//------------------------------// // Chapter 153: Legends of Everfree I... Help... // Story: A Journey Beyond Sanity // by Darkwing Dust //------------------------------// "Timber did nothing wrong." - Tirek Judgement has been made. There was no turning back now. The consequences have been decided, their actions chosen and the aftermath created because of them. On my steady approach back towards the group, hazel eyes intently regarded the sad sacks watching me with saddened expressions. Sunset and the others looked apprehensive, the rest of the students curious. One glance from me had Celestia or Luna pause from even daring taking a step forward to stop me. No, there was no escaping responsibility. Not this time. There was no black and white simple-minded morality for these immature people to decide the fate of this camp. Even Celestia and Luna couldn't be trusted to make the right decision. For once, I was pulling my own authority over this. Completely, without anyone preventing me from doing this. My trek slowed to a halt, a good distance away from the parasitic sight of the two counselors, staring down at their slouched dispositions with barely-concealed loathing. I held back until today, keeping all my bottled up feelings regarding this place and the film, for the most part, to myself in favour of at least allowing my student and friends to have a good time. But I didn't just sit by and performed nothing. I offered these two help. Help to save their camp for one simple condition. But even these two, whom we're suppose to believe are responsible enough to manage an entire camping establishment and ensure the safety of their customers, couldn't even have the decent to make the more sound decisions. They broke our deal, and now they're about to suffer for it. As if hearing those thoughts without physical contact, Sunset, dressed like she should be leading a marching band, hesitantly stepped forward with worried cerulean eyes. "Stardust..." I shook my head, prompting the teen to look down and stand back with her friends. Even she knew, these two dangerous clowns had no hope of being spared my wrath. Not after everything they've done today. The movie let them get away and, for [BEEP]'s sake, even be rewarded for their actions. Just that painful reminded caused my fist to clench shut, barely controlling my seething rage aimed directly at the two campers before me. Taking a small, bold step, Timber almost stood protectively between myself and his sobbing wreck of a sibling. "It wasn't our fault... You know that..." Even now he dares to-?! The man- No boy flinched at my low growl, breathing heavily alongside his sister. The tension was palpable, my rage barely pushed back from being unleashed. A good portion of it was released during the battle. It took one look at Twilight for my fury to cool down somewhat, releasing a breath and adopting a solemn expression. I was tired, weary and just wanted to go home. But I couldn't. Too much has changed, and I had to take advantage of it. My Twilight would have to wait a little longer yet. "The judgement has been decided." Everyone winced, the atmosphere prompting friends and family to stand closer to each other by the firm disposition of their deity. Daisy, however, tried vainly to save her asinine camp one last time. "We can do better. We can accept the consequences! But please, this camp means everything to me! Don't you have a heart?!" Bargaining for selfish reasons. Selfishness is all what these two know. "You had your chance." The girl stepped back fearfully by the growling tone, Timber actively becoming a shield for her. My hazel eyes blazed gold. "Don't even try to act noble Timber Spruce! You're just as responsible for almost killing my friends!" "Please..." Daisy tried again futilely, clutching her brother's arm for dear life. "We can make amends." I exhaled deeply, closing my eyes briefly to regain some composure. From behind me, Flash spoke up. "I understand they did a bad thing... But weren't their intentions in the right?" "The intentions are irrelevant." I snapped to the wincing teen over my shoulder, eyes narrowed. "I am sick of people using that excuse to justify their actions. There is no excusing what they've done today. For once, they have to take responsibility for their actions, today and now." Timber nodded, looking rather tired and straightened up. "Alright... We accept whatever judgement you cast on us." Time to get this over with then... "Under divine authority." I began with a somber tone and weary expression. "Under the Twiliphian House of Lungbarrow. I, Stardust Balance... No." Today, Stardust Balance wasn't making the call, but the God before the pony. "I, Jack Wright, sentence the fate of this camp, and the two teenagers responsible for it to..." Two days prior... Huh... I think that was the eighth lump I've swallowed since entering this school bus. It was downright impossible to take my mind off the inevitable to come. My hands wouldn't stop gripping the top edges of the front seats, right where the Principal and her sister sat, ignoring their constant curious expressions. Not to mention, the faintly concerned looks of the girls way behind me by their own seats. My mouth was firm and body tense, indicating how dreaded I was feeling towards the fourth and perhaps worst of the Equestria Girls movies I was now enduring. No, definite worst of them. I could've simply not come, it would spare Balance any trouble. But, as Starswirl unfortunately pointed out, this could be a prime target for the still-living Zagreus, so here I was attending, acting as extra security should anything go arise. Of course, my excuse only raised a couple of brows, most notably from Sunset who immediately knew something was up. If I'm lucky, maybe I could make better us of her this time than the movie did. Hell, Legends of Everfree made zero use of anyone, constantly shoved to the side in favour of repairing a dock, investigating a barely-interesting mystery and Twilight's few-and-far-between scenes of inner dilemma regarding Midnight Sparkle. Except, in this timeline, Midnight never happened, meaning her interactions with that green-haired [BEEP]hat would be fewer and less contrived. Oops. I couldn't resist the smirk on my face after reminding myself of that. Now, this was where I started describing the film in its entirety, and provided a step by step detail over why it failed in every miserable way and became the [BEEP]ing winter of my discontent, that son of a [BEEP]. But instead... I won't. No, I REFUSE to allow this movie to get to me, moreso than it already was just by being in this bus. Oh of course there'll be the occasional snarky comment here and there, and moments of incredulity and rage by lack of coherent thought and basic thinking patterns by everyone here. There are some moments - in Legends of Everfree's case, too many to count - that just couldn't be possibly ignored. But my rage... My outright fury from watching the flick alone, was still white hot and boiling deep within me. Which was why, on Starswirl's suggestions, I was going to take a lot of meditation moments just as I had before going to Sunset's world. My anger against this whole thing was far too strong and powerful that I'm afraid I could accidentally hurt people around me. And for the sake of Sunset, Twilight and my friends at least having a good time... I will restrain myself... For the most part. In fact, let's just get this out of the way. The basic summarization of Legends of Everfree is... Lifeless. There is no story, no characters, no worthwhile investment nor intrigue. Neither charm nor humour, and introduces two despicable human beings who would be promptly robbed of their jobs in real life, but are portrayed as good people because we were observing this all from the viewpoint of teenagers. It's a whole one-sided morality made simply for little kids to understand. Hey kids, done a bad thing? Remember, it's not really your fault. Here, have a cookie! Christ this was going to be a headache... A very long headache. "Attentions students, we're almost there!" Celestia turned back to face the group. Oh we've reached this bit now. "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!" Yeah, money well spent. Certainly couldn't have been used to improve some overlooked flaws over the school. Like, for example, that hallway that still has no lights. You know what's funny? The second I took this spot standing between the two seats, Sunset, passing by, commented with humour that my expression had that of a soldier about to enter the battlefield- What the-?! Luna herself was about to begin speaking when the bus suddenly jolted to an extreme halt, the sudden shift almost causing my face to smash into the front glass. Both Luna and Celestia wobbled around in surprise, barely almost falling off from their seats. Jesus Christ, that was a [BEEP]ing close one! Regaining composure, I called back before Celestia could. "Everyone alright?" Followed with weary groans and sounds of affirmative, prompting my small sigh of relief. What in blazes was that? I don't remember Luna's line being harshly interrupted by the bus suddenly stopping. "What is that?" Luna pointed forward to outside, showing the reason that's preventing the bus from going any further- ...What...? