//------------------------------// // Embrace the Magic // Story: Turtles of Everfree // by Wildcard25 //------------------------------// That night in the Sapphire tent, Sunset woke up and looked over seeing Twilight wasn't in bed. Even Spike was missing, "Twilight?" she asked, before peeking her head out seeing Twilight was fully dressed with her backpack on hurrying off with Spike in tow, "Twilight!" she quickly got changed, "Where is she going?" she hurried off. As she pursued her friend the turtles were running at her side, "You saw Twilight too?" she asked. "Saw it coming a mile away." Raph replied. "Come on!" Leo ordered, as they hurried after her. As Twilight made her way down the path, the turtles landed in front of her cutting her off, "Going somewhere, Twilight?" Raph asked. "Yeah. Little late for a nature walk." Mikey added. "Guys, I..." "Twilight!" Sunset called out, before stopping, "What are you doing out here?" "We're... we're meeting a cab to take us home." she explained nervously. "And you're leaving without telling anyone, why?" Donnie asked. Spike answered, "She'd thought you'd talk her out of it." "And we would," Leo replied, "Twilight, did you not listen to a word I have said to you?" "That was then, Leo. But now thing's are worse." Twilight explained. Sunset laid a hand on her friend's arm, "Twilight, you can't leave." Sunset suddenly froze as she could hear Twilight. "You don't think it was the spirit, do you?!" Pinkie asked. "No, it was me." Twilight said to herself. "I think it's Midnight Sparkle. She's still part of me. I can feel it. And I think her magic is infecting my friends." she voiced her worries. Sunset snapped out of it and spoke, "Twilight, there's no Midnight Sparkle. There's only you." The turtles were confused, as was Twilight, "How'd you know what I was thinking?" "When I touched your hand, I could see things. I could understand why you were leaving," Sunset suddenly gasped, "My new magic...! This is my new magic! This is incredible!" "This is awesome!" Mikey cheered with her, "Do me!" she made her lay a hand on his head and Sunset could see all that was in Mikey's mind, which was exactly what the turtles saw that time they had to go into his head. When Sunset woke up, she was in shock, "You saw it, huh?" Raph asked. "I shouldn't be surprised, but I am." Sunset said in shock. "You should be. Mind reading is so awesome!" Mikey cheered. "No, it's not! I'm infecting you now!" Twilight told Sunset in worry. "Way to be a buzzkill, Twilight." Mikey sighed. "Mikey's right," Sunset agreed, "You have to stop looking at this as a bad thing." "Easy for you to say. Magic turned you into something beautiful. The last time I tried to use it, it turned me into a monster. I'm just so afraid it's gonna happen again." "It's ok to be afraid, Twilight." Leo comforted her. "Yeah, we've all dealt with fear before." Donnie added. "Especially Raph." Mikey motioned to him, only to get shoved aside by said turtle who spoke. "Point being you can't let fear hold you back." Sunset spoke "And you're right. Last time I turned into something amazing, but I've let magic turn me into a monster, too. So if anyone understands what you're going through, it's me. I can help you, Twilight. And the rest of our friends can be there for you, too. But not if you run away." "Sunset Shimmer is correct," Leo confirmed, "We're all in this together as always." Twilight reluctantly answered, "I'll stay. But I still don't think it's a good idea for me to be near the rest of our friends right now. Not until we know why this is happening." "Understood." Sunset replied. "We won't force you." Leo promised, until they heard rustling around them. "What was that?!" Sunset gasped, as the turtles jumped to the bushes for safety precautions while ready to draw their weapons. When they saw an ax come up, the girls screamed. The turtles were about to jump out and attack only to hear a third scream come from Timber who was carrying the ax. When the group calmed down, Timber spoke to the two, "Wait, Twilight?" "Timber? I'm so glad it's just you!" she said in relief, before becoming curious, "Wait, what are you doing out here?" "With an ax?" Sunset asked curiously. "I was chopping down firewood." "In the middle of the night?" Sunset asked, as the turtles were suspicious. "We needed more for tomorrow night's campfire. And if I didn't take care of it tonight, it would be one more thing Gloriosa would add to her list," she mimicked her sister, "I've got this!" Twilight chuckled, "What about you two? Why are you hanging out in the woods in the middle of the night?" Sunset quickly explained, "Oh! I was