Down at the Docks

Hurrying to catch up with Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer bumped right into Gloriosa.

“I can’t believe he would just show up like that,” the camp director was saying.

“What did you say?” questioned Sunset Shimmer.

Gloriosa looked genuinely confused. “I didn’t say anything.” She smiled brightly. “Just here to make sure everyone is headed over to the docks. Did you need something?”

“Nope,” said Sunset Shimmer. But she was studying Gloriosa and Gloriosa knew it.

“Because if there is anything I can do to make this week the best week ever, you just let me know,” Gloriosa enthused with forced sweetness. “I’ve got this.”

“Thanks,” answered Sunset Shimmer matter-of-factly. “I’m good.”

When Gloriosa was out of earshot, Sunset Shimmer whispered to Spike, “People that chipper make me nervous.”

As if on cue, Pinkie Pie bounced over to join them. “This is gonna be sooooooooo much fun!” she exclaimed.

Sunset Shimmer smiled helplessly. “I guess not all people.” No one could resist Pinkie Pie’s cheerful enthusiasm. No one.

They headed down to the lake to join the other girls. Rarity was stretched out on the dock, admiring the view. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? It looks like a diamond shining in the sun!”

“Totally!” agreed Pinkie Pie, sitting down beside her. “We’re talking about the lake, right?”

Fluttershy was in heaven. “It is lovely out here. The fresh air. The cool breeze. The birds that land on your finger.”

The girls watched in amazement as a bluebird fluttered over to sit on the tip of Fluttershy’s finger and chirp to her.

“I think that only happens to you,” noted Rainbow Dash.

Near the rickety old dock was a boathouse with canoes lined up along the wall. There were a few docked sailboats on the beach. Gloriosa, along with the Canterlot High teachers, was helping the campers into life jackets.

“Remember what I said,” announced Gloriosa. “Proper water safety attire at all times. Lake activities are available every day until sunset, so if you want to canoe, sail, windsurf, or swim, just let me know.”

Twilight put on a life jacket and grabbed a paddle. Applejack was already sitting in a canoe in the water, ready to go with her life jacket buckled.

Fluttershy was tearing apart a piece of bread she had in her pocket and feeding it to some ducks who’d paddled over. Fish swam to the surface, opening and closing their mouths hungrily.

“Aren’t they the cutest?” A charmed Fluttershy gushed.

Twilight was headed out to the end of the dock to meet up with Applejack when her foot went through a rotted board. She almost fell right into the water—but a strong pair of arms reached out to grab her. It was Timber Spruce.

“Whoa! I know I’m charming you, but you don’t have to fall for me,” he joked.

Twilight stammered out a nervous thank-you in response.

On the shore, Flash Sentry watched the whole rescue operation unhappily. “Guess I can’t get too jealous, right?” he said to Sunset Shimmer, who was standing nearby. “After all, she isn’t my Twilight.” He looked upset. “Not that the other Twilight was mine. But we were… you know.”

Sunset Shimmer nodded. “Yeah. I get it. But your Twilight is a princess in Equestria. Hate to break it to you, but that’s where she’s gonna spend most of her time.”

“So you’re saying I just need to get over her?” asked Flash.

“Kinda,” Sunset Shimmer admitted with a nod. “Yeah.”

“Ouch.” Flash winced as if the news hurt him. “You’re not pulling any punches.”

“Not really my style. Sorry.”

The adults were out on the dock examining the hole in the boards with concern.

“This is a safety hazard,” said Vice Principal Luna. “I suggest we close down the dock for the remainder of camp.”

Campers groaned. Did that mean no diving? That wouldn’t be any fun.

Gloriosa was very quick to notice the disappointment. “I’m sure it won’t have to be for the remainder of camp. Just needs to be patched up a bit. I’ve got this!”

Applejack had her own ideas. “Or maybe we do.” She gathered her friends. “If you ask me, this whole dock needs to go. Buildin’ a new one could be our camp gift. Sure, it benefits us, but a nice, new dock would benefit the future campers, too.”

Timber Spruce wasn’t so sure. “I dunno. It’s an awful lot of work. I wouldn’t want you guys to miss out on doing other fun camp stuff because you’re so busy building a dock for future campers.”

Rainbow Dash nodded confidently. “I hear what you’re saying, Timber, but we’re Canterlot Wondercolts. We’ve got a reputation to uphold, and there is no way we are gonna leave this place without contributing the most awesome camp gift ever. I’m with Applejack. Building a new dock is definitely it.” She turned to the others. “What do you guys think?”

A resounding cheer was the answer.

Gloriosa was pleased, too. “Looks like it’s settled, then.”

The only one who was still unhappy was Timber Spruce. “Looks like it.”

Sunset Shimmer noticed his reaction—and it just didn’t make sense. What was up with those two? Why did they always seem to fight about some hidden secret? What was it?

“That’s some tension,” she muttered to herself.

No one else seemed to notice, however. The other kids were already busy with plans for the new dock. They were clustered together at a picnic table, bouncing ideas off one another. One girl, a talented artist, was busily sketching.

Twilight studied the drawing. “We can reinforce the foundation,” she suggested.

Applejack agreed enthusiastically. “Make it nice and sturdy,”.

“And we can add a wood-carved sign that says Camp Everfree.” Sunset Shimmer could see it in her imagination.

Fluttershy clapped her hands. “And little boxes of food so you can feed the ducks and fishies.”

“We’ll add lanterns so you can see at night,” said Rainbow Dash.

Vice Principal Luna was pleased. “Great ideas,” she said to Principal Celestia.

The artist held up a picture of the new dock—with lanterns, fish-food dispensers, and a carved sign. It looked great. Now all they had to do was build it!

“It’s stunning,” Rarity gushed. “And will make an absolutely perfect runway for my camp fashion show!”

Applejack glared at her. “More important, it’ll be a great place for dockin’ canoes and feedin’ the wildlife.”

“You say tomato… I say perfect place to showcase glamorous boho-chic stylings,” said Rarity with a toss of her perfectly brushed hair.

“What do you guys think?” Twilight asked their teachers.

“It’s going to be a lot of work,” admitted Principal Celestia. “But we can do it.”

“Yes!!!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “Adult supervision!!”

Everyone burst out laughing.

They had their project—and it was going to be a blast.