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat...?! "Is that... A police telephone box?" Celestia's eyes narrowed, both women oblivious to my own reaction. That's right Principal, but a blue police telephone box- "Open the doors." My mouth moved on its own accord. "Now." The driver obliged to my tone, and my feet carried me down the steps, leaping on rough ground whilst regarding the tall object in barely-concealed wonder. "Impossible..." It had to be. There's no simple way it could be... Could it...? My mind was entranced, feet slowly moving towards the large blue box familiar to many in a certain sci-fi show. Was I dreaming? Was my stress towards the movie forcing me to hallucinate about much better things? Obviously not, since the bus clearly stopped and almost made me smash my nose against glass. "It just appeared out of thin air..." The Principal commented in wonder from behind me. Oh yeah, one little thing before my childhood bursts in giddy joy. "Go back in the bus, all of you. I've got this." Reluctantly, the gathering teenagers piling from the vehicle obliged with their supervisors. All except, of course, seven teenage girls who were more inclined to follow my lead. "What is that doing in the middle of the road?" Rarity pondered out-loud in complete curiosity. "I don't see anyone else nearby..." Sunset muttered. "Maybe it fell off a delivery truck?" No... No I really doubt that, my good student... My entranced walk towards this mystifying object halted at a close distance, my golden hand carefully reaching up, hesitant for a moment. A small part of me was deeming this to be impossible... Then again, being trapped in a cartoon world negates a lot of things considered impossible these days. And I don't really do impossible with the [BEEP] I pull off- "Ah!" My yell of surprise was followed with taking a few steps back at the blue door suddenly opening, myself giving the tall individual some space as the man strode out with vigorous purpose, attired in a long black overcoat hiding any other article of clothing save for black shoes. Pale skin, bald head, some significant facial hair, way older than any of us and looking very, very familiar... Small hazel eyes behind glasses twinkled in utter delight from the sight of us. "Hello you!" Gah! The man wielding my voice and the looks from an older body of one I long abandoned decided to deliver me a bone-crushing hug, shaking me side-to-side as though awfully happy to see me. "Ooh! He sounds just like you Stardust!" "Very observant... Pinkie...!" "I am so happy to have stopped you in time." Thankfully, this newcomer released me, but kept two firm hands on my arms with a widened pointy grin. "Allow me to introduce myself: I am you. As in, a you you have yet to be. You will become me, but not for a long while." "Huh?!" Rainbow said out-loud in befuddlement, but Sunset voiced my own growing suspicions out-loud. "You're Stardust from the future?" "Oh brilliant!" That grin widened dramatically, hazel eyes gazing over to the bacon-haired teen. "You were always my favourite student for a reason, Sunset!" The girl flushed lightly at the praise, shyly looking away from the knowing looks of Rainbow, Applejack and Pinkie. "But... How is that even plausible, much less possible?" The human Twilight stepped forward with an inquisitive, skeptic frown. "Do they develop time travel in the future? Is it a magic spell from Equestria?" "And, no offense darling, but your appearance." Rarity started, just as doubtful as her friend. "Voice aside, your outlook is variously distinctively in comparison to our Stardust." "Oh! What am I like in the future?!" "Hey, what about me? I wanna know about my future too!" The taller man only guffawed, sharing with me a knowing smile. "You just gotta find those insufferable traits endearing, don't you old friend?" "Glad to hear that my... Future is so... Chirpy." In reality I was still processing all this. I had many questions, a billion queries, far too many that would impress my Twilight, but the first thing to blurt out of my mouth was. "So I get my own TARDIS in the future?" "Ha!" The apparent future version slapped my shoulder. "Spoilers." Oh my God. "And to make things easier for us, you may call me Jack instead." This... Stardust - or Jack - cleared his throat, still maintaining a happy grin. "Now, onto business. I came to tell you that your own plans for Camp Everfree are unneeded, my dear younger self. I have everything under control over there." "Wait what?" "I've been taking charge of their camp for a while now, and seeing to it that your friends will have the time of their lives without the... Ahem." He smirked knowingly. "Needless complications, shall we say." Huh? What?! "B-But Zagreus! And- And the imbalance! What about Timber and Daisy and-?!" "By Lord, Twilight has influenced you with being a worrywarts hasn't she." The bald man raised a brow, looking back to the bus. "And I've stalled you all long enough, you're gonna be late to the camp by now. Whoops." But he hardly sounded apologetic, slapping my shoulder one last time with a large grin. "The whole trip there you can just sit back and relax, Stardust old chum. I'm just here to correct some mistakes of the past." The enthusiasm was clearly opposing all forms of common sense. "You can't just go back and change [BEEP]!" I finally managed to blurt out, regaining some composure from this absurd ordeal. "Have we learned nothing from Starlight and Twilight's escapades? What if things get worse because of your interference-?" "My dear Twilight Warrior, interfering is our middle name. And believe me, I am inclined to do whatever I please." With a cheerful wave, the older version turned away from my flabbergasted outrage and walked back towards the TARDIS. His TARDIS. "And remember, leave everything to me. See you all at camp!" The doors shut, and the TARDIS itself made that familiar dematerializing noise, and leaving my stumped state in the middle of the road. "So... What in hay just happened?" Applejack eventually inquired incredulously. "A future version of Stardust just stopped the bus and warned his past self, or maybe present because his past is our present because this version of Stardust standing there with his jaw open is in our present, and told him not to interfere with the camp and let the future version handle it because the present version made some mistakes on this trip that future version needs to correct!" Pinkie summed up, and it barely sounded anymore sensible. "...Huh." Same Rainbow... Same. "I wonder what happened that would cause a future Stardust to come back and change things." Fluttershy pondered. "Stardust?" Sunset called out, and I felt a soft hand placed on my shoulder. That snapped me out of my stupor, prompting me to look at the frowning yellow teenager. "I was right again. There's a reason you're coming along for this trip, and it has to do with Zagreus and imbalance again." I blinked rapidly, still processing everything that just happened. "I get my own TARDIS..." "And a bald head." "Rainbow!" Never mind me being bald for the moment, that was something I always suspected coming from my dad's side. Taking a shaky breath, I continued with a slow nod. "We should... Get back in the bus." They frowned at that, obviously having a lot of questions, and I imagined some weren't going to let this encounter go. I wouldn't in their position to be fair. My present and future were at jeopardy here; the fact that he would show up only confirms things are going to get more [BEEP]ed up in the camp than ever before. Thankfully, the girls reluctantly nodded and proceeded to return to the ride, human Twilight slowing down to walk beside me with a concerned frown. "Will you take his advice?" Twilight inquired softly. "Against interfering with whatever happens and letting him do all the work?" The teen had every right to be concerned, as did I. Shrugging, I only replied with two murmured words. "We'll see." Gotta admit, this was a pretty nice view. Shame the lake and said view were under the control of two irresponsible jack[BEEP]es currently addressing the students a short distance away. Now, I could go on and on for a full day as to why Timber and Daisy are awful excuses for human beings and shouldn't be running this business without adult