//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: The Legend of Gaia Everfree // Story: Star Wars: The Dark Side of Everfree // by sonicdash123 //------------------------------// At the docks, Peter talked with Sunset while Charming Thunder hung out with Fluttershy feeding the ducks. “Aren’t they the cutest?” He nodded as he fed the ducks next. Peter’s spider sense went off as he saw Twilight tripped back on the dock, but was then caught by Timber. Everyone noticed as Charming Thunder got up. “I know I'm charming, but you don't have to fall for me,” Timber said; jokingly. Charming Thunder facepalmed at the wrong time for a joke. Luna and Celestia checked where Twilight walked and Luna said, “This is a safety hazard. I suggest we close down the dock for the remainder of the camp.” The campers complained at the news. “Oh, I'm sure it won't have to be for the remainder of camp,” Gloriosa reassured. “Just needs to be patched up a bit. I've got this!” Applejack then got an idea. “Or maybe we do!” Applejack said. “If you ask me, this whole dock needs to go. Building a new one could be our camp gift. Sure, it would benefit us, but a nice new dock would benefit future campers, too.” The campers then cheered. “I don’t know,” Timber said. “It's an awful lot of work. I wouldn't want you guys to miss out on doing other fun camp stuff because you're so busy building a dock for future campers.” “Well, what’s your idea then, Timber?” Charming Thunder asked. “Hire someone to repair the dock? I don’t think so!” “I hear what you’re saying, Timber, but we're Canterlot Wondercolts,” Rainbow said. “We've got a reputation to uphold! And there was no way we're gonna leave this place without contributing the most awesome camp gift ever! I'm with AJ. Building a new dock is definitely it! What do you guys think?” The students cheered as an agreement. Charming Thunder crossed his arms as he began to get concerned with Gloriosa and Timber getting tense. He then walked back to the aquamarine tent with Sunset looking with concern. Charming Thunder wore his goggles while working on his robot using his portable welding tool. He placed his tool down on the table and checked the wiring. Sunset knocked on a piece of wood in her hand and tossed it aside to get his attention. Charming Thunder looked at her for a moment and then back to his project. “What brings you here, Sunset?” he asked. “Just wondering why you just headed back to your tent other than working on that robot you brought from your home,” Sunset said. Charming Thunder used his screwdriver to screw things up tight just in case of anything loose. “You know, Twilight is worried since you were cured.” He then slammed his tool on the table which made Sunset jump. “I am fine, Sunset. No need to get concerned as her. Besides, isn’t she hanging out with that guy who runs the camp?” Charming Thunder monitored some readings on his pad. Sunset then looked worried. “Come on, Charming. Please talk to me. We could always talk.” Charming Thunder was silent as he finished checking the readings on his robot. “Twilight told me about the good times you both had in the past. She told me that one time, you two once pulled a prank on her big brother by dumping a bucket full of ice cold water.” Charming Thunder was still silent. She sighed and was about to leave. “If I recall correctly, she was the one who dumped it all on Shining.” Charming Thunder turned to look at Sunset. “No. It was you. She didn’t do that.” “Oh, yes. She did. I loaded the bucket up with ice and water while she--” “Lured him in to let her pour it on him?” “Yes! And when their parents found out, she pointed fingers at me saying that it was all my idea! I was furious! She was always getting me into trouble!” Charming Thunder sat down on his bed with his hands on his face. He sighed to calm down while Sunset sat next to him and placed her hand on his back. “But then....” He chuckled before looking at Sunset with a smile. “She was always there to get me out of trouble again. Why can’t things be like the way they were before this whole incident happened?” He then stood up from the bed and looked at his robot. “Was this what Twilight wanted to talk to me about since we got here? If so, why?” “Because I know what it was like to gain power and control.” Sunset then stood up. “There is going to