Loving Laughter

Chapters

The Creative Writer
Feelings and Family
Deepest Fears
Troubled Past
Plots and Plans
The Fires of Destiny (Part 1)
The Fires of Destiny (Part 2)
Acquaintance or Friend?
Welcome to Ponyville
A Party to Remember
The Hardest Story To Tell
First Impressions
The Fashionista's Cunning Plan
The Family Secret

The Creative Writer

Chapter 1 - The Creative Writer

Is it not true that it takes a broken heart to mend a broken heart?

The morning beams of first light slowly crept over the Earth pony metropolis bringing with it the first signs of yet another day in Manehattan. Celestia put on a dazzling show in the morning sky. Streaks of orange and red dashed across the dawn sky, only made more spectacular to the eye through the very rays of the sun itself.

Morning rays made their way in through the window as the cream coated stallion started to stir under the sheets of his bed. At first the stubborn pony refused to budge wanting just a few more minutes of slumber. The sunny beams grew only stronger refusing to let its sleepy victim have any more of his pleasured dreams.

“Okay, okay I’m up.” He groaned as the sheets came off. Putting one hoof after another on the ground he stood on all fours and arched his back into the air. His hooves all slid inwards a little as his muscles got to flex. The event made the pony let out a pleasant moan. Releasing his back and extending his hooves outward this time, he experienced much the same pleasure as several more legs felt the tension roll out of them. The effects of sleeping still all night were starting to lesson with the coordination of these well timed morning stretches.

Having flexed out his body the he eyed off the next phase in his typical morning routine. He trotted over to the fridge opened wide and pulled out a jug of cold water. Downing one third of the contents in a matter of seconds, the rest got poured on his face killing off any last effects the night loved to bestow on him.

Setting the frypan on and pouring in his favourite mix of Wicker Root Pancakes, the Earth Pony licked his lips at the delicious breakfast he would soon get to consume. While they were on the cook he made his way to the window to take in the beautiful morning sun. Standing to the side he let it warm his body, the heat feeling like a warm fire on a cosy winter night.

He placed the plate full of Wicker Root goodness on the table. With golden delicious syrup in hoof and at the ready he let those mouth-watering pancakes have it, unloading more than he needed of that golden delight. Bending his neck and getting ready to take the first delectable bite of his hard cooked breakfast, the downstairs doorbell rang. “Oh come on,” mumbled the annoyed pony. Thinking he could at least get a little of the nice hot steamy breakfast down before having to get the door. The he moved in for one quick bite before heading down, only to have the doorbell ring a second time before he could get another chomp into those inviting pancakes.

The grumpy pony trotted down stairs grudgingly, making for the front door. Wood and glass swung open in order to see who would come calling so early in Celestia’s morning, finding the mail pony who regularly delivered goods and letters. Seeing a large stack of boxes on the mail pony’s back, he could pretty much guess why he was here. “Parcel, what in Celestia’s name are ya doin’ here smack bang on sunrise?” the tired pony asked with a yawn, still a little stuck in his morning routine.

Parcel pulled out his checklist and pen ready for the writer to sign. “Sorry Scribble Script. I got a full day o’ loads ahead, an’ needz an early start. Youze are only jus’ around da corner from da post office, so I hadz ta start here,” Parcel sighed, as he offered the checklist and pen for Scribble to sign.

Scribble took the pen and applied pressure from his hoof to the paper, writing his signature on the list that was blank except his. “Nah, forget it mate. I just got out of bed. Sorry for being a little moody at ya,” Scribble chirped, faking a smile for the mail stallion. Scribble moved aside for the boxes to be hauled into the shop. Parcel stopped and gave the him a look as he eyed off several locations around the shop. “Just in front of the counter mate,” he stated, pointing his hoof to the table with several books on top next to the cash register. The mail stallion slowly moved the boxes in front of the counter, letting out a sigh of relief with no more heavy load on his back.

Hoofing back the checklist Scribble bid the mail pony a friendly wave goodbye, than with all do speed slammed the shop’s door shut. Scribble turned around and started up the stairs fast as his hooves would warrant him to. All the frustrated pony wanted was to finish his breakfast before it went cold, or before anything else decided it needed the un-dying urge to interrupt those tasty pancakes.

