It was early morning, and Twilight was in her bed with Spike snoring beside her

Twilight tossed and turned as she spoke in her sleep. “No... It can't be...! It isn't true...!”

“Um, Twilight?” Flutteshy spoke behind her door, but Twilight was still asleep

But a knock at the door woke her up.

“Twilight! The bus for Camp Everfree leaves in ten minutes!” Rainbow called out

Twilight, upon hearing that, began to panic. “Oh, no-no-no-no-no!” She panicked as she puts on her glasses. “I can't believe I overslept!”

Twilight gets out of bed as the door opens, the other girls letting themselves in.

“Me neither.” Sunset said in agreement. “That's not like you.”

Alex and Tristen walk in as well. “You're usually up in time.” Alex added. “

“Don't you have a super-annoying alarm clock that goes AHN! AHN! AHN! AHN?!" Pinkie asked as curiously as she approached the bed before she lifted up a pillow to reveal an electronic clock that jumped about, emitting a loud buzzing again and again.

Sunset luckily shuts the alarm clock off with just a press of a button.

“I'm glad I don't own one of those things.” Tristen sighed out. “Otherwise, I'd blast it to pieces.”

“It's gonna be fine.” Sunset said reassuringly to Twilight. “We'll help you pack.”

The girls helped her pack while Spike began to pant excitedly.

As the girls packed for Twilight, Rarity fished out a dress for the prodigy.

Applejack sighs out with a roll of her eyes. “We're gonna be out in the woods.” Applejack said, gesturing to the gown. “When is she gonna need that?”

“If we were going to the moon,” Rarity began, “I'd insist she packed an evening gown. One never knows, darling.”

“Lemme just get changed.” Twilight said, walking towards her closet.

Tristen and Alex let themselves out to give Twilight some privacy to change.

But as Twilight was about to get changed, a pair of wings sprung up behind her. And sure enough, Midnight Sparkle was standing behind her.

“Midnight Sparkle?!”

Tristen and Alex looked to see Midnight as well. “Oh crap!” Tristen murmured in shock.

“How is this possible?” Twilight asked in disbelief and fear. “Aggregor absorbed you at the Friendship Games!”

“Regardless, I think Sunstone oughta give this chick a much-deserved ass whoopin'!” Tristen declared as he reached for his Omnitrix.

Midnight however was quick to intervene as she fired a laser blast at the device, making it beep profusely and sparkle with electricity.

She then began laughing maniacally, much to their surprise before they all saw the room start to fall apart into oblivion. And not too long afterwards, all of Twilight’s friends began vanishing as well.

Twilight, now all alone with Midnight, backed away out of terror, leaning up against the mirror while breathing heavily.

"Midnight Sparkle's a part of you!" Midnight declared, suddenly appearing within the mirror, trying to grasp the girl with her hand.

Twilight yelped in shock, managing to get away just in time. However, the reality around her had broken apart to the point where her bare feet were no longer touching the floor, as she floated in midair, surrounded by the space-like dimension with objects from her room strewn about.

"I'll always be there…" Midnight proclaimed as she loomed over Twilight, somehow increased in size. "Waiting in the darkest shadows of your mind! I'll be back, Twilight!”

As Twilight was fearful for her life, Midnight appeared behind her. "And this time, I won't stop 'til I have all the magic!"

And as Midnight finished, she suddenly merged with Twilight. Her wings, horn, and magic aura around her eyes appeared upon her shortly after.

No!" Twilight yelled, desperately trying to avoid turning to fight off Midnight. "STOP!"

“Twilight! Twilight! Wake up!”

Twilight opened her eyes, seeing that she was seated in a bus. She looks to her side to see Alex and Spike sitting next to her in worry, the former of which looking at her in worry.

“Are you alright?” Tristen asked from a seat across from Twilight’s. “You look like you were having one hell of a nightmare.”

Twilight laughed nervously before giving her response. "I'm fine…"

“You sure?” Tristen asked. “That didn't sound fine to me.”

“Yeah.” Twilight said dismissively. “Don't worry.”

Tristen wasn't so convinced, but he decided to not pry any further.

“We are gonna have so much fun!” Pinkie exclaimed with pure excitement. “We're gonna roast marshmallows and eat marshmallows and sleep on marshmallow pillows!”

