//------------------------------// // A Crystal Night // Story: Camping With The Princess // by Lonely Fanboy48 //------------------------------// Princess Twilight spent the next hours playing with Flurry Heart and Water Lily. They’ve gone on another hike to see some animals with some help from Fluttershy while also having lunch afterwards. After going on another sailboat trip around the lake, the sun sets over the mountains again. “Well, that must be all the activities for today.” Gloriosa smiled while getting off of the sailboat she used. “But what about campfire stories?” Little Red asked. “Don’t worry, we’ll never forget about that.” Fluttershy replied. “Even if this is our final night at camp, we still have so many stories to tell.” Timber added. After Twilight helped Flurry Heart and Water Lily out of their sailboat, she then took out her phone again. When she saw the text she got from Sunset, it’s revealed that she and her friends are done in the Crystal Cave which gave a smile from the Princess. She headed to Timber and Gloriosa and whispered to their ears about the cave itself. After all the kids got off of the sailboats, Gloriosa and Timber made their next announcement. “Kids, not only we’re still going to tell campfire stories tonight, but we’re going to have one more hike.” Gloriosa called. “Remember from our story about the cave in this forest?” Fluttershy asked. “Well guess what. We’re going to that cave.” Timber smiled. “Really!?” Manestrum reacted. All the kids cheered that they’re getting the chance to go to the cave they’ve heard about from the Rainbooms story. But what they didn’t know is what’s waiting for them from a cave filled with crystals. The Counselors and two of the Rainbooms take all the children to the Crystal Cave. The more they continued their hike, they heard a sound from a distance. “Am I the only one hearing music?” Lily Pad blinked. “So am I.” Kimberlite added. The Princess Of Friendship couldn’t make this moment any better for not only for the children, but for Flurry Heart and Water Lily. When they came out of the woods, they see an opened cave with a border by the left. The kids saw the entrance with multi colored lights from above in the cave along with Rarity waiting. She’s wearing her Everfree outfit while giving the kids her beautiful eyes. “Come inside my wonderful children.” She then pointed inside the cave, allowing the kids along with the Counselors to head inside the Crystal Cave while following from behind. The music got louder when they heard two girls playing their guitars and a drummer who loves to drum. When they arrived at the main open area of the cave, they couldn’t believe what was going on. There are several small tables for kids to sit with the accessories displayed, most of the Rainbooms, even Sunset Shimmer are also wearing their Everfree outfit, and not only that, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie Pie are playing their instruments on stage. Also there’s projectors glowing on one of the cave walls to show pictures of past Camp Everfree trips over the years since day one. Of course, all the kids ran all over the place because the cave itself caught their interest to a whole new level. “This cave is awesome!” Gallop shouted, looking at the crystals lined on the walls and celine. “I thought everything the Rainbooms said was just a fantasy.” Lily Longsocks commented. “If you were with us, you’d see it was more than a fantasy.” Rainbow smirked after she stopped playing her guitar. “And a great experience at that sugarcube.” Applejack added. Water Lily ran all over the cave when she saw it for the first time. She loved every single bit of it. “Flurry Heart, come on in, this cave is beautiful!” As for Flurry Heart, her eyes didn’t lie when she looked at the cave herself. Throughout her years in the Crystal Empire, it never had a cave like this. Less crystals but still wonderful. She then looked at her aunt who’s smiling. “What are you waiting for? She’s waiting for you.” Princess Twilight lifting her hand to Water. All that Flurry did is hug Twilight’s leg, thanking her for bringing her to Camp Everfree for the weekend. As she heads to Water Lily to do the activities, Human Twilight poked on her counterpart from behind. “Hey.” She smiled. “Hi, I haven't seen you since last night.” Princess Twilight placed her hand on her hip. “Oh please, you know I love to help my princess friend.” Human Twilight wraps her arm around Princess Twilight. “Speaking of love, Rarity decided to do some fashion work when we began decorating.” “You do know that I prefer not to get impressed anymore right?” “I know, but since me and my friends are in our uniform respecting Everfree Forest in this world, you should as well.” The Princess Of Friendship looked at the outfits her friends are wearing and learned something that Equestria’s Everfree Forest didn’t have. Forest Nature. During