be scary campfire stories tonight. Everyone will be there. Including our friends.” “But do you think that everyone will accept the fact that I have changed?” “I’m sure they will in due time.” Sunset stopped at the opening of the tent. “Let the past die. Kill it if you have to. It’s the only way to become what you are supposed to be.” She then fully left the tent as Charming Thunder looked at his robot and sighed deeply. Charming Thunder sat next to Luna around the campfire as Rarity was telling a scary story. “And that's when she looked down and realized she was wearing purple socks with a burgundy dress!” Rarity said before crying out in fear. Everyone looked bored except for Charming Thunder who had a confused look on his face. Pinkie was eating a lot of marshmallows. Rarity stopped, noticing everyone wasn't even scared. She tried to explain and cried out again but it did no good. “Uh...that was a terrifying story,” Applejack commented, causing Peter to snicker. “Yeah, I'm terrified she'll try to tell it again,” Rainbow added. “Hear, hear,” Charming Thunder said. “Anyone else have a spooky story?” Luna asked. “I heard of a legend from an old friend in my world,” Sunset said. “Is it something related to mythology like a hydra?” Peter asked. “No. In fact, it is not really scary.” Charming Thunder chuckled and leaned forward. “Go on,” Charming Thunder said. Sunset then grabbed a flashlight and lit up her face to make it look scary. “Does anyone ever hear of the tragedy of Darth Plaguies the Wise?” Sunset looked at the others who were silent. “I didn’t think so. It was a story the other Charming Thunder told me about one time. You see, it’s a Sith Legend that no Jedi ever told about. Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith, so powerful and so wise he could use the Force to influence the midichlorians to create life. He had such a knowledge of the dark side that he could even keep the ones he cared about from dying.” Charming Thunder’s eyes widened. “He used to....save people from death?” Sunset nodded. “The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural.” “Well, what happened to him?” Peter asked. “He became so powerful. The only thing he was afraid of was losing his power, which eventually, of course, he did. Unfortunately, he taught his apprentice everything he knew, then his apprentice killed him in his sleep.” “The apprentice killed the master?” Charming Thunder asked. “Interesting.” “Ironic. He could save others from death, but not himself.” Sunset then turned off her flashlight as the story ended as it gave Charming Thunder the chills. “I have one,” Timber said. “But I'm warning you, you might as well hug a friend now. That's how scary it is!" The students except Danny hugged the person next to them. Charming Thunder held Twilight's hand in case she got scared. "It's time I told you about the legend of Gaia Everfree. Many years ago, my great-grandparents came to this forest. Seeing its beauty, they decided that it would be the perfect place for a camp. But once they started building, strange things started to happen. One pitch black night, when the wind was howling, a tree branch crashed through the roof of their cabin! They screamed and ran outside, only to see the giant creature rising from the earth! She had wild hair like the roots of a tree. Her mouth had jagged rock teeth and her eyes were pools of black tar. But her aura shimmered like diamonds. Anywhere she went, she left a trail of gem dust in her wake. Trembling, my great-grandparents asked who she was and what she wanted. In a deep and hollow voice, she told them that her name was Gaia Everfree – an ancient spirit who held domain over the forest, and that my great-grandparents were trespassing on her land. They begged her to let them stay and build their camp, to share this wonderful place with others. Gaia Everfree finally agreed but warned them that they would not be able to keep it forever. Someday, she will return and reclaim the forest as her own. So if you see a trail of gem dust, you'll know that it is...Gaia Everfree!” A shadow figure appeared behind him which caused the students to scream and Charming Thunder hid behind a log he sat on. It turned out to be Gloriosa the whole time. “Hey, guys!” Gloriosa said. “Sorry, didn't mean to scare you!” “Then why did you come out of