Adagio snickered at Pinkie's enthusiasm. “I'm down for that!” Sonata added with as much excitement. “Especially that last part!”

“Probably not gonna do that.” Rainbow added.

“Maybe you're not.” Pinkie replied, holding up a large bag full of colored marshmallows before snuggling it.

Alex heard the Omnitrix beeping, making him look down at the device. And to his perplexity, he saw the faceplate flashes from green to purple while still beeping.

“The hell?” Tristen asked.

Sunset too noticed the strange occurrence with the Omnitrix. “What's up with the watch?” Twilight, Alex, and Spike look over to see the Omnitrix acting weirdly as well.

“Must be a glitch or something.” Tristen replied with a shrug.

"Attention, students.” Celestia called out, grabbing everyone's attention. "We're almost there. But before we arrive, we just wanted to say how proud we are of you for raising enough money to go on this class field trip.”

"When we were your age," Luna added, "we made some of our favorite memories in these woods, and we're sure you will, too.”

"Now who's excited for Camp Everfree?!" Celestia asked the crowd of students.

The crowd of students began to cheer out in response. However, Twilight was a little less enthusiastic as she was still recovering from her nightmare.

After a long bus ride, they had finally reached their destination. As everyone was getting off the bus and getting their bags, our group were looking around.

“Isn't Camp Everfree just beautiful?” Fluttershy asked, examining the camp in awe. “I can't wait until we have our first nature walk.”

“I'm looking forward to taking a nice dip.” Alex said with a smirk.

“I'm just lookin' forward to roughin' it.” Applejack added. “I'm gonna make my own shelter, forage for food…

“Uh, you know they provide us with food and tents, right?” Rainbow asked the country girl.

“Yup!” Applejack replied. “Still gonna forage though.”

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

“I'll say!” Pinkie added. “We fought two evil sirens who tried to hypnotize everybody with their singing, one ridiculously competitive rival school, an alien villain that can absorb the powers of others, and two demon friends!”

“Uh, heh-heh, no offense.” Pinkie chuckled nervously.

“None taken.” Sunset replied as she looked at Twilight. “You’ll get used to it.”

“Does that happen a lot?” Alex asked.

“Yeah.” Adagio replied. “Though she's not wrong.”

“Yep. Canterlot High has become a regular magic magnet.” Applejack replied. “Gonna be nice gettin' away to a place where we don't have to worry about that kinda stuff.”

“Agreeable.” Adagio replied with a nod. “Definitely looking forward to some down time.”

Twilight said nothing before glancing over to the Omnitrix, noticing that it's still acting funny. “Uh… Tristen?”

Tristen looks towards her, then looks down at the Omnitrix. “Ah. Still acting up, huh?”

Cortana manifested on the Omnitrix faceplate, looking down at the device she inhabits with a puzzled expression. “There doesn't seem to be anything wrong internally.”

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked.

“Well, as soon as the Omnitrix started acting up, I checked through its system and programming.” Cortana elaborated. “And from what I was able to gather, I couldn't find anything wrong. No glitches, no bugs, nothing.”

“So, what?” Applejack pondered. “There's something externally interferin’ with the watch?”

Cortana nods. “Possibly.” Cortana replied with a shrug. “What it is though, I'm not exactly sure.”

As Tristen pondered, he looked off to his right. And sure enough, deep into the forest, he sees a pair of glowing green eyes piercing through the darkness.

Tristen backed up a bit in shock upon seeing this. “Wh-Whoa!”

“What?” Sunset asked.

“There's something out-” Tristen looks back to the forest where he saw the eyes only to find nothing. “Wh-What the… but…”

“What is it, darling?” Rarity asked with confusion.

Tristen tried to explain, but the sound of microphone feedback pierced the air. “GAH! SON OF A BITCH!” Tristen yelled out in pain as he and the others immediately covered their ears.

Hey, everyone! If you could start heading to the courtyard, that'd be rad! It's time to start the best week of camp ever!

(Later)

Everyone, teachers, and students alike, had gathered at the center of the campgrounds, where at a gazebo in the area, there were two people who they looked over at.

One was a boy with short, forest green hair that was a bit messy, and brownish skin. He wore a black and grey cap over his head, a red t-shirt with the Camp Everfree logo upon it, and green cargo shorts.

