Witcher of Canterlot: VI - Everfree


                                            A/N: This section was written before Legends of Everfree had officially released.


                                            >You and the other girls enter your cabin still soaked from all day playing at the lake.

                                            >Once you close the doors, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy enter the showers first.

                                            >"Did you see how high I managed to get Rainbow Dash into the air? Huh? Didja!?" Pinkie Pie asks.

                                            >"I think that was my new personal best." Rainbow admits proudly.

                                            >Setting down a towel before you sit down on one of the wooden chairs, you and the others patiently wait for your turns to get cleaned up.

                                            "Twilight, you should have seen your face when you got launched upwards."

                                            >The girl giggles nervously and raises her goggles up one her head, "It was an experience that's for sure."

                                            >You hear a squeak as one of the stalls ceases. Rarity walks out in two towels, one around her body and one around her long purple hair.

                                            >"Whoever's next please go right ahead."

                                            >Looking amongst yourselves, the other's let you go ahead.

                                            "Thanks girls."

                                            >Walking into the stall with a bag full of shower supplies, you turn the chrome knob. It takes almost no time for the warm water to cascade onto your body.

                                            >The feeling of a warm shower is definitely something you underappreciate. While the cool refreshing lake water cooled you down, the shower is the one making you feel more relaxed than you've felt in a good while.

                                            >The shower to your left turns off as does the one on your right as both Applejack and Fluttershy switch with Pinkie Pie and Twilight.

                                            >"Ahh this feels so good." Twilight says as the water makes contact with her skin.

                                            "I know right?"

                                            >Pinkie doesn't say anything other than just humming a tune you swear you've heard on the radio before.

                                            >Taking some of the soap, shampoo and conditioner out the bag, you make sure to scrub your body and get a thorough cleaning of your hair.

                                            >As you begin rinsing the excess shampoo off there's a tap from the restroom entrance.

                                            >"Hey, no rush but it's almost time for dinner soon and we missed lunch." Rainbow Dash tells you.

                                            "Just let me finish up my hair and it's yours."

                                            >Shutting the valve, you wring your hair and wrap yourself in a towel and walk out as Rainbow Dash quickly takes your now unoccupied stall.

                                            >Unpacking a set of fresh clothes, you dress yourself and wait for the others to finish.


                                            >The mess hall is packed with other students from CHS all waiting in line to grab their meals or hang out with their friends.

                                            >In one corner of the building you can see the adult chaperones chatting amongst each other with the camp supervisors.

                                            >Choosing a table, you sit down with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash as the others go get food.

                                            "So Fluttershy, you've been looking forward to this trip for awhile I take it?"

                                            >"Oh yes, I admit it's been awhile since I was up here, but everything is very much the same as I left it. I haven't seen the head doctor though..."

                                            >"Well there's Scarlett over there, you could ask her."

                                            >"You know what Rainbow Dash? I think I will." Fluttershy says.

                                            >Getting out of her seat, Fluttershy approaches the camp supervisor over by her table.

                                            >"Hey Dweeb." Gilda barks out, "You're sitting in my seat."

                                            >"Shut up Gilda." Rainbow says ignoring her.

                                            >Both can't keep their stoic facade up and begin snickering.

                                            >Throwing her tray down, Gilda takes a seat next to Rainbow Dash and hands her a spare bowl of chili, "So how's life been treating you Dash."

                                            >"Eh, pretty well. Been learning how to do some sword fighting."

                                            >Gilda then starts laughing as she chews her food.

                                            >"What?" Rainbow asks indignantly.

                                            >You sort of share the same sentiments as Rainbow.

                                            >"Dash, never took you for one of those nerdy ass LARPers."

                                            >Rainbow's face turns crimson, "I-it's not LARPing you ass."

                                            >"Sure, sure. Whatever you say." Gilda says with a roll of her eyes.

                                            >Fluttershy, comes back to the table and sits back down with a crestfallen mood.

                                            "Fluttershy what's wrong?"

                                            >"Doctor Otoscope... passed away." she says trying to hold back tears.

                                            "I'm so sorry Fluttershy."

                                            >You scooch over and give your friend a hug.

                                            >Gilda puts her spoon down and tries to recall something.

                                            >"You talkin 'bout that old dude? Yeah, poor sonovabitch got attacked by a rabid wolf when he was out on one of his nature walks, must have gotten to close to its den or something."

                                            >Your friend cries into her hands as you give Gilda a sour look.

                                            >"What?" she says stuffing her face with more chili. "If you thought that comment I made earlier about bears was just a joke, it wasn't.

                                            "Did you have to be so blunt?"

                                            >"Pfft, might as well tell her now whatever your name is."