the majority of yesterday and today, she felt more of the experience of what Camp Everfree had to offer than last time. After she helped with the activities, she knew she had to fit in, even with her last minute decisions. “I guess Rarity wanted me to fit in when we’re at places like this.” The princess gives her fashionista friend a smile while she’s helping the children by the tables. “She’s always clever when she has her mojo.” Human Twilight giggled. “Come on, I’ll show what she made for you.” She grabbed her arm as she and her princess counterpart left the Crystal Cave. The Rainbooms and Counselors spend the most of their time to entertain all the kids for the charity they’ve been raising money for. At the moment, it’s getting close to nighttime outside of the cave, but Timber and Gloriosa decide to have the children enjoy what the Rainbooms had constructed. Princess and Human Twilight arrived back to the cave after the princess changed in the changing room from one of the cabins in Camp Everfree. By the time they entered the main area, Sunset and her friends see the uniform the Princess Of Friendship is wearing. “Hey kids.” Sunset called as she pointed at the princess. “Our friend, Twilight, is back. As the kids looked at Princess Twilight, they immediately found the outfit good. The princess is wearing a purple sleeveless shirt with her cutie mark appearing from the front and back. She wears a pink skirt with pink flowers representing love during the Spring season, not to mention awareness. And finally she’s wearing a blue and purple scarf just like what Rainbow Dash has around her neck. The kids along with the Rainbooms walk up to the Princess Of Friendship. “Looks like we’re all in the camping spirit now.” Rarity crossing her arms. Flurry Heart and Water Lily also adore Princess Twilight’s outfit upon seeing it. “I think it’s really sweet that she took you here. If only I met your parents, I can know who you really are.” Water smiled. However after she blurted it out, Sunset heard everything which made her remember another important detail she had from the conversation she and Twilight had with their principal and vice principal. With her realization coming to light, she went around the crowd of children and whispered into the princess’s ear. Princess Twilight knows full well she can’t take Flurry Heart back to this world and Principal Celestia was right. She wanted Flurry and herself to have quality time with Water, but her life back at Equestria would always get in the way, forcing her to make sacrifices during her spare time. After she nodded once Sunset backed away, she decided to spread the truth about Flurry Heart, just like she spread the truth about herself back at the Starswirl Festival. “Kids Kids!” The princess called as the kids lowered their expressions. “There’s something I need all of you to know...about Flurry Heart.” All the kids, Rainbooms and counselors looked at Flurry while Water Lily gave her a confused look. Princess Twilight sighed as she tried to be nice. “I’m sure all of you know that I’m a princess from a different world right?” The kids nodded from the princess’s question. “Well...Flurry Heart is actually a baby, while her parents are rulers.” This caused all of the kids, even the teens and adults to gasp in shock, except Sunset Shimmer. Water Lily backed away from Flurry Heart when she finally knows she’s a baby now and that explains why she never spoke a word. “You see, I wasn’t going to be here, because I’m supposed to babysit her. I was going to take her to a place she’ll enjoy but there weren’t any other options. I could’ve thinked harder about bringing her here but I didn’t have much time when Sunset messaged me about Camp Everfree’s charity.” All the kids then looked at Sunset who was scratching on the back of her head. “I didn’t expect her to take one of her relatives along, I thought it was a bad idea from the start.” The princess then makes her next move by heading to Water Lily who’s still flinched at the moment. “You’re right, but it was also a stupid idea on my part, Sunset.” The princess looked at her friend until back to Water. She gave the child her serious look, something she barely does towards fillies back at Equestria. She gets on her knees so she can speak to her closely. “Water Lily, I know you had a lot of fun playing with Flurry, but...unfortunately this is the only time you're going to see her. I didn’t want her parents to feel more worried, if they found out I took her here, but I had to make a last minute decision. I wanted you and her to be happy when I’m around...so do I.” The Princess Of Friendship lowered her head in complete despair. Unlike the speech she made back at the music festival, this was too personal for her to even handle what comes her way when she got here. Flurry Heart felt sad after what she heard from her aunt. It was unfair, but true. By the time she