Gloriosa muttered under her breath, frustrated with herself. How could she have let so much time slip by?! Ugh, the one time this week she took some time for herself, and she overdid it! She paused, then heaved a long sigh. There wasn't any point in her getting frustrated... she should just channel that energy into her work, then have a late lunch.
With that, Gloriosa went to work with a laser focus.
Sweat began to form on Twilight's forehead. She needed another distraction, her urge was getting stronger by the moment! She looked around frantically as she racked her brain until she saw...
"Rainbow Dash!"
Rainbow turned around. "'Sup?"
Twilight had to think fast... faster than normal.
"I think I'm out of shape, can you help me?" Her brain caught up with her mouth in a millisecond, which was one millisecond too late. Before she could open her mouth, Twilight felt a rush of wind as everything around her blurred.
"So," Rainbow said eagerly as she clapped her hands together and rubbed them in anticipation. "What're your problem areas?"
Twilight heaved a sigh. Well, she did want a distraction...
Timber wiped some sweat off of his forehead. The dock was coming along quite nicely, thanks to himself and the efforts of other campers! Nothing like some hard work to make the day pass by. Speaking of which, he hoped Glory got back on task... he almost felt bad for snickering at her profanity! Almost.
Timber smiled softly. Glory seemed to be doing better after her talk with Twilight and Sunset. He just wished there was something he could do for her. Something like comforting her. He wanted to be a good younger brother for her, especially after everything she went through lately. He felt positive he could figure something out.
Timber stood up and cracked his neck, then gazed at the sight of Camp Everfree before himself. He sighed happily, knowing that his beloved home would be around for at least another generation. Feeling joy in his heart, he shed a tear, then wiped it away. Someday he or Gloriosa would raise that next generation... at least, he hoped so.
Heat rose to Timber's face. What was he talking about? 'Next generation'! He was thinking way too far ahead! He still needed to have his first date with Twilight, and there was no guarantee about the future! It didn't stop him from hoping they'd have a long-lasting relationship, though... there was so much he didn't know about her, and he was eager to learn more!
Timber's stomach growled. Lunch was starting to sound good right about now! He walked over to the mess hall as he licked his lips.
Gloriosa double-checked the lists on her clipboard. She seemed to be making good time, but she was still a little behind. As she passed by the Mess Hall, Timber emerged from within.
"Hey Glory," Timber said as the Mess Hall's door closed behind him. "You get caught up yet?"
Gloriosa slowly shook her head. "I wish," she said with a laugh. "But if I keep this pace, I will be within an hour."
"Good, good... did you have any luck with your mixing and matching?"
"Nope, but I won't let that stop me from trying again later."
"Coming through," a raspy voice said.
Timber and Gloriosa turned their attention in the direction of the voice to see Rainbow Dash giving Twilight a piggyback ride.
"H-Hi," Twilight said with a look of embarrassment.
Gloriosa raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"
"Rainbow had me do some vigorous squats and I lost all feeling in my legs."
"When you told me you were 'out of shape'," Rainbow said with a scoff. "I didn't think you were that 'out of shape'."
Twilight rolled her eyes and grumbled.
"Wait a minute," Gloriosa said to Rainbow. "Don't you have some kind of super-speed? Couldn't you just rush her back to her tent to rest?"
"I told her not to," Twilight said. "I don't want to be whipped around at the speed of who knows what!"
"Oh... that's a good point."
"Anyway," Rainbow said, "I should get her back to the tent. Later!" She jogged away, and Timber and Gloriosa returned their attention to each other.
"So, you gonna eat," Timber asked.
"Nah," Gloriosa replied. "Not until I get caught up. It's not like I'm starving."
"If you say so..." Timber paused for a moment, then briefly looked back in the direction that Rainbow went. "Well, I'm gonna get back to it."
"All righty. Catch you later, then!"
Timber threw Gloriosa a salute, and the two went their separate ways.
Rainbow reached the Sapphire Tent, much to Twilight's relief. Riding on her friend's shoulders had most definitely not done her any favors. Fortunately for both of them, she wasn't too aroused...
