And Spike was his name-o! Yodel le he hoo~ Young Spike goes camping at Camp Everfree with Wallflower Blush and others.
If FimFic had allowed us with extra tags: Kiwi Lollipop, Supernova Zap, and Vignette Valencia
Spike goes to summer camp at Camp Everfree, where he makes friends with five girls…and a camp counselor.
Sunshine, hot nights, and camp misadventures ensues, as Spike plans to make happy memories with his fellow campers. Though the girls may have other plans.
The bus ride was long, bumpy, and packed with eager campers who are looking forward to a long summer vacation of fun, excitement, and memories of good times at a camp called Camp Everfree. The campers couldn't help but sing a song, with the bus driver singing along.
The Legend of Everfree
Will you be lost by time or be part of history? Will your story be told or remain a mystery? Will they sing your song, telling all that you have done? Time to make your choice, only you can be the one
Oh, oh, oh-oh-whoa As you join in the Legend of Everfree! (Hey!) Oh, oh, oh-oh-whoa As you join in the Legend of Everfree! (Hey! Hey! Hey!)
Will you do something great with the time that you have here? Will you make your mark? Will you conquer what you fear? And when you go back home, everybody there will see You were part of the Legend of Everfree!
Oh, oh, oh-oh-whoa As you join in the Legend of Everfree! (Hey!) Oh, oh, oh-oh-whoa As you join in the Legend of Everfree! (Hey!)
Will you find your greatest glory? Will you be a falling star? Here to learn what nature teaches Here to learn more who you are
Will you be lost by time or be part of history? Will your story be told or remain a mystery? And when you go back home, everybody there will see You were part of the Legend of Everfree!
Oh, oh, oh-oh-whoa As you join in the Legend of Everfree! (Hey!) Oh, oh, oh-oh-whoa As you join in the Legend of Everfree! Hey!
Sitting in the back of the bus, snoring for almost the entire trip is the hero of the story. A young boy, roughly at the age of 13, has emerald green hair, with some blazing spiky lighter shade of green side burns flaring past his ears. For attires, he wears a purple t-shirt with a picture of a dragon on the front, brown cargo pants, and light gray tennis shoes, with white socks.
Another bump from the road sent the bus jerking upward, which was enough to snap the boy awake.
"Huh?! Oh... Are we there yet?" The boy asked drowsily, when he felt a vibration in his pocket, which he reached in and pulled out a phone. "Oh! A text from Twilight!" With a tap of his finger, Spike opens up the text to see it reads:
"Hey Spike! How are you? Let me know when you get there."
"Don't forget to send some pictures. Miss you already."
– Twilight ;)
Spike smiled at the text as he proceeded to reply:
"Hey Twilight. I'm almost there."
"I hope this camp is everything you and your friends said it would be."
"Hope to make some new friends and fun memories there."
"Text you soon."
– Spike.
After awhile of texting, the bus came to a stop, and Spike looked up to see that he and his fellow campers have finally arrived at their destination. Standing outside is a large sign that reads:
Camp Everfree
Turning to his left, Spike picked up his backpack to join his fellow campers leaving the bus.
“Hey…is this your first time to Camp Everfree?” A voice talked to Spike.
“Yeah?” Spike answered, looking around, searching for the owner of the voice. “Who said that?”
“I did,” Spike turned to see a girl, standing in front of him.
In appearance, the girl has long, scruffy moderate aquamarine green hair, freckles that framed her wide, shy grayish tangelo eyes. Her attires consists of a dirt brown sweater with tan stripes, gray pants, and tennis shoes.
“Don’t worry, it’s a great summer camp,” The girl reassured. “And the camp counselors, Timber Spruce and Gloriosa Daisy are amazing people. You’ll like ‘em.”
“If you say so…” Spike replied to the girl. “By the way, what’s your name?”
But before the girl could answer, Spike was shoved from behind by a couple of campers, eager for the in a clearing, surrounded by tents that have already been set up, a campfire, a large pole with sirens in the center, a dock, and a large building, with a sign that reads: "Mess Hall."
Spike and his fellow campers have arrived in Camp Everfree.
After getting off the bus, there was a gathering in a large clearing, where an announcement was to be made.
"Hi, everyone!"
Everyone all looked up to see a young teenage girl, approximately the age of 16, standing on a platform, holding a microphone. In appearance, the girl has light green eyes, framed by large eyelashes and freckles, long hair that reached pass her waist in two shades of moderate raspberry. For attires, she wears a wreathe of white flowers over her head, yellow flowing summer shirt, white short jeans, and brown shoes.
Standing next to her is a tall boy, with a cleft chin, green hair, and graysih green eyes. For attires, he wears a red t-shirt with the camp logo on the front, green cargo pants, grayish green socks, and brown hiking shoes.
"Welcome to Camp Everfree! I'm Gloriosa Daisy, your camp director!" The girl introduced herself. "Think of me as your friendly camp and nature guide. And this is my brother, Timber Spruce!"
"Think of me as that awesome guy... who should always be invited to fun things," The boy, identified to be Timber Spruce commented.
"So that's Twilight's boyfriend?" Spike asked to himself.
"We aim to please," Gloriosa Daisy smiled. "So before we hand out our tent assignments, we'd like to hear from all of you. You're free to do whatever you like here."
"Uh, except hike near the rock quarry. That's off-limits," Timber Spruce reminded.
"Y-Yes, but otherwise, your options are wide open. So what activities will make this the very best summer camp of your lives ever?"
"Any chance we can do some archery?" A random camper asked.
"Like Robin Hood? Of course!" Gloriosa Daisy chirped.
"Can we go rock climbing?" Another camper asked.
"Rock climbing it is!"
"Canoeing?"
"Done!"
"Tetherball?"
"S'mores?"
"Early morning nature walks!"
"Arts and crafts!"
"All of those sound fantastic!" Gloriosa Daisy smiled. "I can tell this is going to be an exciting Summer Camp of your lives!"
"What about the camp gift?" Another camper asked.
"The camp gift! Of course!" Gloriosa Daisy facepalmed herself. "I almost forgot about that one."
Clearing her throat, Gloriosa went on to give a lecture about the said camp gift.
"Every year, campers work together to create something useful. A gift for future campers. Working toward this common goal is key to forming the strong bonds that will last well beyond your time here at camp! This gazebo was a gift from last year's group. Oh, oh, oh, and the totem pole and the sundial were also made by campers!"
"Wasn't it Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna's gift?" Spike asked.
"How do you know?" A random camper asked.
"My sister Twilight told me, after her principals told her."
"You all seem like a-a really amazing group," Gloriosa continued. "So I'm certain you'll come up with something inspiring to leave behind."
With that, the campers all let out a cheer in agreement.
"Speaking of leaving things behind," Timber spoke up. "Now's the time when we give out tent assignments so you can leave your heavy bags behind."
"Uh, girls will be getting their assignments from Timber," Gloriosa announced. "Guys, you're with me."
With that, the campers all lined up to get their assigned tents from both Gloriosa and Timber. Spike walked up to Gloriosa Daisy, when the camp director smiled.
"Hey, you wouldn't happen to be Twilight's little brother, are you?" Gloriosa asked.
"H-How do you know?" Spike asked.
"Oh, last year, when Twilight was here, she would go on and on about you, and how much she misses you," Gloriosa smiled as she added. "And now, I can see why. You're even cuter than in the photos on her phone!" Spike couldn't help but blush a shade of pink. "Well, I hope you enjoy your stay here at Camp Everfree, Spike. And remember, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me about it."
Gloriosa said, with a bat of her eyelashes, further brightening Spike's blush.
"S-S-S-Sure," Spike smiled sheepishly, with his knees buckling and giving away, as he gingerly took a card from the camp director.
After his first meeting with Gloriosa Daisy, Spike walked away to find the tent he's been assigned to.
“Hmmm, from what this card says,” Spike reads. “I’m in tent amethyst.”
“Guess you and I are roommates then,” A low, introvert voice spoke up, startling Spike to turn around and comes face-to-face with the girl from the bus.
“Oh, hi,” Spike greeted. “You kinda snuck up on me there.”
“I’ve been standing next to you since we arrived here,” The girl muttered.
“Oh…” Spike blushed a shade of red. “Well, it’s nice to meet you. Name’s Spike.”
“I’m Wallflower Blush,” The girl introduced herself. “We were talking to each other on the bus ride here. I was sitting in front of you the whole time?”
“Oh! Uh,” Again, Spike was blushing a shade of embarrassing red, at how awkward this conversation was getting. “What I meant was…it was nice meeting you then.”
But Wallflower was far from pleased. In fact, the deadpan expression on her face was enough to say she is livid. Wanting to get out of the awkward moment, Spike composed himself.
"Anyway...so...you've been to Camp Everfree before?" He asked.
"Just once," Wallflower confirmed. "First time was last year."
"Hey! My sister and her friends came here last year!" Spike smiled. "Any chance you know, Twilight?"