supervisors keeping them in line. Because, as clearly seen, they need exactly that. I wondered where their parents were? Dead? They seemed to imply that at the end. But having dead parents wasn't immediately going to make me sympathize for them. As I said, I was getting it all out of the way. That said, let's get my overall thoughts of the two camp counselors out of the way too. Ladies first. So the idea is that Daisy is losing her camp because the payment for running the establishment is barely coming through, forcing her to take drastic measures and almost kill innocent people in the process. To a child's eye, this would make Gloriosa Daisy a sympathetic character. Except... She's not... At all. Daisy isn't some wildlife preserver trying to protect the environment. She's a whiny self-petulant brat who cares only for the safety and preservation of a camp that holds sentimental value to her, so much so that it degrades all common sense and clear thinking, for someone we're suppose to trust to keep us safe in this environment. All of her choices and management skills only displayed why she deserves losing the camp, and should probably be better trained for this type of responsibility by someone who actually knows what they're doing. Incompetent, selfish and dangerous to everyone around her. But if there's one good trait about her which separates the girl from her detestable brother, it's that, after Gia Everfree was thoroughly defeated, Daisy at least admitted to some of her incompetence and decided the camp should be shut down for the better. And now, for Timber... Ugh, no... I can't even describe everything wrong with him right now. It's too difficult to form all this contempt into words. Suffice to say, why another love interest? Didn't Hasbro learn their lesson? Wasn't Sentry enough? Hell, how do you make a love interest more unlikable than Sentry? I actually felt bad for the guy throughout this movie. You made me feel something for Flash Sentry, Hasbro. That's pretty [BEEP]ing impressive. Also, why Twilight? Why not another of the group to get their own potential partner? Why not Sunset, she's more deserving of one. Hell, Fluttershy even since Timber lives in an environment dedicated to animal preservation and life! Then again I'd rather those two would also have better taste in mean than some egocentric, responsibility-dodging [BEEP]hole who acts like the sun shines out of his own arse. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Okay, I'm done complaining over why this movie's the worst... For now anyway. Onto more important matters. Starswirl's keeping quiet, for one. I mentally demanded an explanation from him the rest of the ride to this awful camp about that certain unexpected element. And my teacher never answered. Glad he was always there when I needed him... Speaking of my future self - if that's who he claims to be - he was the first to greet everyone at the camp, offering greetings and warm hellos and stating he hoped everyone enjoyed their stay. Rather overly chirpy for being in a place like this. If he was my destination, what did my Twilight and the others do to make him act like the equivalent to a male Pinkie Pie? I wasn't going to ask, of course. Hm? The sound of someone speaking through a mic has ceased, prompting my - reluctant - turn and outward grimace by the sight of the camp and their managers once again. I'll be doing that the whole time here, probably. About three total days spent in this camp... Oh I never regretted creating Zagreus until now... Okay, they were doing that scene with Daisy and Timber handing out coloured gems on paper to decide what tent each student would rest in. Sunset and Twilight, of course, share the same tent because reasons, friendship and [BEEP]. Timber's walking up to Twilight, and my eyes are twitching like there's no tomorrow... "Hey! Hey!" A familiar voice called out rather indignantly. "You're not being paid to hit on a customer Timber! Go do your job!" The startled green-haired punk immediately obliged and left the equally surprised Twilight, my annoyed future self shaking his head after calling the boy out. Well... That spared me some trouble. "Looks like it's gonna an eventful camping trip, huh?" Da [BEEP]? And suddenly Sentry was standing beside me, smiling rather nervously. "With you here that is, Stardust. I'm guessing camping isn't in your nature, huh?" I said nothing, regarding the blue-haired rockstar wannabe with suspicion. He might be less unbearable than Timber, but still a cardboard love interest with no real reason to exist. Sentry only grinned shyly, rubbing the back of his head and clearly regretting his decision to approach. Any conversation was put on hold by a bag suddenly thrust in front of me by a woman grinning so widely a five-year-old would tell how unconvincing said grin was, cautiously eyeing the five gems rested in front of her neck. She... Was aware from the fact that I wasn't wearing any Camp Everfree clothing that I'm not partaking in any of their activities, I hope...? As if sensing those thoughts, Daisy held up the bag closer. "Everyone has to be assigned a tent, security guards included." Scowling at the idea of sharing a tent with any of these male teenagers, I turned away and called out briskly. "I'll just sleep on the bus." "Um, the bus left like two minutes ago." Sentry unhelpfully responded. ...Dammit. With a reluctant growl, I reached into the offered item and pulled out a card, inspecting it indifferently before presenting it to the grinning Daisy... Who then frowned curiously. "Platinum? Curious... I don't recall the camp having a platinum tent..." Huh. Then she grinned widely again, and it some restraint not to outright slap the look off her. "It's probably brand new. You're very lucky then sir." Before, thankfully, striding off, just in time for Filthy Rich to make his one-out-of-three cameos close by. "You're right." I decided to respond to Sentry's earlier question since he remained for some reason. "Camping has never been for me. And after this, it never will be again." My expression was soft as Daisy pushed Filthy back to his limousine. So long, only sympathetic and identifiable character with any forms of realism and depth to him in the whole movie, portrayed only as a villain because we're looking from the viewpoint of teenagers. "Guess we should check out the tents." Sentry suggested, following my future self's lead of escorting everyone for the counselors. That's awfully nice of him. Sentry, on the other hand... "Is there any reason you're interacting with me right now, Sentry?" The boy winced, shrugging sheepishly. "Right to the point. You know, you remind me of Sunset alot at times." I'll take that as a compliment. Sighing, Sentry turned back to me fully with a hopeful smile. "I know you don't like me." Oh well that's no secret. "I might have done something to get on your bad side. I don't know what, except for that time during the Friendship Games." Uh-huh... "And, it may have seemed like I was hitting on your Twilight at times." Okay...? Sentry sighed again. "So I'm sorry, okay, for whatever else it is I've done to you. I can see your approach to things is only for looking out for your friends." He smiled rather cheerfully, blue eyes lit in hope. "They're my friends too, Sunset included despite our past break up and... Well, I was hoping we could start again." My wary stance lowered, frown softening by the earnest expression and emotions the boy was clearly displaying. Already Sentry has proven himself to be a far more capable responsible being than Timber. And since Legends of Everfree... Well, my hatred for Sentry has, truthfully, lessened somewhat in favour of finding someone far more contemptible. And Twilight would kick my [BEEP] if I said no right off the bat... ...I suppose... I could give this boy a chance. But he had a lot to prove before I could even say I liked the walking stereotype. Sentry... Well, Flash I guess now... Blinked openly by the golden hand, followed with my firm tone. "You get one chance." His shock was replaced by gleeful hope, a pink-ish hand grasping mine with a proud shake. "I'll do my best to make use of it." Well, at least he's more humble about himself than a certain green-haired Neanderthal. God dammit just the thought of that boy was physically hurting me. Following afterwards, we reached the tent area, Daisy escorting me to my own at the far end of the line of tents and... Holy [BEEP]. "Here is... Your tent...?" Even Daisy was perplexed by the palace of a tent before us, coloured entirely in platinum silver. It looked like a castle! "I'll... Leave you to it..." And the girl hurriedly walked away, leaving me to gaze at the large thing overshadowing the other tents by far. Warily stepping forward, I brushed through the entrance