                                            "It's Sunset Shimmer."

                                            >Her eyes widen, "Did you just say Sunset Shimmer?"

                                            >You pause at her question.

                                            "Yes?"

                                            >"Well then..."

                                            >She stands in her seat and leans over the table, narrowing her eyes at you.

                                            >Gilda's hand guides itself to the knife located on her hip as you begin sweating.

                                            >Fluttershy watches in terror as she grips you tighter to her.

                                            "Y-You've heard of me?"

                                            >Without warning Gilda leans in even further until you're almost nose-to-nose.

                                            "I've been waiting a long time to do this."

                                            >You shoot a glance towards Rainbow who only looks on in confusion.

                                            >"C'mon Gilda, stop it."

                                            >Suddenly Gilda smirks and begins laughing again.

                                            >"Buahahaha fucking got you you dweeb!" she says slamming her butt back into her chair.

                                            >For a few moments, you're utterly confused before that confusion turns to rage and embarrassment.

                                            >"Ah my god, they always fall for that."

                                            >"So you don't know who she is?" Rainbow asks.

                                            >"Why the hell would I?" Gilda replies.

                                            >The park ranger looks you up and down before stepping out of her seat and walking around you.

                                            >"She is kinda hot though. In a jailbait sort of way, not that I'm into that sort of thing."

                                            >Leaning close to your ear, "I lied, I'm totally into that sort of thing. Wanna come by my cabin later tonight? I'll get the toys ready and everything, you can even bring a... friend if you want."

                                            >You immediately tense up in response to her offer as her warm breath touches your ear.

                                            "I-I-I..."

                                            >And like before Gilda begins laughing again.

                                            >"Wow are you really thinking about it?" she says before gathering her bowl of chili. "I was just kidding you weirdo."

                                            >You're beginning to see why Fluttershy doesn't like Gilda...

                                            >Looking at her watch, Gilda gulps down the last of the bowl and wipes her mouth on her sleeve.

                                            >"Ranger Gilda? Could we have a word with you?" Scarlett calls over at her table.

                                            >"Well, lamos gotta run. Smell ya later." she says with a backhanded wave.

                                            >"Yeah see ya Gilda." Rainbow says with a smile. "Isn't she great?"

                                            "No!"

                                            >"Aw c'mon don't be mad it was just a joke."

                                            >You fold your arms and glare at Rainbow.

                                            >"You aren't actually into that sort of th-"

                                            "NO! Why would you ask that?"

                                            >As you unfold your arms, everyone else returns with trays filled with sandwiches, chili bowls and salads.

                                            >"Didn't know what'd y'all would lik- uh... did we miss something?" Applejack asks.

                                            >You place your head in your hand and sigh.

                                            >Anon will probably be glad he doesn't have to deal with stuff like this for awhile.


                                            >Big Macintosh leans against the front wall of the house drinking from a cider bottle as you walk up.

                                            "So you don't talk much do you?"

                                            >"Eenope."

                                            >You're outside the farmhouse with Big Macintosh resting after you two have finished with all the chores around the farm.

                                            >Because Applejack is gone, you've had to pick up the slack of both her *and* Apple Bloom.

                                            >You've really underestimated what the former did on this farm. Milking the cow, feeding the goats, pigs, cleaning the sty, shearing the goats, keeping the horses company.

                                            >By the time you've finished the sun's already beginning its descent in the sky.

                                            "Don't suppose you have anything to drink besides juice and cider."

                                            >Twisting the piece of straw in his mouth, Big Macintosh looks to be deep in thought.

                                            >Standing, he heads inside the house and comes back out with a pair of keys in hand.

                                            >Gesturing for you to follow, he leads the both of you to his truck.


                                            >You soon find yourself at one of Canterlot's few bars located around the city.

                                            >Judging from the amount of patrons tonight, it's a pretty slow night. Granted, it's also a Tuesday so you shouldn't expect too many people wanting to get drunk off their ass.

                                            >Setting yourself up by the bar, both you and Big Macintosh wait for the bartender.

                                            >"Ey Big M, good to see you's again. Can I get you the usual?"

                                            >"Eenope, just a coke."

                                            >"Gotcha, and whadda bout yer friend here?"

                                            "What's on tap."

                                            >The bartender looks you over, "Kid, legal age here is 18 gonna need to see some ID."

                                            >You sigh, now you remember why you don't go to bars or liquor stores. You usually Axii someone to convince them to let you buy some but there are way too many people around here.

                                            "Don't have one."

                                            >"No ID, no booze. You might look 18 but rules are rules."

                                            >Big Macintosh clears his throat, catching the guy's attention.

                                            >Placing a hand on your shoulder Big Mac nods his head.

