(Small side note – To outlay any confusion on the timeline so far I might have to clear this little point up. The time Applejack was getting worried over no sugar in chapter five, equals the same time Scribble was in hospital after his fire. Scribble caught his train in Manehattan several days before Applejack did from Ponyville. Thus Scribble is first into Trot About Creek. Now, on with the story.)

The trademark Eucalyptus trees of southern Equestria were in full view from the train window. The winding track made its way through the bushlands, edging ever closer to the next stop. “All passengers getting off at Trot About Creek please make ready for departure. We will be arriving in fifthteen minutes. Again Trot About Creek in fifthteen minutes, thank you,” the voice on the train’s loud speaker called out.

Applejack awoke from her slumber in one of the sleeper cars, the audio message that came from the loudspeakers made sure she was up. She got out of the chair and onto all fours, letting out a pleasant moan as she stretched the effect of dreamland away. Packing her saddle bags and swinging them over her back she double checked her supplies, making sure everything was in order and accounted for. Then while waiting for the station looked out the window to take in her first view of southern Equestria. It was the first time this Apple had been so far south. “Well ya looky that. So this is the famous Outback Ah heard so much ‘bout.”

Trot About Creek came into full view on the morning sunrise. The rays of warming summer sun bounced of the corrugated iron roofs and reflected over the whole town. It was unlike anything Applejack had ever seen on all her travels of Equestria. ‘This truly is a unique corner o’ Equestria, must ‘member ta bring Apple Bloom here one o’ these days. She will love it, not ta mention the other Crusaders.’ Despite her thoughts, Applejack simply couldn’t take her eyes of the approaching town.

The train’s loud speakers chirped up again with another message from the conductor. “Now arriving at Damper Down station in Trot About Creek, all those departing please do so. Thanks all for riding the Great Southern Line.”

Applejack took this as her queue to make for the door. The train came to a halt at the station, with the conductor blowing his whistle to signal the exit and entry of passengers. Setting her first hoof onto the platform Applejack liked what she saw. Trot About Creek in her eyes was rustic and peaceful, with a hint of southern hospitality. From her observations most ponies had personality and spirit, plus a signature sense of sarcastic humour the outback was known for.

Applejack weighted up her options, deciding on what course of action she should take first. Her options included doing a little sightseeing, heading straight for Shimmer Shine Ranch and checking to see if rodeos were held in this area of Equestria. Before the farm mare could make up her mind, her stomach did it for her. It grumbled away demanding food be inserted into it immediately. Applejack let off a little blush as her stomach gathered the attention of some nearby ponies at the station. “I love me an honest stomach, don’t ya agree, mate?” a big sturdy mustard yellow stallion with a royal white mane blurted out. He trotted right up to Applejack and swung a hoof around the back of her neck. “Say, if ya up for some brekkie I know just the place. I mighty hungry myself, care to join me some tucker?” he asked with a huge hearty smile on his face.

Applejack thought about the offer for a few seconds before her stomach answered for her, it grumbled away at the idea of being full of this tucker the stallion spoke of. “Sure thing partna, ya got yerself a deal,” Applejack agreed, as she followed the stallion out of the station.

Applejack and her new friend walked into Trot About Creek. She followed her new acquaintance as he lead her down a few streets. “Say, this is a mighty fine town. Ain’t never seen buildings like this befo’.” Applejack looked left and right, taking in as much of the interesting town as she could.

“Ya, we get that a lot down this far south. Folks down here had to make do with what they could find. So it no surprise things turned out like they did, with the buildings an’ our way of life down here,” the stallion said with great pride as he explained some of his roots to Applejack.

It wasn’t long till both ponies rounded a few more corners and arrived at the intended destination. Before Applejack stood a nice looking café called the Tucker Box. “The Tucker Box. Interestin’ name fer a café,” she commented with curiosity.

“Well ya gots a lot to learn ‘bouts how we speaks down here little joey.” Applejack was drawing a blank as to what he meant by ‘little joey’, giving him a baffled expression. The hearty stallion laughed as he opened the door and motioned for Applejack to follow him in.

Both ponies took a seat near the window located at the front of the café. Applejack was still a little confused, and it showed. The stallion in question took notice of this, and thought it only right he correct the situation. “How rude of me not to introduce myself, names Cosy Camper.”