The other was a girl with hot pink skin, freckled cheeks, and long maroon hair with braids and pink streaks. She wore a yellow blouse and jean shorts. She also had a crystal necklace around her neck and along with a floral crown upon her head.

"Hi, everyone!" the girl greeted, her voice boomed through the microphone. "Welcome to Camp Everfree! I'm Gloriosa Daisy, your camp director! Think of me as your friendly camp and nature guide." She then gestured to the boy next to her. "And this is my brother, Timber Spruce!"

Timber grabs the microphone from his sister. "Think of me as that awesome guy
who should always be invited to fun things."

“We aim to please." Glorious added. “So, before we hand out our tent assignments, we'd like to hear from all of you, you're free to do whatever you like here!”

As Gloriosa spoke to the crowd of students, Tristen was looking towards Gloriosa. His eyes wide as a blush graced his face. “Wow….” Tristen mumbled to himself as a soft smile formed on his lips.

“Uh, except hike near the rock quarry." Timber added. “That's off limits.”

"Yes…" Gloriosa agreed, "but otherwise, your options are wide open. So what activities will make this the very best week of your lives ever?"

"Ooh! Rock climbing!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"Done!" Gloriosa responded.

"Archery!" Rainbow added.

"Of course!" Gloriosa responded yet again.

As Rainbow was asking suggestions for activities, Tristen still eyed Gloriosa, completely zoning out.

"Tristen? Psst! Tristen!”

Tristen snapped out of his thoughts and looked down to see Spike. “Y-Yes Spike?” Tristen whispered to the dog.

“You ok?” Spike asked while pointing his paw at Tristen. “Your cheeks are a little red.”

Tristen, blinking rapidly, placed a hand on his cheeks. “Oh… uh, yeah. I'm good.”

"So if there's anything you'd like to do," Gloriosa continued. "Anything you need, just ask.”

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

"The camp gift!" Gloriosa recalled excitedly, "Of course!" she exclaimed.

"Really?" Timber whispered to her sarcastically.

"Yes, really." Gloriosa replied, placing her hand atop the microphone to prevent anyone from hearing their conversation, forcing a small smile across her lips.

"Well, I just thought…” Timber continued.

"Then you thought wrong!" she interjected defiantly, causing him to frown deeply, while she glared at him.

Tristen noticed how strangely the two were acting towards one another, but then he heard a rustling noise. Curious, he looks over to see a bush rustling, suddenly feeling the sense that something is off. But that feeling was brushed aside when a squirrel emerged from the bushes and scurried off, making Tristen sigh in relief.

“Ah, what was I worried about?” Tristen asked himself with a faint chuckle.

"Every year, campers work together to create something useful." Gloriosa told everyone. "A gift for future campers. Working toward this common goal is key to forming the strong bonds that will last well beyond your time here at camp! Which is why it's so important…" She muttered the last bit angrily to Timber.

"This gazebo was a gift from last year's group." Gloriosa continued as she pointed upwards, looking up at the ceiling of the structure they stood upon, "Oh, oh, oh, and the totem pole and the sundial were also made by campers!"

"The sundial was our year's gift!" Celestia told her students.

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

"Uh huh." Gloriosa chuckled, "You all seem like a really amazing group. So I'm certain you'll come up with something inspiring to leave behind."

"Speaking of leaving things behind," Timber chimed in, "now's the time when we give out tent assignments. So you can leave your heavy bags behind.”

"Uh, girls will be getting their assignments from Timber." Gloriosa added. "Guys, you're with me."

And with that, the boys all gathered around near Gloriosa while the girls did the same with Timber.

Tristen heard the sound of a stick breaking, making him look off towards the woods. There, he saw a silhouette darting through the forest, but he could hardly make out any details.

“The hell?” Tristen asked himself.

“What is it?” Flash whispered to him.

“I think I saw something.” Tristen whispered back.

“Probably just an animal.” Sandalwood replied with a shrug.

“Yeah, maybe.” Tristen whispered back.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes, can I…” Tristen looked ahead, and his face immediately went red upon locking eyes with Gloriosa. And Gloriosa too has a faint redness gracing her cheeks too. Not wanting to look like an idiot, Tristen cleared his throat. “Sorry, you say something?”