to find. A King-sized bed... A second floor with ladders... A chocolate fountain... A shelf of books... ...Huh. Well, if I'm gonna stay here in misery, might as well live like a King. With a small smile of wonder, I thanked either my future self or Starswirl. Y'know, whoever was responsible for doing this. Wait for it... Wait for it... ...Now. Before Twilight could take one step on the dock, I immediately walked along and extended an arm, preventing her surprised state from exploring and falling over into Timber's waiting arms. With a firm gaze, I shook my head to the teen and took a few steps forward, raising one foot down and delivering a mighty stomp to the floorboard below. Almost potentially breaking my foot in the process, but hey, end's meet. I scowled at the wood falling apart into the water below, turning back to Daisy and her group who heard the noise, the former explaining about how every group of campers leaves behind their own little legacy. Very fascinating. I'd leave something behind, but it'd be debatable to call it a legacy. "I knew it, the dock's unstable." I declared out-loud with an annoyed expression, glancing to a purple teenage girl. "Twilight could've broken her foot just now." Twilight looked to the spot where I stamped on the wood with a furrowed brow. "Oh God dammit." Another version of my voice sprung up, the older me striding over with his own glare at the broken dock, gazing over to the boy by the end of it. "Timber, I thought I told you to reinforce this dock!" "I was going to!" Was the reply of a voice that prompted my grimace. Growling lowly beneath his breath, it seems even my older iteration couldn't last being chirpy in a place like this for long. "My apologies." He said to Twilight, before addressing the approaching group seeing what the commotion was about. "I'm trying to make this place more professional and organized. We still have a long way to go, it seems." And snapping a not-so-subtle glare at Daisy, whom looked away with her own scowl. "Obviously this is a prime example as to why business shouldn't be managed by children." Was I lying when I claimed I wasn't taking some satisfaction at Daisy and Timber being called out on their bull[BEEP]? Short answer, yes. But still, that self-humour only lasted for so long. "Here you all are then, a little contribution to the camp." I motioned to the decaying dock. "Remake it in your own image." Before brushing past my older self and Twilight, ignoring their looks. I'm going for a walk around the lake; feeling rather adventurous today. Plus, to be as far away from this stupidity as humanly possible. Hands in coat pockets, a quiet stroll around the lake sounded rather appealing right about now. Enjoy the scenery without their atmosphere sucking out all of said enjoyment. "Wait up!" Huh, well look who decided to accompany me. Twilight slowed down beside me, smiling in full relief. My mood immediately calmed down by the look alone. "Thanks for that back there. How did you know the dock was unstable?" Tapping my nose, I smirked coyly. "Psychic, according to Sunset." She returned the expression. "Can you blame her? It's pretty strange how you seem to know these things before they happen." Followed with a small frown of doubt, and I took one guess as to what she was thinking about. "If you're worried about your magical abilities, don't." Yeah, the girls have developed superpowers now. That's nice. Twilight snapped her gaze to me in shock, and I stared with a calm grin, trying to hide the tiredness. "Whatever happens around the camp that may seem surreal, none of it is your fault." "Whatever happens..." The teenager echoed thoughtfully. "Meaning something is going on. Well, that's clearly evident by the appearance of your future self." With that, our gazes turned back towards the bald older version of my real body chewing out Timber and Daisy, Twilight chuckling faintly. "You haven't seem to change in a few departments." Hm, yeah. But my attention was now currently focused on the girl walking by the lake with me. "Twilight, you never have to worry about using your own powers. And, if it helps, our friends will be getting their own little abilities too by tomorrow." Sunset already has, though she doesn't know it yet. At Twilight's expectant look for an explanation, I smirked. "I'll tell you everything by then. Trust me, I have it all planned out." A cute pout, but the teen reluctantly nodded, the next few minutes walking around the lake spent in silence. That... Was nice. One of the few and far between moments where I could legit enjoy myself in this asinine camping establishment. Twilight was regarding the view with thought, her mind clearly elsewhere. That's fine, I glanced back to the figures in the distance now, the school group seeming to now begin working on remaking the dock in their own image. What a contribution a high school group on a trip should make; manual labour. So far, in the short time I've been here, nothing has really been out of the ordinary. Aside from a possible older version of me from an unknown point in time taking charge of the camp and putting the two kids in their place, clearly making some changes here and there. And yet, what about the imbalance? And if my older self intends for everyone to have a good time, then why does Daisy still have those five geodes around her neck? What exactly is my future self planning? Meddling without good reason risks further imbalance, and, ergo, Zagreus. Have I grown more lax in the future...? But then again, I'm still doubting the claim as to who this man is saying he is. In what future would I choose to revert back to my original body, given the choice? What kind of mistakes would I have make to willingly go back in time and experience this nightmare all over again? For that matter, how is he even breathing in that form? The contrast with cartoon and reality should be killing him on the spot. So many questions, and I hate that I couldn't ask them. And I was desperately wishing I could use Balance in this body by now, at least so I didn't feel totally vulnerable by all this ignorance. Starswirl still wasn't answering me, and Sombra wasn't here to make any snark comments regarding my future self or anything else around me like he would've. ...I miss him. Twilight's eyes were now on me, prompting my train of depressing thought and endless questions to halt momentarily, a bitter smile on my face. "Surprised you're not joining in the activity over there." She grinned sheepishly. "You look like you needed the company." Ah. "What kind of friend would I be to leave you alone when you look so troubled?" I sighed loudly, pausing alongside the teen and turning to regard Twilight fully, a faintly humoured raised brow. "Just what I need, another Twilight Sparkle reading my facial expressions without fault." A coy smile. "You're not fond of camping are you?" I snorted. "What gave it away?" "You've looked nothing but stressed and worried ever since we've entered the bus. You act so guarded and wary around Gloriosa and Timber, not to mention, even your apparent future self. And you looked more than prepared to tear something apart during the dock incident just now." I could see it in her eyes. Twilight was fishing for answers. "Glad to see your attendance at Canterlot High has made you more confident about approaching things now." Twilight flushed at the observation. "Sorry." She mumbled for no reason, shrugging. "Guess I'm just curious." No [BEEP]? "Curious." The teen nodded, venturing another step with a tilted head. "You know so much about me, but I know almost next to nothing about you. I mean, I could see what my alternate version in Equestria likes about you." Hah, her cheeks reddened somewhat from confessing that, Twilight grinning shyly. "You're brave, charming and carry a sense of authority wherever you go, and you're willing to risk your own life for even strangers." I was doing my best not to glance over to the distant Timber with any hint of smugness. "But those are some traits. Beyond that, I don't really know anything else about you. Hobbies and whatnot." Shrugging, I decided to sit down by the edge and patted a spot for Twilight to join me, giving both our legs a moment's rest. "There's not really much to say about me." Was my confession, smiling humouredly. "I'm barely that interesting in the least." Twilight raised a brow. "Humour me." Her voice was both joking and in challenge. "Humour me." A sudden flashback, to a long time ago, when a certain purple equine still in her unicorn state challenged me the same way, when we were first getting to know one another. That brought back a warm smile, despite my surroundings, and this Twilight blinked curiously by the expression. "What?" "Sorry, just... Memories." I chuckled in good nature, regarding