The ride towards camp was silent aside from the Rainbooms mingling with The Shadowbolt six throughout the ride while Sunset continued to follow behind the buses being careful not to get to the side as to avoid getting any attention from the passengers. Aside from these setbacks that wasn't gonna stop each of the students from having a good time at Camp Everfree. After an hour long drive there in the horizon stood Camp everfree, the gate and the sign fully visible despite the distance and It's safe to say that everyone aside from Sunset had looks of excitement and just couldn't wait to enter camp too start their week long trip. In a short amount of time the buses and Sunset finally made their way towards the camp entrance, the students cheered in excitement as the front gates opened up and soon the buses crossed over to the other side. At last Camp Everfree was on the horizon.
Soon the respected transportation parked in their respected spots as instructed by the counselors, the students couldn't hold their excitement anymore as each of then ran out of the buses to step outside into the wilderness. Each and everyone of them stared in Awe at the beautiful sight of the Everfree Forest as the birds chirped and the cool breeze brushed against their faces as they smelled the fresh air, no doubt this was gonna be a fun week for each and everyone of them. However Sunset kept a blank face as she parked her motorcycle not bothering to look at the everfree as she knew that this wasn't the one back in Equestria but rather a cheap knock off from another world,but she briefly just brushed this off wanting to get this week done and over with so she can go home and isolate herself again. As the group of students and faculty retrieved their luggage from the buses front trunk, they made their way towards the small trail leading to the entrance of the camp getting the chance to admire all the lush shrubbery , tree's, forest critters, and wild plants throughout teach step. After a short trek they finally made their way towards the entrance with the sign reading "Welcome to Camp Everfree" displayed in bright happy colors. As they stared at the entrance and the lovely looking banner displayed overhead them a couple of individuals about the students age's walked up to them with happy expressions.
"Welcome to Camp Everfree" The taller one greeted. " I'm the counselor Timber Spruce and this is my younger sister Gloriosa the secondary counselor" Each of the students greeted the siblings while Twilight couldn't help but blush at the handsome male standing right in front of her, however Sunset remained silent looking the least bit interested in making new friends. " Our folks are usually with us as well but unfortunately there was a family emergency back home so they left us in charge this week"
"But don't worry" Gloriosa assured. " We're gonna insure that you guys have a fun week, luckily for you our folks left us instructions and the activities for the entire week so we're gonna make sure that you guys get the best camping experience imaginable! " After saying this each of the students and faculty couldn't help but cheer , their excitement growing more and more. However Sunset remained unfazed or looked the least bit excited, she then grabbed her luggage and rudely shoved most of the students out of her way.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah hooray for camp" she said in a rude sarcastic tone . " Can you just point me to the cabins so I can get away from these people?" Saying this the students felt hurt after hearing Sunsets words while the siblings gave confused looks at the coldness of one of the campers.
"Uh sure" timber replied and pointed to the direction of the cabins. " There over there by the messhall" Sunset wasted no time and proceeded towards the Cabins.
"Thank you" She said in a rude tone.
"Sunset get back here!" Celestia called out. " They haven't explained the..................................
"I'M GOING TO MY CABIN!!!!!!!!!" She shot back and with nothing else to say made her way towards the cabins leaving behind a confused and hurt group of people as Celestia rubbed her temple in frustration.
"Was it something we said?" Gloriosa asked.
"No It wasn't ya'll" Applejack jumped in. " That was sunset, sorry for her behavior we kind of had a falling out a few months ago and she's still kind of furious at us. Hell she didn't even want to come here in the first place"
"Oh I'm sorry to hear about that Applejack" Timber replied and then perked up a bit. " but I betcha after she experiences the fun activities we have planned she'll turn that frown of hers upside down before the end of the week" After saying this Applejack and the others especially Celestia couldn't help but feel unsure about that. " Now where was I? Oh yes now for the weeks schedule. To start of we're gonna................................................" But before Timber could proceed a large limousine pulled up in front of the entrance getting the entire groups attention. The long vehicle then parked just inches away from the buses and sunset's motorcycle , amongst the entire crowd Applejack was quick to recognize the vehicle to have belonged to a family friend and soon to everyone's shock and surprise, there after exiting the drivers seat stood Filthy Rich and his Daughter Diamond Tiara. The sight of one of Canterlot high's former bullies disgusted the CMC's along with Silver spoon, Mr Rich then took the opportunity to look around examining the large camp grounds before walking forward.
