Life at Canterlot High had settled into something almost normal. You had stayed, permanently this time, the portal behind you and Equestria far away. It wasn’t easy, letting go of the world you once called home, but the bonds you had formed here held you fast. The girls had become your best friends, and though they still teased and pulled you into their antics, you belonged.

But “belonging” wasn’t simple. Not with Twilight Sparkle—this Twilight—around. Sci-Twi’s nervous smiles, her quiet brilliance, her growing courage… it all reminded you of what you’d lost and what you’d found. She wanted you close, trusted you, leaned on you when her doubts crept in.

Sunset noticed.

And she never let it go unchallenged. Sunset’s redemption had blossomed into strength, her place as a leader undeniable. But when Sci-Twi lingered near you for too long, Sunset’s words would cut sharp, her looks lingering just a moment too long. She wasn’t cruel—not anymore—but the unspoken rivalry simmered beneath every shared glance.

So when the bus rolled away from Canterlot High and toward Camp Everfree, the air inside was charged in more ways than one. Students laughed, sang, and leaned out the windows to catch the breeze, while you sat with the girls, the two strongest gazes in the group pulling toward you when they thought the other wasn’t watching.

The ride was filled with excitement. Pinkie Pie chattered about marshmallows and campfire songs. Rainbow Dash boasted about conquering every activity. Rarity dreamed of fashionable forest attire. Applejack and Fluttershy shared smiles about fresh air and nature. And Sci-Twi tried to laugh off her lingering fears about her magic—her past mistakes still haunting her in quiet moments.

Sunset comforted her, the warmth in her voice sincere. “You’re not Midnight Sparkle anymore. You’re you. And we’ll be here to remind you if you forget.”

Sci-Twi smiled, though her eyes flicked to you once more, soft and searching. Sunset noticed. She always noticed.

The bus rumbled to a stop, the air outside fresh with pine and earth. Everyone filed out, the sound of birdsong filling the clearing. The camp spread before you—rustic, welcoming, alive with energy.

And then came the voice.

“Welcome to Camp Everfree!”

Gloriosa Daisy bounded forward, her grin bright enough to rival the sun. Her enthusiasm spilled into every word as she introduced herself, her brother Timber Spruce following with a more laid-back charm. Their warmth set the tone, and the campers cheered, eager for the days ahead.

But as Gloriosa’s words carried over the crowd, your focus drifted elsewhere. Sunset stood on one side of you, arms crossed, her eyes cutting toward Sci-Twi like an unspoken warning. Sci-Twi stood on your other side, her hand brushing her arm nervously, her glance at you filled with quiet hope.

Two hearts pulling at you, one fiery, one gentle. And you, caught between them, silently wondering if maybe this trip to Camp Everfree wasn’t just about friendship and magic—maybe it was also about surviving a rivalry that could very well launch you to the moon.