//------------------------------// // The Pretty Okay Outdoors: Part 1 // Story: Canterlot High Chronicles // by Shadowsnake89 //------------------------------// “Ah, a long weekend away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. Great idea, huh guys?” Captain Planet said as he drove his van along the winding country road that hugs the mountain. “Yeah, it'll be good to just relax with a trip to the country. No worries, no sweating anything.” Paisley said in the passenger's seat as some of the others agreed. Behind her sat Mystery Mint, Indigo Wreath and Norman. Each of them dressed for the big weekend of camping. “I have to admit, camping's never really thrilled me but darn if you didn't make it sound exciting.”Mint said, sitting back to enjoy the quiet ride. A huff comes from behind them as the three back passengers turn to the sixth in their group frowning heavily as she sat uncomfortably on the pile of luggage in the hatch of the van, pushing some of her puffy, dark blue hair away from her face. “Why did we have to bring the wet blanket with us again?” Wreath whispered to the fashionista next to him. Norman took a quick glance back before answering. “Her brother thought it'd be good for her. She's been a bit moody since you-know-who got a new girlfriend.” “Sorry about having to put you with all the stuff High Winds, but we're almost to the campsite.” Cap said, looking through the rear view mirror at the soccer team member. “Whatever. I only came because Curly and my mom said I shouldn't spend my vacation bumming around the house. So they sent me here so I could bum around in the woods.” High Winds rolled on her side away from the others as they all turned their gaze forward. Cap put a positive tone in his voice and a smile on his face as they neared their destination. “I'm sure you'll perk up once you see my primo camp site. Went there with my gramps ever since I could walk. So many great memories and now I get to share it with my friends.” After another half hour of uneventful driving, the group finally arrived at the park. “Alright let's get unpacked.” As everyone filed out of the van Norman went to open the hatch to get their belongings, forgetting for a moment that High Winds was still seated on top and that the bags might be unstable from the ride. Sure enough, opening the hatch caused both the bags and the girl to tumble to the ground. “Uh, sorry.” High Winds head emerged from the pile of baggage, an annoyed look on her face as Paisley extended a hand to pull her out. After giving Norman a cold glare, the blue haired girl joined the others in gathering their packs together. “Follow me guys. It'll take us a little while to get to the campsite.” Cap said, carrying one bag in his hand and another over his shoulder. “I thought the camp grounds were this way?” Mint asked, pointing in the opposite direction. “Nah man, that's just for tourists. Me and my gramps had a special spot. You guys are gonna love it, I guarantee.” As the group made their final preparations, a black SUV pulled up along them, moving into the spot so fast Mystery Mint failed to get her bag before it is run over. “What the heck man?” She shouted as the driver rolled down the window. “Hey guys. What's up?” Neon Lights said as he looked down at the group. Mint took the opportunity to point to her bag, now wedged between the tire and the ground. “Ooh, sorry about that. Let me just...” He began to back out only for some of the clothing to get stuck to the tire and rolled in the dirt. “No that just made it worse.” “What's the hold up?” Came a female voice from the passenger side as Suri Polomare hopped out. “I told you I wanted to have time for you to set up my tent and get lunch ready so I could get my afternoon beauty rest in. 'Kay?” She sighed, briefly rolling her eyes as she spotted the CHS students on the other side of the vehicle. “Well there went my relaxing weekend.” “Right back at ya doll face.” Mint said sarcastically, imitating Suri's gesture. “What's up bro?” Cap greeted, intervening before the two girls came to blows. “How ya been?” “Good, good,” Neon said as he finally positioned the vehicle into the parking space. “Hey I gotta thank you for loaning me those vintage records. Those are some sick beats.” As the two conversed, two more Crystal Prep students exited from the back: Jet Set and Upper Crust. Jet Set steps out first, offering his hand to his girlfriend as she accepts and gingerly steps down. “There you are dearest.” As she exited the vehicle, Upper Crust turned her attention to the CHS students sharing the lot with them. “What are those riffraff doing here?” “What are those stuck up snobs doing here?” High Winds said snidely with her arms crossed. The two