"As in Twilight Sparkle?" Wallflower asked. "Yeah, I know her. And her friends. They're practically the first friends I've ever made and that's why I came back, to make some new friends."
"Kinda like what I'm here for," Spike smirked. "I mean, I've got lots of guys to pal around with back home, but Twilight, mom, and dad all insisted that I go to summer camp to make new friends. So...I guess we're all on the same boat, huh? Or... the same tent in this case."
"Yeah, sure," Wallflower chuckled as both she and Spike walked to their camp together.
Little did either of them know, this is the start of a beautiful friendship and an exciting summer camp.
After getting to know each other, for a bit, Spike and Wallflower Blush proceeded to bring their luggage to their assigned tent they'll be sharing for the entire summer.
The two were unpacking their belongings, when Spike started a conversation.
"I'm surprise they're doing Co-Ed this year."
"It's all part of an experiment for a Co-Ed program, from what I heard," Wallflower Blush stated. "Apparently, Camp Director Gloriosa Daisy thought it'd be a more memorable Summer Vacation if at random, a girl and a boy share a tent together."
"Lucky me," Spike commented. "I mean, I was kinda expecting to share a tent with a guy, but...hey, we can still get along, right?"
"Sure," Wallflower shrugged. "To tell you the truth, this has to be one of the longest conversations I'm having right now."
"Well, if we're getting to know each other, might as well chew the fat," Spike smiled. "That's what Twilight would always tell me."
Wallflower chuckled and smiled, when Timber Spruce's voice boomed from the camp's megaphone.
"Attention campers! Please make way to the Mess Hall. It's dinner time for your first day at Camp Everfree, and a chance to meet more of your fellow campers."
With that, Spike and Wallflower left their tent, making their way towards the Mess Hall. Inside, both boy and girl were greeted to a colorful sight of campers seated at tables, with plates set up with forks and spoons.
Spike and Wallflower proceeded to walk around the Mess Hall, looking for a table, or some empty seats, until at last, they found a large table, with four other female campers seated.
In appearance, three of the girls appeared to be around Wallflower's age, while one seemed to be older, around Gloriosa Daisy's age.
The first girl around Wallflower's age has moderate azure eyes that are framed by a pair of purple pointy glasses. Her hair is a strong cerulean with moderate arctic blue streaks, with the bang cut straight, and the back of her hair done up in two long pigtails. For attires, she wore a purple shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, a blue-and-green juniper leaf decorated on the collar, black skirt, long white knee socks, and purple shoes.
Sitting beside her, is the older girl, texting, taking a selfie, and checking out her social media account. In appearance, she has light brilliant cornflower blue eyes, has dyed her hair in a gradient of grayish crimson to light magentaish gray with light gray streaks, and a beauty mark under the corner of her right eye. For attires, she wears a white low-cut puffy shirt that shows her shoulders, with light violet trimmings at the collar, a short jean held up by a belt that has a buckle shaped like a leaf, brown shoes, a long brown sleeveless trench coat with purple fringes at the bottom, and a chocker with a magentaish gray jewel at the front, and a headband with flowers.
Sitting across the two are a couple of girls, who too are around Wallflower's age. The third girl has brilliant sapphire blue eyes, light cerulean eyeshadow, and her hair is light brilliant cerise with light brilliant magenta and pale blue violet highlights. She has little hearts painted on her cheek. For attires, she wore a blue t-shirt under a jean vest, with vanilla fluffy fur at the neckline, hot pink skirt, and orange sandals.
The last one has brilliant cobalt blue eyes, and her hair was very light blue violet with very pale cyan and light brilliant magenta highlights. Like the third girl, sitting beside her, she has little hearts painted on her cheek. Her attires are a casual light blue long-sleeved shirt, a hot pink skirt, knee high black socks, and pink shoes.
"Hey!" Spike greeted the campers. "Are these seats taken?"
"Nope, go right ahead," The girl with glasses replied.
Spike and Wallflower both took their seats, with Spike introducing himself, "I'm Spike. Spike Sparkle. And this is Wallflower Blush."
"Hey," Wallflower greeted quietly.
"Hey," The girl with glasses waved. "I'm Juniper. Juniper Montage. Phone girl next to me is Vignette Valencia."
"Oh!" Wallflower exclaimed, glancing at Vignette. "Yeah, I've seen you before on Instagram. You're the one who always says–"
"B.Y.B.B?" Vignette finished, smiling at the green haired girl. "Be yourself, but better! A girl of culture, I see."
"Oh! That's right!" Spike said, snapping his fingers. "My friend Rarity told me all about you, once!"
"Rarity?" Vignette smiled. "Ah! So you're one of her friends then? The Rainbooms? Hmmm, last I checked, they didn't have a boy in their band. Wasn't it an all-girls band? Unless this is their attempt of B.Y.B.B." Before Spike could clarify, Vignette was already ranting and raving, "That's been my power phrase since I started my first company. A middle school girl selling artisanal handmade mascara. 'But isn't that just melted crayons?' Hey, neighsayers gonna neigh. But I say B.Y.B.B."
"Uh...I didn't catch any of those last words you just said," Spike shook his head. "But no, I'm not a Rainboom. I'm Twilight's little brother."
"Oh! Well, nice to meet you then," Vignette replied, before she proceeded to type some hashtags. "#Littlebrother #TwilightSparkle'slittlebrother #Rainboom'slittlebrother..."
Juniper Montage shook her head, "Her head is all up in the phone," She sighed.
Turning to the other girls sitting next to him and Wallflower, Spike asked, "And you are?"
"I'm Kiwi Lollipop," The third girl waved.
"And I'm Supernova Zap!" The fourth girl greeted. "Nice to meet you two."
"Kiwi Lollipop and Supernova Zap?" Spike scratched his chin, pondering, "Sounds familiar. Have we met before?"
"Uh, can't say we have," Kiwi shook her head. "I'm sure I'd remember meeting a cute boy with green hair."
Spike couldn't help but blush at Kiwi's comment on "cute."
Before the conversation could continue, the sound of a microphone tapping was heard, to which everyone all turned their attentions up to the stage to see Gloriosa Daisy talking into a mic.
"Good afternoon, everyone!" Gloriosa Daisy greeted. "By now, you've gotten settled into your assigned tents and formed a bond with your roommates. Now please, take this moment to get to know more of your fellow campers!"
"But first, a question," Timber Spruce began. "Who's hungry?"
With that, Spike and his fellow campers all exchanged random agreements. Before long, the kitchen door burst open as a chef, with a pointy mustache, came walking out, pushing a cart of food for the campers to choose and eat.
Spike was eating a plate of apple pie, "Mmmm, Chef Gustave le Grand's outdone himself," He commented, next to Wallflower enjoying a bowl of salad. "This pie is good. But not nearly as good as Applejack's Granny Smith. She can make a mean apple pie."
"Applejack?" Kiwi Lollipop asked, who was enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich. "Funny you should mention that."
"Cause we know a friend who knew a friend named Applejack," Supernova Zap added, while eating a bowl of noodles. "But she called her AJ. Maybe they're related?"
"Yeah," Spike smiled, nodding in amusement. "Maybe."
"Sounds like we're all connected from one friend to another," Vignette commented, while she uploads her latest post, with tags that read: "#CampEverfree #MessHall #DinnerWithNewFriends #Friends'Friends."
Juniper glanced at Vignette questionably, "How did I ever get paired up with you?" She asked, while playing with her plate of spaghetti. "Why can't I be paired up with a cute guy, like you...uh, what's your name again?"
"Wallflower Blush?" Wallflower answered, while Spike blushed a shade of pink from Juniper's comment. "And...I guess I'm just lucky?"
"Hmph. I guess some people have all the luck being movie stars, I guess," Juniper frowned.
"Mmmm, I wouldn't know about that," Vignette said to Juniper. "Just be thankful you're with me, and not with, say...that guy?"
Vignette pointed, directing Juniper's attention to a dirty looking boy, covered in dirt and smudges, and appeared to be attracting a cloud of dust, sitting next to a girl, who, judging by her face, is uncomfortable from his dirtiness.
"My friends call me, Pig-Pen," The boy introduced himself. "And you are?"
Not too far away, a girl in blue dress sat next to a boy in a yellow shirt, with a black, zigzag stripe at the torso. The girl was yelling lots of be-littering comments to demean the boy. Spike didn't catch what she said, but all he got was, "YOU BLOCKHEAD!"
"...I stand corrected," Juniper said.
Wanting to change the subject, Spike broke the tension, "Hey, the Summer Camp's just started. Don't let some... well, I can't say bad apples, but... As my friend Pinkie Pie would say, 'There's always a silver lining!'"
Just when Spike said that, a couple of girls walked behind the group, giggling and hugging each other.
"I'm so happy we're assigned to the same tent, Bon-Bon!" The minty haired girl smiled. "Now I'm convinced we're made to be together!"