Gloriosa blinked rapidly, clearing her throat as well. “Oh… uh, sorry. I kinda zoned out.” Gloriosa said before holding a sack towards him.

Tristen looked at the sac but then noticed there were cards inside of it. Reaching his hand I to the sac, he pulled out a card with a red oval-shaped gemstone. “Garnet, huh?” Tristen asked, looking towards Gloriosa. “What's the Garnet for?”

“It's what tent you'll be staying in, of course.” Gloriosa replied with her blush returning a little. “It's also one of my favorite stones.”

“Funny, it just so happens to be my birthstone.” Tristen replied sheepishly. “Fun fact: Garnet represents courage and positive thinking?”

Gloriosa nods in response. “It also symbolizes passion, friendship, health, love, strong feelings and emotions.”

Tristen and Gloriosa said nothing else, they didn't do anything either. They just stood and stared at each other before Gloriosa snapped out of her stupor. “S-Sorry… I've got to tend to the other campers. Just call if you need anything.”

Gloriosa walks to another one of the boys while Tristen watches her. “Y-Yeah. Will do…”

Tristen then looks to his right to see Celestia and Luna standing beside him, both of them having knowing smiles. “What?” Tristen asked.

“Oh nothing.” Celestia said while Luna lightly giggled. “Glad to know you picked the second-best tent, by the way.”

Tristen was surprised as he looked at the card he held. “For real?” Tristen examines the card he held.

“Look like you and I are bunkin’, bro.” Alex said as he held a card with a Garnet on it.

Tristen smirked in reply. “Aw yeah, man!” Tristen and Alex then shared fist bump.

The sound of a whistle blowing took the two by surprise before they looked over to see Gloriosa approaching them.

"Okay, everyone," Gloriosa began as she walked to the girls. "Go get settled in. We'll be meeting at the docks in fifteen minutes to go over some camp safety rules! Lemme know if you need anything!"

All of a sudden, the sound of a door opening caught her attention as she looked over to see a well-dressed man with combed and gelled black hair, and brown skin as he trotted over from his limousine to the camp director, who frowned deeply.

"I need somethin'," the man said, walking over to him, while the others watched on nervously.

"Filthy Rich!" Gloriosa said with feigned excitement as she put her left arm around his right one. "So nice to see you." she grumbled, walking him back to the long vehicle before shoving him towards it, much to his surprise as he gnashed his teeth together. "What are you doing here?!" She whispered angrily. "Camp is just getting started!"

"Just takin' in the scenery, Gloriosa Daisy," The man named Filthy Rich replied. "It's so... hmm... relaxin'."

"Well, you can look around when camp is over!" she stated angrily, "Now, if you don't mind…"

***

Deep in the forest, something was watching the scene between Gloriosa and Filthy Rich. Or rather, someone.

Whoever the person was, they had a blowpipe in one hand, and what looked like a needle in the other. Upon leading the needle into the pipe, the figure placed the pipe near their lips.

***

As Filthy Rich and Gloriosa stared each other down, Tristen had a bad feeling towards the former. Upon seeing a stick on the ground, he walks over to it and picks it up, then with a glare towards Filthy Rich, he snaps it in half. Both Filthy Rich and Gloriosa look towards him in response.

"Oh, don't mind me. Just picking up a few sticks for the fire." Tristen said with a smirk. "Gotta be careful though. Wouldn't want them up in certain places." Tristen glanced towards Filthy Rich while emphasizing his statement by forming his index and thumb into a ring-shape before placing it on the tip of the stick and sliding it halfway down the base. "If you know what I'm saying, bud.”

"Ooooohh.." Alex, Flash, and DJ PON-3 muttered in slight shock.

"Oh boy." Sunset uttered in concern, knowing that trouble was gonna happen.

"Beg your pardon, son?" Filthy Rich asked in mild anger. "I'm a little deaf in this ear! Care to speak up?"

"You sure it ain't a mosquito near ya?" Tristen retorted with a smirk. "I hear those disease spreading bloodsuckers are attracted to cologne.” Tristen continued as he pointed one of the broken sticks at Filthy Rich. “Or maybe it's just a fly. After all, those things know a turd when they see one.”

Filthy Rich was slowly losing his cool while Gloriosa watched on in concern. But suddenly, the affluent man felt a sharp pain on his right shoulder. “Ow! What in tarnation?!” Filthy Rich reached behind his shoulder to try and grab at what struck him.