Applejack took notice of his cutie mark while he introduced himself, it was an open campfire that was lit up. “Well howdy partner, nice ta meets ya. Ah’m Applejack, an’ the pleasure is all mine, friend,” she greeted with a huge smile on her face.

Camper let out a hearty laugh, he was a stallion that enjoyed good company. “Tell ya what Applejack, since ya new in these parts hows ‘bout I shout ya brekkie? Give ya a chance to sample some of the food and hospitality we offer down south.”

Applejack was mighty happy she bumped into this stallion. Her first impressions of Trot About Creek were looking good. “Sounds like a plan, Ah’m up fer anythin’ ya want me ta try.” Her eagerness showed, with her grumbling stomach agreeing.

Camper got up and went to the counter to order his and Applejack’s breakfast. Applejack meanwhile took the time to observe life in Trot About Creek, seeing the morning events of the town outside the café’s window. Ponies were hauling wagons of supplies in every which direction, while other ponies were either out shopping or applying their trades around the street. The one thing that caught Applejack’s attention was most of the supplies being hauled were of grown produce, fruit, vegetables, grain even coffee beans.

Camper arrived back at the table and laid out two plates of breakfast for himself and Applejack who was still starring out the window. “An’ wallah brekkie is served,” Camper announced like he had just cooked the meal himself.

Applejack took in the sweet smell of her breakfast. It was something she had never seen before. “Say Cosy, jus’ what is this? Ain’t seen anythin’ of it’s like befo’,” she asked poking her food a little.

“Never seen it before. Not surprised. It only made down here in the outback. This is called damper, think of it as a fancy kind of bread. Ya tear it in half and add some of this here jam to it. Trust me, will be very yummy, ‘specially with Trot About creek jam, sweetest in all Equestria,” Camper declared proud to promote his town.

Applejack looked a little sceptical at the jam comment. “Sweetest in all Equestria huh?”

“That’s right mate.”

“Ah don’t know ‘bout that, Ah had some mighty fine jam befo’.”

“Just try some, I guarantee ya not had yummier before.” Camper took a bite into his damper to demonstrate his point, the ‘it’s so yummy you be silly not to try some’ expression on his face the proof he provided to Applejack.

“Okay, if ya say so.” Applejack took a bite into the damper with a generous amount of jam spread on the bread. It only took one bite of that jam for Applejack to be lost to this world, it tasted addictively yummy. She couldn’t help herself devouring the entire damper in a matter of minutes, much to her stomach’s approval.

Camper could only smile and giggle at Applejack as she devoured the breakfast meal. “See what I tell ya, yummiest jam ever right?” Camper asked, knowing full well the answer.

“Darn tootin’ it is. How in tarnation do ya make it so sweet?” Applejack questioned, wanting the secret of such a sweet recipe for herself.

“Ah, that would be a closely guarded secret of the Sugar family. I no sure how they pull it off, an’ trust me, many a pony would love to know. But they grow sugar here in Trot About Creek, an’ somethin’ they do to the sugar makes it sweeter than any other in all Equestria,” Camper said as he finished the last of his damper off.

“Well it a good thing Ah’m here ta see ‘em then. Maybe Ah could ask ‘em ta show me how they make that sugar,” Applejack said as she grinned with excitement, rubbing her forehooves together like it was some kind of master plan.

Camper’s expression went from happy to one of sadness. This caught applejack completely off guard. “Sorry to say this Applejack, but that might not be possible.” Camper let out a few tears as to what he just said. Something was wrong and Applejack knew it.

“Why can’t Ah see ‘em? They outta town o’ somethin’? Ah can always wait a few days in a motel if Ah must.” Applejack was secretly hoping that was the worst case senario.

“Sorry to be the one to tell ya mate, but Shimmer Shine Ranch was burnt to the ground a few weeks ago,” Camper sadly let out, making Applejack spring to life with concern. “Nopony has been able to find a trace of Blazing Cane or any of the Sugar family, we fear they all were burned alive in that tragic fire.”

The waiter that was arriving at the table to pick up the empty dished overheard Camper’s statement. “Actually Camper, not entirely true mate,” the waiter said electing confused looks from Camper and Applejack.

“What’s ya mean by that?” Camper asked, hoping for good news.

“I would not expect ya to know as ya been out of town a week yourself mate. Blazing’s only son Scribble Script arrived back in town from Manehattan a few days ago. If ya ask me, must have been some kind of fate that brought him back, he had no idea his home burnt to the ground and his family with it,” The waiter informed as he collected the dirty dishes from the table and levitated them in the air.