"I'm so looking forward to making this the best summer we've ever had in the history of besties, Lyra!" The girl with pink and blue hair returned the affectionate smile, as they walk away, holding hands together.
"See? Even they are looking forward to having a good time," Spike smiled.
Moved by his optimism, Wallflower Blush looked away, hiding a faint blush and a small smile, with Juniper shaking her head but smiled in amusement. Vignette raised an eyebrow, while hiding a grin behind her phone as she glances at Spike, with Kiwi and Supernova exchanging looks of agreement, which change to newfound admiration at the little guy.
"Hey!" A friendly greeting called out, to which the group looked up to see Gloriosa Daisy and Timber Spruce walking over.
"Making friends already, Spike?" Gloriosa Daisy smiled. "I can tell, your time here at Camp Everfree will be a blast!"
"Don't jinx it, Gloriosa," Timber Spruce teased. "Remember what happened last year..."
"Oh Timber," Gloriosa rolled her eyes, towards her brother. "No need to bring up bad memories, that's all in the past. This year, I really want to make it all worth it for our campers. And it won't be like last time."
"We'll see, we'll see," Timber nodded.
"So, Spike," Gloriosa began, as she looked down at the boy. "As a friend of Twilight's, how are you enjoying the camp so far? And who are your friends?"
"So far, camp is great," Spike commented. "It's like how Twilight told me it would be. And these are Juniper Montage, Vignette Valencia, Kiwi Lollipop, Supernova Zap, and I think you already know, Wallflower Blush."
"Hmmm, can't say that I have," Gloriosa shook her head, much to Wallflower's shock.
"I was here, last year..." Wallflower said, looking further dejected.
"Oh...Uh...I'm sorry. I'm afraid...with so many campers to keep track of, I must've...lost track. That's it..." Gloriosa chuckled nervously, to which Wallflower still didn't look impressed.
"Nice one, sis," Timber Spruce rolled his eyes.
Wanting to get out of the awkward moment, Gloriosa began, "Well, I hope you all get along well with each other, and...I think I hear someone calling out for me. Talk to you soon."
With that, Gloriosa took her leave, with Timber Spruce flanking behind her, leaving Spike with the girls.
"That went smoothly," Kiwi Lollipop commented.
Turning his attention back at Wallflower Blush, Spike placed a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder, "Hey..."
"...Hey yourself," Wallflower frowned.
'So much for the shoulder touch, Shining Armor...' Spike thought.
Later that night, everyone were all in their tents, ready to turn in for the night. After changing into his pajamas and brushing his teeth, Spike walked out of the camp's bathhouse, returning to his and Wallflower Blush's tent. Upon walking inside, Spike looked to see Wallflower, in her orange pajamas, decorated with autumn leaves, sitting on her bed, seemingly in deep thoughts.
"Hey Wallflower," Spike greeted, startling the girl out of her thoughts. "You okay?"
"Okay," Spike walked over to his bed and got under the cover. "Excited for tomorrow? I know I am. I can already picture myself, sitting on a boat, sailing across the lake, without a care in the world."
"Wow, I wish I had your enthusiasm, Spike," Wallflower said to the boy. "Aren't you the least bit nervous of...messing something up? Making a fool of yourself?"
"Well, to be honest, no," Spike shook his head. "I guess, when you hang with friends who are like a magnet for crazy stuffs to happen, nearly 24/7, then awkward hellos, saying the wrong thing, literally any public speaking become a norm."
Wallflower looked at Spike with envy, before she sat down on her bed and hugged herself, into a ball.
"That's my problem...I don't have any friends," She frowned. "All I have are...plants. But...that doesn't make it any less lonelier..."
Looking at Wallflower with sympathy, Spike spoke up, "Well, I can be your friend..."
"That's sweet of you to say, Spike. But–"
"No seriously! I want to be your friend. Twilight talked me into coming here so I can make new friends, okay? And well...we're roommates, so...let's make it count together."
Spike walked up to the girl, holding his hand out for her. Looking down at his open hand, then back up to see the inviting smile on his face, Wallflower slowly held her hand out, looking nervous and uncertain, before she accepted.
"You better not be pulling my leg about wanting to be my friend," Wallflower grinned.
"Hey, scout's honor," Spike held the other hand up.
The sun rises to welcome the first day at Camp Everfree. As the campers were all waking up, from inside their shared tent, Spike and Wallflower were waking up, stretching their arms out as they let out a yawn.
"Morning Wallflower," Spike yawned. "Sleep well?"
"Mmmm-hmmm," Wallflower stood out of her bed, arching her back. "You?"
"Oh yeah," Spike nodded as both he and Wallflower walked towards their luggages to pick out some fresh set of clothes. "C'mon. Let's get to the bathhouse and change. Then we can meet with everyone else in the Mess Hall."
Wallflower nodded as she and Spike walked towards the bathhouse, before they went their separate ways into the respective girls and boys shower rooms to wash themselves and change into their new clothes.
Inside the boys' shower room, Spike overheard some of the boys conversing with each other.
"So, you've seen the babes we've got at camp this summer?" One of the boys asked.
"Yeah, definitely," Another boy replied. "And they're downright hotter than the ones last summer," That comment greatly annoyed Spike, as he hoped they weren't referring to his sister, Twilight, and her friends.
"No kidding!" A third boy joined in the conversation. "And if you ask me, these two new chicks, Kiwi Lollipop and Supernova Zap, are cute!"
"I don't blame ya, they are cute,” The first boy answered. “Though, I can’t help but get the feeling I’ve seen them from somewhere before.”
“I know what you mean,” The second male camper answered. “One moment, I get this feeling like they’re Sapphire Shores, the Queen of Pops. Then, the next, they remind me of Countess Coloratura and Songbird Serenade.”
“Well, whoever they are, let’s do our best to impress some ladies!”
“YEAH!”
Meanwhile, over in the girls’ shower, Wallflower Blush was putting on another of her favorite sweaters, when she overheard some girls talking.
“So, did you score yourself a roommate with a handsome hunk?” A girl asked her friend.
“He’s handsome alright,” The other girl complained. “And rude, and conceited… just my luck.”
“Oh, sorry I asked,” The first girl replied sheepishly. “But I feel ya. I mean, that Timber Spruce is quite the hunk. It’s too bad he’s taken, and by that Twilight Twinkle of all girls.”
“I think it’s Twilight Sparkle. But look on the bright side, there’s lots of other handsome hunks here at camp.”
“I hope you’re right about that. Otherwise, I hear some of these boys are bunked with other boys, just like how girls like me are bunked with other gals.”
Afterwards, both Spike and Wallflower have cleaned themselves up, and walked into the Mess Hall, together.
After getting their breakfast, of pancakes, corns, mashed potatoes, and glasses of milk and orange juice, both Spike and Wallflower went looking for a table, when they happened upon the same group of girls, whom they’ve gotten acquainted with yesterday.
“Morning girls!” Spike greeted as both he and Wallflower took their seat at the table. “How are ya? Did you sleep well?”
“I slept well,” Juniper answered.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve slept in a tent,” Vignette boasted. “#Camping #Sleepingbag #tent.”
“Uh-huh,” Kiwi Lollipop rolled her eyes, with Supernova Zap following. “Well, me and Supernova slept like bumps on a log. Didn’t we?” Supernova simply nodded in response.
“Although, it took her about an hour to sleep, since all she could think about was her dog,” Kiwi teased, much to Supernova’s annoyance.
“Hey! Excuse me for wanting to check up on my precious baby!” Supernova pouted. “Princess Thunder Guts gets agitated and restless whenever I’m not around.”
Spike couldn’t help but snicker, which didn’t go unnoticed for Supernova.
“What’s so funny?” The girl asked.
“Oh, nothing,” Spike chuckled. “I was just thinking about my parrot, Peewee.”
“Oh? You have a parrot?” Supernova asked, curiously. “What’s he like? This Peewee of yours?”
“Do you play pirates with him?” Juniper smirked.
“Ooh! Do you take pictures with him?” Vignette asked. “You know, people would love to see a selfie of you and your pet.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you would like that, wouldn’t you?” Spike replied, before he explained, “To answer your questions, Peewee’s a scarlet macaw. I call him Peewee, because he loves doing an impression of Pee-wee Herman.”
“Pee-wee Herman?” Juniper asked, with piqued interest.
“Oh, y’know, from The Pee-wee Herman Show,” Spike clarified. “I used to love watching it as a kid, with Twilight. But that was a long time ago. But I named my parrot, Peewee, as a way to carry my childhood.”
Juniper Montage simply chuckled, “Hey, that’s okay. I can relate. Beside, I still keep a copy of Paul Reubens’s film, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.”
Spike shared a laugh with Juniper, when Gloriosa Daisy's voice was heard from the camp's speakers.