groups glared at each other for what seemed like an eternity whilst Cap and Neon continued their conversation. Norman decided it would probably be best to at least try to diffuse the situation. “So uh, what brings you ladies and gents out here?” “Camping of course,” Jet Set said as he and Upper Crust rolled their eyes. “Wait right here and I'll get our bags.” The two shared a short kiss before he began to unload the bags. The show of affection caused High Winds to pretend to vomit as Upper Crust sneered at her. “Hey guys, guess what?” Cap said as he and Neon turned to the others. “Me and Neon talked it out and we're all gonna head up to my secret campsite together. Isn't that great?” The group responded with forced smiles and fake cheers and, after getting organized, follow Cap as he led them down a hidden path. “I can't wait for you guys to see it. I know you're gonna love it.” “I just hope it's worth all the walking.” Suri complained as she struggled to lug her many bags down the path. “Here let us give you a hand.” Paisley said as Norman and Wreath assist her. “Uh, thanks,” Suri said with a bit of surprise as they do their best to haul her bags. “And be careful, those bags are custom. You get one scratch on them and it'll be your head. Got it?” “Don't worry, we'll be extra careful.” Wreath said as he put two of the cases under his arms. He smiles and nods the entire time, Suri constantly complaining as they moved along. As the drama student struggled with the bags, Norman walked alongside him. “You know she's not going to date you, right?” Norman whispered to his friend. “And really, Suri of all girls?” “You really think I've got no shot?” He asked as Norman gave him a simple nod. “Well no point in being chivalrous.” He said as he casually tossed the bags to an already struggling Norman. “Oh I really wish these parks came with lobby boys,” Upper Crust said as she and Jet Set had High Winds haul their luggage. “Having to carry all these bags ourselves is just so barbaric.” “Yeah because having me carry everything is so much more civilized.” High Winds commented under her breath as she did her best to keep up with the others. “I hope we get there soon. My feet are killing me.” Jet Set put his arms around his girlfriend and gently massaged her shoulders. “How about I give you a nice relaxing foot rub when we get there?” “Ooh, such a gentleman.” She blushed as the two shared another kiss while High Winds marched on behind them, annoyed by their constant displays of affection. Quickly growing sick of the two she put herself into high gear, blowing passed the couple who were a bit put off by her action. “How rude.” After a lengthy hike the group finally arrive at the campsite. “Well here we are.” Cap says as he and Paisley got started clearing out some debris as the others began to get settled in. “Get a load of this place,” Neon says as he looks in amazement at the scenery. “This is unreal.” “I have to admit this is actually pretty nice.” Mint said as she sat her things down, then went to give the overloaded Norman a hand. “Here let me give you a hand with those. And where's Wreath? I thought he was helping you.” Norman silently pointed over to Wreath who is busy in an attempt to chat up Suri, with little success. “Of course.” Mint got back to work helping the others get set up. Bringing up the rear, High Winds lurched forward, having gassed out in her effort to keep ahead of the Crystal Prep couple. “Finally...made...it.” She huffed out before falling flat on her face under the weight of the luggage. “Here is fine,” Jet Set said as the two walked around her. “Make sure everything is set up properly and here's a little something for your troubles.” He dropped a ten dollar bill down into her hand which she promptly grasped. With her face in the dirt she let out a muffled sarcastic “thank you”. “Alright then, everyone get settled and I'll whip us up something to eat.” Cap said as he got out his cooking supplies and prepared to clear a spot to get started. Norman and Mint, remembering his meal from their school project, immediately jumped up with a simultaneous “No!”