“That must be rough on him. Hows he taking it?” Camper asked with great interest.

“Well that’s the million dollar question. It’s been talk of the town ever since he got back. Once he found out what happened he clamed up, nopony been able to get a word out of him. Scribble just spends all his time under the Red Wattle tree on the ranch.” the waiter said, feeling sorry for Scribble’s plight.

Applejack now knew why she had not been getting any sugar deliveries or return letters from the Sugars. “Well that explains a lot. Say Camper, jus’ how well ya know the Sugar’s?” Applejack questioned hoping she might be able to help.

“Blazing Cane used to be a good mate of mine, we grew up in school together. An’ I used to teach his son survival lessons at school. So I know them quite well, Blazing Cane was family to me,” Camper said as he cried, memories of his friend Blazing Cane coming back.

“Well maybe ya be able to help Scribble than Camper, goodness knows he needs somepony close right now,” The waiter encouraged as he took the dishes back to the kitchen.

“I hate to admit it Applejack but he is right, sorry to cut our time short but I must go an’ see how Scribble is doing. I owe it to my old friend Blazing to help his son out,” Camper declared getting up and marching out of the Tucker Box.

“Hold on jus’ a minute!” Applejack yelled as she followed him out. “Ah’m a comin’ ta. Ah was headin’ that way already, so Ah will join ya,” she insisted, with a look of not going to take no for an answer plastered all across her face.

“Appreciate the help mate, let’s get movin’.” Camper motioned for Applejack to join him as they both set off for the ranch.

Shimmer Shine Ranch was only a spec of its former glory. The farm house, barn and sugar silos were levelled to the ground in piles of ash, the sugarcane fields themselves were also burnt down. Some minor sheds, a few fields and some trees around the mane farm house were all that survived the raging flames.

Applejack and Camper couldn’t believe their own eyes, the ranch really was as bad as everypony in town had declared. After spending a few minutes looking around Applejack spotted another pony. The cream coloured Earth pony was nestled under a Red Wattle tree. “Hey Camper, that the pony ya lookin’ fer?” she asked, pointing a hoof at Scribble.

Camper turned around and saw Scribble laying under the tree, he looked a mess. Seemed he had not showered, eaten or even moved for days. Dust covered him from head to hoof, and the watermarks on his face plus the puddle of water under him suggest he has done nothing but cry the last two days. “Yep, that him alright. Not looking a hundred precent either.”

Both Applejack and Camper approached Scribble. He raised his head to see who was coming, but barely even acknowledged their presence. “G’day Scribble, ya do member ya survival teacher now don’t ya?” Camper asked with a forced smile, hoping Scribble would remember him from the good old school days.

A lifeless Scribble gave no answer. He didn’t even seem to be listening to the conversation, to engrossed in his own memories and thoughts of his family to pay Camper or Applejack any attention. Applejack and Camper gave each other concerned looks before she egged Camper on to try again.

For the next ten minutes Camper tried everything short of physical contact to try and make Scribble listen or even acknowledge him. He trotted back up to Applejack who was now more than just concerned. “Nothin’?” she asked, knowing full well the answer.

“Nope, Nothing. Seems like he is dead to Equestria. I know he lost his family, but I feel there is more to why he is so sad than just that. An’ unless he tells somepony ‘bout it, I fear not much I can do for him.” Camper was none too happy being in such a position, he had a dead friend’s son to help, and show, hail or sunshine he was going to help.

“Well we have ta do somethin’. We can’t jus’ leave him like this,” Applejack reasoned, sitting down on her flank to think a little. There had to be something she could do in this situation, but what?

“Just what ya got in mind Applejack?” Camper questioned with great curiosity.

“Maybe he jus’ needs a little push ta get himself off the ground an’ movin’ ‘gain.” Applejack grinned as she devised a cheeky plan.

Applejack got up and moved towards Scribble. This made Camper a little worried. ‘Just what is that mare going to do, I hope she no makes things any worse. But at this point what do I got to lose givin’ her a chance?’

Applejack walked past Scribble who still paid her no heed. She got herself in position behind his flank and aimed up Bucky McGillycuddy and Kicks Magee. With an almighty buck she sent Scribble flying through the air. The shocked pony went flying right over Camper’s head crash landing fifty meters from the Wattle tree he was under.