the inquisitive teen before me who smiled back by my look, but maintaining the curious nature sparkling in her eyes. "Hobbies... Well let's see... I like reading fiction." At that, her eyes lit up rather eagerly. "Really? Any specific books? Genres? Any titles I've heard of?" I barely repressed the amused snort from my mouth, grinning back. "Yes, a few comes to mind, genre varies on quality of book itself, and probably not." I decided to ask. "Any you like yourself?" Twilight nodded enthusiastically. "A few too many to list of the top of my head. But I brought a few of my favourites with me to the camp. I could show you them, if you wanted." Ah, something else to keep my mind off this movie. "I'd be delighted." Was my sincere response, Twilight looking utterly thrilled at the answer. Not sure why, in all honesty. "I could show you mine too, after we go home. I have a few my Twilight loves which I'm sure you would too." "I'd like that." The teen nodded merrily, tilting her head again. "Now you seem more relaxed now since we're first arrived to the camp Stardust." The studious Twilight proceeded to point out in relieved amusement. Wonder why that was. "That's because you always make me feel better regardless of which version I interact with, Twilight." Haha! She stared at the like in full embarrassment, her cheeks lit in adorable pinkness. "You just have that effect on me." But in all seriousness, this was much, much better. Spending some time with a friend without the stupidity of this camp and its owners suffocating my atmosphere. But the more time silence was spent, the more I could see Twilight's expression slowly darken in doubtfulness again, probably about her new powers. Times likes these where Spike could be a huge help. Speaking of, can we address how Spike literally adds nothing to this plot? ...Alright done. "Writing." Twilight blinked to me. "Huh?" Wasn't going to let this girl become depressed. Not under my watch. "I enjoy writing as a favourite past time of mine." "Really?" She sounded almost awed by the revelation. Was it that hard to believe. "Mm-hm." My smile widened at her look. "My work is mediocre at best. Nothing published as of yet." And that sprung an entirely new conversation between us regarding the subject of creative writing and the adventure of becoming a potential novelist, the pair of us intentionally keeping our own doubts for what's to come away. A day has already past. And the fact I have yet to drown myself in the lake speaks wonder for my deteriorating mental health. Every minute here was an attack on my sanity. I skipped out on the ghost story campfire last night in favour of getting at least some decent sleep. And let me tell you, it was a wonderful thing telling Timber to [BEEP] off from my tent after trying to get me out of bed. Our first actual interaction, and if I'm hopeful enough, our last. But I really doubt that. Now, as everyone else was working still on that dock and/or the rock-climbing activity, I was playing a childhood classic whilst laying on my comfy temporary bed. Nintendo made the right choice in adding these games to the 3DS. Most people grew up with the first gen, I was lucky with the second. Pokemon Gold, baby. Well, had to bring something that would stop me from completely losing my mind, briefly wondering what point the girls were up to now. I would check, but my older self claims to have things in order, yesterday's dock mishap aside. And, honestly, the idea of another version of me taking care of things here to spare me the trouble grows more and more appealing by the second. However, it contrasts my restlessness. Daisy, and Timber by extension, were still dangers to everyone around them so long as the geodes rests around the former's neck. I couldn't sit by regardless of what my future says. Again, if he was my future- "You gotta be kidding me." The statement followed after the sound of the tent entrance shuffling prompted my gaze to tear from kicking Red's arse, again, to Rainbow's stunned expression, the other girls following into the tent with sheepish and annoyed expression shifting to disbelief at the sight before them. Pinkie gasped excitedly at a particular object. "Is that a chocolate fountain?!" I smirked. "Help yourself." And the girl needed no further incentive. I turned to the others. "Ever heard of asking for permission beforehand?" Applejack snapped out of her stupor with folded arms. "Rainbow Dash decided to come in without even askin' first." I raised a brow curiously to the blue teen, quipping. "What were you hoping to catch me naked or something?" The others blushed brightly at that, but none moreso than the now-red-faced Rainbow, regarding me from the lower floor indignantly. "Of-Of course not! We just want some answers, that's it!" Answers? Catching my intrigued look, Sunset, still flushing slightly, nodded to Twilight, whom composed herself and concentrated. And now, the rows of books nearby started floating and shuffling in new order, fashioned according to the teen's designs before being neatly placed back, and my worst suspicions were confirmed. "Ah. Fair enough." Closing my 3DS, I set the device down and sat up, stretching slightly and heading towards the ladder. I was dreading this, partially hoping they'd at least turn to my older self for their questions then. "You weren't intending on staying in this, rather marvelous tent all day were you darling?" Rarity inquired after hearing my yawn with a raised disapproving brow. "I wouldn't blame him if he was!" Pinkie's chocolate-filled lips called out from the side happily, continuing to gorge herself with the liquefied goodness. "I hope you weren't planning to keep this all to yourself, Stardust!" The others regarded their friend in exasperated fondness, myself included. Shaking my head, I took a seat on one lower step of the ladder, preferring to get this over with. "So, all realized your powers then?" "Not all of us." Fluttershy answered quietly, Sunset looking away in utter disappointment. Tch. "You'd be surprised." I said wearily, motioning to the bacon-haired teen. "You've used your own ability twice now, you just don't know it." Sunset blinked, pleasantly surprised by this news. "I have?" "We were hopin' not to have any of this magical nonsense interrupt our good time in Camp Everfree." Applejack proceeded to interject, frowning in faint irritation. "Guessin' you already know how we got 'em." "I suggested we ask you for answers." Twilight said next, stepping forward with hope. "We want to understand what's going on; where these anomalies are coming from and why." I raised a brow. "You didn't seek out my future self?" The girls exchanged questioning frowns at that. "Why would we?" Rainbow asked with hands on hips, sounding outright incredulous. "We thought of asking our friend first. And something about that other you is... Off. He's far too happy about things, we're more use to seeing you act like a miserable grouch." ...Not sure whether to be insulted or flattered by that admission. "So." Sunset added expectantly. "Obviously something is happening in the camp. Strange things have already happened outside of us suddenly gaining these newfound powers. Could you shed some light?" I released a tired grin. "Guessing telling you girls not to worry and that I'll handle everything would hardly work now?" They exchanged knowing humoured looks. "Last time we did that, we almost lost you." Rainbow answered with a smirk. "That's not happening again anytime soon. You ain't getting rid of us that easy Star." Well worth a shot. Nodding, I slapped my hands on my knees and straightened up, revealing my more somber expression. "There are this small magical geodes in the camp, seven of them, all connected to you girls. How and why, I don't know." And I don't even care. The girls nodded, leaning forward whilst sitting cross-legged on the floor with rapid attention. I sighed and rubbed my messy beard, feeling rather drained. "A certain counselor is misusing them for her own selfish desires. You'll see five of those geodes tied around her neck." "Gloriosa...!" Fluttershy gasped as their eyes widened in epiphany. "Yes, I too have noticed those delightful little gems around her neck, thinking about it." Rarity added with thought. "Nothing so divine gets past these eyes." "So Gloriosa's responsible for the boat crashin' into our hard-earned dock?" Applejack scowled at the floor irritably. "Now why in tarnation would she try and sabotage her own camp?!" "She's not. At least, not willingly." I shook my head with a stern frown. "She's convinced that mastering these geode's powers would help preserve her camp somehow. Or at least, make her final days running the joint the best ever. They're close to losing it, and that's making Daisy more desperate, and dangerous