the bushes?” Sunset asked. Charming Thunder popped his head out of hiding a little. “I....took the scenic route, because the forest is beautiful at night. But no one else should do it without a guide, kay? All right, everybody, time to head to your tents.” Snips approached Gloriosa. “Oh, hey, Gloriosa,” Snips said. “Do you have extra toothbrushes? I forgot mine.” “Sure do! I’ll get one for you!” “I'm scared of the dark!” Snails added. “Do you have flashlights?” “Of course! I got this!” Charming Thunder then noticed that Fluttershy was hugging Spike really tight. “Uh, Fluttershy?” Charming Thunder said. “The story is over. You can loosen your grip on Spike.” “Sorry, Spike!” Fluttershy said. “I guess that story got to me.” “Which one? Sunset’s or Timber’s?” “Both.” “One, Sunset’s was just a legend.” “And two, the other one can’t be real,” Applejack added. “I don’t know,” Rainbow said, concerned. “Gaia Everfree could be some creature that got booted from Equestria and ended up in this world. That's what happened with the sirens.” “Sirens?” Charming Thunder asked. “It’s a long story,” Sunset reassured. “I have been missing out on a lot of things.” “Sounded more like something that Timber was making up just to scare us,” Applejack said. “At least I hope it was. Last thing I want is to have camp ruined by some power-crazed magical creature.” “Oh, hear-hear,” Rarity said with a nod. “We've had to deal with more than our fair share of those. At the Fall Formal, a musical showcase, the Friendship--” Charming Thunder eyed Rarity as a sign not to bring that topic up. “Well, I mean, you know, everything turned out alright, of course.” Charming Thunder then looked down at the ground with worry. “I’m kinda tired,” Twilight said. Hearing Twilight’s voice made Charming Thunder look up at her. “I’m gonna turn in.” He wanted to say something to her, but didn’t get the chance to when he stood up. He then turned to look at the rest of his friends. “Maybe lay off bringing up what happened at the Friendship Games?” Sunset suggested. “I think she's still pretty sensitive about it. Even Charming here.” “Our lips are sealed,” Pinkie said with her mouth full of marshmallows. Charming Thunder looked back at the direction where Twilight was heading which made the girls curious. “What’s wrong?” Rainbow asked. “You look as if you have seen a ghost or something,” Applejack added. Rarity then gasped. “Don’t tell me that you still care for Twilight, darling,” Rarity said. Charming Thunder’s eyes widened and his face turned red. “How cute!” “I’m not cute,” Charming Thunder said as he shook his head. “I used to be deadly.” He then crossed his arms with concern. “Is he always like this during training?” Sunset whispered to Peter. “Not that I am aware of,” Peter said. Charming Thunder then began to head back to the tent to get some shut eye. Charming Thunder sat on a log at a campfire until he heard footsteps approaching. He stood up and looked around for the source of the sound. “Hello?” he called. The sound came closer and closer as he suddenly heard evil laughter from the Green Goblin which made his eyes widen with shock. He then heard Midnight Sparkle’s laugh as he turned to look at the trees. “Who’s really here?” The sound of footsteps stops. “Son,” a familiar voice said from behind. Charming Thunder slowly turned to see his mother; Radiant Hope, standing in front of him. “I’m home.” He gasped at the sight. “Mom? I thought you were--” “No. I’m only alive in you, Charming Thunder. Because it is time.” Charming Thunder stood six feet away from Radiant now. “You once swore to make Spider-Man pay. Well, make him pay.” “But Peter is my friend.” “And I am your mother. You are weak. You were always weak. You will always be weak until you take control again.” Radiant chuckled. “Now, you know the truth about Peter.” A tear began to slide down Charming Thunder’s cheek. “Be strong, Charming. And avenge me.” Charming Thunder slowly shook his head. “No, mom.” “AVENGE ME!” Charming Thunder picked up a rock from the ground. “NO!” Charming Thunder threw the rock at Radiant which then made her figure shatter to pieces. Charming Thunder quickly got up with a cry of fear which caused Peter to wake up. “What’s going on?” Peter asked. “Another supervillain?” “Nothing, Pete,” Charming Thunder said. “Just another nightmare.”