"Mr Rich?" Applejack said earning the adults attention.
"Hello Applejack, Apple bloom, Big mac" He greeted the siblings.
"What brings you here?" She asked.
"I came with a business proposal" Mr rich replied earning a puzzled look from the farm girl.
"Uh no offense but this is probably the wrong time to ask for a business proposal, especially since Granny ain't here with us sir" She said.
"Oh no, no , no not from you AJ" He said waving his hand. " I'm talking about these two's parents" He then pointed towards Timber and his sister with Gloriosa looking the least bit excited to see him. " Please excuse me this won't take long, apologies if I'm intruding on your trip, oh and don't worry about my daughter I'll make sure she doesn't cause any touble for your sister and her friends" He then proceeded towards the siblings as Tiara made her way towards the CMC's and her former friend.
"Long time no see Anon a Miss" She said in a mocking tone earning growls from each of them.
"Da hell are you doing here? bloom angrily replied.
"Yeah I find it hard to believe Principle Celestia let you come back to school Tiara" Scootaloo jumped in.
"Oh no I'm still expelled and still in that crappy ass boarding school" Tiara replied. " I simply came along to "assist" daddy on this little business proposal that he's planning for camp Everfree and boy oh boy am I excited to hear about it"
"And what exactly is your fathers proposal Tiara" Silver spoon asked.
"Oh I don't wanna spoil the surprise four eyes, besides my daddies about to reveal it to those two in a little bit" She replied earning a growl from Silver spoon. " And honestly Silver spoon I'm surprised, out of all the people you would befriend after I ditched ya I never would have expected you to join these losers"
" These "losers'' are my REAL friends Tiara" Silver spoon reassured and then wrapped an arm around Scootaloo. " And unlike you they're good people and they don't judge or even steal from anyone" After hearing this the CMC's smiled as their friend defended them and put in a good word for them only earning a scoff from the rich teen.
"Oh really?" Tiara retorted. " Tell that to the people who's secrets they shared from that damn Anon a Miss forum"
"We were forgiven Tiara" Sweetie belle replied. " By our families and our friends"
"Oh really? " Tiara said and then asked. " What about sunset then?" The group just stayed in silence after hearing that statement. " I thought so, just because those morons forgave ya that doesn't mean Shimmer would be quick too as well, hehe I gotta admit it took some serious balls for you three to pull off a stunt like that. Must say I'm kind of impressed, guess it takes one to know one huh ?" The group now felt irritated hearing her drag on about their past sins until Sweetie belle finally decided to put an end to it by pointing out something.
"I see you got the latest or should I say former latest flip phone Tiara" She said with a slight giggle while pointing towards her pant pocket. " It's a shame you didn't know about the latest Iphone which recently came out on the same day my parents took me back home. It has so many cool features on it especially the updated battery life, wider camera, video quality, and my Captain Marvel case from my older phone fit perfectly on it, I would have been kind enough to text you when it came out.......but wait if I'm mistaken your flip phone model can't take long distance calls or limited text now can it?" After her statement Sweetie belle gave a sly smile as Bloom and the others laughed their asses off and commended their friend on that sick burn that she just delivered which earned her a snarl from the rich girl.
"Yeah laugh it up while you can" she retorted. " But you better watch your backs" She then walked away leaving the group unfazed by her threat.
"Yeah ya'll just keep on walking!" Bloom replied as Big Mac placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Calm down lil sis, she ain't worth it" he said.
"He's right sugarcube" Applejack jumped in as the three of them noticed Tiara walking towards her father who was in the middle of a conversation with the camp siblings.