sleepwalking. Twilight found me and was bringing me back to camp." Twilight nodded. "Come on. I'll walk you guys back. I'll protect you from..." he spoke spookily, "Gaea Everfree! Everfree! Everfree!" in the bushes Mikey clung to Donnie in fright. "Come on. That's obviously just a spooky story you made up to tell around the campfire." Sunset called it. "Oh, no. It's legit. How else would you explain what happened at the docks? And that weird thing where the earth shook? Come on. I know a shortcut back to the tents." he escorted Twilight while pushing a cart of firewood. Sunset looked down in shock seeing glitter drop out of Timber's pocket, "Legit, huh?" she asked, before speaking to Spike and the turtles who came out of hiding when all was clear, "I think we just found our "Gaea Everfree"." "I knew that guy was suspicious." Leo frowned. "Like zoinks, looks like this mystery is solved." Mikey said while quoting an old cartoon character. "But why would he work so hard to make us think she was real?" Spike asked, until Donnie gasped. "He said something about wishing his sister would sell this camp." Sunset caught on, "If nobody wants to come here because it's home to some angry ancient nature spirit, it sure would help his cause." "You think he's conspiring with Filthy Rich in all this?" Raph wondered. "Yeah, it's obvious he wants this land as well given he deals in real estate." Mikey added. "I don't know, but right now Timber's our main suspect." Leo said. "Unless you count Gloriosa," Raph noted, "You see the way her eyes twitch when something comes up?" "Probably just stressed, Raph. I mean even her brother was busting her chops about everything she wanted the kids to do at camp." Donnie replied. "We should tell Twilight." Spike suggested. Sunset answered, "Not yet. She's obviously going through a lot right now. We should probably be a hundred percent sure before we tell her the guy she likes is a jerk who's trying to run everybody out of camp." "Agreed. For now let's just keep a close eye on thing." Leo suggested, and they agreed before heading back. The next morning, the five Rainbooms, April, Casey, Shini, and Karai were busy repairing the dock, or rather the ninja team was doing it, while the Rainbooms were taking baby steps with their work, and Rarity was busy knitting. Rainbow was taking slow steps before speaking to Rarity, "Uh, you gonna give us a hand here, Rarity?" "Oh, I'd love to, but I really need to get the stitching on this poncho done if it's going to make it into the camp fashion show. Though at the pace you two are moving, I don't know that the runway will ever be finished." Applejack replied, "The dock is our gift to the camp, and it's gonna get finished. That is, if Rainbow Dash would hurry up and bring me more wood." "Yeah, you're suppose to be the fast one on the soccer field from what I heard." Karai added. "Oh, I can't go any faster! I don't want to end up in the woods again." Rainbow voiced her worry. "Don't be silly." Applejack replied. "Really?" Rainbow eyed her friend while miming Applejack hammering the nail slowly. Applejack sighed knowing Rainbow was right, "I know I said we should try to forget all about this new magic business, but I can't. What if I hammer the board into splinters?" "Then we'd really have to start from scratch." Casey replied. "And we're already at a slow pace as it is." April noted. "This is so frustrating." Shini sighed. "Aw, shoot! I'm all out of nails." Applejack said. "Oh, here you go!" Pinkie tossed a box of nails. "Pinkie, no!" the group cried. The box of nails almost hit Rarity who projected a diamond aura shield which was so big it knocked Rainbow, Casey, Fluttershy, and Karai over. The box bounced off the shield and landed on the dock. To everyone's relief the nails didn't explode. April spoke to the party girl, "Not the best thing to do, Pinkie." "What? Ohhh, did you think the nails would explode like the sprinkles? Wow! Glad that didn't happen, huh?" "Yeah, except Rarity's diamond shield." Karai noticed. Rarity looked down at them, "Sorry, girls. I didn't mean to. I don't know how to control this." she helped them up "It's ok." Rainbow answered. "Oh, none of us do." Fluttershy sighed. Sunset came by, "Which is why we shouldn't pretend this is happening." "Do you have them now, too?" April asked. "It started last night. When I touch people, it's like I can feel what they're feeling and see their memories." "Wow, wicked." Casey replied. "Oooh, fancy! Try me, try me!" Pinkie made Sunset touch her forehead and could see exactly what was going on in the girl's mind. What she was was almost as dysfunctional as Mikey's. Pinkie was skipping