. To late to stop themselves, Mint decided to cover. “I mean, you've done so much already; Inviting us on this trip and leading us to this awesome campsite. Why don't you let us do something nice for you for a change?” She said with a bright, albeit nervous smile. “Groovy.” Was his simple reply as he laid back, pulled out his guitar and began to play a relaxing melody for everyone whilst Mint went about setting up for dinner. “Uh, excuse me but I think I should be the one to cook dinner, 'kay.” Suri intervened before Mint could get anything started. “Yeah, I don't think so. I'm the cook in this camp.” The violet skinned girl said as she continued, only for Suri to put her foot down on top of one of the pans she tried to lift. “Excuse me, who competed in the Academic Decathlon?” “Uh, who lost to Pinkie Pie in said event?” Mint stated as she and Suri stared each other down as Wreath intervened. “How about you both cook us a great meal? Won't that be fun and not a cat fight to the death?' He said with a nervous smile. “Whatever gets me fed faster.” High Winds said in an annoyed voice as she struggled to put of Upper Crust's complex tent. She looked over at the two as Jet Set was giving his girlfriend her promised foot rub and begins to mutter to herself. “Fine, but stay out of my way!” The two shouted in unison as each got their fire started and began cooking. “Hey, I've got an idea,” Neon said, getting to his feet. “Why don't we go for a little hike while the food is getting done?” “Sounds like a plan to me.” Wreath said while seated in a lawn chair. “Yeah, why not?” Norman emerged from his tent to comment. “Alright then,what are we waiting for? Let me just grab my nature guide.” Cap said as he went into his bag to get everything he needed. “Hey Jet Set, you want in?” Neon called to the other CP student who was still tending to his lady. “Never been much of an 'outdoorsy' person myself.” He admits. “We are on a relaxing weekend. Might as well humor them.” Upper Crust said as she sat back in her chair. “Go ahead. Maybe it'll actually be an exhilarating experience, in a rustic sort of way. I'll just be here, running things.” “Ha!” Winds scoffed as she finally finished putting up the tent. “Well if it's alright with you.” Jet Set said as the two shared a short kiss. “I won't be long schnookums.” “Hope not, cuddle bear.” Upper Crust said affectionately as she then turned to call High Winds. “Oh servant girl.” High Winds, unable to take it anymore, grabbed onto Cap's leg. “Please, please, please! You gotta let me come with you. I won't survive ten minutes with these people.” “Chill. It'll all be groovy, you'll see. Besides, Paisley might need someone's help to get in the middle of that.” He gestured over to Mint and Suri, who spent just as much time glaring at each other as they did watching the food. “Fine, but you owe me, and I mean big time.” She pouted with her arms crossed as the hiking group set out. One Hour Later “So, what did I tell you? Isn't this great?” Cap said as the group overlooked a large area of woods. “I gotta admit this is pretty nice.” Norman said, seated on a log. “Pretty nice?” Neon said immediately. “Just nice? This is...this is...I can't even think of a word to describe it.” “Fantastic, magnificent, breath-taking, amazing, incredible,” Jet Set commented dryly a few feet away. “I could go on.” “I was being poetic.” “Is he always so uptight?” Wreath inquired. “As long as I've known him.” Neon answered before turning to his classmate. “Come on man loosen up a bit. You don't have to act like a stuffed shirt all the time.” “I can be relaxed.” Jet Set stated. “Only when you're with your girlfriend, and even then it's nauseating to watch, sorry to say.” “How dare you!” Jet Set said a bit angered. “Hey I'm just saying. The foot rubs, the cutesy talk,” Neon attempted to explain. “It is a bit...off putting.” Wreath said a short distance away. “This coming from the person who paid for a date for the girl's choice dance.” Jet Set said with a smirk. “How does everyone know that?!” Wreath said as he threw his hands in the air in frustration. Behind him, Norman turned away, whistling nervously. “Come on guys. This will get us nowhere. Let's try enjoying this weekend.” Norman interrupted, hoping to break up the argument. “Well I suppose it is a splendid site.” Jet Set commented on the view from where the group stood, in an attempt to diffuse the situation. “We'll work on that,” Norman joked as he took a glance at his watch and noticed the time. “Oh boy, you guys we should be heading back soon. The girls are probably wondering where we are.” “Time flies when you're admiring nature, huh?” Wreath said as he and the others got up. “Alright, lead the way Cap.” “To where?” His simple response causes the others slight alarm as Neon responds. “Back to camp.” “Oh I have no idea where that is.” Cap said casually with a smile. “What?!” The others shouted in unison.” Meanwhile Back at the camp Paisley and High Winds had managed to maintain a relative peace between the two feuding cooks as Mystery Mint and Suri had finished and glared at the others, forcing an odd “choose my food or die” kind of situation. Mint, using what was on hand, stir fry using some vegetables. Suri on the other hand made a rice pilaf with her own personal touch. Paisley stood back, nervously