leaves, she’ll never come back just when she started loving Camp Everfree. But after all of that, Water Lily walked up to the Princess Of Friendship. When Twilight sees Water again, the child smiled as she gave the princess a hug. “Don’t feel like that.” She replied. “All I ever wanted from you is to feel happy. Just like what you did for Flurry.” She then looked at Flurry while breaking the hug. “I think taking Flurry felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not just for her, but also for me to have a friend who has a heart of crystal.” This causes Flurry to be stunned into silence. Her mother and father did tell her great things, but they never said she has a heart of a crystal. She teared up in happiness as she ran up to Water Lily and gave her a hug. The Rainbooms, Counselors, the children and even Princess Twilight couldn’t believe what they’re seeing, but also couldn’t help but adore it. Out of all the kids who had fun, they felt inspired from what Water said to Flurry, let alone a baby who’s too young to speak. “I think you have a really great sister.” Technicolor said to Lily Pad. “Not to mention she’s so mature for her age.” Little Red added. All the kids begin to clap and cheer to not only the Princess Of Friendship, but also Water Lily. “Guess friendship can fix anything during times like this.” Sunset walking by the princess. “You could be right.” Princess Twilight replied in relief. “Well.” Rainbow placed her hands on her hips. “We should get back to our celebration right?” “That’s right.” Pinkie cheered. “Who’s ready to party in the Crystal Cave!?” All the kids cheered as the party continued with the activities waiting for them. “So Flurry, Water,” Twilight walked up to the two youngest children at Camp. “Want me to play with you?” She then lifted the two kids up from the ground. “Maybe we can draw a picture together.” “Oh! How could we say no to that?” Water cheered while Flurry nuzzled on Twilight’s chest. For the next hour, everyone in the Crystal Cave did all of the activities available. Drawing with more things to do, dancing with the music they grow up with and having the different kinds of cupcakes Pinkie made. It was a memorable night however it had to come to end as the Rainbooms and Counselors take the children back to their tents. By the parking area, Sunset is about to take Princess Twilight and Flurry Heart back to Equestria while Water Lily along with her sister watches. “Do you really have to leave tonight?” Water Lily asked. “Well, Cadance and Shining Armor want Flurry back, first thing in the morning.” Princess Twilight answered. “It’s better If we leave right away than later.” This caused Human Twilight to place her hand on Water’s shoulder. “Don’t feel that way, we’ve been through this in the past.” “Okay, I hope you enjoyed Camp Everfree.” Flurry would accept Water’s respectful gesture but she knew she won’t come back to a camp she grew to like. “She enjoyed it as much as I did during my first visit.” Princess Twilight recalled. “Maybe if there’s a chance in the future, I might take her along again, but it won’t happen any time soon.” “Especially if Cadance and Shining Armor finds out about this.” Sunset added. “But let’s not overthink this, I got my car ready.” As Sunset inserted her keys in the ignition, both Water Lily and Flurry Heart gave each other one more hug. After that, Twilight helped Flurry to get inside the passenger seat while giving Water Lily one more look. “But I will come back, don’t forget that.” She smiled as she entered Sunset’s vehicle. Sunset drove her car away from camp, bringing her friend and her baby back to Canterlot High. “This is the best weekend I ever had.” Water Lily hugging her sister. “So do I.” Lily Pad smiled. “Okay, you two should head back to your tents now.” Human Twilight took Lily Pad’s hand as she took the two kids to the sleeping tents. As Sunset puts her focus on the road itself, Twilight and Flurry are looking at the photos and drawings they had at Camp Everfree. The drawing they and Water made is a group picture of all the kids, Rainbooms, Counselors and themselves in front of the dock of Camp Everfree. Not only that, they put glue and blue glitter on as the lake itself. They drew light white crystals in the sky which was Flurry’s idea after the time they had in the cave. Flurry felt exhausted by the time she finished it, but it gave her an image she’ll remember for the rest of her life. As for Twilight, she wrapped her arm around Flurry after the time she had. Even if she liked drawing the picture, she still has to keep it in her castle for safe keeping along with all the moments she had in this world. But this is important since Flurry was with her the whole time. But like what Spike said, a lot can happen, especially at the most unusual times, something Twilight has always gone through, even before becoming the Princess Of Friendship.