Rainbow set Twilight down on her bed, and Twilight folded her arms. "Stupid freaking paresthesia..."
"Pear is... what?"
"Paresthesia. You know, that tingly feeling you get when your foot falls asleep?"
"Oh yeah," Rainbow said with a laugh. "Yeah, it really sucks when that happens. Good thing it's temporary, though."
Twilight nodded. "I should be able to walk again within a couple of minutes." She smiled. "Thanks for bringing me here."
"No prob!"
An awkward silence between the two lingered as Twilight gradually regained feeling in her legs and feet.
"You, uh... you didn't have to stick around, Rainbow," Twilight said.
"I know. But I did anyway." Rainbow wrapped an arm around Twilight. "C'mon, Twi, you should know by now that I'm not the kind of girl who'd just leave you when you're feeling down!"
Twilight smiled. "Yeah, I guess I should." She hopped off of her bed and stretched.
"So what do you want to do now?"
"How about something a little less strenuous than squats... or exercising?"
Rainbow barked a laugh. "Whatever you want, Twilight. Whatever you want."
They both left Sapphire Tent, discussing what to do next.
Timber smiled as he watched Derpy paddle around in a canoe. That girl always seemed to be so carefree... he wished he could be the same, but his current circumstances had taught him to remain cautiously optimistic at best.
Enjoy this all while it lasts.
Timber scoffed silently. Oh, it's going to last, all right. He and Glory would make sure of that! Especially now that Camp Everfree had a second chance. A second chance he had no intention of wasting. Speaking of Gloriosa... he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone as he glanced in Derpy's direction, making sure she was safe. He nodded in satisfaction, then turned his attention elsewhere and sent a message.
Hey there, how's the catch-up going? - Timber
"I'm ready to get out, Timber," Derpy called out as she approached the shore.
"Be right there," Timber said as he pocketed his phone. He took the paddle from Derpy as she got out of the canoe, then stored them away for the next person as she walked off after thanking him. Once that was all taken care of, he took his phone back out and noticed he had a new message.
It's going pretty well, actually. I think I'm making good time! I might be done sooner than I expected. - Glory
Timber smiled, then sent a message.
That's great! Just don't overwork yourself, okay? - Timber
Timber looked at the progress of the camp's dock and smiled. If all went according to plan, it should be done by the end of the week. His phone chimed, and he checked it.
Don't you worry, little brother. I've got this! - Glory
Timber's smile remained as he put his phone back in his pocket.
Gloriosa put her phone away. It was sweet of Timber to check in on her, and she appreciated his concern, but she was being mindful of her stress levels. She didn't want another meltdown like the one she had...
Gloriosa stopped in her tracks as she put the palm of her hand on her forehead with a heavy sigh and a slow shake of her head. By the Universe, she was so ashamed of herself. It hurt, even as she reminded herself that Twilight and Sunset went through the same things she did.
Gloriosa sighed again as she let go of her forehead. She needed to be focused! There was only one place left to check, then she would be done. It was about time, too, because she was starting to feel really hungry! With the cracking of her knuckles, she continued forward.
As she made her way to her last stop, Gloriosa paused every now and then to wave to passing campers. She smiled, knowing that she was responsible for their happiness.
Responsible...
Yes, she was responsible for their happiness, but Gloriosa was also responsible for the partial destruction of Camp Everfree. She didn't care who said what, she had to make amends for what she did... but how?
As that thought crossed her mind, she reached her final spot. Gloriosa couldn't help but cringe as she recalled all the thorns and brambles that sprouted from the ground at her command. She had really gone off the deep end! Maybe when everything settled down here, she'd search for a psychiatrist. That just might do her a world of good.
Gloriosa made note of the damage, then traveled to the Mess Hall to get some lunch.
Twilight and Rainbow closed their books, then stretched and stood up. It was decided that since there was a Daring Do movie in the works, they should re-read the series... not that either of them needed a refresher. Their goal was to get caught up before they visited the movie set.
"Man," Rainbow said. "That was a great idea, Twi. Nice way to kill some time."
Twilight nodded. "Yeah! I needed the tranquility after everything that's happened."