On the table was no longer a steamy pile of pancakes covered in syrup, but a cold plate of pancakes with the syrup no longer oozing over the sides. “Just great, looks like it’s going to be one of those days, again!” Losing his appetite Scribble put the pancakes in the bin and made for the bathroom to get ready for the working day ahead. At least he could take heart in what was to come after the hard day off work, and hopefully that evening event would be worth the hardships today would bring.

~~~~~~~~~~

Just as Celestia’s reputation preceded her it was a magnificent sunny day in down town Manehattan. Scribble Script’s book shop was open for business, and business is had by the cart load. Reading was a popular form of entertainment in Manehattan. All kinds of ponies came in the book and comic shop to get updates for their favourite book series, all brimmed with smiles from cheek to cheek.

Full of customers who browsed the shelves of papery goodness, Scribble’s bookshop was alive with all sorts of ponies. The creative writer looked around the store to make sure all was in order. ‘Well, least I have Sketch in today, would be swamped if he wasn’t restocking those shelves.’ He eyed off his co-worker who was busy unpacking boxes that arrived this morning…really early this morning.

“So, come on, tellz me who she is Scribble?” begged the cheeky Unicorn behind the counter, he wasn’t holding back any punches going straight for the killing blow. “Is she an Earth Pony? She real cute? Come on pal I will be needin’ details ‘bout dis mare.”

Scribble finished a book purchase for a customer, wrapping the latest book of the Daring Doo series in a paper bag for the excited young filly jumping up and down in front of him. “Here ya go young lady, make sure you enjoy Daring Doo And The Hidden City,” Scribble stated, with a happy grin on his face. He hoofed the bag over with some change to the eager filly. Turning to face his employee, be it even if he likes to pick on Scribble more than work. “Listen Sketch, just ‘cause ya work for me doesn’t grant ya access to me private life.”

Vibrant with energy the sketch artist unpacked another box behind the counter. The Unicorn with a grey coat, ruby red mane and a scrap book for a cutie mark raised an eyebrow. “It most certainly does give me access ta youze private life. Or, what youze could call youze excuse of a social life,” Sketch laughed, as he took some new books out of the box and placed them on the bench.

“Afternoon little fella. Just those two comics all ya be wanting, mate?” He faked a smile for the young bright red colt that jumped full of excitement. The colt nodded and hoofed the comics on the counter in front of Scribble Script, he was trying with all his might not to let his forehoof connect with Sketch’s face. “Ya have only worked part time for me little over six months now, Sketch. So don’t get all cosy with me, mate. Not like that, okay?” Scribble sternly demanded, while he tended the young colt’s order of comics.

Paused in his duties for a second, the work college got a little more series. “Lighten up a little Scribble, youze are usually more light hearted than dis, why da sudden snap in personality?” Sketch continued to unpack the box of books onto the counter while he chatted, even more so now to make it look to Scribble that work was more important to him than the art of doing nothing.

“Thanks, and come again,” while he hoofed the comics to their new and excited owner. With the last of the customers out the door, Scribble could focus his full attention on his co-worker. ‘I’m not about to divulge my personal life to this annoying artist. But honestly I can’t say he all wrong. What social life indeed.’ Scribble took a breath to calm his mind. “Some things are better left down the creek Sketch,” Scribble said, while he took a few hoof steps forward.

Now a little worried of his Scribble, Sketch took a few hoof steps back to match those taken by his frustrated boss. “Ey, come on Scribble… take it easy will yaz,” he fumbled to say, with running sweat down his muzzle.

The atmosphere in the book shop could be sliced with a butter knife it was so thin. Especially for Sketch, who could see the world around him begin to close in. Scribble edged ever closer, his hunter green eyes piercing Sketch’s very soul. “Ya can’t always demand information like that mate, ‘specially not from somepony ya hardly know,” Scribble stated, in a stern voice. He took a few more steps towards a scared Sketch, who knew he wouldn’t be getting out of this mess unscathed.

Backed into the rear wall of the book shop Sketch was out of options. Scribble closed in on him like a timber wolf that has cornered its prey. He pulled a cheeky grin and hoofed his pen from the top of his ear. With a flick of his forehoof the pen flung into the side wall as it cut a thin bit of rope along the way. Before a confused Sketch could figure out why the projectile was flung to the side and not at him, a bucket of custard found its way onto his head. Covered from flank to muzzle Sketch could only stand there dumbfounded, with custard oozing all over him.

Scribble produced a grin on his face and focused his eyes on the helpless victim. He trotted up to the custard covered pony, and with his forehoof swiped up a little of the custard. Hoof was applied to mouth as Scribble tasted the sweet scent of victory. “I can’t believe ya bought the whole I have gone serious thing, ya dunce.” He flipped over and began to laugh, unable to stop himself from having some entertainment as Sketch’s experience.

Sketch’s head tilted and the bucket slid off landing on the floor with a loud THUD, the creamy delicious goodness splashed everywhere. “Yep… Should have seen dat one comin’. I forgot youze are hardly ever serious when youze get like dis,” Sketch groaned, while he wiped some of the custard off.

Scribble settled down slowly, stopping the onslaught of laughter. “So, that is now Scribble ten Sketch still a big fat zero,” he sported, with Equestria’s cheekiest grin.

“Oh really, again wit da score?”

“Yup, consider it payback for digging to deep, mate.”

“Oh da funny cream pony thinks he is now a professional comedian?”

“Which cream pony? Me, or you?” pointing a hoof at the custard covered sketch artist.

Scribble tossed his co-worker a towel. “Here clean yourself up and have the rest of the day off. I’m gonna close early this arvo so I can get ready for my big night ahead,” he mumbled, lost in thought as to how wonderful this night could be. Sketch trotted out the front door with a wave to Scribble. He was still a little annoyed at Scribble for the custard prank, but still felt like it was all a setup to dodge the topic of conversation that happened before.

Scribble cleaned up the mess from his prank while he closed the book shop for the afternoon. ‘Avoided the truth this time, but can I really keep going like this. No I mustn’t think like this, I have a wonderful evening with a cute mare to look forward to, who says I can’t be truly happy.’

