Stardust Balance

I'm dying.

No, really, I am physically, mentally and spiritually killing myself the longer I stayed in this Godforsaken camp. This is my third day here now, and so far no imbalances nor Zagreus, by extension, have turned up, and I was beginning to conclude that my being here was simply a waste of time, and maybe I should've handled everything to my older self from the get-go.

Speaking with Timber and Daisy last night made me feel physically ill. They had that effect. Every second spent here was conjuring up more bile to my throat. It makes me wish that some imbalance would turn up, just to distract from the hammering reality that I was still here, in Camp Everfree, in the worst Equestria Girls specials among them.

And yet, for some reason, no imbalance had occurred. Even though my preventing Twilight from becoming Midnight has shortened all forced interactions between the girl and Timber, and some aspect of the movie which really should've been the main focus instead of this contrived sloppy excuse for a romance, there wasn't a slightest clue as to imbalance. You'd think Zagreus would've taken advantage of all this by now, especially with my future self carelessly changing things around the camp willy-nilly. Maybe the [BEEP]tard finally learned his lesson after that humiliating defeat in the Crystal Empire.

...Probably not.

A feminine voice teased. "Comfortable up there?"

Hazel eyes opened to regard the light-hearted features of Sunset Shimmer watching me with a smirk, atop my cross-legged position on the boulder. Even though everything about this movie was utterly contemptible, there were two redeeming factors despite how poorly Legends of Everfree treated them.

Here was one of them. "Good morning to you too Sunset." I couldn't stop from smiling back, and that seemed to brighten up her features considerably.

Unfolding her arms, the bacon-haired teen got straight to the point. "Sorry to interrupt your meditation, but we're wondering if you'd join us for a moment in the cafeteria cabin."

...Okay...?

The girl chuckled at my expression. "There's a good reason for it, trust me." Well, if she insisted. I nodded, looking for anything to take my mind off some things. "How goes your progress regarding the geodes?"

Sliding down and landing gracefully on two feet, I was once again thankful for this new human body instead of my old one. A fall like that could've broke my ankles easily. Makes me wonder why, once again, my seeming future has returned to that form. There must be a good reason for it, aside from avoiding utter confusion.

"Well." I began to respond to Sunset's question, stretching slightly with a wry smile. "I spoke with Tweedle [BEEP] and Tweedle [BEEP] last night. Offered to help them keep their camp in exchange for them to put the geodes back."

Sunset nodded, walking alongside me through the open pathway. I took a good spot from a distance of the camp. "And they accepted?"

"You saw Daisy this morning?"

"Yeah."

"Did she still have them on?"

The teen paused briefly, frowning softly. "I think so... Yeah Gloriosa still wore those things around her neck." Sunset cocked a sheepish grin. "So I guess that's a negative to your offer."

"For her sake, she better change her mind before the end of the day." Otherwise I won't be the only one miserable around here.

The teen looked to me with thoughtful cerulean orbs. "You're really not holding back this time." As opposed to all the other times I have? "I mean, I understand your irritation Stardust, but would punishing them really solve anything? Gloriosa just wants to make what's best for her camp, and Timber's just protecting his sister."

I huffed tiredly. "Sunset, if you excuse people's actions because of intentions alone, then nothing gets done! Just because they're not outright awful people doesn't allow them to get away with what they're doing. Timber's harboring a threat to everyone around us, and said threat is letting the magic get the better of her."

Sunset perked a skeptical brow. "You didn't bestow any punishment on me, as I recall. What makes my actions in the past any different than theirs? At least mine were blatantly intended with malice."

"The difference, Sunset, is that you at least acknowledged what you did was wrong, and have worked hard everyday to make up for the past. Very proud of you for that by the way." I added, staring forward with a weary disposition. "They do the exact opposite. Whereas you accept any punishment, they get rewarded for their actions, and don't learn a thing about responsibility and proper management. Hell, the sole reason they were allowed to keep the camp originality was out of sentimental value! Bull[BEEP]! Some even had the nerve to take credit for you girls saving their [BEEP]es."

A tender dark yellow hand grasped my shoulder, Sunset regarding me after that small vent with a concerned expression. "They're clearly good people, Stardust. Misguided, sure, but with the best intentions at heart. All I'm asking is for that wisdom you usually portray and at least give the two a chance to see that, should they follow through with your offer."