shifting her gaze over both dishes. “I think I'll try...um.” She began sweating as both girls continued to stare at her. “Oh for crying out loud,” Upper Crust said as she got out of her chair, fed up with the situation that was getting in the way of her relaxation time. She walked over with her plate and took a bit of each dish. The two girls looked on in surprise as she took her seat and tasted both dishes. “Well?” Mint asked as the two looked on in anticipation of her answer. Upper Crust looked up slowly, swallowing before she spoke. “It's delicious!” she exclaimed. “Which one?” The two cooks said in unison. “Both.” “Let me see.” Suri said as she walked over to Mint's dish as the other girl did the same. They each stuck a utensil into the others pan, brought up a bit of the food to their mouths and tasted it. The two stopped, their eyes opening wide as their taste buds received the full flavor of the others cuisine. “Well?” Upper Crust asked with a devious smile. The two glance back at each other a bit embarrassed to admit the food they have just eaten was better than they anticipated. “It's...alright.” Mint said casually. “Well it's not...terrible, m'kay.” Suri commented with similar sentiment before turning to Mint. “What type of spice did you use?” Mint asked as she took another bite. “There's something in here that I can't quite put my finger on.” “It's my own personal blend. Nothing fancy, okay. But I have to know what you did with this stir fry. It's like nothing I've ever tasted.” Paisley had seated herself next to Upper Crust, a smile on her face. “Thanks for mediating, those two were really starting to harsh my mellow.” “Riiight,” Crust said as she continued eating. “Still, I wonder what's keeping them.” The eco girl simply laid back to get a view of the clouds. “I kind of suspected he'd be gone. CP loves his nature hikes, so when he says ten minutes I wouldn't expect any less than a few hours.” “Oh, alright.” Upper Crust said, a bit of disappointment in her voice. “Aw, what's the matter can't go five minutes without smackin' lips?” High Winds said, her head resting on a log behind her. “Come on Winds, we just got some relative peace.” Paisley said as High Winds got up from her seat. “What? Those two were making me sick with all of their baby talk and foot rubs. I can't stand all that lovey stuff. It drives me crazy!” “What's your problem?” Suri asked. “Did you have a bad breakup or something?” As she spoke, Paisley and Mint attempted to dissuade her comment as High Winds angrily approached her, the two girls eventually standing face to face. The soccer player's expression changed from one of anger to tears as she began to cry uncontrollably, hugging an unwitting Suri. “Why didn't he love me?!” “Uh, there there,” Suri said uncomfortably as she lightly patted the girl on the head. “When are the others coming back?” She turned her head, whispering to the girls. Somewhere in the Wilderness “What do you mean you don't know how to get back?!” Norman shouted as the others looked to Cap in a panic. “How can you not know?” “I just followed chapter one, section four of the wilderness guide.” Cap said as Norman snatched it from his hands. “Go with the flow? Let nature be your compass?” He begins scrolling through the pages. “A Groovy Outdoor Experience For the True Outdoorsman: By Captain Planet? You wrote this?” “Yeah man.” He said casually before Wreath grabbed him by the front of his shirt and began shaking him. “Do you realize how useless this is to us? We need to get back to camp and we have no way to know how to get there.” Wreath said in a panic. “Dude relax,” Neon said as he broke up the two. “We'll just call the girls and have them light a signal fire. Whose got their phone?” He asked as he waited for anyone to answer. “Nobody has their phone?” “I didn't think we'd be out this long.” Admitted Norman as Jet Set agreed with him. As the group contemplated what to do they heard a rumbling sound. “And on top of that we have no food.” “Well it won't stay light forever, so I suggest we try to backtrack to where we were.” Neon said as the others agreed. Along the way Jet Set decided to strike up conversation. “Not to bring up old arguments but do you really think Upper Crust and myself are a little too 'showy' in our romance?” “Just a bit. Didn't mean anything by it.” Neon said. “It makes some of us a little uncomfortable. Of course this is coming from a guy who paid fifty bucks for a date with Trixie, so my knowledge of relations is a bit lacking.” Wreath admitted. “You love each other and that's a great thing. You just kind of overdo it a bit.” Neon stated as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Oh.” He said a bit surprised before