Camper could only drop his jaw in pure shock. ‘That was her plan, ya gotta be kiddin’ me.’ He watch the dust settle where Scribble had landed, hoping he would be alright.

Scribble now fully snapped out of his trance groaned in pain, his flank was a royal red from where Applejack had bucked him. He pulled himself off the ground softly touching his flank that throbbed in pain. “OWE!” Scribble cried out. He turned to face applejack with an angry look replacing his sad persona from just a few minutes ago. “What in Equestria is your problem girl, do ya normally buck every stallion ya just meet?” Scribbled yelled, starting to close the distance between himself and applejack. “When I through makin’ sure ya black and blue, ya wish ya had no bucked me for no reason…” Scribble was cut off mid speech but his legs giving way under him. Seems two days without food had made anything other than not moving from the same spot to exhausting for him to do.

Scribble’s stomach started making a combination of grumbles and groans, demanding enough food to feed an army. Applejack giggled at Scribble, as he laid there on the ground holding his stomach as it demanded food. “Well, looks like ya way more lively now then a few minutes ‘go,” She teased.

Again all Camper could do was drop his jaw, Applejack’s silly little plan had worked and he could not believe it. ‘Well wonders never cease, she did it,’ he thought to himself as he trotted up to join Applejack at the Scribble’s side. “Looks like I will be shouting ya lunch to applejack, least I can do for ya help,” Camper congratulated with a huge smile of thanks on his face.

“No need partna, Ah jus’ happy ta help.”

“Nope, I insist ya join me for lunch. Besides, I will be getting some food into this one’s belly while I at it,” Camper stated as he picked up Scribble and throw the him onto his own back. Scribble was in no position to resist. As much as he wanted to, Scribble simply had no energy left to fend off any help Applejack or Camper would give him.

“Put me down Camper, an’ leave me alone! Just buggar off an’ mind ya own business mate! Dump me an’ get lost!” Scribble demanded, as he struggled to get off Camper’s back.

“Not a chance guppy, ya goin’ to get some tucker in ya belly whether ya like it or not,” Camper chirped, both him and Applejack laughing at the irony.

“I said let me go, Camper! Let me go or I will kick ya flank from here to woop woop an’ back!” Scribble demanded, struggling for all his worth against an opponent with survival skills he stood no chance against even in a normal fight.

“Give it up, mate! Ya gettin’ something to eat. So settle down will ya,” Camper instructed, making his own counter demands of Scribble.

The trio made it to the Tucker Box where Scribble was still resisting in any way he could. Applejack had enough of Scribble’s continued resistance, and pulled her rope out from under her hat. “Put Scribble down in that seat Camper,” she ordered, as Camper caught on and happily obliged. Applejack used her rope and tied Scribble down to the seat, making sure the rope was tied tight so he couldn’t escape.

“Hold tight Applejack, I will grab the grub. Make sure Scribble don’t try anything funny while I grabbin’ our meals.” Applejack nodded and kept two sharp eyes on Scribble, who by this time had no energy left to resist anything.

Applejack decided now was a better time than any to see if she could help Scribble some more. “Jus’ what in the hay is wrong wit’ ya Scribble? Ya won’t eat o’ look afta’ yerself, ya refuse ta tell anypony what is wrong wit’ ya, an’ ya reject any form o’ help we offer ya.” Applejack continued to reason with Scribble trying to figure out just what was wrong with him.

“G, I wonder Applejack. Maybe the fact I just lost my entire family has something to do with it. Wouldn’t ya be upset if everypony ya held dear to ya heart got burnt to a crisp?” Scribble questioned with anger in his heart.

“Ah know ya lost yer loved ones, but feels like yer troubles run deeper than that is all.”

“Look, will ya just bugger off an’ leave me alone. Sorry to use such language, or give ya such a hard time, but I in no mood to play life’s stories right now. I just want to be left alone!” Scribble cried out, taking a deep breath. “Is it too much to ask that I be left alone to grieve please?” he begged.

“Grubs ready all,” Camper proudly announced, as he laid out enough food to feed an army onto the table. All that followed was silence, with Scribble starring Applejack down intent to kill written all over his face. “Okay Scribble, settle down an’ eat ya food mate, goodness knows ya need some tucker in ya.”