                                            >"You gonna vouch for him?"

                                            >"Eeyup."

                                            >"Alright Big M, yous like family here so I'll trust ya."

                                            >Stepping away to fetch your drinks Big Macintosh lets go of you and lays his arms on the table.

                                            "Thanks."

                                            >He doesn't reply, but he does let out a slight smirk.

                                            >Once the man arrives back with your drinks, you take a sip of the amber colored liquid presented to you.

                                            >The taste of bourbon mixed with what you can only guess is bitters and maybe some sugar?

                                            >Not really your thing but whatever wets your whistle right now.

                                            >Both you and Big Macintosh sit in silence as you down your glasses over for over a good hour just watching other patrons go about their business.

                                            "Maybe we should make this a thing. I'll buy the next round."

                                            "Eeyup."

                                            >Suddenly you hear the sound of heels clacking heavily against the glossy wood flooring.

                                            >"Mr. Anonymoose? Is that yooOUuuu?" a familiar female voice calls out.

                                            >Oh god.

                                            >Both you and Big Macintosh turn to see the source of the voice and both of you almost do a spit take.

                                            >Principal Celestia in a provocative black dress, face flushed red, and reeking of enough alcohol that even the scent causes you to become a little dizzy.

                                            >Her cocktail dress reveal quite a bit of her ample cleavage and well-defined rear.

                                            >"Oh good it is! C'mere and give me a *hic* hug!" she says lunging for you.

                                            >You try to stop her by placing your hands on her shoulders to no avail as her longer arms close in on you and wrap tightly around your midsection.

                                            "This... is highly inappropriate."

                                            >"Oh *hic* hUSh, you're sO waRm." she says snuggling into your chest. "My goOd man geT Me aNoTHEr."

                                            >"Celly, I think you've had enough. And please stop accosting my customers."

                                            >She sticks her tongue out at him as he only shakes his head and walks away.

                                            >"He's nO fun."

                                            >You look to Big Macintosh for any help, only to find that the seat next to you is empty.

                                            >The only thing he left behind is a napkin with writing on it.

                                            >[Principal can't see me here. Will make it up to you. -Big Macintosh]

                                            >You let out a groan and facepalm.

                                            >Bastard ditched you.

                                            >Oh he's gonna make it up to me...

                                            "Hey bartender, Big Mac has a tab right?"

                                            >"Yeah? Why?"

                                            "He said to put everyone's next round on it. I'm gonna take Princ- Miss Celestia here home."

                                            >"Hung you out to dry huh?"

                                            "Yeah."

                                            >"Don't worry kid I got you's covered."

                                            >Nodding his head, you down your drink and lead the woman clinging to you outside.

                                            >Unsurprisingly Big Macintosh's truck is gone, and the only proof they were there are a pair of tire marks in the parking spot you were in.

                                            >"Mr. Anonon where are you taking me?" Celestia asks, still not entirely there. "I was having fun in there."

                                            "Celestia, you're drunk."

                                            >"Not truuUUuuEeeee."

                                            >Even you can't help but chuckle at the response she gives you.

                                            "Alright, try to remember. Where did you park your car?"

                                            >She twirls her finger in your hair, entirely oblivious to the world around her.

                                            >"Pret-*hic*ty sure I took a cab. Drive soBer or gEt pulled ovmer."

                                            "Well thank God for your concern over drunk driving."

                                            >"Thank you mister Anononononono...." she says cheerfully unaware of your sarcasm.

                                            >Rolling your eyes, you set her against the building wall gently. Grabbing her purse she hums some tune to herself as you look through her belongings for any clue of where she lives.

                                            >Makeup, ID, pepper spray, pack of gum, condo- okay, lipgloss, a cellphone and a set of house keys.

                                            >Unfortunately for you, there's no distinguishing markings for you to identify.

                                            "Do you remember where you live?"

                                            >Celestia giggles and snorts, "Nope."

                                            >Looking back at the drunken woman, you notice the hemline to her dress is hiked up a little revealing a tiny bit of her white panties.

                                            >Celestia, despite her stupor notices you looking and gets the wrong idea.

                                            >"Oh is Anon interested? Y-You know it's *hic* incredibly improper for a fac-*hic*-ulty member and student to have relations..."

                                            >Didn't stop her from trying to sexually harass you in the halls during school hours.

                                            >"But I thiNk I can make an exCePtion jUst tHIs once." she says in her best sultry manner. "If you give me that stick of yours I can show you a few tricks..."

                                            >She begins unbuttoning her top unaware that you're literally outside the bar in broad view of anyone walking by.

                                            >Grabbing her wrists, you help the woman up.

                                            "You're in no state to be left alone."