"Good morning campers!" Gloriosa said from the speakers. "I hope you’re all enjoying your breakfast, here at Camp Everfree! I hope you're all excited and have packed your swimsuits, because today, after 1 hour, we are going to the lake to have some fun in the sun and the water!"
Wallflower Blush immediately blushed a shade of pink at the mention of, “ S-S-S-Swimming?”
“Oh, marvelous!” Vignette Valencia commented. “I was due for some nice tan anyway.”
Upon hearing the announcement of swimming, Spike was blushing at the thought of seeing attractive young ladies in bikinis or even one-piece swimsuits.
“Ooh, someone’s getting excited, huh?” Spike snapped out of his thoughts when he looked to see Kiwi Lollipop shooting a flirty grin his way.
Flustered, Spike impulsively covered his redden face, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” He apologized, which the girls thought was an adorable reaction.
Spike lowered his hands as he looked at the girls cautiously, “So…you don’t think I’m weird?”
“Well, you’re not the first boy to have ever seen me in a swimsuit, so I’m used to it,” Kiwi Lollipop shrugged.
“I think, by this point, we’re all used to boys gawking us in our sexiest of swimsuits,” Vignette Valencia commented.
Wallflower Blush, however, seems to be displeased, “Why’s it always the two-piece?” Wallflower muttered to herself.
Later, after the campers have had breakfast, they were all getting back to their tents to get themselves ready for swimming in the lake.
It was also advisable that before they went to the lake, the campers should take the time to shower in the bathhouse, while changing into their swimsuits.
Spike was wearing a black wetsuit with a green dragon snaking around his torso and wrapped its head around his neck and shoulders.
“Hmmm, dressed to impress, huh Spike?” A voice asked, revealing himself to be Timber Spruce.
Timber Spruce wore a red and white swim trunk, complete with a lifeguard’s shirt and hat.
“Hey Timber,” Spike waved. “How are ya?”
“Not bad,” Timber smirked. “But your sister’s really on my case to look after you,” He sighed. “Is she always this fussy about you?”
“You asking me?” Spike asked. “You’re Twilight’s boyfriend! You should’ve known her by now.”
“Well, you’re her little brother,” Timber scoffed. “You should know her better than anyone.”
“Touché.”
The two boys shared a laugh, before they continued talking.
“Yeah, Twi can be a real mother hen,” Spike shrugged. “But that just shows how much she loves me. Sisters can be like that, you know?”
“And brothers,” Timber rolled his eyes. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to bail Gloriosa out of a jam, or provide some leverage. I know she loves this camp, but even she needs some vacation of her own sometimes.”
“I’d say the same thing to Twilight,” Spike nodded, earning some laughs between him and Timber.
Meanwhile, over in the girls’ shower room, Wallflower Blush had her hair tied up in a ponytail, while staring at herself in a mirror.
Though not as revealing, especially worn by models, Wallflower couldn’t help but blush a shade of pink, wrapping her arm around herself in embarrassment.
‘What am I doing?’ Wallflower thought, feeling herself heat up. ‘I’ve been to Camp Everfree lots of time already. Sure, I…I swam before. B-B-But nobody hardly even noticed. So why…why does this feel so different? Why am I so sweaty? No, wait, that’s just from the showers, but…but…’
But before Wallflower’s daze could be any longer, she was bumped from behind, snapping her back to reality.
“Oh! Sorry,” The girl, revealing herself to be Kiwi Lollipop apologized. “I forgot you were there.”
“But…I’ve been here for half-an-hour,” Wallflower frowned. “Same time as you have?”
“Uh-huh,” Kiwi Lollipop noted. “Well, I’m sorry…for bumping into you. But…how do I look?” Kiwi asked, giving a pose.
“Ok girls,” Gloriosa Daisy spoke up, walking in, having also changed into her bikini. “I see you’ve all changed. But have you all cleaned yourself up yet?” The girl campers all exchanged random agreements. “Excellent, then let’s…wait.” Gloriosa proceeds to count heads, before realizing someone was missing. “Uh? Where’s Vignette?”
The girls all looked around in the shower, before noticing a stall that remains closed.
“Vignette?” Juniper called. “You coming?”
“I…I don’t think I can go…now…” Vignette replied, sounding self-insecure. “Just go on without me.”
“Vignette? Are you okay?” Gloriosa asked.
“Yes, I’ll…I’ll be fine.”
“Okay then. Let’s go,” Gloriosa said as she lead the girls out of the bathhouse, and to the lake.
Once she’s all by her lonesome, Vignette Valencia walked over to the corner of her stall and huddled to herself. There was no way, she would let anyone see her in an itsy, bitsy, teeny, weenie, yellow polka dot bikini.
Needless to say, Spike, along with all the other boys, dropped their jaws all the way to the ground. The only exception is Timber Spruce, being Gloriosa Daisy’s brother and all.
Desperate to cool his rising temperature, Spike was the first to jump in the lake to literally cool off.
After everyone regained their composure, the campers all resumed having a good time.
Juniper Montage was floating on a yellow tube, while flashing winks at the boys gawking at her into love daze.
Kiwi Lollipop and Supernova Zap were both playing volleyball, looking good while doing it, when Kiwi struck the ball really hard, sending it flying at the speed of a blazing comet, pass Supernova.
Spike barely dodged to the side, watching the ball hit a poor random dude, right between his legs.
The dude keeled over, as he moaned, “I’m in pain…but I’m so happy…”
While this was all happening, Spike looked up and couldn’t help but notice, Wallflower Blush, all by her lonesome, sitting in the shades of a tree.
Wanting the girl in on the fun, Spike walked over to the girl and asked, “Hey Wallflower! You want to play?”
“Huh? Oh, no, I’m fine,” Wallflower declined. “Thanks for asking though.”
“You think too much. C’mon, no one’s going to bite, or anything.”
Wallflower looked up, watching Spike walk away, “Hey, Spike! Wait up!” Wallflower took off running after the boy, when she tripped over a log. “AAAAH!”
“Huh? Oof!”
Spike was able to catch Wallflower in time, but in the process, both he and her had fallen into the water with a splash.
Upon opening their eyes, both Spike and Wallflower looked up and found themselves lost in each other’s eyes. This didn’t go unnoticed for all the other campers, including Gloriosa and Timber.
“Who is that guy?” One of the girls asked.
“Who’s that girl?” One of the boys asked. “Never seen her before…”
“Wow, Twilight’s little brother got games,” Timber smirked.
“Uh, Wallflower,” Spike asked. “You okay?”
“I’m…I’m hot…” Catching herself, Wallflower stammered as she stammered. “I mean, you’re hot. I mean…your eyes! I kiss! May we. You’re cute! Oh!” Wallflower shoved Spike away, as she flustered, “I’m such a moron! Why is this happening?”
Spike couldn’t help but laugh at Wallflower’s breakdown as he helped her up, “You sure you’re feeling okay?” He asked.
“I’m fine,” Wallflower frowned as she turned and walked away. “I’ll…just leave you alone then.”
However, Spike grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back, “No wait, don’t go,” Spike said. “It’s all good. I’m…I’m going to go swimming. You wanna come?”
“I…I’d love to, except I don’t swim,” Wallflower frowned. “Not a lot… Actually, I don’t swim at all.”
“Then, how about I teach you how to swim?” Spike offered.
Astonished by Spike’s persistence, and touched by his friendliness, Wallflower smiled shyly, “I’d like that.”
With that, Spike started teaching Wallflower how to swim. To keep her afloat, Wallflower puts a tube around her waist, with Spike pulling her across the water, by her arms.
Wanting some attention, Juniper Montage held a volleyball over her head, calling out, “Okay! Who’s going to catch this ball?”
“ME, ME!” A lot of the boys answered.
Though pleased that she’s got a lot of the boys’ attention, Juniper was mildly disappointed when the boy she tried to charm was focused on helping Wallflower with her swimming lessons.
“That’s it, you’re doing great,” Spike complimented, as he continued to lecture, “Try kicking your legs out, and put your face in the water.”
“Okay…” Wallflower replied, following Spike’s instructions.
Juniper couldn’t help but pout, before she sighed, “Oh well, maybe another time.” It was then, that she realized someone was missing, “Hey! Where’s Vignette anyway?”
The said social media celebrity was afraid to come out in the open. So she finally came out of the bathhouse, with a towel wrapped around her body.
Upon arriving at the lake, she sat by the shores, at a safe distance, watching all the activities at play.
“All 3,175 of my followers wanted me in this bikini?” Vignette asked. “But at least I won’t be seen in this, so long as I’m wearing—“
“Ah! Vignette!” Gloriosa greeted, startling the celebrity. “So glad to see you’ve finally joined us.”
“Uh, yes…” Vignette stammered, while keeping her towel secured. “I hope I’m not too late,” She secretly hoped that she was.
“Not at all, you’re just in time,” Gloriosa smiled. “Why don’t you go in for a swim? The water is great today.”
“Oh, I’d love to, but I…” Vignette tried to come up with a good excuse. “I didn’t packed my sunscreen lotion and I…wouldn’t want to get sunburn.”