"Eh, tranquility isn't usually my thing. Say, I wonder what time it is..." Rainbow took her phone out of her pocket. "Huh," she said in mild surprise. "Looks like it's been about a couple of hours."
"'Time flies when you're having fun'."
Rainbow snorted. "I guess so."
"So what do you want to do now?"
"I don't know about you," Rainbow said as she grinned. "But I still haven't had the chance to get some rock climbing in, and I won't leave without doing that at least once!"
"Eh, rock climbing isn't usually my thing."
The two shared a laugh.
"All right, Twilight. You do you. See ya later!" With that, Rainbow rushed off in a blur.
Twilight smiled, then began to turn around as she heard Spike's voice.
"Hey Twilight! Guess what I've got!"
Twilight froze up, dreading the possibilities. She hoped to the Cosmos it wasn't a dead animal! The last time that happened she freaked out, then vigorously cleaned and sanitized herself and everything that Spike had touched! Wait... no, it couldn't possibly be a dead animal. She would've smelled it by now! She sighed with relief, then took her guess.
"Is it a stick?"
Spike ran around Twilight, then dropped a stick at her feet. "You bet it is!"
Twilight giggled, then picked up the stick and threw it. It'd been a while since she played 'fetch' with Spike...
Gloriosa heaved a sigh as she stared at her reflection in a pond in the middle of the forest. For the past who knows how long, she had been struggling to come up with a way to apologize for all her actions. Normally she'd be naked as she walked around and collected her thoughts, but she wouldn't dare do that while she knew everyone was still awake! It didn't help that she had so many other things on her mind either!
The snapping of a twig from several feet away brought Gloriosa back to reality as she whipped around and saw Pinkie Pie skipping towards her.
"Heya," Pinkie chirped. "Why do you look all downy and frowny?"
Gloriosa sighed again as Pinkie sat down next to her. "I want to do something nice for everyone after everything I did as that... that thing."
Pinkie giggled, then snorted. "Gloriosa, you know you weren't in control-"
"That doesn't excuse what I did!"
Pinkie kept her smile as she scooted closer to Gloriosa, then hugged her.
Gloriosa tensed up for a moment, then deflated with a shuddering sigh as she slowly returned the hug.
"It's going to be okay, Gloriosa," Pinkie whispered. "You're going to be okay."
"I sure don't feel okay right now, Pinkie."
Pinkie broke the hug. "Huh," she said in mild surprise. "Usually a hug helps."
"Usually. Not always."
Pinkie frowned for a moment, then smiled. "Well... maybe I can cheer you up if I give you a good idea. She cupped her chin in thought. "What about a party?"
Gloriosa's eyes widened. How in the name of the Universe did she not think of a party?! Gah, she was having a serious off day today! "That's it! We'll throw a party for everyone!"
Pinkie grabbed Gloriosa and looked her straight in the eyes. "Gloriosa Daisy," she said, her tone serious all of a sudden.
Sweat slowly dripped from Gloriosa's forehead. "Y-Yes?" What on earth just got into her? This was a little unnerving...
"If you want to a party, you've come to the right girl. But I don't take parties lightly. I put my heart and soul into them. From the biggest of cupcakes to the teeniest, tiniest scrap of confetti!" Pinkie let go of Gloriosa, then reached into her hair, producing a pad of paper and a pen. "Before we begin, I have to make absolutely-tootly sure you are one-hundred percent on board with this! Once I start, I do not, I repeat, I do not stop until the party's over!"
Gloriosa swallowed nervously as she stared at Pinkie's intense gaze. She took a deep breath, calmed herself... then nodded.
"Then prepare yourself, Gloriosa Daisy!"
Oh dear... what had Gloriosa gotten herself into?
It was getting close to dinner time, and Timber was starving! He'd been working himself to the bone, making sure each and every camper was happy... and you know what? Despite his tiredness, he was actually a little happy himself! Being around so many smiling faces had started to do him some good. Until recently, there hadn't been much, if anything, for either himself or Gloriosa to smile about. But now? Now there was much to smile about. Much to look forward to. And so much more to plan.