Gloriosa noticed the needle, and with a panicked expression, quickly pulled the needle out and hid it behind her in quick succession. “Look, why don't you come back another time, hm.” Gloriosa said with a nervous smile.

Filthy Rich, with a sneer, checks a gold watch upon his right wrist, smirking before turning his attention back onto Gloriosa. "Fine."

And with that, Filthy Rich gets into the limo he arrived in before closing the door. And the limo then drives off into the distance, leaving the site.

With the affluent man gone, Tristen walked towards Gloriosa. “You know that overstuffed pig in men's clothes?”

“Tristen!” Fluttershy scolded.

"Oh him?” Gloriosa asked a bit apprehensively. “Yes, that's Filthy Rich. He's… uh, an alumni of the camp." Tristen furrowed an eyebrow at that. "He likes to check on his old stomping grounds every now and again. But enough about him." She turns her attention to the girls. "Find your tents and put away your things. We've got the best week of camp ever to begin!"

Gloriosa then looks back towards Tristen. “And you,” Gloriosa said, casting a nervous look towards him. “As much as I appreciate you stepping in, just please don't stir Filthy Rich up, ok? Trust me, he's not somebody you want to tango with.”

Tristen responds to that with a shrug. “No promises.”

Gloriosa looks ahead, spotting a silhouette perched up on a tree. "Uh… I've got something to take care of real quick!" Gloriosa darted off, making Tristen and the girls look on with confused expressions.

Deep in the forest, a figure lands in the ground after dropping from his perch.

It was a man with a fair complexion, pointed ears, short dark brown hair that was unkempt, and eyes with black sclerae with green irises. He has protrusions from his head that look like branches of a tree styled as curved horns. His attire consists of an open brown coat with a raised green collar, a pair of shoulder pauldrons that looked like they were made from alligator skin, a leaf-like pendant hanging from his pauldrons, a brown belt, a pair of green trousers, and a pair of black buckled boots.

“Don't think I didn't see that!”

The man looks over his shoulder to see someone glaring at him. The person in question resembles a woman with a pale complexion, pointed ears, emerald-green eyes, red hair that touches the ground, and dressed in a short gown made of leaves with a single strap over her left shoulder.

“Don't even start with me!” The man replied with a scoff. “I was just doing what was necessary to ward that vermin off!”

"Leshy!” Gloriosa cried out angrily as she approached him. “Care to explain what this is?!” Gloriosa demanded, holding up the cactus needle.

“It's a cactus needle.” The man replied nonchalantly.

“I know it's a cactus needle!” Gloriosa declared angrily. “You better hope that thing wasn't laced with poison, because I do not want a murder on my hands!”

“I was tempted to use a poisoned needle, but I decided to go for a tranquilizer instead.” The man named Leshy replied nonchalantly, further fueling Gloriosa’s rage. “Its effects would have kicked in by now had you not removed it.”

“A tranquilizer?!” Gloriosa repeated in rage. “Are you trying to make us lose this camp?!”

“Leshy, our purpose is to protect the camp!” The red-haired woman added, just as enraged.

“That's exactly what I was doing, Willow.” Leshy replied. “Swine like him are nothing but a threat to this sanctuary. I was just assessing the threat.”

“You just let me deal with Filthy Rich, Leshy!” Gloriosa declared. “I do not want this discussion again! I've already got enough to worry about as it is!”

With that, Gloriosa walked off while Leshy and Willow watched.

“That was too extreme.” Willow said to Leshy. “You are lucky he didn't spot you!”

“I was doing what we are tasked to do, Willow.” Leshy declared in his defense. “Protect Camp Everfree at all costs.”

“While being discreet and with humane methods!” Willow snapped back. “Only when it is necessary do we intervene! And that was not necessary!”

Leshy only glared at Willow in response. “I did not appreciate how that avaricious swine spoke down to Gloriosa!” Leshy fired back. “I'm done arguing about this, Willow!”

Leshy then walks off while Willow watches, the red-headed woman pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. “I don't know what has become of you brother.” Willow muttered to herself.

Author's Note

Here are images of Leshy and Willow, in case you guys need visuals. I own none of these images, btw.

Leshy
Art by MelissaFindley

Willow
Art by Nick Swift