“Not to worry,” Gloriosa smiled, holding up a bottle of sunscreen lotion. “I‘ve got you covered,” Gloriosa reached out for the towel, only for Vignette to pull back.
“Oh, please, you shouldn’t!”
“But I insist.”
“No, really, you don’t!”
“Vignette? What’s—“
“Please, don’t take my towel off!”
“Come on, we’re both women here, just…”
“LOOK! It’s Bigfoot!”
Fortunately for Vignette, Gloriosa fell for the trick and no sooner did the camp director turn her head, when Vignette made a mad dash for the water and dove in to escape.
“Huh?” Gloriosa asked, looking around for Vignette. “Vignette?”
Meanwhile, Kiwi Lollipop and Supernova Zap have finished playing volleyball and were toweling off, ready to hit the water.
Supernova Zap was about to step in, when Kiwi Lollipop stopped her and pointed, “Hey, Su-Z, look!”
Supernova Zap looked up to see a large tree that grew out, from the side of a cliff, with a rope swinging from a branch.
“Isn’t that a little too high up, for a dive?” Supernova asked nervously.
“Nonsense,” Kiwi shook her head. “What’s a dive without some excitement? Like high expectations?”
Still, Supernova was uncertain, “I don’t know…”
“What are you? Chicken?”
“Chicken? Me? Hmph!”
With a huff, Supernova marched ahead, with Kiwi Lollipop following behind.
Back with Spike, the young boy continued to help Wallflower Blush with her swimming lesson.
“That’s it!” Spike encouraged, as they swam away from the group and out into deeper waters. “You’re doing great!”
Wallflower smiled with a newfound feeling of joy and excitement that was all exhilarating and refreshing for her.
To be noticed by someone, besides her family, and to be treated as a friend, someone worth their time, Wallflower never felt this happy than she felt in years. If not forever.
When she looked up, Wallflower was taken by a ray of sunshine that illuminated Spike’s appearance.
“Whoa!” Spike exclaimed, when he stumbled and fell in the water.
“Spike?” Wallflower exclaimed, standing up in her tube. “Are you okay?”
“I think so,” He coughed out some waters. “But I think I bumped into someone.”
At that moment, a head broke the surface, revealing herself to be, “Vignette Valencia?!” Spike and Wallflower exclaimed.
“Yes, it’s me,” Vignette coughed, before she pulled some hair out of her face. “Oh, hey it’s you two.”
“What are you doing way out here?” Wallflower asked, before she noticed Vignette’s attire. “Whoa! Vignette, that’s uh…”
Spike, however, beat Wallflower to the punch, with a wolf whistle, “Wow! You’re really killing it with the itsy bitsy tweenie weenie polka dot there.”
Flustered, Vignette wrapped an arm around herself, “It’s not an itsy bitsy teenie—“
“CANNONBALL!!!!”
The three campers barely have time to react, when Kiwi Lollipop and Supernova Zap, literally dropped in on them, with a big splash.
Both Spike and Wallflower were swept away, by the splash, practically carried away by tidal waves.
Spike broke the surface later, “Did someone get the license on those cannonballs?” He coughed.
“I don’t know,” Wallflower spluttered, when she followed and opened her eyes to see polka dots. “Huh? What’s this?” She asked, taking some sort of fabric off her face.
Spike turned around to look, but immediately flustered to see Wallflower holding a bikini bottom, in front of him.
At that moment, a high pitch squeal was heard, “Aaaaaaah! My tops are gone!” Screamed Supernova Zap, who submerged herself, neck deep underwater.
“My bottoms are gone!” Vignette added, following Supernova’s example.
Both Spike and Wallflower turned to look at each other, and couldn’t but snicker at their fellow campers’ misfortunes.
“Hey, Vignette?” Wallflower called, as both she and Spike swam over. “I’ve got your bikini bottom.” She said, holding out the said bottom.
“Well then, hand it over!” Stammered a flustered Vignette, who frantically puts her bottom back on.
“Yippee for you,” Supernova frowned. “Now, c-c-can someone g-get me my t-t-t-tops?” She pointed her hand up, to a branch, where her bikini tops have snagged onto.
“I’ll get it,” Kiwi Lollipop said as she swam up to the slope and proceeded to climb up the walls.
“Wow,” Spike marveled. “She takes it like a monkey!”
“That’s K-Lo for ya,” Supernova Zap replied, still covering her chest and keeping her neck deep underwater. “She’s all about perfection for the excitement and the thrill of it…”
“K-Lo?” Spike pondered, before it dawned on him, together with Vignette and Wallflower present. “As in you’re K-Lo and Su-Z? The pop stars?! From PostCrush? OH MY—”
Supernova quickly covered Spike’s mouth, with one hand, as she pleaded, “Yeah, yeah. It’s us, but can you please keep it down? Me and Kiwi just wanted a normal summer holiday, without being mobbed by fans.”
“Sorry,” Spike whispered. “It’s just…after Countess Coloratura, you two are my favorite pop stars! Also, a friend of my sister, had a backstage pass to meet you! You know, Sunset Shimmer?”
“Yeah, I remember,” Supernova smiled. “She and that Pinkie girl once came to me and K-Lo’s trailer, at the Starswirl Music Fest. We ended up letting them perform with us.”
“Here Zap,” Kiwi Lollipop said, upon climbing down and holding her friend’s top to her.
“Th-th-thanks,” Supernova Zap said as she took her tops back, puts it back on, allowing her to stand above the water.
“Is everyone alright?” Another voice spoke up, revealing herself to be Gloriosa Daisy, with Timber Spruce following. “We heard some screaming, all the way from the shore.”
“We’re okay Gloriosa!” Spike replied. “Our friends here…thought they saw a snake!” He lied, to cover up for the awkward predicament.
“Goodness!” Gloriosa exclaimed. “Was there really a snake?”
“Nope,” Wallflower joined in. “Just a…a twig.”
“Yeah, what they said,” Kiwi added.
“A stick,” Supernova said.
“The sun was playing tricks with us,” Vignette added.
“Well, I’m glad you’re all okay,” Gloriosa smiled, before she beckoned the campers to follow. “We’re heading back to camp in a few more minutes. So come on back to shore.”
Though a little sad that their fun was cut short, Spike and the girls knew that all good things must come to an end.
“I think I’ve had enough excitement for one day,” Supernova commented.
“But there’s always tomorrow,” Spike said. “And what do you think we’ll be in for then?”
“As long as it’s nothing embarrassing for me, like today,” Supernova grumbled. “Then I’m game…”
“Oh, lighten up, Supernova,” Kiwi nudged. “Admit it. That dive was exciting for you! And it wasn’t so bad…”
“We have a boy with us!” Supernova blushed. “How do you think I feel?”
“Speak for yourself,” Vignette Valencia frowned. “I’m wearing a distasteful looking bikini. I’d be in a scandal if I were to be seen like this!”
“Actually, I think you filled that bikini very well,” Spike complimented.
“Oh? Do you really think so?” Vignette asked.
“Well, yeah. My friend Rarity would say the same thing. Ask anyone.”
“Well, it makes you look bolder than me and Supernova, that’s for sure,” Kiwi commented, with Supernova nodding in agreement.
“Yeah…bolder,” Wallflower muttered.
“Hmmm, bolder huh?” Vignette pondered, on friends’ reassuring words. “Well, if you say so, then… I’ll consider this another example of my BYBB — Be Yourself But Better.”
As the friends arrive back to shore, Spike tapped Kiwi on the shoulder, “Hey K-Lo?” He whispered. “Any chance I could get your autograph soon?”
Kiwi Lollipop looked flabbergasted, as she turned to Supernova, who confirmed, “He knows.”
“Don’t worry,” Spike winked. “I won’t tell.”
“Hey gals and guy!” Juniper Montage greeted, Spike and friends on the shore, “Vignette! Where’ve you been? And…is that a…?”
“Oh, it’s a long story,” Vignette replied, relieved that she won’t be turning blue.
Later that night, both Spike and Wallflower were back in their tent, changed into their pajamas, and tucked under their blankets.
“Hey, Wallflower?” Spike quietly called. “Pssst. You awake?”
“Yeah, Spike?” Wallflower asked drowsily.
“So…today’s been exciting, wasn’t it?” Spike asked. “Who’d have thought, PostCrush, at Camp Everfree, with us? What are the odds?”
Wallflower yawned, “My guess is, Sunset and Pinkie must’ve put in a good word about this camp to them, and they decided to give it a try.”
“Sounds about right,” Spike nodded. “But…enough about them. What do you think we’ll do tomorrow?”
“I don’t know,” Wallflower replied. “But we’ll find out. But what are you looking forward to the most?”
Spike scratched his chin and pondered, “I’m thinking about doing some archery,” He replied. “Who knows? I could be a great archer like Hawkeye, or Robin Hood and his Merry Men.”