all the same." "How are they losing it?" Twilight inquired, sounding quite concerned by the prospect. She really shouldn't be, those two have proven nothing but why they shouldn't be running a camping establishment in the first place. "Bills." I shrugged indifferently, leaning back against the ladder with weariness. "Filthy Rich has given them an extra month to get their [BEEP] together and make enough money, otherwise they'll lose the camp. But Daisy's letting the power get to her, and her brother is barely helping making things better in any way." "How so?" Rarity asked. "He's covering for her. Making up excuses like that Gia Everfree bull[BEEP] we heard last night being responsible for the strange going-ons." "So it really was just a story..." Sunset muttered in epiphany, regarding the floor intently. The others shared incredulous looks, but Rainbow seemed more skeptic about something else. "Hold up." The blue athletic teen pointed something out. "How come you make it sound like a bad thing about Timber covering for Gloriosa? Isn't it good that he's looking out for his sister?" This was the point I was absolutely, vehemently furious about. "That excuses nothing." I snapped irritably, the rainbow-haired teen startled by my firm conviction. "Timber knows just how much of a danger this is and chooses to do nothing. He takes no initiative to stop his sister and acts nothing is his fault, not even to the end." Hell, the [BEEP]tard attempts to take CREDIT for the girls saving the day. "Him making up excuses for his sister's actions justifies nothing. Timber is equally responsible for what's to come." Twilight said nothing, looking pointedly away upon my statements. Sunset chose to speak up with her own determination in her voice. "What can we do to prevent this upcoming catastrophe then? People were almost hurt today because of Gloriosa's actions already." "Right now, I have a plan of confronting the two siblings tonight after the lantern event." I admitted, leaning forward with interlocked hands. "Try to convince them to give up the geodes and, in return, offer them the help needed to keep and preserve their camp." "Well, that's all well and good darling." Rarity began skeptically. "But that has yet to explain the presence of your future version in Camp Everfree. Surely something must have gone wrong in your plan for him to appear." That... Was a fairly decent point. "I'm not exactly sure what my future self is planning." I confessed warily. "But I'm not gonna sit by and let him do all the work for me either. Timber and Daisy will have to accept my proposal." The girls watched me rise from my seat, Applejack frowning in concern. "And if they don't?" My answer was clear, frosty as my expression with leaving no absolute room for argument. "Then what happens is on them." I needed some air. Swerving past the girls standing up, I added before departing. "Go back and join everyone else. We'll discuss this some more later." It took ten seconds in a different direction outside before Sunset called out. "Stardust!" Of course she'd want to talk. Running up to meet me, I turned to face the worried bacon-haired teenager. "There's something else, isn't there? Something you're keeping from us." I chose to smirk wryly at my observant friend. "What else is new?" "A student should know when her teacher is hiding something." But that sass lowered to more solemness. "You've been tense, moreso than usual ever since we arrived at Camp Everfree. Obviously you don't like being here, and you're not a huge fan of Gloriosa or Timber. We just want to help you with whatever's troubling you, you know that." "I know, I know." I smiled tiredly. "And I appreciate that." Sunset at least shared the expression from the sincere response. "And it's not just them, is it? Your future self being here is also bothering you too." Too? "I tried talking to him, but as Rainbow said, he seems rather... Off." Sunset looked away with a furrowed brow. "More cold and dismissive, when talking to him alone. It reminds me of our first encounter, at Canterlot High, when... Y'know." My golden hand rested on her shoulder without further incentive. "You know that's all in the past now, Sunset. There never comes a day where you're not important to me." And shrugged after seeing her flushed delighted expression. "And besides, my other self is probably barely containing his rage at everything this camp is. I know I am. Two bombs waiting to go off." "As if one angry Stardust Balance wasn't enough." Sunset tilted her head curiously. "You don't trust him, do you?" "I've never trusted myself." I grinned coyly, removing my hand. "And that's not gonna change anytime soon. Do as I say, Sunset, not as I do." The girl chuckled warmly at that, prompting my pleased reaction. "But I trust you, Twilight and the others. However, from my... Foresight, Timber and Daisy were originally forgiven for almost harming and murdering innocent lives and were rewarded for their own troubles. And I... I can't let that happen, even if you and the girls are against me on this-" "Trust works both ways, Stardust." Sunset interjected with a solemn look. "And we trust you to know what you're doing. If they're as dangerous as you claim, even if they seem nice... Well, you haven't let us down yet." ...Thank God! I was actually worried doing all this would cause some kind of potential rift between myself and the girls that would last for a long time. But they trust me, so much enough to even support me with my plan. "We just have to remember that the world isn't entirely black and white, my young student." Oh great, I was beginning to even sound like Starswirl. But Sunset didn't appear to mind, clearly listening intently. "In my foresight, you all interpret Filthy Rich as the villain simply because you all hold sentimental value over the camp and its irresponsible owners. In reality he's a decent man just doing his job and making things easier for everyone. You can argue that Daisy and Timber are the real villains because they choose to escape consequence and deem themselves about it." "They seem to have good intentions." Sunset pointed out. "But I'm guessing that's not enough to satisfy you." "It isn't." I confirmed with a tired shake of the head. "The intention becomes irrelevant when the action itself happens. By all accounts, Daisy and Timber deserve to lose this camp if anything I predicted comes to pass." "Then we just have to prevent this prediction from ever happening." Sunset crossed her arms with a confident smirk, nodding once. "Just tell me what we need to do." "For now? Nothing, though I am grateful for your willingness to help, you wonderful mare." The teen blushed again, smiling in satisfaction to my praise. "If the two ignore my warning, then I'll ask you girls to help." Clasping my hands together, I decided to add something for a sidenote. "Also, wanna know what your new power is?" "I- Sure?" "You can read minds by touching people." Basically. Or read emotions. I don't know, it was never really clear with how exactly Sunset's own powers worked. "Possibly the most useful superpower ever." Which is more than I can say for the most generic, unoriginal powers Hasbro gave to the others, for literally no reason? Did anyone really ask for the human versions to become superheroes? Sunset blinked, regarding her own palm thoughtfully for a moment, cerulean eyes widening as she clearly recalled the earlier two instances of unknowingly using this power. A wide smile broke out, the girl barely containing her excitement. "That's... Amazing! These gifts to me and our friends are incredible!" Gifts... That's one way to call them. "Here's an idea." I spoke up with crossed arms, smirking. "Tell the girls to use their new powers to help repair the dock. Make things easier for yourselves." Sunset only grinned brightly, then gave me a sudden tight hug and proceeded to run off in the opposite direction, heading back to join her friends. I watched her leave with a bewildered smile. Yes I was still well-aware of Sunset's infatuation for me, but I wasn't going to dwell on it. The less said, the better, if it was just a small crush that was typically for one you admired and wouldn't last so long. "Sunset really looks up to you, you know." And immediately my smile wiped off my face, turning in resigned annoyance to the smiling Sentry- Flash, sorry, was giving him a chance. His blue eyes lit knowingly with folded arms. "You can see it everytime she talks about you at school." "I doubt that." But the boy as tall as I shook his head, grinning humouredly. "You should've seen her face when you weren't looking. When learning you were coming along for the trip, Sunset looked really thrilled by it. Guess Twilight has some competition." I gave an annoyed twitch of the lips by the boy's