                                            >Without warning, Celestia begins bawling, "But I *AM* alone!"

                                            >She cries into your jacket leaving it covered in tears and snot. Her breath isn't doing your senses any wonders either.

                                            >"I was *hic* supposed t-t-to have a d-date but he never showed up at the rest-restaurant. When I *hic* came here I saw him with another womaaaannn!"

                                            >Celestia grabs your face and stares right into your eyes, "Am I *hic* too old? Am I ugly?!"

                                            >The tears running down her face is causing her makeup to run and only adds to the effect of making her look psychotic.

                                            >You just wanted a drink...

                                            >Was that really too much to ask?

                                            >Looking around, you can't just leave her here like this.

                                            "Celestia, just hang on a sec. Don't move from this spot okay?"

                                            >"Are you *hic* going to leave me too?" she asks with the widest eyes.

                                            "No, I'm just going to ask inside if anyone knows where you live. I... I'll be right back."

                                            >"Okey dokey!"

                                            >Setting her up by the door, you walk back inside and head towards the bar again.

                                            >"Hey forget something?"

                                            "Does anyone know where Celestia lives?"

                                            >"Can't say that I do. Usually she comes in here, drinks till she can't see straight, then I have to call her sister to get her home."

                                            >And she's not here because of that school fieldtrip.

                                            >Great.

                                            "So no one here would know?"

                                            >"Sorry kid."

                                            "Thanks anyways."

                                            >You walk back outside and notice Celestia isn't there by the door anymore.

                                            "Oh come on!"

                                            >You really need another drink... or ten.

                                            >Focusing your senses, you isolate the smell of alcohol that permeated the spot she was in.

                                            >Following the stench behind the building, you can hear wretching behind one of the dumpsters.

                                            >Celestia is bent over puking her guts out as you can only watch uncomfortably.

                                            >When she's done, she sniffs and walks back over to you.

                                            "Done?"

                                            >"Y-*hic*-yeah."

                                            >Wordlessly, you cover her with your jacket and walk back out to the front only to be stopped by Celestia.

                                            >"Hey look!" she says pointing at something inside the dumpster.

                                            >She runs over and grabs a piece of cardboard with a triangle shapes cut into it.

                                            >Taking the garbage she places it on her head like a crown.

                                            >"Now I'm like a pretty princess!"

                                            >Sighing, you hail a nearby cab and ask him to get to the nearest motel.

                                            >As you try to get her into the cab, she shouts to you, "Let's fly to the castle!"

                                            >You can tell the driver's trying not to laugh but your look tells him not to start.

                                            >Paying the driver with the little cash you had on you, you both head to the front desk.

                                            "Room for two."

                                            >"Only got single rooms left." the man behind the desk says without bothering to look up from his phone.

                                            "Well can you check?"

                                            >"No. You want the room or not?"

                                            >Grabbing the documents, you sign the paperwork using a fake name, hand it back and she slides over a set of keys.


                                            >Inside the room it's everything you possibly expected: a run down shit hole.

                                            >Wallpaper is peeling off, stains on the carpet that may or may not be blood, the tv looks like it's from two decades ago.

                                            >There's a felt couch, and a pair of chairs in addition to the single bed but other than that it's not too large of a room.

                                            >Yep, pretty standard motel fair.

                                            >Checking the shower, it's pretty clean as far as motel showers go. But clean is a relatively loose term here.

                                            >"Oh AnooOOoon!"

                                            >What is it now?!

                                            >Walking back into the main room you see Celestia with her dress crumpled around her waist revealing her bare breasts to you.

                                            >Her legs are also spread out, once again revealing her lacey white panties to you.

                                            >...

                                            >Considering she's still drunk though, with an Axii you could play this off like a dream to her. She hasn't even realized that you're not even wearing your glasses.

                                            >But... what about Applejack? If you do this right, there's very little chance she would ever find out.

                                            >Would a one night romp be worth that?

                                            >No.

                                            >Ultimately it wouldn't, especially considering what you told Applejack before. Indulging would be sleazy and unfair to her.

                                            >You two may not officially together, but to betray her trust just for a night of fun wouldn't be worth it.

                                            "Principal... Celestia, don't."

                                            >"What's wrong Anon? Don't you want some of this?"

                                            >She crawls on the bed, presenting her ass to you and shakes it.

                                            >"I can show you the world."

                                            >Grumbling, you take a nearby chair and set it down nearby the bed.

                                            >"Oh ho ho, Mr. Anon wants a show I take it?"

                                            "No just... just look at me."

                                            >She gives you a sultry look as you cast an Axii hex on her.

                                            >The Principal's gaze turns neutral as you make the gesture.

