna got back into the driver's seat, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Luna looked back, seeing Chance put his arm back to his side. "Say I gave you the real reason why I accepted your offer, would I no longer be allowed on the road trip, or am I going either way?" Chance asked.

Luna saw Chance's eyes, they were a bit red, and the dried streaks on his face signified that he had been shedding tears. The smile he briefly had on his face seemed to be a bit more prevalent, but he immediately tried to hide it. Luna smiled and gave her answer. "You'd be more than welcome on the trip, if it's your choice to participate." Luna stated, starting the car up.

Chance leaned back in his seat, all while catching Sunset look at him. "Were you crying? I'm not gonna judge, but your eyes are a bit red." Sunset asked.

Chance rolled his eyes, straightening up as the car began to move. "So what if I did? It's healthy to cry, look it up. I did it for my benefit." Chance deflected, a hint of cheer in his tone of voice.

Sunset smiled coyly as she playfully nudged his arm. All the while, Luna looks at the rearview mirror, noticing Chance's attitude slowly start to change. Instead of being reclusive or reserved, he's at least making the effort to be a bit friendly.

Luna smiled. 'One step at a time.' Luna thought, a smile formed on her face as she focused her attention back to the road.

[Camp Everfree, Afternoon]

It had taken a few hours, but they finally managed to get to the camp. It looked a bit different from the last time they were there. For example, there wasn't a giant thorn dome keeping them trapped, and there was a lack of the woman who caused that to happen, via some magic rocks that were now in-possession of Sunset and her friends.

Chance thought about that for a moment, and figured he should get some context. As Chance walked with Luna and Sunset, he noticed a nervous and uncertain expression on Sunset's face. "Well, can't say I haven't seen myself make that expression before," Sunset looked in his direction, noticing him trying to look her in the eyes. "I've made that face numerous times, and that's when something's been eating at me. So, what's the tea?" Chance asked.

Sunset sighed. "It's nothing. I'm just not as excited to be at Camp Everfree this time." Sunset stated.

Chance nodded, as if he understood. "Yeah, last time, a crazy camp counselor transformed into Mother Nature's rebellious step-daughter, and nearly trapped us in a dome of thorns, can't say I don't blame ya for not bein' excited," Sunset chuckled slightly. "Hey, maybe if we're lucky, nothing like that will happen while we're here. One can hope, even if that hope is dismal, at best." Chance remarked, patting Sunset on the back.

Sunset smiled, and looked ahead, noticing a tan-skinned boy with curly brown hair approaching them, dressed in a red shirt and cargo shorts. "Hi there, I assume you two are Canterlot High students, correct?" He asked.

Chance and Sunset nodded, and he gave a thumbs up. "Great, you must be the late ones. We were told to not start until all students were present. We ran out of room for tents this year, since so many people decided to give Camp Everfree a second chance after the fundraiser last year, so you two will have to bunk with your principals for the week," He then proceeded to bow his head. "I apologize for the inconvenience, if there is any." the guy apologized.

Chance snickered at the guy's responses, only to be met by a sudden elbow to the side. Chance rubbed where he had been jabbed, noticing Sunset lowering her arm. 'Nice to know she takes no nonsense, but ow!' Chance thought. "No point in apologizing, it's no skin off my teeth. A place to sleep is a place to sleep. As long as it means I won't be mauled by bears or sleepwalkers, then I don't care where I have to sleep." Chance remarked, carrying his bag forward as he noticed a lot of the remnant thorns were still standing from the last incident.

Luna marched forward, guiding Chance towards the cabins as Sunset walks with the guy. "So, Timber, how're things with Twilight?" Sunset asked.

The guy, known as Timber, just simply shrugged. He seemed disappointed, but at the same time, kinda relieved. "We broke it off when she got here. I was concerned for her safety when magic stuff came around, she was insistent that she helped people rather than stand around doing nothing, she also wanted to go to a college outside of the state, and I wanted to go to a college that was still in Canterlot City, so it was obvious that things weren't gonna work out, but we decided to still be friends. We'll make it work, somehow." Timber explained.

Sunset nodded her head, still kinda surprised that the pair of them put a stop to their relationship, but was willing to respect their choices. "Any word from your sister?" Sunset asked.

Timber's face fell somber, like a pit had fallen into his stomach, and started to rot. "I haven't been getting letters back for three weeks, so that's concerning. I sure hope she's alright, and for what it's worth, I'm sorry she caused so much trouble for everyone. She wanted to keep our parents' legacy alive, and I did too, but we had very different ways of handling the situation. Hers was magic, which drove her insane, and mine was to open a gift shop, all proceeds go to preserving the wildlife of the Everfree Forest, as well as to the camp's general budget, until Filthy Rich stuck his hand in the beehive, and somehow I got stung for it. I guess both ideas ended up backfiring, who woulda guessed." Timber explained, a dry chuckle escaped his lips.

Sunset patted Timber's back and noticed a perky and very excitable girl heading their way. She had poofy chocolate brown hair, caramel skin, and was primarily dressed in her camp everfree uniform. Sunset grimaced, a frown forming on her face. "Uh, listen, do me a solid. Keep Pinkie, and the other girls away from me. We're not on good terms, and Pinkie's in denial. If you need me, I'll be at the cabin." Sunset remarked.

Before Timber could respond, Sunset bolted like a bat out of hell, and soon enough, the girl known as Pinkie, was within Timber's presence. "Heya, buddy-boy! Was Sunset with you? Was she still mad?" Pinkie asked.

Timber took a deep breath, and slowly let it escape him. "I'm pretty sure she wants her space. Though, I think she went over to the Archery targets, maybe check over there?" Timber inquired.

Pinkie nodded and sped off in the opposite direction of where Sunset went, and Timber sighed. "Something tells me it's gonna be a long week..." Timber told himself, looking at the cabin. Little did Timber know, someone had seen where Sunset went, and they were gonna make sure they got what they wanted.

[Outer Space]

Above Earth's atmosphere, the two ships continued their onslaught of a chase, until the smaller ship had taken a hit that slowed them down a fair bit. "Sir, their propulsion systems have been destroyed. They can no longer prolong the inevitable." The one-eyed creature announced.

The tall creature seemed pleased by this information, but was still pretty irate. "Prepare to board, and convert the crew while you're at it! I want the Omnitrix, this instant, and more capable hands on deck!" It demanded.

Before another word could be uttered, a sudden blast of light enveloped the screen, and burst into the room, blasting the large creature across with incredible force, as well as causing the one-eyed creatures to reel in pain and agony. The smaller ship had primed and fired numerous lasers at its enemy. It managed to pierce the control room, but the larger ship immediately retaliates, blasting the ship to pieces. Out of those pieces, two pods eject down into Earth's atmosphere, much to the unawareness of the larger enemy ship.

One contained a very precious piece of cargo, and the other was the ship's main pilot. The cargo pod seemed to drift more towards a very specific location, while the pilot's pod proceeds to crash in a very remote location, far from where the cargo pod would eventually land.