Scribble’s only answer was silence. He refused to say anything or even do anything except stare down Applejack. Applejack backed off a bit, finding herself maybe pushing a little too hard. “Okay, yer right. Sorry for questionin’ ya so hard,” Applejack apologised, hoping that Scribble could forgive her.

Scribble let up on the starring, but nothing more. Applejack took that as a sign he forgave her. “Listen mate, parents gone or not ya still have to eat some food to live. This is all on the house for ya, so chow down already!” Camper demanded, pushing a plate of hay fries towards Scribble.

Scribble’s stomach grumbled in agreement, it wanted the food sitting right in front of his mouth, whether the hungry pony wanted it or not wasn’t up for debate with his stomach. Scribble was holding onto what little resolve he had left before his stomach growled at him again. His face went cherry red as Applejack and Camper laughed their flanks off. “Okay, okay fine, ya win!” Scribble growled, as he leaned forward to eat the food. Well he tried to, but the tight ropes made that impossible. “Um…think maybe we could lose the rope?”

Camper gave Applejack an accepting stare and nodded. “Sure sugar, let me get that fer ya,” Applejack chirped, half a hoof in her mouth to stop the laughing. She got out of her seat and used her mouth to pull the rope lose in one full motion. With a quick whip of the rope Applejack had it all rolled up and back under her hat, showing off in full bloom her skill with a rope.

“Ah! Not bad,” Camper complimented. “Where ya learn how to swing a rope like that?”

“Born an’ raised on the apple farm. My granny taught me how ta lasso sheep, cows an’ the like when Ah was a little filly,” Applejack announced with a little blush.

Scribble wasted no time stuffing his face with food and scoffing as much as he could fit in his mouth down into his demanding stomach. Hay fries, hamburgers, salads and juice were all consumed in record times. To anypony else in the Tucker Box it looked like Scribble had been deprived of food his whole life and this was his last meal. He also completely forgot all his manners, with slurps and burps to complement the fast intake of food. Applejack and especially Camper were just happy Scribble was eating something. “Ease up mate, the grub ain’t goin’ anywhere,” Camper commented, pointing a hoof to a waiter with another tray off hay fries.

“Woorry, ut I soo hgry (Sorry, but I so hungry),” was all Scribble could get out before choking on an orange he scoffed down.

Applejack slammed her hoof into Camper’s side, electing a slight ‘yipe’ from him. “Hey, he is eatin’! Zip ya lip,” Applejack subtly warned, producing a quick smile for Scribble who gave the pair a quick awkward glance.

Noticing that Scribble will be occupied for some time with the food Camper thought he would use this opportunity to have a chat with Applejack. Camper pulled Applejack to the side of the Tucker Box where they were out of Scribble’s range. “Speaking of which Applejack, what should we do for Scribble? We can’t just leave things as is?” Camper asked, still unsure of what to do in this kind of scenario.

Applejack rubbed her chin for a second thinking off what ideas she could contribute. “Well, not too sure really. Ah still kinda new ta this town an’ meetin’ Scribble. But if there is anythin’ Ah can do, Ah will,” Applejack offered, willing to help. “What can ya tell me ‘bout him, sure any information ya have would be mighty helpful.”

“Well I do know Scribble had it tough growing up here. His father told me Scribble was a bit of a loner and hated Trot About Creek with a passion. Hence why the little skipper high tailed it to Manehattan first chance he got.”

“So yer sayin’ Scribble had no friends here whatsoever?” A stunned Applejack asked.

“Well not completely true. I mean I was a friend of Scribble’s when he was just a young little joey. But it not like I spent too much time with him, or had much in common. I reckon ya could call me more of an acquaintance then a friend to him. To be honest I no idea how far it goes with him.” Camper sighed a little before continuing with the next bit. “When I was getting’ the grub before the cook told me Scribble came back into town only a few days ago from Manehattan, seems he had a time of it up there an’ was hurt pretty bad both physically and emotionally. He came home to give himself some time to cool down and reflect on things. Than he found out his parents dead an’ anything he ever once knew was gone, so that might explain why he was ready to hand it in, so to say.”

Applejack could hardly believe what was being told to her. The shock was written all over her face, and her concern even deeper. “No pony should have ta suffer through so much.” Applejack sobbed as she looked in the direction of Scribble and pondered a moment. “Well Ah’m sure there is somethin’ Ah could do ta help.”