                                            "You feel tired and want to go to sleep. All I did was find you incredibly drunk at the bar and helped you here."

                                            >Her eyes begin to feel heavy and she lays down on the bed. As she begins snoring you adjust her dress and place the covers over her as she sleeps.

                                            >Looking at the clock, it's incredibly late now. Big Macintosh probably already went to bed to get an early start tomorrow and you don't have a house key.

                                            >Last thing you need is accidentally waking up Granny in the middle of the night thinking you're a burglar.

                                            >Settling down on the couch, you place your cane on the floor next to you and try to get some sleep.


                                            -----


                                            >The sounds of someone moving about in the dark brings you back to the world of the waking.

                                            >Snapping your eyes open your eyes quickly adjust to the darkness.

                                            >You've had to condition yourself to be a light sleeper in case someone or something ever wanted to pay you a visit.

                                            >It's saved your life once or twice, thankfully this isn't one of those.

                                            >You see Principal Celestia shift on the bed, rubbing her eyes and looking around the room.

                                            >She grabs her head suddenly and winces in pain. No doubt the hangover kicking in from yesterday's drinks.

                                            >"Where... where am I?"

                                            >Celestia looks around the room and sees you lying against the sofa pretending to still be asleep.

                                            >"Anon?"

                                            >She looks at the clock on the small nightstand besides her. The red digital display reading 3:40 AM.

                                            >"Oh my G- ow..."

                                            >For a few minutes, all she does is stare at you and the foot of the bed deep in thought.

                                            >From the looks of it, she's debating something in her mind.

                                            >Celestia begins to move out of the bed when suddenly you both hear a squishing noise.

                                            >...

                                            >Even in the darkness, you can see Celestia's face go flush.

                                            >"Dammit... Was it all just a dream?"

                                            >Slowly she crawls out of bed and takes one of the blankets with her; surprisingly she walks over to where you're sitting and takes a seat next to you.

                                            >Wrapping the blanket around the both of you, she carefully wiggles into the gap of your arm.

                                            >You take this as your cue to "wake up".

                                            "What are you doing?"

                                            >The sudden question causes Celestia to jump, "A-Anon, you're awake!"

                                            "And you're trying to...?"

                                            >"I... just thought you might be cold."

                                            "Doesn't explain why you're right next to me."

                                            >"Wel-well I just uh... I just... gah!" she says wincing, "My head is killing me."

                                            "Relax. Just the hangover from all the drinks you had last night. Do you remember anything?"

                                            >Sitting up, she tries to recall the events of last night.

                                            >"I remember getting stood up for a date Luna set up for me, I went to Tapster's to drown my sorrows..."

                                            "Anything else?"

                                            >"Um. Besides seeing you and Big Macintosh, everything after that is a blur. What happened?"

                                            "You were so incredibly wasted that I had to take you here since I didn't know where you live."

                                            >Celestia's eyes widen, "I-I'm so sorry Anon, I'll be sure to reimburse you for the room."

                                            "And cab. But… don't worry about it, as long as you're okay I can survive sudden lightness to my wallet."

                                            >She turns away embarrassed, "Thank you Anon. I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble."

                                            >The next few moments are filled with awkward silence. Neither one of you really knowing what to say at this point.

                                            >"Um... Anon?" Celestia finally asks.

                                            "Yeah?"

                                            >"We didn't...?"

                                            "Yeah, you were screaming and moaning all night long how you were such a bad little girl who needed to be punished. You just couldn't get enough, and at one point you even said you wanted to have my babies."

                                            >Celestia's face get's even redder as she scoots away from you which causes you to chuckle.

                                            "But seriously no, we didn't do anything. I wasn't going to take advantage of you while you were intoxicated."

                                            >That's not really entirely true, you thought about it, but she doesn't need to know that.

                                            >"That's... a relief." Celestia says, though you can tell by her body language and tone that she doesn't really mean that.

                                            "Although, you did go topless and try to do a striptease before you passed out."

                                            >"Oh..."

                                            >More silence follows. You don't really have anything to add at this point, but Celestia looks as though she's wanting to say something.

                                            >"Anon?"

                                            "Yeah?"

                                            >"Could we... could we stay like this? At least until morning?"

                                            "That's probably not wise since we're technically Principal and student."

                                            >"Forget the Principal and student thing! Just let me be Celestia and let you be Anon. No titles, no age difference, just two people stuck in a motel room together due to unfortunate circumstances."

                                            "Morning's only a few hours away, what about your job?"

                                            >She scoffs, "I'll just call in sick then. I'm about due for one anyway."

                                            "And me?"

                                            >"Anon, did you forget that I'm the Principal?"