down a path surrounded by little creatures made of taffy and other and living candies, "La-la-la-la. Ooh, taffy!" she took a bite out of one of the taffy creatures. Susnet spoke up looking more disturbed than when she looked into Mikey's mind, "That explains so much." "Yep." Pinkie nodded. "Girls, we can't just brush these powers aside because it doesn't seem like the ideal time to get them. What if it turns out that they could actually make things better?" Sunset asked. "Sunset's right," April agreed, "Look at me. My psychic powers Aeon crystal powered or not has made me do things with my fighting abilities I never could've done before." "Same for me and the snake DNA I now carry." Karai added. "Come on, girls. Let's not hide it." Sunset said, and she began to sing to them. So you have magic And it's not that great But when it found you You know it was fate And it might seem scary now But it can be wonderful, too So how about we embrace the magic And make the magic part of you? The group feeling influenced by her song felt calmer and confident to use their new abilities to their fullest, and soon more campers were helping them rebuild the dock. Pinkie was channeling magic into some sprinkles which she dropped on parts of the wood which exploded small holes into the pieces for nails, Rainbow used her super speed to build a bench for the dock. You take a little dash of magic And you let it ignite Mix things up a little bit And it might start to go right In just five seconds flat How the story has changed All 'cause now you've embraced the magic And it just got better in every way The turtles watched from their hiding spot smiling at how the girls were starting to use their powers for good, while Leo wished Twilight would be more positive about using hers. I say embrace the magic No more holding back, just let it out If you can take the magic And learn a little more what it can do Once the magic is part of you As the boys were pulling a post up, they watched Applejack carry the other big post on her shoulder and set it up while she ate an apple. The boys were lost for words, especially Casey while April giggled at his reaction. Applejack walked up to Shinigami who was impressed with her strength, and they fist bumped. What's standing in your way That you can't move today? You've got the strength in you To make your dreams come true Rarity was painting a crumb box for the fish, until she looked out into the water seeing Derpy losing her balance and looked ready to fall into the water. Rarity quickly sent a diamond disk across the water providing a safe landing for Derpy. Sunset sat down next to Karai and Fluttershy, as the two Rainbooms embrace Karai from the sides making her smile. No need to shield yourself From the magic that can help Protect from any harm that might come So you have magic And it's not that great But when it found you You know it was fate So if you listen close You might make a new friend And together we can make it! A bird chirped in Fluttershy's ear and she nodded, allowing it to take a trail of flowers she was making and wrap it around the tall sign above the dock, which read the camp's name. The Rainbooms and their New York friends started singing along with Sunset, as they walked along with dock after Pinkie Pie placed the last lantern onto the pole. I say embrace the magic No more holding back, just let it out If you can take the magic And learn a little more what it can do Once the magic is part of you Once the magic is part of you Once the magic is part of you Once the magic is part of you Everyone looked at their fixed dock that looked good as new, "Okay, that was pretty awesome!" Rainbow cheered. "Awesome? It was metal!" Casey cheered. "And look what you managed to accomplish!" Sunset added. Rarity spoke up, "Please, please, please can we do a run-through for the fashion show on it right this minute? "Thought you weren't finished with the stitching on your poncho." Applejack reminded her. Rarity did one last stitching, "I am now." "Well, you've all earned it." April admitted, and they decided to get the run through done. That night by the fire pit, the Rainbooms, their friends, Bishop, and the turtles minus Twilight were gathered around still in high spirits from a job well done, "I am pleased to hear you girls have got your new powers under control." their Utrom ally said. "Thanks, Bishop." Rainbow replied. "But I still wish to know what is causing it." "One thing at a time, Bishop." Applejack said. "I just wish Twilight was here with us." Leo sighed. "I know, you'd think she'd have power by now, right?" Pinkie asked, while the turtles and Sunset remained