Camper put a hoof up and made Applejack stop talking for a moment and pay attention to him. “Listen Applejack, I’m sure ya would love to lend a hoof, and by Celestia I do thank ya for the interest. But ya only a stranger around here, I will have to help Scri…”

Applejack returned the favour but right in Camper’s mouth, as she stuck her hoof right in and silenced Camper mid speech. “What in tarnation ya talking ‘bout? It goes against everythin’ Ah know an’ hold dear not ta help. Ah ain’t havin’ anymore o’ yer not helpin’ crap. Got it!” Applejack demanded, taking her hoof out of Camper’s mouth so he could reply.

Camper shock his head to loosen his jaw a little, Applejack did stuff her hoof in pretty good. “Ah…okay, okay, ya win mate. Ya can help,” Camper deadpanned, a little annoyed he lost the argument. “But just what bright idea ya got to help the young lad out might I ask?”

“Well Ah assume he used ta work the sugar farm, right?”

“Ya that’s right, why ya ask?” a curious Camper wanted to know, bringing himself closer to Applejack like she was about to whisper him a secret.

“Well maybe Ah can get Scribble out o’ Trot About Creek an’ Manehattan at the same time. How’s a new start in Ponyville sound? Equestria knows Ah could use an extra helpin’ hoof on me apple farm, an’ if Scribble use ta workin’ on a farm, he will fit right in. This might be a good idea ta give him a little space ta cool off an’ reflect on his thoughts. O’ it could simply be a welcomed distraction from his troubles. Ah will be keepin’ him mighty busy, Ah guarantee ya that,” Applejack stated with a little pride, she thought her idea would be just what he needed.

Camper thought about it for a moment, trying all he could to think of a better idea. But Camper had to be honest with himself, Applejack’s idea was perfect, that is if Scribble would go along with it. “Okay Applejack, we go along with your idea for now. But two things. First it will be hard to convince Scribble to go along with any ideas being the wreck he is now. Second I will be keepin’ tabs on ya, gotta make sure ya taking good care of my mates only son,” Camper sternly warned, making sure Applejack understood that Scribble was to be well looked after.

Applejack spat into her hoof at raised it up in front of Camper. “Ya got yerself a deal, partna.”

Camper obliged her spitting into his own hoof and slamming it into Applejack’s hoof. The sound of a loud clank between two wet hooves sealed the deal. “Okay Applejack I will be holdin’ ya to this deal, mate.”

“This works out fer me quite well too. Wit’ Apple Buck season only a few weeks away, we be needin’ all hooves on deck ta get ‘em apples outta the trees. Now we jus’ need ta convince Scribble ta go along wit’ the ide…” Applejack paused mid speech and just stood there with her mouth wide open.

Puzzled Camper waved his hoof in front of Applejack’s face in hopes of snapping her out of the sudden daze. “Oi, Equestria to Applejack. What has gotten into ya girl?” Camper asked, curious to know what shocked her so.

Applejack used both her forehooves to adjust Camper’s head. She faced him in the direction of the table Scribble was eating at. “Scribble gone an’ done a runner on us! What in tarnation was Ah thinkin’ untyin’ him,” Applejack yelled out angrily.

“Don’t worry about it mate, I can follow him to till the cows come home. I happen to be an expert tracker, Scribble can run but he can’t hide,” Camper said scrambling for the shop’s front door. “Come on mate, let’s get after him.” He galloped full pelt down the street, following Scribble’s trail with ease.

Applejack flipped her trademark Stetson forward a little and took off after Camper with the biggest look of determination on her face. She was going to help Scribble out if it was the last thing she did.

Scribble was not far out of town trotting the bush trail to the hillside lookout Trot About Creek had. Saddened, he slowly trudged through the winding dirt path, each step of the hoof weighing heavily on his heart. Despite the fact it was a wonderful afternoon, with a clear sky and slight breeze, nothing could cheer him up.

A lassoed rope came from behind and got Scribble around the neck, taking him completely by surpirse. Applejack yanked on the rope heaving Scribble backwards as he fell onto his back. Applejack than proceeded to grapple tackle him, and wrangle the fugitive up like cattle at a rodeo.

When the dust finally settled Scribble was on his back all four hooves tied up, and Applejack standing next to her capture like a proud warrior. “What the heck ya doing to me, let me go. NOW!” A tied up Scribble demanded, struggling to try free himself from his bonds.