                                            >Sighing, you nod. You really don't have the energy right now to deal with an even more depressed Celestia.

                                            "Alright. But lets move over to the bed, this couch is shit."

                                            >Celestia gets up and crawls over the bed, beckoning you over.

                                            >She freezes mid gesture as you ignore her and lay on the opposite side of her.

                                            >"Right... blind, I forgot."

                                            >Making sure she doesn't poke herself on your medallion, you place your glasses on the nightstand and turn over.

                                            >"Thank you Anon." she says with a smile. "I love the contacts. Though shouldn't you take them out?"

                                            "Special brand."

                                            >"For your special eyes?"

                                            "What?"

                                            >"Nevermind."

                                            >Turning around so that her body is facing you, she places her arms around your head and gives you a passionate kiss.

                                            >Just as quick as it happened, Celestia breaks away leaving you a bit amused.

                                            "What was that for?"

                                            >"That's for coming to my rescue last night."

                                            >Facing away from you, she lets out an a contented sigh and closes her eyes, drawing the blanket over you two.

                                            >"Goodnight Anon."

                                            "... technically morning but yeah, night Celestia."

                                            >"When it's just us, just call me Celly, or Tia."

                                            "Alright... Celly."

                                            >You don't know why, but calling her that just feels awkward.

                                            >Closing your eyes, you try to get comfortable and get some rest for the day ahead.


                                            >CAMP EVERFREE: DAY 2

                                            >The sounds of birds cawing outside your cabin window causes you to peek out and see what time it is.

                                            >Pulling out your phone from your pants pocket, the internal clock reads around five in the morning.

                                            >You don't have to be up until eight, why nature? Why?

                                            >Groggily, you pull one end of your pillow over your ear so you can at least muffle out the noise.

                                            >Unfortunately, trying to get back to sleep now is an almost impossible task as the bird noises continues to make its way to your ear canal.

                                            >You sigh, opting to give up on any chance of getting back to sleep.

                                            >Getting up out of bed, you put on the one pair of slippers you brought with you on this trip.

                                            >After emptying your bladder, it's only now do you notice Fluttershy's bed is empty.

                                            >You grow worried until you hear her singing outside.

                                            >Opening the cabin door you see Fluttershy still in her pajamas sitting the front steps with a pair of birds standing right in front of her.

                                            "Fluttershy what are you doing up so early?"

                                            >Your sudden appearance startles both her and the birds as the latter two flap their wings and fly away.

                                            >"Oh did I wake you Sunset?"

                                            "No. The birds did though."

                                            >"I'm sorry, I was just having a nice chat with the crows. They're such good listeners."

                                            >You take a seat next to Fluttershy on the stairs and look out at the lake.

                                            >The morning mist covers the body of water giving it an almost eerie look to it.

                                            "Are you feeling any better?"

                                            >Fluttershy frowns but nods her head, "Yes. It still hurts a little inside, but I've had plenty of experience taking care of animals that I can cope with loss."

                                            "If you're sure."

                                            >"Thank you for your concern Sunset but I'll be fine." she says with a small smile.

                                            >The two of you end up watching the sun peek over the mountain as the others continue to slumber.

                                            >"Um... I'm going to go visit the little memorial the camp built and pay my respects. The company would be nice... if that's okay."

                                            "I'd be happy to Fluttershy."

                                            >Her smile becomes even bigger as she pulls you in for a hug.

                                            "When should we go?"

                                            >"If it's okay, I'd like to do it after breakfast."

                                            "That sounds perfect."


                                            >"Is everyone ready?" Applejack asks, making sure her pack is secured one last time.

                                            "I'm good to go."

                                            >"Same here." Twilight says.

                                            >"C'mon, we're all ready let's just go!" Rainbow Dash complains.

                                            >"Now hold your horses Dash, Fluttershy ain't here yet."

                                            >"Where is Fluttershy anyway?" Rarity asks. "This little trip was her idea after all."

                                            "She was just letting the Vice-Principal know where we were going."

                                            >You hear the crunching of dirt behind you. Turning around you see Fluttershy followed by Gilda with a hunting rifle slung behind her back.

                                            >"Sup."

                                            >"Gilda what are you doing here?"

                                            >"Scarlett said you can't go to the memorial without a guide. Wolves may be gone but they don't want to risk you all getting injured. Honestly, I'm just glad to get out of that freakin' office."

                                            >The ranger uses a pinkie to clean her ear as she says this, causing Rarity to cringe in disgust.

                                            >"Well, the more the merrier I suppose." says Twilight, "Though I am curious how far the memorial is from here."

                                            >"Eh just a mile hike give or take." Gilda replies.

                                            >"Well if we're done yammering, let's get going then."