he hears a growling sound. “Guess we should have eaten something before we headed off on our little adventure.” The drama student joked as the others looked behind him in terror. “What?” He turned to find a large brown bear standing over him. His legs seemed to lock up under him, preventing him from even making the remotest of movements. “Don't worry guys, I've got this,” Cap said as he stepped up. “Page thirty-seven of the handbook suggests offering positive vibes to show you mean no harm.” “Dude that book is junk.” Neon whispered as the others stood in terror. “Come on guys, he's not so bad,” The eco kid said confidently as he extended his hand to the animal. The bear seemed to calm down for a moment before roaring in the teen's face. “Zoinks!” “What's your handbook say about this?” Norman asked nervously.” “Simple, when you can't have a true heart to heart,” Cap stopped before running full tilt in the other direction. “you run!” “Oh real nice.” Wreath shouted in his direction as the others joined him in fleeing as the bear pursued. The group rushed through the thick brush, which managed to slow the animal down, not much but enough to keep a small distance between them. The group managed to make it to a wide river and spotted a series of large rocks that formed stepping stones to reach the other side. “You know all that I said about this being relaxing?” Jet Set said as he continued to run, as he and the others knew that the bear couldn't be far behind. “I take it all back.” The teens started, although hesitantly, heading across the stones to escape their gargantuan pursuer. “Come on, come on!” Norman shouted as Wreath unsteadily made his way across before tripping, almost falling into the water below. As he attempted to get to his feet the bear emerges from the brush behind him and quickly made it's way toward him. “Stay down! Stay down!” Cap shouted to him. “He won't hurt you if he thinks you're dead!” Wreath complied and remained motionless as the bear stood over top him. “Yes he'll just,” Jet Set said as he commentated what was happening. “grab you in his teeth, shake you viciously and then toss you into the river, leaving your... limp body floating... downstream.” The group can only watch as Wreath disappears as he drifts down the river. They quickly retreated deeper into the woods before the bear continued it's rampage. Several Hours Later- The Campsite Things seemed to be calming down as High Winds tearful outburst had been explained in full. “I mean I thought I was a good girlfriend.” The athlete said as Suri offered her a tissue to blow her nose. “Then he dumped me out of the blue and now, now he's dating that...that walking cheese puff.” Her eyes began to tear up again as the others looked on in horror. “No, no more crying,” Suri said in an attempt to calm her down. “Did I do something wrong? Maybe I belched at dinner one too many times or hit him in the face with my soccer ball a little too often. Do I come off as a bit abrasive?” “Heaven knows the last one couldn't possibly be it.” Mint said under her breath, which awarded her an elbow from Upper Crust. “You need to be the strong one. If he couldn't see how...unique you are, well then that's his loss. The best thing you can do is move on. Show him that he's not all that there is in your life and that you can get along fine without him.” “You're right. I'll show him, show everyone that High Winds is not letting heartbreak drag her down.” “So are we feeling better?” Paisley asked as Winds gave a nod. “Then bring it in for a group hug.” As the girls complied, Upper Crust still couldn't shake the feeling that the boys should be back by now. Just then a clap of thunder interrupts the group moment. “I sure hope Jet and the others get back soon.” “I wouldn't worry too much,” Paisley reassured. “I'm sure Cap has it all under control.” “You're probably right. Now, who wants to have a slumber party at my tent?” Upper Crust said with a surprisingly happy tone in her voice. “Count me in.” Winds said. “Me for sure.” Mint responded as she grabbed some snacks from her bag. “And don't worry about nightwear, I've got some clothes you can borrow, okay.” Suri said as she brought out one of her bags. “I'll bring the music.” Paisley said as she grabbed the guitar Cap left behind and joined the others inside Upper Crust's large, luxurious tent as the rain began to come down. Later in the Woods The remaining guys made their way through the heavy downpour after losing the bear that had stalked them for the longest. “There!” Neon shouted over the sound of heavy rain and thunder as he pointed toward a large group of trees, seemingly bunched together. “Those upper branches look like they can give some better cover.” “Sounds