"A chance?" My mind went in all directions by the furious idea. "Every second in their presence assaults my brain cells-!" And there I went again! I forced myself to calm down, taking in and releasing a huge breath and regarding the worried teenager solemnly. "I'm sorry, this camp... It's just bringing out the worst in me."

Having taken a step back admist my outrage, Sunset nodded with a tiny, reassuring smile. "It's alright, no harm done." And inquired with the well-intentions of a good friend. "If you want to talk about it, I'm all ears. A role reversal, wouldn't you say?" Sunset added jokingly.

I smirked faintly at the attempt to clear the atmosphere. "I'm fine my dear, just... I just can't stand self-centered [BEEP]holes who can get away with whatever they want. I'm not gonna pretend to be a good person myself Sunset-"

"Which I and many others would severely disagree upon."

"- But I at least acknowledge my flaws and mistakes, and work hard to make up for them. Those two... Their egos almost get everyone killed and then act like everything's okay moments afterwards... It's sickening."

"I can imagine." The teenager nodded with a sympathetic expression, noticing something in her peripheral vision. "We're here." So we were. Sunset led me right to the doors of the wooden cafe, where our friends waited within. Without wasting anytime, she opened the doors and announced to the group huddled around a table. "Look who I found meditating on a rock."

My attention focused from them, then, to the four-layer cake resting atop the surface of the table. Pinkie noticed my reaction and beamed cheerfully, quickly grabbing my sleeve and pulling me along to take a seat right in front of the cake between Applejack and Twilight, the girls smiling at my arrival. As usual, Pinkie's creative in regards to baked goods reaches no boundaries. Milk, white and dark chocolate mixed beautifully against one another. With icing and the words 'Hope this will make your day less gloomy, Stardust' sprinkled on top.

Glad to see Pinkie's gotten her powers under control quickly, clearly. A curious glance to the bubbly teen prompted her widened smile. "Just a hunch that you'd love these kinds of chocolate."

"Twilight - Princess Twilight - mentioned one time that you had a sugar tooth." Sunset commented humouredly, sitting opposite me with a light-hearted grin.

"Makes me worried what else she said about me behind my back." Still, I appreciatively looked from the cake to the girls around me, compelled to ask. "What's this all about?"

Rarity smirked. "Can't we bake a cake as a token of appreciation for everything a good friend has done for us, and asking so little in return?" That would work, if I didn't know you girls well enough. At my sly raised brow, the teens shared glances before they finally relented, the fashioner sighing. "Very well. We are attempting to cheer you up, darling."

Cheer me up?

"Yeah." Rainbow pitched as though hearing my internal question, leaning against the edge of the table. "You've been nothing but moody and distant ever since we arrived here from day one. Clearly you hate camping, anyone can see that."

"And clearly you don't like Gloriosa or Timber." Applejack pointed out beside me, elbow resting on the table as green eyes regarded me knowingly. "But ya didn't really think we'd just pretend to ignore our friend actin' all gloomy and miserable the whole time here?"

"The cake was my idea." Sunset commented as I looked back to the delicacy, slyly pushing back a strand of hair.

"...You didn't have to do this." I pointed out rather quietly, both surprised and immensely flattered by the effort.

"Oh, but we did." Fluttershy chose to respond with a light smile. "After everything you've done for us, Stardust, it'd be unfair for us not to do this in return. So we all put in our own effort together into making this cake of gratitude for our cherished friend."

...God... Dammit.

Hah, it seems these girls just outright refused to let me be miserable about anything.

"We know we can't make you join in on camp activities." This world's Twilight said to my right. "But we can at least make your stay here a lot more endurable. Try to, at least, since you clearly hate being here."

"Which is a real shame." Rarity added with a remiss sigh. "I was hoping all my friends would partake in my fashion display later this afternoon." Hahaha. I couldn't resist chuckling then, which seemed to brighten up everyone around me.

"Hey you laughed!" Pinkie pointed with an enthusiastic grin. "That means it's working! You're finally becoming happy again!"

So I was... "You girls always have that effect, regardless of which world." I stated with a resigned smile, to their amused flattered expressions. Clasping my hands together, I motioned towards the delicacy before us. "Well, cake for breakfast. I've had worse. Hope I won't be eating this alone."

"Heh." Rainbow smirked hungrily. "Thought you'd never ask. So, what are you gonna do afterwards while Rarity's fashion show's going on."

"At the very least I hope you come to watch, Stardust." Rarity added with an apprehensive expression, Pinkie already set to cut up the cake between us all.