Any further thoughts were interrupted, as Timber saw Gloriosa out of the corner of his eye. She had her hand on her forehead with her eyes opened wide.
"Glory," Timber called out as he rushed to her side. "Are you okay?"
Gloriosa made a sputtering noise. "I'm fine, Timber... just a little overwhelmed, that's all."
"What happened?"
Gloriosa took a deep breath, sighed, then told Timber about her encounter with Pinkie in the forest, including their plans for a party on the final evening of camp. As she wrapped up, she reached into her pocket and took out a folded piece of paper. She handed it to her brother.
"What's this," Timber asked as he unfolded it.
"It's a list of things we'll need."
Timber blinked. "Wow... that's a lot of stuff."
"Right?" Gloriosa stretched, then cracked her neck. "I don't know about you, but I could use some refueling."
"Wait, what about the list?"
"Oh, Pinkie made several copies for herself and her friends... it's not like we're the only ones who're going to be working on it."
Timber's stomach growled. "In that case, refueling sounds like a good idea. Let's eat!"
Twilight's arm had begun to feel sore. She gently rubbed it, wincing a little. She'd been tossing that stick for a while now... she should stop. Before she could speak, her phone chimed. Raising an eyebrow, she took her phone out and checked her message.
RAINBOOMS ASSEMBLE! - Pinkie Pie
"Assemble where," Twilight asked out loud in confusion. Her phone chimed again.
The Emerald Tent! - Pinkie Pie
Twilight's eyes widened. How in the world did she... No. She might not have known Pinkie for long, but something told her that trying to figure her friend out would only lead her down a road of madness. "Spike," she said. "It looks like we're needed! Follow me!"
"Right behind ya, Twi," Spike said, then eagerly followed her.
Within moments, the two reached their destination to see an excited Pinkie Pie and a mildly confused Rarity.
"What's going on," Twilight asked as a rainbow blur rushed forth.
"Yeah," Rainbow said as she stopped right next to Twilight. "What's the deal? I was close to kicking Sandalwood's ass in our tetherball rematch!"
"I haven't the foggiest, darlings," Rarity said. "Pinkie simply barged in without warning, then told me to wait out here with her when she sent the text!"
Pinkie bobbed up and down excitedly. "Now all that's missing are AJ, Flutters and Sunset!" She let out a little squeal. "I can hardly wait!"
"Oh, dear," Fluttershy said as she reached the meeting spot. "I hope everything's okay."
"Ah reckon we're just fine," Applejack said as she approached the group. "It ain't like she texted 'Friendship Emergency'."
Twilight blinked and folded her arms. "'Friendship Emergency'?" She felt a hand on her shoulder, then turned to see Sunset.
"It's pretty much self-explanatory, Twi," Sunset said. "If one of us experiences a major crisis, we all send that message in a group text to each other and our families... so it's not something to take lightly."
"I see..."
"Now," Pinkie said as she began pacing with her arms behind her back. "I suppose you're all wondering why I've called you here." She paused, then giggled. "I've always wanted to say that."
"So why did you text us," Sunset asked.
Pinkie grinned widely, then reached into her hair and took out six pieces of paper, then handed one to each of her friends. On the top of the sheet read "Everfree Wrap-Up Party Prep List". Below it was a list of supplies and other things they'd need.
Twilight adjusted her glasses. "Hmm... I think this is feasible, even within the limited timeframe we have."
Rainbow tilted her head with a look of confusion.
"She's saying she believes we can get this all finished in time and still be able to practice our magic for a while," Sunset explained.
Rainbow laughed. "Of course we're gonna finish on time! We're awesome like that!"
"I also gave a list to Gloriosa," Pinkie chirped. "So it's not just us."
"Oh," Twilight said. "Well then we'll definitely have time tomorrow." Her stomach growled. "And now it sounds like it's time for dinner."
Everyone nodded in agreement and made their way to the mess hall.
A couple of hours later, the girls left the mess hall alongside Timber and Gloriosa. During their time inside, they went over everything they needed, who would get what, setup, and so forth. They all parted ways, completely exhausted.
Everyone fell asleep rather quickly, despite their excitement for tomorrow.