bold wink. "Twilight has no competition; my heart is for her and her alone. I would never potentially hurt either of them this way." Sentry- Flash chuckled, stepping forward and responding with a warm smile. "I know. You're a good man, Stardust. Time and time again you've proven that, despite initial first encounters." Uh-huh. He proceeded to rub the back of his head. "So, I wanted to say thanks, for looking out for her all this time. Sunset clearly thinks of you as someone to confess her darkest secrets to and for advice." "Well... If she has done the former, I wouldn't know." I failed to stop the small smile. Oh God I was actually smiling without irony or mockery towards Flash Sentry. Just what was this camp doing to me? "So any reason you're here instead of where everyone else is?" "I forgot something in my tent." He replied with a shrug, before making a hopeful expression. "But since you're here, I was hoping to ask you something." "I swear to God if it's advice on getting with human Twilight again I'll-" The boy laughed rather nervously. "Hah. Don't worry, I learnt my lesson there." Before Sentry- Flash began took more serious, for once. "I know something's going on in this camp, and I know you're up to something with the girls." Good for you? "So..." He then straightened with a confident glint in his eye. "I want to help." "I-I'm sorry?" Did I hear correctly? Sentry wants to help? The boy took a bold step forward, adopting a firm expression. "Like you and Sunset discussed, there's something Timber and Gloriosa are involved in, and I don't want any of my friends or the class getting potentially hurt. So... If there's something, anything I could possibly do..." Sentry- Flash regained total composure. "I want to help, in any way I can." ...Huh. Wasn't expecting such earnest desire to assist. However, noble as the intent was, I can't think for the life of me what this teen could do to- ...Hold on. "I think there is something..." I pondered quietly, looking back up to his hopeful gaze with a thoughtful brow. "How good at you at stealth?" "Uhh, alright I guess." "Eavesdropping?" The boy grinned coyly. "I refer you to just minutes ago." Ha. Fair enough, alright then, let's see if we can make some use for you at last, Sentry. "Think then you can keep an eye on any and all interactions between that bald man and the camp counselors?" "You think that man's related to all this?" "Oh, in more ways than one, Sentry..." Flash smirked confidently, reminding me of Sunset somewhat. Unnervingly so. "If it helps keep my friends from harm's way, consider it done." Hahahahahaha! Okay, that was worth it! Through Sunset and the other's insistence that I at least had to partake in one camp activity, the lanterns it was. Feeling uncreative I just added Twilight's cutie mark on the cover of my light blue lantern, ignoring the smirks of my friends upon joining by the docks. Now, everyone else was immediately startled by my sudden chuckle, my lantern [BEEP]blocking even Timber's own lantern from hitting Twilight's, standing as a guard between the two. Even my lantern isn't tolerating this forced metaphorical romance bull[BEEP]. Well, they're gonna some fun when those lanterns eventually land somewhere and begin a forest fire. That'll be a mess to clean up... [BEEP]ing idiots. Alright, done watching them ascend now. Brushing through the awed crowd, I considered my next action. Go to bed? 3DS? Maybe explore at night? Twilight won't be attempting to sneak off this time because of Midnight. Hell, a lot of things have changed around here because I prevented Midnight Sparkle from ever becoming a reality. Do I regret that? Pft, [BEEP] no. Yawning slightly, hands in pockets I proceeded on my way distancing from the group of high schoolers and their supposed supervisors, idly wondering where my future self was. He didn't join in the activity, probably planning something. I still had no clue as to what 'Jack' was intending, having no alone encounters with him since our meeting on the road. Maybe he's in his TARDIS... Wonder what the interior was like in there. Something like the TV Movie's? The two-thousand-and-five series? Two-thousand-and-fourteen? I really wanted to know. And it frustrates me that I can't ask. The less I know about my future, the better. Doctor Who's taught me that more than anything. Foreseeing one's own personal destiny easily makes way for either trying too hard or preventing that pathway, causing unforeseen consequences. Despite what the girls think, it is truly dangerous to get even a glimpse of your own personal future, for that will guide your actions into speeding up, or straying from that path. If I did something that would cause my future self to disappear, then I might as well have destroyed the whole universe. Of course, doesn't mean I was going to sit around and do nothing. Hell no. Not even my future's in charge of me, and clearly Daisy is still using those geodes around her neck to do more harm than intended. Timber's covering up for her mistakes, badly I might add, and endangering the innocent school trip alongside his sibling every minute. If there's one thing I can ask my future about, it's as to what exactly the man was planning involving the two counselors. If he's going to try and change events, I don't want to be left in the dark. Oh, lo and behold, the bald man emerges from the cabin, looking quite thoughtful about something. The night sky barely hid his features which looked entirely too familiar. It was like I was staring at a bearded version of my Dad, which prompted my own wince. Never was I more thankful for my current form now. "Hm? Ah!" The older iteration immediately grinned brightly at my approach, showing old sharp teeth I long since discarded with my new body. 'Jack' widened his arms in greeting. "I was wondering when you would confront me again. Honestly old friend, you can be a bit too predictable." "I'll learn from that." Removing my hands from my coat pockets, my arms folded with a raised brow. "You know I can't ask about my personal future." "Certainly not. We're wise enough not to do that at least." "Nor will I ask how things ended here by my intervention." "Of course. The future is always in motions, as Master Yoda often commented." "What I would like to know." I frowned curiously, expecting some answers from this. "Is what you're planning to change around here. So far everything's going as... Well as the film showed. All that's different is Timber and Twilight not developing that hamfisted and utterly undeserved romance." "Ah, but there have been some changes. You're just too stubborn to see it." He pointed out cockily, smiling quite proudly. "If you paid attention, you would see how more committed and professional our fellow counselors are doing their jobs than before. Daisy is interacting with everyone moreso, and young Timber isn't distracted from flirting with a high schooler in favour of paying attention to his own work. Of course we can't expect perfection from them right off the bat, but so far I call it progress." "I'm surprised." I retorted dryly, eyebrows pinched by the vague condescension. Hopefully I wasn't always this authoritative. "You're so willing to come back here. Camp Everfree would be the one place I would never consider coming back to." "Oh come now Stardust." My older self winked knowingly. "You're having fun. You're just blinded by, although quite understandably so, your contempt for those two campers for being a constant threat to your friends." "As you said, it's justified." I pointed out rather heatedly. "Daisy still has the geodes." "Not all seven of them." "It's still making her a danger to everyone around her." "Aren't we all dangerous to everyone?" 'Jack' smirked darkly. "Considering their own past actions, they might as well be saints compared to us." "Don't compare us to them." I seethed, absolutely affronted by the idea. I'd rather be compared to Zephyr or Blueblood than those two [BEEP]s! "We at least admit to our faults, and strive to do better! They never learned, they never promised to do better, they were rewarded for their actions and allowed to keep their camp because everyone here is too forgiving for their own good!" "One could argue we're too judgmental for our own good." The much older man adopted a solemn expression. "Is it truly that bad to forgive? You were more forgiving of Sombra, yes and, Hell, even the sirens. Sunset, Luna, Starlight. What makes those two any special? What separates Gloriosa Daisy and Timber Spruce from being irredeemable monsters in comparison to those who attempted genuine harm on the world?" "Easy." I replied at once, having had this conflict before. "Those you listed at least admitted to their faults and accepted whatever punishment came their way. The sirens included." I glared down bitterly. "Timber and Daisy perceive themselves as good people the whole time, and make everyone else here think that too..." "...Then what would your solution be, Jack? Jail?" "...If it comes to that." Hazel eyes blazed back up determinedly towards my inevitable future. "Unless you have a better alternative." 