"Why do ya'll think uncle Rich is here ? And why did he have to bring her?" bloom asked as her older siblings gave unsure expressions.
"I'm not sure sugarcube" Applejack replied. " What ever business proposal he's planning I hope it's nothing too serious, and don't ya'll worry about Tiara, he won't her her try anything funny with you guys so don't let her ruin the fun" Before she could say anything else Timber and his sister walked back to the group each with a look of bot seriousness and worry.
"Sorry about the wait guys" He said. " Before I continue with the weeks agenda, I have some interesting news. Filthy Rich here just offered me and my sis a business proposal I'll give ya'll the details later and my sister requested him to think over it so he and his daughter are gonna stick around with us for the week as well" Hearing this the group gasped in shock especially the CMC at the thought of their mortal enemy staying in camp as well, each praying that they didn't have to share their cabin with her. " I've already taken the liberty to assign him to one of the faculty Cabins, I hope that's alright with you Principle Celestia?"
"No that's quite alright Timber" She replied. " We don't mind"
"Awesome" Timber said and then whispered to Applejack . " Oh and don't worry Applejack, he told me about your sister and his daughters "relationship" So i gave Tiara one of the empty cabins" Hearing this the CMC's breathed a sigh of relief that they didn't have to share their cabin with tiara.
"Thanks partner" she said.
"Not a problem" Timber winked. " Now back to business............................." Timber then proceeded to read the agenda for the week. With him explaining every single detail in the camps itinerary as the students and faculty gave him and Gloriosa their undivided attention as he read the camp itinerary explaining the weeks activities, assigning cabins, rules and regulations, etc all while his sister gave a glum look as he continued to speak for the group.
And so the long awaited Camp Everfree trip has officially begun. Everyone was in high spirits, their minds full of nothing but excitement and joy especially at the fact that they get to spend a whole week at this beautiful camp doing all sorts of fun activities. Everyone enjoyed being out and breathing in the fresh air of the lush and green forest and surveying the various plants, flowers, and woodland creatures that resided in the tree's and caves, some also took the time to document and take pictures of the experience with their smartphones, Go Pro's, etc. Throughout the week the students and staff were having the time of their lives doing all sorts of activities throughout these past few days such as rock wall climbing, swimming, canoeing, getting up close with some of the more harmless and non predatorial wildlife, and even a small fashion show hosted by non other than rarity and Sweetie Belle, to make a long story short everyone was having a great time except for one. Sunset however chose to not participate in any of these activities and simply just indulged herself in either a light novel , surfing her phone, or simply stay in her cabin all day. The rainbooms felt saddened that Sunset didn't want to have any fun with them or their friends, when she said that she just wanted to get this trip done and over with she wasn't kidding. But it wasn't just Sunset Filthy Rich throughout the week while also participating in some of the activities also found time to discuss his mysterious business proposal to the siblings, however non of the students or even the principles knew what he was planning to do or if it was a good or bad idea. Non were more curious at this than Applejack with the rich man having done business with her family for years, this made her ponder what business he had for Camp Everfree hoping that it wasn't anything that would threaten the camp or anything. As for Diamond Tiara, she always managed to find time to insult the CMC and her former friend throughout the week whenever she could, but with her dad and especially Vice Principle Luna keeping a sharp eye on her, she knew better than to attempt any pranks or get physical with the four friends. No doubt this was gonna be a long week for each of them.
Later that night
On the night of Thursday we find the Students and staff sitting comfortably in the mess hall in their respected booths patiently waiting for the grub that Applejack and Pinkie were preparing, after receiving permission from the siblings the two friends presented the students and faculty with the best breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert cuisines throughout the week. And everyone couldn't help but cheer after being served some five level star style dishes made by some of the schools top chefs, The CMC's and even Silver spoon also found time to help as well especially with the famous Apple Family Pies. As Pinkie was putting the finishing touches on the fried rice, steamed veggies, and orange chicken Applejack opened the oven slightly to check the status of the Apple pies to see if they were all set to serve after dinner, she then poked one of them with a toothpick to check if the dough was fully cooked and gave a long Hmmm.