                                            >All in agreement, Gilda leads the way through the forest as you all follow the hiking trail.

                                            >"So Fluttershy, how did you know this Doctor Otoscope?" Twilight asks.

                                            >"Oh, the doctor was the reason I became so interested in helping animals. When I was younger my mom and dad took me up here for a camping trip, when we were setting up camp that's when we met Dr. Otoscope. He was searching for an eagle nest and he invited us to come with him to watch it's eggs hatch."

                                            >She places a hand on her cheek as she reminisces, "When we reached the nest we found the mother eagle injured and most of the eggs broken."

                                            >"That sounds terrible."

                                            >"We didn't know what to do, but Dr. Otoscope said he was going to take care of the mother and remaining eggs until the mother could fly again."

                                            >"Ah'm guessing you went with him and helped?"

                                            >Fluttershy nods her head, "Not at first no, but I felt so sad for the mother eagle that I snuck out to his office to see them. He caught me trying to sneak into his office but instead of making me go, he offered to show me how to take care of the eggs and to feed the chicks if they hatched."

                                            "It sounds like he had a big impact on your life."

                                            >"Oh he did, the doctor taught me so much about nature that without him I would have never found some of my friends, especially my little darling Angel bunny."

                                            >The way Fluttershy describes Doctor Otoscope brings back memories of Princess Celestia when she was your teacher back in Equestria.

                                            >When she found out you had enough potential to be her personal student, the way she taught and supported you in all your endeavours. How she wanted to teach you about the magic of friendship.

                                            >Until you started becoming arrogant, selfish and power-hungry. When you threw everything away just because you wanted power before you were ready.

                                            >You honestly miss her. While you have her human counterpart here, it's just not the same. And from what Twilight told you in one of your journal conversations she still asks about you from time to time.

                                            >Thinking back, the first time you stepped back in the portal since you left was when you went to steal Twilight's crown.

                                            >Though you like to consider this world your home now, Equestria will always have a special place in your heart. And maybe...

                                            >Maybe it's finally time you made the effort to go see Princess Celestia. Apologize how you were a terrible pers- pony, a terrible student and a terrible friend.

                                            >Do you think she would forgive you?

                                            >Before you can think about this further, Gilda holds a fist up signaling for you all to stop.

                                            "Something wrong?"

                                            >Kneeling down, the ranger digs her hand through the dirt before standing back up.

                                            >"Just making sure there's no surprises nearby. Thought I saw markings but they just belong to a rabbit."

                                            >The group continues along when Applejack suddenly tugs your arm.

                                            "What's up?"

                                            >"Does Gilda seem a bit tense to you?"

                                            >Looking back at your guide, you do notice she seems a bit more nervous. Gilda is scanning the environment constantly, especially behind her.

                                            "Now that you mention it, she is a bit more serious than back at camp. She hasn't insulted us or cracked a joke."

                                            >"Ah wonder why?"

                                            >"Hey dweebs!" Gilda calls out to the both of you, "Hurry up! The memorial's just over this hill."

                                            >Both you and Applejack realize that everyone else has gained some distance from you.

                                            >Jogging over the hill, Fluttershy is already paying her respects at a little gravestone made from rocks.

                                            >A small picture frame hangs from the tree right behind the mound with an older looking gentleman wearing round glasses.

                                            >All bowing your heads as a sign of courtesy you take few minutes of silence. Even Gilda takes off her hat for the moment.

                                            >Fluttershy wipes a few tears from her eyes and turns to face you.

                                            >"Thank you girls, this really means alot to me." she says.

                                            >"Think nothing of it darling."

                                            >"Yeah, what're friends for Fluttershy?" Pinkie Pie says giving her a big hug.

                                            >"Um... when the school years done, I think I'll come back to help take care of the sick animals and environment. I think that would make Doctor Otoscope and the animals happy."

                                            "That sounds really admirable Fluttershy."

                                            >Suddenly without warning you three hear screaming come from just over the hill you crossed.

                                            >Branches crack and bushes rustle as a trio of high pitched screaming gets closer and closer.

                                            >Gilda raises her rifle at the source of the noise as three very familiar girls run into the small clearing you're in.

                                            >"AHHHHHH!" Apple Bloom cries out.

                                            >"Apple Bloom?! What the hay's got you so spooked."

                                            >Running past you, the three girls don't even bother to acknowledge you as they run towards the trail.

                                            >"What in the world has gotten them so spooked?"

                                            >"Wait... quiet." Gilda says.

                                            >Listening closely, you hear something faint in the distance. It's hard to make out but it's getting louder.

                                            >"Is that... buzzing?" Twilight asks.

                                            >Oh crap...