like a plan to me.” Norman said as the others agreed. After a little effort the group climbed to the mid area of the trees, which allowed for surprising relief from the storm above them. “Still can't believe we lost Wreath.” “He seemed like a pretty chill dude.” Neon said. “I know. Heavy man.” Cap says as the group sit in a rather somber mood. “Sorry guys, it's like all my fault. If it hadn't been for me and this stupid guide book none of this would have happened.” “It's not all your fault,” Jet Set reassured as he sat against the tree. “You were just trying to show us a good time.” “Some good time it turned out to be.” The eco kid said remorsefully as he turned to look out at the storm. Jet Set looked around for a moment, trying to think of something to raise everyone's spirits. He began tapping out a little beat and lightly rocked his. “Show me the way to go home, I'm tired and I wanna go to bed,” “I had a little drink about an hour ago,” Norman continued the next part of the song. “And it's gone right to my head.” Neon said as he began to smile and tapped out the beat himself. The three continued singing as Cap didn't seem to respond. Little by little he started into the song, first lightly following the beat with his foot. Then he began to bob his head before finally opening his mouth to sing. “Wherever I may roam, on land or see or foam, you can always hear me singing this song. Show me the way to go home.” They all sang with a decent amount of unity. After the song they all shared a good laugh. “Can't believe you know that song.” Cap said with a new found smile. “Like I said before I can cut loose every once in a while.” Jet Set said. “Listen guys I really do want to apologize for all of this.” “It's okay really, Don't beat yourself up about it.” Neon said as he laid back. “Right now we'll just focus on getting out of this.” “I just wish I wasn't soaked to the bone from the rain.” Norman commented as he shivered a bit. “And that wind isn't helping at all. Hey, what's that book of yours say about that?” “For real?” Cap asked a bit confused that he still wanted advice from his self written guide book. “Hey I figure you knew enough to add some decent advice in there.” Norman said as the others nodded in agreement. “And we promise no matter what we have the utmost confidence in you.” “Well let's see. I wrote this a while ago,” Cap said as he began to scroll through the slightly wet book. “Here we go. Now it says,” He stops to look up at the others. “huddling... together... for warmth.” “Me and my big mouth.” The Next Day It's late the next day as the girls sat around the campfire still waiting for the others to return. As they kept on the lookout, Suri did High Winds' nails, Upper Crust laid back, getting some rays and Paisley entertained them with a song. All the while, Mystery Mint was on the phone, having called the park ranger's office to help locate their friends. “Alright, thank you sir.” She said before hanging up. “Okay, they said they'll do all they can.” “I'll bet you cap just led them on some wild journey of self-discovery or something.” High Winds joked as she looked herself over in a hand mirror. “Wow I look amazing. Thanks Suri, you're a genius.” “Tell me something I don't know, okay.” “Hello, hello!” The girls heard voices coming from the woods a short distance away. “Paisley, Mint, you guys there?” Having recognized the voice, Mint called back. “Over here!” A short while later the mud covered group emerge from the thick brush. Mint and the other girls excitedly greet them as they arrive in the center of the clearing. “Where have you been? We called the park rangers and everything.” “There's a very, very horrible story to all of it.” Norman said. “I'm so glad you're okay.” Upper Crust said happily as she went in to hug her boyfriend. She is surprised as he stops her. “How about we hold off on the hugs for a while? I've had a enough 'physical contact' this weekend.” “Of course sweetie.” She said giving him an odd look for a moment before brushing it off. Before anything else could be said, High Winds noticed the absentee. “Where's Wreath?” Her question is met with silence as the Cap and the others turn there gazes downward. “Oh man.” “What happened?” Paisley inquired. Just then, a loud rustling came from the woods in the opposite direction. Everyone turned to see the source as Indigo Wreath emerged, wearing nothing but a large pair of overalls, bandages wrapped around his head and right arm. “Oh great I finally found you guys,” He said with a smile, visibly unshaken from his ordeal. “You are not going to believe what happened to me.” Wreath looked up, seeing the state the others are in. “I guess you guys have a pretty good story too.”