"I'm all done here" Pinkie said. " How are the pies AJ?"
"Almost Pinkie" AJ replied and then removed the toothpick and closed the oven before continuing. "I say another 10 minutes and their all set" She then gave a thumbs up which Pinkie returned, however she was rudely interrupted as she found herself nearly getting pushed out of the way by someone. She turned around to find who had the nerve to almost push her, and their stood Sunset with a cup noodle bowl in hand heading towards the electric kettle. As she opened the container pouring the instructed amount of hot water inside , an annoyed Applejack walked over as she sealed it closed and waited 3 minutes for her meal.
"So" She began in an annoyed tone. " What's the flavor of the day?"
"Oh nothing special" Sunset replied in a mocking tone not bothering to look at the farm girl. " Chicken Curry with some Miso seasoning" However AJ remained unimpressed.
"Ya know it's unhealthy to eat ramen for a whole week especially with that sodium count " AJ said as sunset remained unfazed.
"You ain't my mom farm girl" She retorted. " Worry about your own damn cooking" As she said this Applejack couldn't help but growl a bit as Pinkie walked over to them.
"Sunset you sure you don't want what I'm cooking tonight?" she asked. " I thought you loved orange chicken?"
"I do" Sunset replied her gaze still focused on her cup noodle dinner. " But not if it's prepared by you" Pinkie felt hurt by that comment as the fire headed girl once again for the fourth night in the row refused to eat a meal that she and AJ prepared.
"OH come on Sunset!" Applejack shot back. " This is the fourth night you refused to eat anything we prepared. I get that your still pissed at us but would it kill you to at least take a bite, hell or even just smell it?!" As she said this Sunset finally turned around after what felt like an eternity.
"I don't want anything you damn traitors made" She coldly replied. " The last thing I want in this stupid camping trip is to have my stomach hurt from that shitty food you and that pink nuisance prepared" Pinkie and Applejack felt insulted at Sunsets remark especially Pinkie at the fact that her former friend now thinks of her as nothing but a nuisance. Applejack however wasn't gonna be insulted that easily.
"Are you saying my cooking's bad?" Applejack asked angrily. " Or is that just your shitty attitude talking Shimmer?"
"What do you think Piggly Wiggly?" She mocked earning an even bigger growl from the farm girl after being called her childhood nickname.
"What'd ya call me?" AJ growled.
"You heard me" Sunset retorted and soon AJ's blood boiled more and more.
"GOD DAMN IT SUNSET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She shouted. " What the hell do you want from us?! It's been 4 and a half months now, I get that we hurt ya and you deserve to be angry at us but how long do ya plan on being angry at us for? What the hell is it gonna take for you to forgive us, what do we have to do to prove that we're sorry to end this 4 and a half months of anger and isolation once and for all?!
"Nothing!!!" Sunset replied. " You guys have absolutely no idea how hurt I've been after last year, I was so excited to finally spend my first Christmas with you guys only to have it ruined by not only you but your damn sister and her friends. I thought i finally convinced you guys that I've changed and earned your friendship but boy was I wrong, you all haven't forgiven me and you know it. You were just putting me on probation or something and the second you think do something wrong you would just up and ditch me like a broken smartphone. And Anon a Miss was the perfect example of your utter stupidity, I figured that you guys would have had my back when i was accused but you didn't. You all thought that I was just pretending to change and that I was only using you to spread your stupid secrets! I was shunned, bullied, beaten, and even banned from sugarcube cafe and i had no one to comfort me, you humans are nothing but selfish and despicable creatures who are quick to judge and accuse someone for a crime that they didn't commit. It's as if you guys don't understand the true meaning of friendship at all, Twilight was a damn fool for allowing me to stay in this retched universe with you guys. Speaking of which those sisters of yours are another perfect example as they committed this crime against me all because they were jealous that you were spending time with me and not them which proves that they don't like or trust me either!" After this Sunset took a deep breath after her little outburst and then spoke again. " You know It's quite a shame that sister of yours didn't die from her suicide attempt down in Texas, cause I probably would have forgiven you especially with the fact that she would have gotten her just desserts with her being the ring leader" Applejacks face turned bright red after Sunset's remark about her sister and the fact that she actually hoped that she died that day. in a fit of rage She grabbed Sunset by the collar and raised her fist ready to slug the fire headed girl who remained unfazed even with the fact that she was about to be punched. Pinkie just quietly stood still, too afraid to intervene or stop Applejack's attack, as Applejack was about to strike a voice called out to her.