'Jack' spread his arms happily, grinning coyly. "Already doing so, remember? Honestly you have to at least place some trust in yourself, my friend. If you can't trust one's self, then who can you trust?" "Twilight, Sunset and the rest. I'd place my life in their hands sooner than my own." "Really?" The man chuckled, turning away to depart with a knowing comment. "Despite your decision over what the girls do with the camp to be wrong. Not to mention how you treat them like children." What? My frown deepened, my older self briskly leaving without having anything else to add. The cheek-! So that was my future's plan? Just make the counselors act more professional? That's not gonna be enough, I feel. In fact, the whole conversation felt as though he was leading me on, almost as if he was... Mocking me. Trust myself... Not ever [BEEP]ing likely. I flinched by the sudden pale hand on my shoulder, a woman's voice inquiring softly. "There's something I have to know." And I turned around to face the nightmarish facial features of Principal Celestia, whom appeared both stern and concerned. "My students. Are they in danger here?" How much did she overhear? "What makes you think that?" The woman frowned. "Do not take me for a fool, Stardust. The previous times you visited it us came with a situation which endangered the lives of others. I know what happened during the Friendship Games, believe it or not." And her expression turned more gentle, attempting to coax me for answers as she leaned down somewhat. "I have to know, if there's something wrong, I want to protect my students as you have time and time before." A brief recollection of this version standing protectively between Gia and her students, futilely so. The scene was laughable in itself, but I kept those thoughts to myself. And if Celestia wanted answers, then I had only a few things to say. "Timber Spruce and Gloriosa Daisy can't be trusted, regardless of what sentimental value you hold over this camp." The woman blinked from my firm tone, kindly removing her hand from my tense shoulder. "They're endangering everyone here with powers beyond their understanding. Two of your students potentially dying from crashing into the dock earlier? That's all them. They're children playing adults, and if you want to help, Principal, I have to ask that you not make the same mistake as you already are now." She smiled in faint humour to that jab. "You certainly pack no punches, Stardust." "I'm not holding back, not this time." I shook my head, on a roll here. "Daisy's the bigger danger with the magic she wields uncontrollably. Timber's covering up for her, mistakenly so. By tomorrow, [BEEP] will go down if I don't stop it." Celestia nodded, folding her arms with her own stern look. "Your needless swearing aside, how could we persuade Gloriosa from misusing this magic any longer?" "Leave that to me." But then, a better idea sprung up, regarding the Principal before me. Before Celestia opened her mouth to protest, I added with a smirk. "If things go south, we'll need an evacuation plan for the class. Could I trust you and your sister enough to plan for that likely scenario?" Taking a moment to ponder, the long-legged woman nodded with a gentle smile. "I'd hate for this trip to turn sour in any possible way, so I'm counting on you to do your best in keeping my students safe, Stardust. Not to worry, I shall speak to Luna immediately." There was one last business to attend to before retiring from the night. And it wasn't too hard tracking down both Timber and Daisy in the dark edges of the forest. "They're getting onto us, just like he said!" "Well what do you want from me?! I'm trying to help you here!" All I had to do was follow the sounds of their obnoxious voices. Brother and sister clashing. Reminds me of the old days. I often missed having heated debates with my own sister back home. ...Oh wait, no I didn't. Those were just irritating and headache-inducing, exactly like the two counselors before me. There was no love from my arrogant sister regarding our own arguments. But this wasn't about me, it was about these two and the people they were putting in danger. I leaned against the bark of a tree, torn between humour and annoyed exasperation by their own exchange. Daisy was gesturing wildly like a madwoman. "If you hadn't had made up that stupid story and made things more obvious-!" "I had to think something!" "You want an idea?" Normally I would wait a little longer, but [BEEP] it. Any second more in their presence makes me want to go out and murder a puppy. "How about not covering up for your sister and put the geodes back where they belong." Both heads whipped around from my stern, annoyed voice, eyes widening in shock. "You?" Timber asked with a curious frown. "You sound just like... Never mind, what are you doing out so late?" "How do you know about the geodes?" Daisy all but seethed, taking one step closer and ignoring her brother's warning look. I kicked myself off the tree, taking a few steps closer to emphasize my point. "If there's one thing I would ever agree with your self-conceited brother here." My quick glance prompted the boy to close his mouth before he could retort, looking back to them both fully. "It's that the magic contained in those crystals are too strong and powerful for the likes of you. I know what they are, and I know what you're doing. It's stopping, whether you like it or not." "You see?" Timber motioned towards me gratefully, despite my barely-concealed hatred aimed at this camper and everything he represents. "It was only a matter of time before we were found out, as Jack said! You have to reconsider everything Gloriosa!" "The magic is under my complete control! Nothing has gone wrong so far!" "Really?" I folded my arms with an incredulous raised brow. "So it was intentional involving those accidents today? Y'know, almost killing innocent teenagers?" The girl took a step back from my growling outrage, attempting to stand her ground still. "Y-Yes! I mean no! No those were not intentional! I would never inflict harm on anyone!" "And yet with every second you wear them." I nodded to the small colourful geodes Daisy was now tightly clutching protectively. "You become a menace to everyone around you. You're just as bad." I added to the frowning Timber, daring him to argue. "Making up excuses as your own flesh and blood continues to grow into a bigger danger and lose herself in the process." "Lies." Daisy sneered angrily, pointing in pure accusation. "You want the camp to go! I can see it in your eyes; you hated our home the moment you stepped out of the bus. I haven't missed the look of contempt everytime you either of us. Who are you to judge and declare what we can and cannot do?" "Gloriosa." Her more sensible sibling, at least for the moment, tried appeasing the insane older teen. "This isn't like you. He's completely right; the power's getting to your head. I love Camp Everfree as much as you do. That man, Jack, has been trying to help us learn from our mistakes and keep our home. I'm asking you, as your friend and brother, please put those things back where you found them, and we wouldn't have to worry any longer." "I'll make you a deal." I started, folding my arms Jedi-style as Daisy looked terribly uncertain. "Put them back, by tomorrow, and I will do everything in my power to help you keep your camp. I will see to it that Filthy Rich never gets his hands on this place, and you two can maintain the legacy your great-grandparents left behind. You just have to start acting more of an adult with responsibility." And glanced to Timber with narrowed eyes. "And you have to stop hitting on a high schooler like some sort of creep. Maybe loosen down on the ego somewhat and maybe we can talk. Sounds fair?" "What could you possibly do," Daisy began to reply skeptically as Timber pointedly looked away, the former frowning. "To help us?" "You'd be surprised, but that's on your choice." With that, my business here was concluded, for now anyway. "Put away the gems, start acting like adults, and do everything in your power not to give into temptation." "And if I don't?" Oh, easy enough. A slow glance over to the two teens, who took a few steps back by my expression and darker tone. "No amount of sentimental value will save you from my righteous wrath... You have one chance. That's all you're getting." I just know something, something, will happen tomorrow... And I highly doubt it'll be on the more positive side.