Shaking my head, I regarded the pale teen with a small smile. "I'll show up to observe, Rarity. I have no doubt your displays will be as flawless as always." She outright beamed blissfully to the compliment. "As for afterwards... Well, I'll probably walk off this cake, maybe explore the woods a bit more." Camp or no camp, this was still a vast wilderness, and my adventurous side was yearning for me to at least take a peek around.

"I'll join you." Sunset commented upon walking back with the plates, adding then hastily. "At least, if you want the company that is." And ignoring the mischievous glints in some of the girls' eyes.

I shrugged. "Why not? Always enjoy conversing with you Sunset." The teen was completely flustered, hurriedly setting the plates down with pink cheeks across yellow features. I pretended not to dwell on the deeper implications.

Then, another voice inquired. "May that offer be extended?" What now? I looked back to Twilight, smiling hopefully behind those overgrown glasses. "I'd like to join you two for a walk afterwards too, if that's okay."

...Huh.

Both my brows raised into my hair, having not expecting that. "You have no prior engagements?" Referring to a green-haired [BEEP]wipe probably making a fool of himself as we spoke.

Twilight shook her head. "None that I can think of." And tilted her head curiously upon my surprised expression. "Should I have?"

"Uh, no no! I'd be happy for you to join." I quickly said, ignoring the curious brows of my friends. "You're always delightful company, Twilight. Both you and Sunset." And hurriedly looked back to the food. "Now, I'll take the biggest piece Pinkie."

Gotta admit, this was a pretty nice view. Shame the lake and said view were under the control of two irresponsible jack[BEEP]es currently addressing the students a short distance away.

Now, I could go on and on for a full day as to why Timber and Daisy are awful excuses for human beings and shouldn't be running this business without adult supervisors keeping them in line. Because, as clearly seen, they need exactly that. I wondered where their parents were? Dead? They seemed to imply that at the end. But having dead parents wasn't immediately going to make me sympathize for them.

As I said, I was getting it all out of the way. That said, let's get my overall thoughts of the two camp counselors out of the way too. Ladies first. So the idea is that Daisy is losing her camp because the payment for running the establishment is barely coming through, forcing her to take drastic measures and almost kill innocent people in the process. To a child's eye, this would make Gloriosa Daisy a sympathetic character.

Except... She's not... At all.

Daisy isn't some wildlife preserver trying to protect the environment. She's a whiny self-petulant brat who cares only for the safety and preservation of a camp that holds sentimental value to her, so much so that it degrades all common sense and clear thinking, for someone we're suppose to trust to keep us safe in this environment. All of her choices and management skills only displayed why she deserves losing the camp, and should probably be better trained for this type of responsibility by someone who actually knows what they're doing.

Incompetent, selfish and dangerous to everyone around her. But if there's one good trait about her which separates the girl from her detestable brother, it's that, after Gia Everfree was thoroughly defeated, Daisy at least admitted to some of her incompetence and decided the camp should be shut down for the better.

And now, for Timber...

Ugh, no... I can't even describe everything wrong with him right now. It's too difficult to form all this contempt into words. Suffice to say, why another love interest? Didn't Hasbro learn their lesson? Wasn't Sentry enough? Hell, how do you make a love interest more unlikable than Sentry? I actually felt bad for the guy throughout this movie. You made me feel something for Flash Sentry, Hasbro. That's pretty [BEEP]ing impressive.

Also, why Twilight? Why not another of the group to get their own potential partner? Why not Sunset, she's more deserving of one. Hell, Fluttershy even since Timber lives in an environment dedicated to animal preservation and life! Then again I'd rather those two would also have better taste in mean than some egocentric, responsibility-dodging [BEEP]hole who acts like the sun shines out of his own arse.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Okay, I'm done complaining over why this movie's the worst... For now anyway. Onto more important matters. Starswirl's keeping quiet, for one. I mentally demanded an explanation from him the rest of the ride to this awful camp about that certain unexpected element. And my teacher never answered. Glad he was always there when I needed him...

Speaking of my future self - if that's who he claims to be - he was the first to greet everyone at the camp, offering greetings and warm hellos and stating he hoped everyone enjoyed their stay. Rather overly chirpy for being in a place like this. If he was my destination, what did my Twilight and the others do to make him act like the equivalent to a male Pinkie Pie? I wasn't going to ask, of course.