silent. They continued to stay warm by the fire until the flames started turning blue, and it started erupting freaking everyone out, except for the turtles. Appearing within the flames was an astral form of Master Splinter, "Master Splinter?" Sunset Shimmer gasped. "Sensei?" Fluttershy asked. "What happened to you?" Casey asked. "Are you a ghost?" Pinkie gasped. "I have allowed my spirit to detach from my body so I can speak with you all. I am glad to know my sons, daughter, and family are safe." "It's good to see you again, Master." Applejack said. "It is good to see all of you, as well," Splinter replied, "But I'm afraid the happy reunion must wait. I have seen a vision of all of you at this camp and dangers as well." "A vision of dangers?" Leo asked. "Could it have something to do with our new powers?" Sunset wondered. "Yes indeed." Splinter confirmed. "But we already have our powers down, sensei." Rainbow replied. "Maybe, but there is much you must overcome. If you cannot find your inner, spiritual strength, you will not stand a chance against the dangers that lie ahead. Each of you girls must journey out alone to face your spiritual adversary." "Our own spiritual adversary?" Rarity raised a brow. Splinter nodded, as he spoke to each of the Rainbooms, "Pinkie Pie, your mind is overrun with distractions. Learn to be strong and calm, like the forest." "Oki doki, sensei." Pinkie saluted. "Rarity, you are lean and quick, and yet afraid to get down and dirty. Learn to not let petty problems stop you from doing what must be done." "As you wish, sensei." Rarity sighed knowing it was true about her. "Rainbow Dash, you are confident in your abilities. But you are also cocky. Always be perceptive on what may come." "Cocky, me?" Rainbow asked in disbelief, until Splinter gave her a look, "Ok, Master." "Applejack, you rely too much on the strength of the body, but not of the mind. Be smart with your tactics." "You got it, Master Splinter." Applejack gave him a thumb's up. "Fluttershy, you must learn to face your fears of the world around you. Be brave like the lion." "I'll do my very best, sensei." Fluttershy promised. "And Sunset Shimmer, you must be the leader in body and spirit. Be like the wind. Let nothing weigh you down." "Hai, sensei." Sunset Shimmer nodded. "What about, Twilight. Shouldn't she be part of this too?" Fluttershy asked. "Even if she's not technically a ninja." Rainbow added. "Twilight has her own trial to overcome. That will happen when she is ready," Splinter explained, "Sleep now, girls. For your greatest trial awaits on the spiritual plane. For the challenges you face there will be just as deadly as those you face in the real world. Be warned." his astral form vanished, as the fire returned to normal. The group looked at each other in shock, as Pinkie spoke, "Looks like we got a big job to do." "Luckily tomorrow's free day." Applejack said. "Think you guys can cover for us while we're out there?" Rainbow asked. "I shall do my best." Bishop answered. "But it's dangerous to go out there unarmed." April reminded them. "Actually, April. I sort of packed my ninja weapons on the trip." Rarity admitted. "You actually packed your sickles?" A.J asked. "I always come prepared, darling." "Well, I actually brought my weapons too. Just to be safe." Applejack said. "Me too." Rainbow added. "So did I." Fluttershy nodded. "And me." Pinkie smiled. "Guess we all had the same idea." Sunset said. "What a coincidence." Mikey noted. "I'm glad you girls did. The stuff you'll see out there will indeed be challenging," Leo warned them, "Take it from us." "Then can you guys make sure to tell Twilight what we'll be doing tomorrow?" Sunset asked. "Sure thing." Shini confirmed. "In the meantime, we better get some sleep." Sunset said, as the girls agreed and headed back to their tents. As the turtles went back to their camp, Mikey spoke, "You think master Splinter saw Gaea Everfree in that vision?" "Mikey, you saw Timber carrying that glitter with him. Gaea Everfree is just a story." Raph reminded him. "But he sounded so serious about it." Mikey shivered. "Because he's that good at telling that story." Donnie noted. "Regardless of that spirit being real or not, we still have to be on the look out," Leo reminded them, "Something is happening at this camp. And I got a feeling the siblings know what it is." "So why don't we just go spy on them when they're not helping the campers?" Raph suggested. "They barely have time to not be helping campers." Donnie replied. "Got that right, D." Mikey yawned. "Let's get some sleep. We need to see the girls off tomorrow morning." Leo said, as they all fell asleep.