Wallflower couldn’t help but chuckle, “Wow, that’s some wishful thinking,” The girl let out another yawn. “Well, good night, Spike.”
“You too, Wallflower,” Spike replied. “See you in the morning.”
With that, the two bonding campers were both out like a bulb.
It was a crispy, clear starlit night, as the campers were gathering around a campfire, roasting marshmallow for s'mores, hot dogs, and making popcorns.
Timber Spruce was holding a pot of dried corns, at the end of an iron pole, as he roasts them over the fire, much to his sister's disagreement.
"Timber, that's too much corns!" Gloriosa scolded. "And you're holding them too close to the fire!"
"Chillax, sister," Timber rolled his eyes. "I've been popping corns ever since opening day. I know what I'm doing."
But Timber spoke too soon, when thousands of popcorns went flying from the fire, shooting in random directions, frightening every campers to take cover.
"Whoa! Yikes! It's hot! Hit the deck!"
Spike quickly fell out of his chair, as he scrambled to hold an empty bowl as an army helmet. Close by, Wallflower Blush had ducked behind a log. Juniper Montage jumped into Vignette Valencia's arms and the two girls fell to the ground. Kiwi Lollipop and Supernova Zap both hid themselves under an upturned canoe, to save themselves from the popcorns.
Once the corns were done popping, everyone poked their heads from their hiding spots, to see Gloriosa Daisy, covered from head-to-toe, in popcorns, glaring at her brother.
"I told you that there were too much corns," Gloriosa Daisy scowled.
"Well, at least there's enough for everyone," Timber shrugged, as he got up and dusted himself of the popcorns. "SO! Who's up for popcorns?" He asks, holding up his iron pot, overflowing with popping popcorns.
"As long as they don't shoot at us again, I'll have some," Spike said as he walked up to get himself a bowl of popcorns.
"Ditto," Wallflower agreed.
After all of the campers got their popcorns, they resumed roasting their marshmallows for s'mores, and hot dogs. Suddenly, a vibrating sound was heard.
"What's that?" Juniper asked, worryingly. "Is that a wild animal?"
"Don't worry girls," Timber reassured, as he holds up a wooden bat. "If it's a ferocious wild animal, then they've picked the wrong camp to mess with!"
"...Actually, it's just Vignette's phone," Wallflower pointed to the said girl, who was busy typing in hashtags for her latest blog post.
"Hashtag s'mores," Vignette Valencia typed in.
"Uh huh...right, of course," Timber Spruce sets his wooden bat down, as he resumes the next camp activity. "So! Who's up for scary stories?"
All of the campers immediately exchange random agreements and excitements, eager to share their own spooky stories, or hear what others have to share.
"So, who wants to go first?" Timber asked. "Anyone?" There was a moment of silence as all of the campers exchanged looks, wondering who among them will tell the scariest story.
Deciding not to waste another second, Timber handpicked the first storyteller.
“Fine. Gloriosa!” He picked. “Ladies first.”
“Why, thank you, brother,” Gloriosa cleared her throat. “It’s the story of…He Who Roams The Woods. The time, when Timber and I, were five. The place, here. There was once a camper, who is a boy. All the other boys in the camp picked on him, because he was smaller, and all the girls laughed and made fun of him, because of how different he was from all the other boys.”
“Aw, poor guy,” Spike said, already sympathizing with the main protagonist of the story.
“But, luckily, for him, there was a sweet girl, whom he loved more than life itself. To him, she was a goddess, a princess, his everything. He catered to her every whim. He brought her flowers. And he gave her his heart. He did everything he could to win her love and affection."
"Did he?" Spike asked.
"...That's the sad part of the story," Gloriosa frowned. "For it was not meant to be, you see. Because one day, he learned that the sweet girl was moving away, and that he may never see her again. He was so distraught that in his depression, he ran away from the camp, until he got lost in the woods."
Gloriosa then ends the story, turning to look at the girls and smiled, "And to this day, he still roams the woods, searching for his lost love. And beware, because if he sees any of you, he just might consider taking you all away, to his woodland lair, where you will never be seen, or heard from again...”
"Ooh, scary!" Supernova Zap shivered, holding Kiwi Lollipop close for comfort.
"Taken into the woods, where I'll never be seen again, with no phone service?" Vignette Valencia exclaimed. "I'd rather be dead!"
"Ha! That's nothing, because I've got an even scarier story," Juniper Montage scoffed.
"Oh, then would you like to go next?" Gloriosa asked.
"Don't mind if I do," Juniper blew on her marshmallow, before setting it on a graham cracker and chocolate bar. "It's called La Lechuza. Owl Witch. It's a story that my uncle told me, after his last trip to Mexico. The locals told him a story about a witch, who can turn herself from looking like an ordinary woman by day, but at night, she becomes a scary owl-like monster."
"So, she's a shapeshifter then?" Spike asked, already getting creeped out by the description.
"Like I was saying," Juniper continued. "She becomes a scary owl-like monster. She stands about 7 feet tall, with a large wingspan, of about 15 feet, with a face of a scary hag. And she flies around in the night, looking for her favorite preys."
"M-M-Mice?" Supernova guessed.
"Ew!" Kiwi groaned in disgust.
"Nope," Juniper shook her head. "People! And she's not picky. She'll eat anyone, including me, or you!" Most of the campers all gulped in fear, as they turned to hold each other close for comfort. "So, when you go to sleep, tonight in your tent, beware, because they say when you hear an owl's hoot, then La Lechuza is close, and she's coming for you."
As if on cue, an owl's hooting was heard.
Hoo-hoo
"AAAAAHHHH!!!" The campers screamed, falling out of their seats, spilling their popcorns on the ground, and throwing their s'mores, into several pieces, up in the air.
"Ha ha ha! Gotcha!" Juniper laughed at her fellow campers.
"That was horrifying!” Kiwi Lollipop screamed.
“Not funny!” Supernova Zap added.
“Oh, come on,” Juniper rolled her eyes. “That’s the whole point of these scary stories, right? Admit it, I got you all good!”
Though they didn’t want to admit it, the campers swallowed their prides.
“Yeah, you got us,” Spike nodded.
“Nice work, kiddo,” Kiwi congratulated.
“Uh…I’ve heard scarier…” Vignette commented.
“Okay, you want scary?” Timber smirked. “Then I advised you all hug your closest friend, beside you. Because that’s how scary it is.”
In response, the campers hugged each other close in anticipation. All, except for Spike.
“Hmph, try me,” Spike scoffed, crossing his arms. “I think I’m ready for your Gaea Everfree ghost story.”
“Oh, this is worse than Gaea Everfree, Spike,” Timber winked. “And if I were you, I’d start hugging your friend now.”
“Just tell us the story.”
“Okay. You asked for it,” Timber Spruce cleared his throat, as he begins to narrate. “It all happened, hundreds of years ago, on a night, like tonight. A group of campers were passing through the woods, looking to have a good time, and roasting s'mores, when a sudden rainstorm caught them out in the open."
"And what happened to them?" Spike asked. "Did they at least set up their tents to get dry?"
"They never got the chance to," Timber shook his head. "The wind stole their tents, right out of their hands. The only shelter they had left was a large abandoned, haunted mansion."
"A haunted mansion?" Juniper asked, skeptically.
"Your ears do not deceive you," Timber replied. "Anyway, many locals will tell you that the haunted mansion was a forbidden place, where not even the brave of hearts would dare venture. Those who did, they are never seen again. But those who were fortunate to have survived were never the same again. The horrors they've experienced within that mansion was...indescribable."
"Yikes," Spike commented.
"So...did they still go in?" Juniper asked.
"Well, of course!" Timber shrugged. "It's not like they had a choice. It's either the mansion, or the rain. So that very night, the campers took shelter in the mansion. But it was the worst night they ever had."
"Let me guess," Spike began. "Were they attacked by a vampire?"
"Did a werewolf got them?" Supernova Zap asked.
"Ooh! Were they possessed by a ghost?" Juniper joined in.
"Who knows?" Timber shrugged. "But a local woodcutter said that he heard terrible sounds from the castle. Worse than a pig at a butcher shop. It lasted through the night, with the rainstorm. Then, by morning...they were gone."
“Gone, how?” Wallflower asked, scared to know.
“Nobody knows,” Timber shrugged. “Some say the campers were scared, that they ran off, into the next town. But others believed they never got the chance to run. The spirits of the mansion got them, in their sleep. Guess we’ll never know.”
Knowing he was going to regret it, Spike still asked, “Where did this all happened?”
“What?” Timber asked, feigning surprise. “Didn’t I tell you? It all happened right…HERE! On these very soils of the ground!”
"What!" Spike exclaimed, as he exchanged looks between Wallflower and their fellow campers. "You're saying...the haunted mansion is...here?" He asked, with his fellow campers.
"Yup," Timber confirmed eerily, before he yawned. "Welp, that's the scary story. Let's all get a good night sleep. Tomorrow is another new day for another Camp Everfree adventure."