~~~~~~~~~~

Luna’s moon was almost due its rightful place in the night sky, the evening red and orange shone through the clouds that dotted the sky. Added with a slight breeze and the perfect time for a date was upon our gifted writer. Celestia and Luna both agreed tonight was the perfect night for a date with the most beautiful mare in Manehattan.

Scribble arrived at the appointed location a small café that overlooked the dazzling gardens of Central Park. He took of his saddle bags placed them by the table and parked his flank on the comfy beanbag. ‘This is it big boy your chance to really wow a beauty,’ his forehooves clapped together with anticipation.

Didn’t take long for the waiter to make his way over and address a happy Scribble. “Good evening sir, what may I order for you please?” Magic on his horn flared up as a notepad and pen levitated in front of the formally dressed Unicorn.

“Ah, not yet sorry, mate. I’m waiting for my date to arrive. When she gets here I will give ya a holla?” he asked, all excited he acted like a school filly that just got an ice-cream. The waiter departed to attend other tables leaving the childish pony to his thoughts.

Scribble sat back getting cosy and enjoyed the evening show put on by Luna. The moon peaked over the horizon with all its glory and wonder. Night was a fine art with Luna the crown jewel of artists. ‘We could sit here and simply gaze into each other’s eyes all night long. What could possibly top that?’ To anypony else sitting on the outside tables of the café, Scribble looked like a love struck pup lost in his own world.

An hour passed and no pleasant company of a beautiful mare. ‘She is probably fussin’ over what to wear and is just late, ya has to be…Oh come on Scribble who ya kidding, this is another no show. Okay let’s at least give her another hour and see.’ Finally able to settle his mind and decide on a course of action, the spirited Scribble waved the waiter over.

Pulling out his pad to place an order he trotted over to Scribble with all due haste. “Yes sir did you want to order something before your date got here?” addressed the waiter, pondering where Scribble’s date could be.

“Ya know mares, always fashionably late, right?” Scribble snickered to himself.

“Indeed sir. But between you and me she must be quite the beauty if she is this late.”

“Well it’s getting a little cold, so could I get a hot chocky to warm me up please.” His mouth watered already able to taste that warm inviting chocolate. The waiter looked a little confused. “Chocolate, a hot chocolate. Scuse the speech mate, just how we say it where I’m from.” The waiter nodded and placed his notepad back in his side pocket, than trotted off into the café to fulfil the order.

The air blew his mane with Scribble feeling more and more lonely with each passing minute. Seemed the perfect evening was another moment of torture, his heart couldn’t take too much more of this agonising rejection.

The waiter returned five minutes later with a hot cup of the café’s famous hot chocolate. The steam billowed out like smoke from a camp fire, the site made Scribble completely forget about his date problems for the moment. Thanking the waiter Scribble wolfed down the hot beverage in no time, feeling the inside of his body warm up like having a hot water bottle on his belly.

Finished with the chocolate goodness, Scribble put his empty cup back on the table while he let out a disappointed sigh. ‘Seems like this one is a dang no show after all. Pony luck running true to form, hey Scribble?’ With a broken heart the sad pony got onto his hooves and strapped his saddle bags on. Leaving three bits on the table next to the cup for the hot chocolate he began the slow trudge back down the street.