"APPLEJACK STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Came a voice stopping Applejack in her tracks as she turned around to find Sugarcoat standing near the entrance of the kitchen with a shocked and worried look on her face, Applejack then turned to Sunset as her own shocked expression formed as she released the girl from her grip not realizing that she was inches away from slugging Sunset square in the jaw. Her expression was soon hidden in the bangs of her hair as she looked down in shame at what she almost did to Sunset.
"I'm sorry" She said quietly. I don't know what came over me" Sunset however wasn't convinced and just grabbed her now ready meal and made her way out of the kitchen but not before saying.
"Non of you are sorry" She coldy said and then walked out shutting the door hard behind Sugarcoat nearly knocking off her glasses. After a moment of dead silence the pony tailed girl walked over to the duo to see if they were alright.
"Are you guys ok?" She asked awkwardly. " Principle Celestia asked me to check in on dinner and I happened to find you about to attack Sunset...................................sorry"
"It's ok partner" Aj replied. " I'm the one who should be sorry, I didn't mean for you to see that. I let my anger get the better of me and I was this close to attacking Sunset, god damn it! And now she's never gonna forgive us because of my outburst, god I was such an idiot stupid, stupid, STUPID!!!!!!!!!" As AJ berated herself Sugarcoat walked over and wrapped her arms around the farm girl into an embrace as she tried so hard not to weep.
"It's alright AJ, it's ok" She said in a soothing tone. " Now I admit what you did was kind of uncalled for, but honestly I wouldn't blame you. If someone said something like that to my little sister, I'd be lying if I said that I wouldn't have done the same thing. But you shouldn't berate yourself like this Applejack, cause it ain't healthy. I know Sunset's still furious at you guys but like Indigo said it isn't too late for second chances, Sunset just needs time to herself before she's ready to confront you guys again. But you'll she, she'll forgive you guys one day. You just have to give her the space she needs and to pray, cause like the bible says " No matter what sins you've committed, the lord will always forgive and forget" After hearing her friends little lecture, Applejack finally calmed down a bit and then spoke.
"I'll try partner" She said. " I'll try" This earned her a warm smile from Sugarcoat.
Atta girl" She said proudly and then gently released the farm girl from her hug. " Now come on let's go eat, it's not healthy to go the rest of the night gloomy and on an empty stomach" Applejack finally turned around and said.
"You two go on ahead" she said. " Go on and serve dinner Pinkie I still gotta check on the pies, I'll meet you guys in the mess hall in a few minutes" The duo nodded as Pinkie put on her oven mitts and collected the large pots containing 'cuisines placing then onto the large cart She and Sugarcoat then made their way out of the kitchen with Sugarcoat helping to push the food cart to the mess hall, after watching them leave Applejack stood in place for a sec still baffled at the events a few minutes earlier all while wondering if Sugarcoat was right about Sunset forgiving them in time. She then collected herself and went back to checking on the pies in the oven.
Outside the mess hall we find Sunset sitting on a nearby tree stump calmly eating her cup noodles as the hot steam flew into the air each time she scooped the contents out of the cup and into her mouth.Her mind was full of various questions and doubts after each bite as she began to ponder to herself.
"I want to forgive" she said to herself. " I really do" She then let out a small growl.
"Damn it why is it so hard?"