"Uh...y-y-y-yeah," Spike shuddered. "Let's..."
Later that night, in the boys shower room, Spike was the last to brush his teeth, and change into his pajamas. But all the same, he can't stop thinking about the ghost stories he heard, earlier that night.
Spike walked out the shower, and was greeted to a scary sight of Camp Everfree, cloaked under a sudden, dark, cloudy sky. The moon and stars have vanished, behind the clouds, and an eerie mist was rolling in.
Spike swallowed a lump in his throat, as he cast frightful glances from the left, then to the right, keeping a look out for any signs of La Lechuza. Suddenly, he heard the sound of an owl hooting.
Hoo-Hoo
His teeth chattered, his hairs stood on end, and his eyes widened in fright, as he shuddered. He looked to the trees, to see a pair of round yellow eyes, that belonged to a normal owl. With a sigh of relief, Spike left the shower room, in safety, beginning his scary trek, back to the tent he and Wallflower were sharing.
He hadn't gone very far, when he heard the sound of footsteps, behind him. Spike was too scared to look, for fear that it could be the specter of He Who Roams The Woods.
Teeth chattering, Spike squeaked, "Who's there?" No reply. He tried again, but in a louder, yet shaking, voice, "Wh-Who-Who's there?" He turned around and looked.
In the darkness, barely illuminated by the lights of the camp, he could barely see the outline shape of a tall creature, with jagged horns sprouting from the side of its head. The first thing Spike thought of was that it could be a Wendigo – a fiendish creature of Native American Folklore, and Stephen King's novel, Pet Sematary, that is described as a walking skeleton, sometimes with antlers like those of a stag. He trembled as he backed away from the figure, as it stepped closer, walking into the light. Upon entering the light, the creature is revealed to be nothing more than a stag.
Spike breathed a sigh of relief, turning around to walk away from the stag, as it bent down to graze on the grasses. Eventually, he arrived back in the tent he and Wallflower Blush were sharing, to find the girl was already asleep.
He walked over to his bed, pulled the cover up and tucked himself in, and fell asleep. But no sooner than he did, he had a horrible nightmare.
In his dream, Spike found himself in a dark mansion, with very little to no lightings.
"Hello?" Spike called, his voice echoing throughout the desolate halls of the building.
The eerie atmosphere, combined with his loneliness, and the uncertainty of what could be lurking in the darkness, were enough to drive Spike's anxiety to the edge.
Spike took a deep breath, to compose himself, before he started to search around the mansion, looking for the way out.
He hadn't gotten very far, when the old grandfather clock in the room, suddenly rang twelve, announcing the witching hour. Before long, the sound of ghost whisperings were heard, all around him. Then, as if to take the nightmare fuel up a notch, something dripped down from the ceiling and hits Spike on the hand. Holding it up in the dimly lit light, Spike touched the droplet that had splashed on him, to see that it was colored red. Blood red. Blood!
Finally, he looked up and his eyes widened at the horror that stared back at him, with flaming red eyes. Dropping down from the ceiling, shaking the floor that nearly knocked him off his feet, Spike was horrified to find himself, standing face-to-face of a tall, fiendish owl-like monster. La Lechuza. In appearance, the owl-like monster was just as Juniper had described. About 7 feet tall, with a wingspan of 15-feet, and the face of a hag.
"Uh...hola?" Spike greeted the owl witch.
In response, the owl witch cracked a wicked smile, to reveal her mouth was aligned with razor sharp teeth, drenched in blood. She let out a bloodcurdling screech, before lurching forward, snapping her jaws at Spike, who quickly turned tail and run.
"AH!" Spike ran for his life, running blindly in the dark halls, desperate to escape from Lechuza.
"Please, leave me alone!" Spike screamed. "Hey! You're an owl lady. Any chance you're familiar with Eda Clawthorne?" In response, Lechuza let out another screech as she slashed her claws at Spike, who barely dodged the attack, behind a sofa. "I guess you're not an Owl House fan then..."
Spike kept on running, with Lechuza taking flight and following close behind him.
"Help, help! Someone! HELP!!!" Spike screamed, desperately trying to open up some doors, and windows, but to no avail.
Eventually, he turned around, to see that Lechuza was gone.
"Phew, lost her," Spike smiled, only to realize he spoke too soon. "AH!" Lechuza was above him, and snapped her jaws at him.
"AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!" Spike screamed, shooting up from his bed, sweating up a storm, and panting heavily from the nightmare. "Oh...just a...dream..." He panted, composing himself.
“Spike?” A voice moaned, to which Spike turned to see Wallflower Blush, turning over in her bed, on the other side of the tent. "What's going on?"
"N-N-Nothing," Spike replied. "Just a...bad dream. Sorry if I woke you up."
"That's okay..." Wallflower yawned, rolling herself back to sleep. At least, until she felt a nudge on her shoulder, "Huh, what?" She looked up to see a frighten Spike standing over her. "Spike?"
"Hey, Wallflower?" Spike blushed. "It's kinda silly, but...would it be okay if I sleep next to you? Maybe just for the night?"
"Huh? Oh sure," Wallflower replied, half-asleep.
"Thanks," With that, Spike got in bed and slept next to his tent-mate.
Though a little awkward, at first, Spike eventually got himself adjusted and didn't overthink too much on the situation, as he fell asleep, beside the girl. It reminded me of when he was younger, whenever he was too scared to go to sleep, he would sometimes sleep in the protective arms of his sister, Twilight Sparkle, or their mother, Twilight Velvet. How safe he felt, to be held close to their beating hearts, and their arms wrapped around him.
The next morning, the sun rose up high into the sky and shines its light into the tents of every campers at Camp Everfree.
Inside their shared tent, Wallflower Blush was the first to wake up, with some of the sunlight, shining on her face. Opening her tired eyes, Wallflower let out a yawn, before she felt something, or someone, holding her. She looked down and her eyes snapped fully awake, to see Spike cuddling up next to her.
‘SPIKE?!’ She mentally shouted. ‘WH-Wha-What’s he...he is kinda cute, sleeping like this,’ She relaxed, when she took another look at the sleeping boy.
Chuckling to herself, Wallflower gently stroke her hands across the boy's hair, who moaned in his sleep from the touch.
"Mmmm," Spike responded, tightening his hug around Wallflower's torso. "But mom, I don't want to go to school today," Wallflower blushed a shade of red, when Spike, in his sleep, smothered his face against her chest. "I want to stay home and bake cookies with you."
"EEK!" Wallflower Blush squeaked, feeling instinct take her over, and she shoved Spike off of her person, and onto the floor.
"Ow!" Spike woke up, groaning from the throbbing sensation on his head. "Wha...what happened?" He got up, and turned his head to see Wallflower Blush, in her bed, pulling the blanket up, wrapping her arms over herself. "Oh! Morning, Wallflower," Spike yawned. "Hey...uh, you okay?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" Wallflower asked in sarcasm. "You were sleeping on me, this morning!"
“I was?” Spike asked. “Oh…sorry. I hope I didn’t do anything inappropriate then…”
“No. Nothing at all,” Wallflower continued to stammer. “Besides…it’s a new day! So…let’s get ourselves cleaned up and we can begin!”
“Sounds like a plan,” Spike said, as he grabbed himself a new set of fresh clothes and went off to the boys shower.
After being left alone, Wallflower picked up a fresh set of clothes of her own and headed for the girls shower.
All the same, she couldn’t stop thinking about the sensational feeling she felt from Spike’s cuddle.
‘Oh my,’ She blushed mentally.
After washing themselves clean, putting on a fresh set of clothes, and finishing breakfast, Spike and Wallflower soon went out to the center of Camp Everfree, surrounding the stage where Gloriosa Daisy and Timber Spruce were standing to announce the camp activity for the day.
“Attention Camp Everfree,” Gloriosa Daisy announced. “Today, we are going on a hiking trip on the Everfree trails! We’ll be seeing all kinds of cute animals, look at the majestic landscape, and make wonderful memories!”
“And now, we’re all going to divide you all up into pairs,” Timber Spruce added. “I can’t make any promises that you’ll be paired with your roommates. It’s all up to the luck of the draw, now let’s begin.”
With that, Timber Spruce proceeded to randomly pick out some names from the raffles. By the end, Spike found himself paired up with Kiwi Lollipop, while Wallflower Blush was paired with Vignette Valencia.
“Well, Timber Spruce did say he can’t make promises, Wallflower,” Spike said to the green haired girl.
“Yeah, but at least I got a partner,” Wallflower sighed. “That’s one more than I got last year.”
“Hey, look on the bright side,” Spike began. “Maybe you’ll make lots of memories with your new friend. Like see the mountains, find a deer, or maybe Bigfoot, or something.”
Wallflower giggled at the last part, “Spike. I’ve seen a lot of things on lots of lonely hikes, but a Bigfoot? Do you really believe in that?”