                                            >"RUN!" Applejack yells out.

                                            >”Shitshitshit! Don’t Just stand there you dweebs!”

                                            >Looking to where the girls came from, a massive swarm of bees fly towards you. Wasting no time, you and the other's hightail it out of there and run down the path as fast as your legs can take you.

                                            >Rainbow and Applejack, being the most physically fit amongst you, lead the pack as Fluttershy and Rarity trail behind.

                                            >"Bee stings are going to be horrible to my complexion!" Rarity cries out.

                                            >The swarm is rapidly gains ground as you as you soon see the lake.

                                            "Everyone jump into the water!"

                                            >"But my clothes!"

                                            >"For the love of- Rarity!"

                                            >"Oh fin- OW!!"

                                            >Before you can divert to the body of water, Gilda grabs your shirt sleeve and pulls you back towards the trail.

                                            >"That doesn't work you idiots!" Gilda yells at you. "Just keep running towards the camp!"

                                            >Listening to Gilda, the eight of you continue to run until your legs burn.

                                            >Soon enough the buzzing grows fainter and fainter until it quickly stops altogether.

                                            >After making sure the coast is clear, you use a tree for support as you try and catch your breath.

                                            >Everyone is sweating bullets from the brief exercise as you notice that you've entered a picnic area with the few occupants there looking at you all strangely.

                                            >"Wha-what? Hah... never... seen someone run from... ah... bees before?" Rainbow Dash pants out.

                                            >The picnickers go back to minding their own business as Gilda slings her hunting rifle back over her shoulder.

                                            >"Who the hell were those three?!" Gilda demands.

                                            >"My sister and her friends." Applejack mutters.

                                            >"Ohmygosh! Sweetie Belle!" Rarity cries. "Did anyone see where they went?!"

                                            >Everyone shrugs and shakes their heads.

                                            >"Applejack over here!" someone calls out.

                                            >Looking over to the source of the voice you see Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo walking up to you.

                                            "What were you girls doing?!"

                                            >"Sorry Sunset. The girls and ah were just exploring the woods."

                                            >"Apple Bloom, don't you know that's really dangerous out here?" Applejack chastises her sister.

                                            >"Well, we made sure that we stayed close ta the main trail sis."

                                            >"Though we kinda lost the trail and got lost." Scootaloo admits.

                                            >"Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom yell. The latter punching Scootaloo in the arm.

                                            >"How in the hay did you land smack dab in the middle of a bees nest?"

                                            >"Well it was Sweetie's fault." Scootaloo says.

                                            >"Hey was not!"

                                            >"Yuh-huh!"

                                            >"Yeah well you're a... a stupid face!"

                                            >"Well it would have been cool if you did-!"

                                            >Apple Bloom shoves both her hands over Scootaloo's mouth to stop her from speaking.

                                            "What are you two talking about?"

                                            >Both girls huff and turn away from each other. Apple Bloom facepalms and sighs.

                                            >"Scootaloo uh... found a stick that looked like a sword and started swinging it around. She must've hit a tree branch with the nest."

                                            >"Apple Bloom..." Applejack growls out.

                                            >"Girls, you really must be more careful with strange objects in the woods. Because of this, I now have a huge bee sting on my behind." Rarity says rubbing her butt.

                                            >"Sorry Rarity..." all three apologize.

                                            "Well at least you're all okay. Let's head back to camp, I need another shower after that run."

                                            >"Camp is this way." Gilda says, "Let's try not to attract anything larger than bees this time."


                                            >As everyone heads off, Sweetie Belle leans in and whispers to Apple Bloom.

                                            >"Why didn't you tell them the truth?"

                                            >"Do you really want to listen to Applejack and Rarity tell us off again?"

                                            >"No... but I think we should tell them... It's not like those bees came from a hive they just sort of appeared."

                                            >"Aw that's a load of crap. When you hit the tree you must have shook their beehive or something."

                                            >"And what if that thing was really important to some natives or something?" Apple Bloom answers, "Last thing ah want is fer us to get in trouble fer breaking some priceless artifact."

                                            >"We wouldn't be in this mess if you hadn't tried to take the skull off."

                                            >"Yeah just like the part where ya wanted ta wear it and scare people." Apple Bloom says sarcastically.

                                            >"Hey you three coming?!" Rainbow Dash calls out.

                                            >"Yeah, sorry about that Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo answers with a wave.

                                            >"So we all agree, we're not going to tell anyone about this?"

                                            >"Yeah."

                                            >"Okay..."

                                            >Nodding their heads in agreement the three girls run off to catch up with the others.

                                            >But what they don't notice is a stark white moose skull watching them from the distance disappear behind the trees.


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