“What in tarnation am Ah doin’?” The annoyed Apple sarcastically asked. “What in tarnation are ya doin’? Why did ya run off like that?” she yelled at him.

Applejack and Scribble went full pelt into an argument, one stating how running away was dumb and the other saying he needs to go. This was the site that greeted Camper as he finally caught up to Applejack. Two young ponies were wasting their time in a pointless argument about who should go and who should stay. “Oi! What’s with the both of ya!?” Camper hollered, addressing the arguing duo. He got no answer, both ponies still yelling at each other.

The arguing continued for several minutes before Camper had enough. He decided on a rather old fashioned course of action to stop all the arguing. Trotting up to Applejack and Scribble and slapped them both across the face with his forehoof. “Crikey, you two argue more then a pair of siblings ya do! Now calm ya rockers, before I gotta knock more sense into ya!” Camper ordered, with the undivided attention of both the arguing ponies.

Applejack and Scribble could only stand there agape in shock of being slapped. After a few awkward seconds of silence Scribble was about to protest at being slapped, Camper rose his hoof again, making Scribble swallow what he was about to protest. “Thanks. Now, if I have ya attention, maybe we can act like ponies instead of foals,” Camper said, making sure all other parties agreed before lowering his hoof again.

“Well, when ya put it like that partna, Ah say we can settle down a notch o’ two,” Applejack agreed with a fake chuckle.

Scribble just returned to his normal annoyed state, staring at Camper with a look that was none to pleasing to the eye. “Fine, now untie me so I can be the buck out of this crappy town!” he demanded, gazing Applejack and waiting for her to untie the rope.

Applejack branded a cheeky smile in reply. “Sure thing sugarcube, once we done havin’ a little chat wit’ ya.”

Scribble let out an annoyed growl, none too pleased with the current situation. He clamed up real fast intent on ignoring anything said to him. “Listen mate, ya need help. Me an’ Applejack here to give it to ya. Just hear her out so she can help,” Camper pleaded, trying to get Scribble open up, to which Scribble with a grunt of anger rolled to his side in order to avoid eye contact with anypony.

Camper took a deep breath and motioned for Applejack to take the stage and make her offer. “Listen, Scribble. Ah admit Ah don’t know ya all ta well. But Ah would love the chance ta. That’s why Ah wants ya ta come back ta Ponyville wit’ me an’ help out on ma apple farm,” Applejack explained, hoping to persuade Scribble on taking her offer.

Scribble didn’t even move let alone turn around and acknowledge an answer. Camper gave Applejack an awkward look and waved a forehoof towards Scribble, egging her to keep trying. She took a deep breath and continued her efforts. “Apple Buck season is comin’ up, an’ Ah could use an extra pair o’ strong an’ experienced hooves ta help out. Ya will have a chance ta have some space an’ sort yer feelin’s out.”

Still Scribble stayed still and silent. “Ya can even make yerself a new life out of it. Ponyville a wonderful place ta live, we can even get ya a new bookshop in town. Heck Ah know one pony who would be a regular customer.” Applejack rambled on a little losing her train of thought a bit.

Scribble turned around only to eye off Camper. He knew that Camper had told Applejack what happened in Manehattan. Scribble returned his attention to Applejack and stared her down with a none too pleased expression. He again rolled over to look off into the bush and not make eye contact with Applejack or Camper. “Just untie me, an’ let me go please. I just wish to be left alone,” Scribble pleaded, hoping Applejack would untie him.

Applejack trotted up behind Scribble and put a hoof over his shoulder. “Listen, Ah know ya have had a hard time o’ it. But now is when yer life can get better. If ya hit rock bottom, ya can only go up.” She took a deep breath before continuing, saying her next line with a whole lot of compassion and care. “Ah promise yer a better life Ponyville.”

Upon the revelation of Applejack’s last comment Scribble stopped trying to escape his bindings. He turned towards Applejack, making her take a few steps back and looking a little worried. Scribble’s face was full of rage as he stood up on all fours. Despite being tied up he still managed to hop forward towards Applejack who matched his pace walking backwards. “PROMISE!...PROMISE?...” Scribble yelled as he looked like he was about to explode with rage. “YA CAN’T PROMISE ME ANYTHING! NOPONY CAN PROMISE ME ANYTHING!” he screamed out at the top of his lungs while still closing in on Applejack.