“Eh, you never know,” Spike shrugged.
“Hey Spike?” A voice called, to which Spike and Wallflower turned around to meet Kiwi Lollipop. “Ready to go?”
“I’m coming,” Spike called back, before he turned to Wallflower Blush. “Well, see ya later, Wallflower.”
“Bye Spike,” Wallflower waved, watching the boy run off.
“Oh Wallflower?” A voice shouted, to which Wallflower turned to see Vignette Valencia looking across the camp. “Where are you?”
“I’m standing next to you!” Wallflower answered.
“Oh? Oh! I didn’t see you there!”
“I was literally next to you, for like ten minutes…”
Later on, the campers were all following Gloriosa Daisy and Timber Spruce as they guided the hiking trip.
Spike was walking side-by-side with Kiwi Lollipop, who was gazing at her surroundings, marveling at the beautiful landscape.
Spike followed her gaze to see the clear blue sky, with the sun shining down on the land. The silhouette of the tall mountains that decorated the horizon, surrounding the camp. A sea of trees that covered the land beneath the hillside the group were hiking on.
“Wow, it’s amazing!” Spike marveled as he snaps a few pictures. “It’s beautiful here. Wouldn’t you agree, Kiwi?”
“Yeah, it’s beautiful,” Kiwi smiled, breathing in the fresh air. “And refreshing! Just what me and Supernova needed.”
“Hmmm. Let me guess?” Spike began, while whispering. “Paparazzi? Excited fans?”
“You don’t know the half of it,” Kiwi rolled her eyes.
No doubt, in Spike’s mind, the life of a pop star is definitely taxing, if not demanding, judging by the way Kiwi Lollipop and Supernova Zap were willing to assume secret identities in order to escape into a summer camp.
But all the same, he can’t help but feel his inner fanboy swelling with excitement at the fact that he was in summer camp with a couple of pop stars.
However, respecting Kiwi and Supernova’s wishes, he kept his excitement under control and promised to treat them like how he would treat his friends and fellow campers. The last thing they needed was to attract several unwanted attention.
The hiking trip went on, until the campers arrived at a clearing in the woods, where a huge outpost was located, offering the campers a splendid view of the landscape.
By then, the sun had climbed at the highest peak in the sky, so that the shadows were short, and the sky was a clearer blue than it was lighter orange in the morning.
“Okay campers!” Timber Spruce announced. “We’re at the halfway point of our hike. So let’s take a break, have a quick snack, or have a look around, before we can resume our hike.”
With that, the campers all went off their separate ways, to find a spot for themselves, but not too far away in order to keep an eye each other.
Spike and Kiwi Lollipop sat down, near a riverbank. Not too far away from them, Spike caught a glimpse of Vignette Valencia taking selfies of herself, for her social media.
Tagging behind her, Wallflower Blush’s deadpan facial expression says it all. She looked as if she was being dragged against her will. She wasn’t enjoying Vignette Valencia’s company. Spike wondered what could’ve been the problem.
He didn’t have time to ponder the thought for long, when he happened to see Kiwi’s co-star, Supernova Zap, leaning against a tree, while a muscular guy she was paired with, was trying to impress her with his flexing muscles.
Supernova, however, didn’t even bother batting an eye. She just shook her head and looked away.
Lastly, there was Juniper Montage, who was making action poses, like that of the heroic adventurer from Rainbow Dash’s favorite book series — Daring Do.
Taking her pictures was a young camper, a boy, who seemed to be around Spike’s age.
Turning his attention back at Kiwi, Spike looked at the girl taking one of her shoes off, wiggling her nail polished toes. Kiwi rubbed her hands across her feet that were aching from all the hiking.
“My feet are killing me,” Kiwi grunted.
“Mine too,” Spike agreed as he sat down beside her. “Applejack warned me that these hillsides can be steep and that we’d be doing a lot of long hikes. But on the bright side, less chances of dinosaurs chasing us.”
Kiwi giggled at the last remark, “Dinosaurs? Really? Where did you get that from? Jurassic Park?”
“Jurassic World,” Spike clarified. “And its spin-off, Camp Cretaceous, and some horror survival dinosaur-themed games.”
“Well, if there are any dinosaurs, then I’d like for it to be a cute one,” Kiwi smiled.
Both Spike and Kiwi kicked back to relax some more, when Spike decided to chew the fat.
“So, Kiwi,” He began in a cautious whisper. “If you don’t mind me asking, what are two sensational pop stars like you and Zap doing here? I can understand needing some R&R now and then. But, why here? I thought celebrities like you would prefer going to the beach or have a private vacation resort, or something.”
“Not all celebrities have that sort of luxury, Spike,” Kiwi explained. “And well, me and Zap…we’re more…how do you say? Down to earth?”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Don’t get me wrong, we love singing, and singing is our life. And we enjoy performing for our fans. But the pressure of it all takes a toll on our friendship.”
Spike watches as Kiwi lets down her guard and lets her vulnerability show, revealing that at the end of the day, celebrities like her are people like him.
“Me and Supernova, we’re best friends since Kindergarten, if you can believe it. But ever since we became pop star celebrities, we barely had time for ourselves. We’ve lost touch with our other friends, we’ve hardly had time to visit our families, and…we’ve never felt…happy.”
“I see,” Spike cringed, worried that a similar event could affect his sister Twilight and her friends, in their future as the Rainbooms.
“So me and Zap, we devised a plan to get away from all that stardom and stuff,” Kiwi continued. “I found a pamphlet talking about this place. Then, me and Zap put on our disguises, went by our real names, instead of our stage names, and here we are.”
“Wow!” Spike marveled. “I knew you girls are hot and have a nice set of pipes and all. But who knew you could be so coordinate and be a brilliant masterminds!”
Kiwi giggles at the compliment, “Well, I…I wouldn’t say brilliant. But yes, we’ve given this a lot of thoughts.”
“So, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate Camp Everfree?”
“Um, the vacation is still young, so it’s still too early for me to give an accurate rating. But so far, I’m liking it.”
“Me too! Twilight and her friends were right about this place. It’s got that magical feel to it that’s out of this world…”
Kiwi nodded in agreement, when Timber Spruce was heard shouting, “Alright campers! Let’s move out!”
And so, Spike and Kiwi picked up their bags and were back on the trail with their fellow campers.
“And on your left, you will find the entrance to a geode cavern,” Timber Spruce pointed. “Currently closed for an unspecified amount of time.”
“But we hope to get it re-open again, just in time for all you campers before you head home!” Gloriosa Daisy said all so sudden.
“Question: Why was it closed?” One of the campers asked.
“Uh, there was a cave-in,” Gloriosa sighed. “Thankfully, no one got hurt. But it’s been closed for the safety of our visitors and the public.”
“That and we’d rather not get involved in a lawsuit,” Timber added, which Gloriosa elbowed in his guts.
“Anyway, let’s continue!” Gloriosa beckoned. “There are lots of other wonderful stuffs to show you!”
The group continued on their way, while Spike and Kiwi were the last one to follow.
“Aw, man, I was looking forward to seeing the cave,” Spike frowned in disappointment. “Rarity told me that it was beautiful in there! Very photogenic and a good place to take a selfie!”
“I know. I was so looking forward to it,” Kiwi Lollipop bellyache. “I’ve read that it’s practically the crown jewel of Camp Everfree!”
“Still, I wonder what could’ve caused the cave to collapse in on itself?” Spike wondered.
“Who cares?” Kiwi sighed, as she walks away to rejoin the group. “Let’s just go…”
Spike gave the cave one last look before he followed suit.
By the end of the hike, the sun was setting. The sky was painted orange, and everyone had arrived back to camp.
“Well, we hope you all enjoyed our hike today!” Gloriosa smiled. “I understand so many of you were looking forward to the cave, but hopefully, the other landmarks and beautiful natural environments you’ve seen makes up for it?”
The campers all exchanged random agreements in response.
“Anyway, dinner at the Mess Hall will be ready in twenty,” Timber Spruce announced. “So let’s all get ourselves washed up for dinner.”
With that, every campers all went their separate ways. Kiwi was on her way back to hers and Supernova’s tent, when Spike stopped her.
“Hey, Kiwi?” Spike began. “I just wanted to let you know I had a great time today. And I’m not just saying that because you’re a pop star, or anything.”
“Aw, thanks Spike,” Kiwi smiled. “It was nice knowing you too.”
Spike shifted nervously as he got out his phone, “I…I was wondering, if it’s okay…can I take a selfie with you? As a friend. I promised Twilight I’d send her some photos, and I wanted to show her I’ve been making lots of new friends so far.”
“Well, I’ve taken lots of photos with fans,” Kiwi smiled. “But for a friend, that’s a different story. I’m in!”
With that, Spike got out his phone as both he and Kiwi got into positions and posed together. Then, with a click of the button, Spike captured his selfie to send back to his friends and family at home.