Hm? The sound of someone speaking through a mic has ceased, prompting my - reluctant - turn and outward grimace by the sight of the camp and their managers once again. I'll be doing that the whole time here, probably. About three total days spent in this camp... Oh I never regretted creating Zagreus until now...

Okay, they were doing that scene with Daisy and Timber handing out coloured gems on paper to decide what tent each student would rest in. Sunset and Twilight, of course, share the same tent because reasons, friendship and [BEEP]. Timber's walking up to Twilight, and my eyes are twitching like there's no tomorrow...

"Hey! Hey!" A familiar voice called out rather indignantly. "You're not being paid to hit on a customer Timber! Go do your job!" The startled green-haired punk immediately obliged and left the equally surprised Twilight, my annoyed future self shaking his head after calling the boy out.

Well... That spared me some trouble.

"Looks like it's gonna an eventful camping trip, huh?" Da [BEEP]? And suddenly Sentry was standing beside me, smiling rather nervously. "With you here that is, Stardust. I'm guessing camping isn't in your nature, huh?"

I said nothing, regarding the blue-haired rockstar wannabe with suspicion. He might be less unbearable than Timber, but still a cardboard love interest with no real reason to exist. Sentry only grinned shyly, rubbing the back of his head and clearly regretting his decision to approach. Any conversation was put on hold by a bag suddenly thrust in front of me by a woman grinning so widely a five-year-old would tell how unconvincing said grin was, cautiously eyeing the five gems rested in front of her neck.

She... Was aware from the fact that I wasn't wearing any Camp Everfree clothing that I'm not partaking in any of their activities, I hope...?

As if sensing those thoughts, Daisy held up the bag closer. "Everyone has to be assigned a tent, security guards included."

Scowling at the idea of sharing a tent with any of these male teenagers, I turned away and called out briskly. "I'll just sleep on the bus."

"Um, the bus left like two minutes ago." Sentry unhelpfully responded.

...Dammit.

With a reluctant growl, I reached into the offered item and pulled out a card, inspecting it indifferently before presenting it to the grinning Daisy... Who then frowned curiously. "Platinum? Curious... I don't recall the camp having a platinum tent..." Huh. Then she grinned widely again, and it some restraint not to outright slap the look off her. "It's probably brand new. You're very lucky then sir." Before, thankfully, striding off, just in time for Filthy Rich to make his one-out-of-three cameos close by.

"You're right." I decided to respond to Sentry's earlier question since he remained for some reason. "Camping has never been for me. And after this, it never will be again."

My expression was soft as Daisy pushed Filthy back to his limousine. So long, only sympathetic and identifiable character with any forms of realism and depth to him in the whole movie, portrayed only as a villain because we're looking from the viewpoint of teenagers.

"Guess we should check out the tents." Sentry suggested, following my future self's lead of escorting everyone for the counselors. That's awfully nice of him. Sentry, on the other hand...

"Is there any reason you're interacting with me right now, Sentry?"

The boy winced, shrugging sheepishly. "Right to the point. You know, you remind me of Sunset alot at times." I'll take that as a compliment. Sighing, Sentry turned back to me fully with a hopeful smile. "I know you don't like me."

Oh well that's no secret.

"I might have done something to get on your bad side. I don't know what, except for that time during the Friendship Games."

Uh-huh...

"And, it may have seemed like I was hitting on your own Twilight at times."

Okay...?

Sentry sighed again. "So I'm sorry, okay, for whatever else it is I've done to you. I can see your approach to things is only for looking out for your friends." He smiled rather cheerfully, blue eyes lit in hope. "They're my friends too, Sunset included despite our past break up and... Well, I was hoping we could start again."

My wary stance lowered, frown softening by the earnest expression and emotions the boy was clearly displaying. Already Sentry has proven himself to be a far more capable responsible being than Timber. And since Legends of Everfree... Well, my hatred for Sentry has, truthfully, lessened somewhat in favour of finding someone far more contemptible.

And Twilight would kick my [BEEP] if I said no right off the bat...

...I suppose... I could give this boy a chance. But he had a lot to prove before I could even say I liked the walking stereotype.

Sentry... Well, Flash I guess now... Blinked openly by the golden hand, followed with my firm tone. "You get one chance."

His shock was replaced by gleeful hope, a pink-ish hand grasping mine with a proud shake. "I'll do my best to make use of it." Well, at least he's more humble about himself than a certain green-haired Neanderthal.

God dammit just the thought of that boy was physically hurting me.

Following afterwards, we reached the tent area, Daisy escorting me to my own at the far end of the line of tents and...