Applejack fell on her rump as she lost her footing. Scribble was now over her staring down with intent to kill. Being the hearty Earth pony she was Applejack was startled but not scared. She got back on all fours and stood her ground against the raging inferno in front of her. “Ah can keep any promise Ah make! An’ Ah promise ya a better life in Ponyville!” Applejack retaliated with confidence.

“No ya can’t! Nopony can!” Scribble argued back.

“Yes, Ah can!”

“Neither you, or anypony can!”

Applejack meet Scribble muzzle to muzzle, just as determined in her argument as the he was. “Ah always keep my promises! Would not make ‘em if Ah couldn’t!”

“For the last time, no ya can’t! Nopony has ever been able to keep their promises to me, not now, not ever!” Scribble yelled back.

Applejack took a few steps back and put a forehoof over her mouth. She was shocked at the revelation Scribble had just revealed. Scribble saw the look in her eyes, finally realising what he had just let slip. His anger cooled and he fell on his flank, too stunned to say another word. Even Camper was blown away at the slip of the tongue Scribble had mentioned. He eyed Applejack for a reaction, but she was just as equally lost for words.

Water started to slide down Scribble’s face, the old pipes of the waterworks factory were at it for the second time today. Applejack and Camper slowly closed in to try and comfort the him, only to be met with a mixed reaction of sadness and anger. “Go away…just bugger off, an’ leave me be!” he pleaded.

Applejack parked her flank down beside Scribble and gave him a hug. She gave Scribble a big warm hug despite his best efforts to shake the her off, he couldn’t since he was still tied up. “How can anypony promise ya anythin’ if ya never let ‘em have a chance ta do so?” she sobbed, joining Scribble in the waterworks as she held him closer and hugged him tight.

Scribble lost the will to resist any longer, letting all his limbs flop down and his whole body learn against Applejack. The tears did not stop, they could not stop. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t stop crying. The fact of Applejack’s truth was too hard to take.

The wind picked up and streamed through the bush path, blowing the manes and tails of all three ponies. Silence befell the dirt path, wind brushing through the bush was the only sound heard for a whole minute.

Scribble finally summoned up enough courage to speak again. “Sorry, Applejack. I just can’t take that chance again. I can’t be hurt like that, not again. It’s just too painful, an’ I never want to relive it ever again.” Scribble was an absolute mess, both physically and emotionally.

Applejack finally let Scribble out of her embrace and looked him in the eyes. “Didn’t Ah promise ya a better life? That means Ah will not hurt ya like that either,” she said softly while reassuring Scribble with a smile.

“Applejack, I just said I can’t take that…”

Applejack cut Scribble off mid speech with a hoof over his mouth. “Didn’t Ah promise ya a better life?” she asked again.

Scribble still sobbing pulled back from Applejack and the hoof she had in his mouth. “I no can take the risk agai…”

Applejack again cut Scribble off by speaking over the top him and louder this time. “Didn’t Ah promise ya a better life?” she repeated.

“Ya can’t keep that promise, I told ya nopony ca…”

Applejack for the third time cut Scribble off. “Didn’t Ah promise ya a better life…friend?” she said with all the compassion she could offer.

Scribble froze in place. More and more tears fell from his eyes. He took a deep breath and cried out from the bottom of his heart into the sky. Scribbled yelled at the top of his lungs, a lifetime of rejection and regret finally came to the surface and out of his mouth.

Applejack slowly trotted over and untied his bindings setting the emotional wreck of a pony free. Scribble fell to the ground and covered his face with both forehooves. The tears and howling regret from his mouth didn’t cease. The tears got wetter and deeper, and his regret and rejection got louder.

Applejack and Camper had smiles of relief on their faces, Camper especially who with a single look towards Applejack expressed more thanks than words ever could. Camper made his way towards Scribble and put a hoof around his shoulder and said nothing. Camper just sat there with Scribble and gave him comfort and company, letting the lonely pony know he had to be lonely no longer.

Applejack joined in and gave Scribble another hug, by with pure instinct he hugged her back. Scribble couldn’t even register a clear thought anymore. He was half there and half not. Could for once in his life even if just a glimmer, could there be light at the end of the tunnel?

Author's Notes:

Loads of feels in this chapter. Hope I didn't make all of ya use an entire box of tissues.

Again big thanks to Bad_Seed_72 for her help on Applejack's dialog.