Holy [BEEP].

"Here is... Your tent...?" Even Daisy was perplexed by the palace of a tent before us, coloured entirely in platinum silver. It looked like a castle! "I'll... Leave you to it..." And the girl hurriedly walked away, leaving me to gaze at the large thing overshadowing the other tents by far. Warily stepping forward, I brushed through the entrance to find.

A King-sized bed...

A second floor with ladders...

A chocolate fountain...

A shelf of books...

...Huh. Well, if I'm gonna stay here in misery, might as well live like a King. With a small smile of wonder, I thanked either my future self or Starswirl.

Y'know, whoever was responsible for doing this.

Judgement has been made.

There was no turning back now. The consequences have been decided, their actions chosen and the aftermath created because of them. On my steady approach back towards the group, hazel eyes intently regarded the sad sacks watching me with saddened expressions. Sunset and the others looked apprehensive, the rest of the students curious. One glance from me had Celestia or Luna pause from even daring taking a step forward to stop me.

No, there was no escaping responsibility. Not this time. There was no black and white simple-minded morality for these immature people to decide the fate of this camp. Even Celestia and Luna couldn't be trusted to make the right decision.

For once, I was pulling my own authority over this. Completely, without anyone preventing me from doing this.

My trek slowed to a halt, a good distance away from the parasitic sight of the two counselors, staring down at their slouched dispositions with barely-concealed loathing. I held back until today, keeping all my bottled up feelings regarding this place and the film, for the most part, to myself in favour of at least allowing my student and friends to have a good time. But I didn't just sit by and performed nothing.

I offered these two help. Help to save their camp for one simple condition. But even these two, whom we're suppose to believe are responsible enough to manage an entire camping establishment and ensure the safety of their customers, couldn't even have the decent to make the more sound decisions. They broke our deal, and now they're about to suffer for it.

As if hearing those thoughts without physical contact, Sunset, dressed like she should be leading a marching band, hesitantly stepped forward with worried cerulean eyes. "Stardust..."

I shook my head, prompting the teen to look down and stand back with her friends. Even she knew, these two dangerous clowns had no hope of being spared my wrath. Not after everything they've done today. The movie let them get away and, for [BEEP]'s sake, even be rewarded for their actions. Just that painful reminded caused my fist to clench shut, barely controlling my seething rage aimed directly at the two campers before me.

Taking a small, bold step, Timber almost stood protectively between myself and his sobbing wreck of a sibling. "It wasn't our fault... You know that..."

Even now he dares to-?!

The man- No boy flinched at my low growl, breathing heavily alongside his sister. The tension was palpable, my rage barely pushed back from being unleashed. A good portion of it was released during the battle.

It took one look at Twilight for my fury to cool down somewhat, releasing a breath and adopting a solemn expression. I was tired, weary and just wanted to go home. But I couldn't. Too much has changed, and I had to take advantage of it. My Twilight would have to wait a little longer yet.

"The judgement has been decided." Everyone winced, the atmosphere prompting friends and family to stand closer to each other by the firm disposition of their deity. Daisy, however, tried vainly to save her asinine camp one last time.

"We can do better. We can accept the consequences! But please, this camp means everything to me! Don't you have a heart?!"

Bargaining for selfish reasons. Selfishness is all what these two know.

"You had your chance." The girl stepped back fearfully by the growling tone, Timber actively becoming a shield for her. My hazel eyes blazed gold. "Don't even try to act noble Timber Spruce! You're just as responsible for almost killing my friends!"

"Please..." Daisy tried again futilely, clutching her brother's arm for dear life. "We can make amends."

I exhaled deeply, closing my eyes briefly to regain some composure. From behind me, Flash spoke up. "I understand they did a bad thing... But weren't their intentions in the right?"

"The intentions are irrelevant." I snapped to the wincing teen over my shoulder, eyes narrowed. "I am sick of people using that excuse to justify their actions. There is no excusing what they've done today. For once, they have to take responsibility for their actions, today and now."

Timber nodded, looking rather tired and straightened up. "Alright... We accept whatever judgement you cast on us."

Time to get this over with then...

"Under divine authority." I began with a somber tone and weary expression. "Under the Twiliphian House of Lungbarrow. I, Stardust Balance... No." Today, Stardust Balance wasn't making the call, but the God before the pony. "I, Jack Wright, sentence the fate of this camp, and the two teenagers responsible for it to..."