‘What more could possibly make this evening go up the creek without a paddle? No mare check, broken heart check, more rejection check, ya like I need more of that.’ Almost right on queue as if fate was listening in to the thoughts of a lonely Scribble, it started to rain. Water fell from the night sky above soaking all those who were not under shelter. Scribble neither galloped for cover nor tried to put any form of shelter over his soaked mane. He trotted along the street almost if he didn’t even know the rain was there. ‘Oh. It’s raining. Well I guess that means somepony up there is listening to me, least they know how to make the situation worse,’ he thought to himself, looking into the sky to face the irony the rain brought.

~~~~~~~~~~

By the time a weary broken hearted Scribble made it to his front door he had worked up a sneeze. Scribble felt the call of some warm soup, a hot water bottle, a warm bed and a few days off work to mull over his rejection while he recovered from his newly acquired cold. “Note to self, will have to get Sketch to run the shop for a few days,” Scribble said to himself, while sneezing several times.

With key in hoof he unlocked the shop’s front door and strolled into his humble abode. Water fell to the floor as Scribble who was soaked to the bone shook himself dry best he could. Scribble trotted upstairs and dropped his saddle bags on the ground. Even though he wanted some warm soup, he could only work up enough energy to make it to the bed. The sheets were pulled back and the pillow flushed as he collapsed on the bed and was out cold in a matter of minutes, still freezing from the trip home and a heart that seemed beyond repair.

Author's Note

Well this is my first chapter done, next one is already under way and should be up in a few days, give or take how long editing takes. I always enjoy some feedback, so let me know what you think of this story so far in the comments below.

Feelings and Family

Chapter 2 - Feelings and Family

In life who can you really trust with the feelings inside your heart?

Scribble trotted up to the snack food, eyeing of other guests who were at the same table. He hoofed a muffin and started to munch away while he scanned other ponies to see who would like to strike up a conversation with him. Settling on a pair of stallions he put the rest of the muffin in his mouth and casually made for his targets. “Hey guys,” he muffled, embarrassed a little as he still had some muffin in his mouth.

The two stallions looked a little annoyed but humoured the Scribble by returning his friendly greeting. An awkward silence followed before Scribble broke it with the first thing that popped into his head. “So, this is a great graduation party, isn’t it?” Scribble was not stupid, he could tell they didn’t really want his company. ‘Again with those cold stares, ya think after years of being in the same class they would lighten up a little.’ The silence continued you could feel the tension in the air cold like the arctic winters in Canterlot.

One of the stallions put his cup of apple cider down on the bench, “Ya it is a great party.” The two stallions trotted off, they gave the stunned Scribble a faked smile as their form of an excuse for leaving him alone so suddenly. They made their way to a few mares that were close by and started to strike up some chatter with them, one even flexed his muscles off in order to try and impress the mares. ‘Yup…This is officially the worst graduation or any form of party for that matter that I have had the pleasure of being forced to attend. I’ve had enough trouble in this town, first chance I get I’m out of here.’

Almost on queue of finishing his own thoughts, the floor started to turn black and the outside area of bush that hosted the party began to spin out of control. “Ah…What the heck. Is everything going loco around here?” Scribble let out with a yell, as he saw everything around him go from actual objects to blurs of fast spinning motion.

The craziness of the scene was showing no sign of letting up, it only continued to get worse. All Scribble wanted was for everything to stop and let him run away. Faces of old class mates materialized around him, all stating the same line that pieced his lonely heart like shoving a tent peg into the earth. “Leave us alone!” the voices cried out in unison. “Leave us alone!” they yelled out again.

The voices would not be stopped, Scribble could not stop them. He placed his forehooves over his ears in a failed attempt to drown out the noise. “Stop it, just stop it!” Scribble cried out, with his whole voice and heart to stop the agonising words from being spoken to him.

The area only got worse, when an earthquake hit shaking the very ground Scribble stood on. “Stop it, just go away!” Scribble again screamed out, it brought him to tears. He could only look around at the ensuing chaos, before he was swallowed by the earth itself into the black nothingness.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Go away! Just go away!” a still sleeping Scribble yelled. He was shaking in his bed under the covers. His hooves waved in all directions, trying for all they were worth to free Scribble of his binding dream.

“Ouch. ‘Ey ,Scribble. Get a grip o’ youzeself!” Sketch yelled, blocking another wayward hoof from connecting with his face. He hesitated at first but his better judgement took over as Sketch blocked another barrage off hooves while he moved in on the sleeping nightmare. Sketch had both of the frightened writer’s forehooves pinned down. But before he could say anything to wake Scribble up he took a huge buck to his hindquarters. “Okay dat does it!” he shouted, angry from taking multiple hits. He grabbed Scribble under his forehooves and shook him hard.

“Just go away, please just leave me alone!” Scribble cried out, in a tone that suggested his life was about to end.

Sketch continued to shake the sleeping pony, yelling at him to wake up. “Ey, Scribble! Equestria ta Scribble!” This time it seemed like he finally got through to his sleeping target. Sketch released his grip on Scribble while he got down from the bed.

The darkness cleared, as light slowly creped in. Scribble opened his eyes squinting a little from the nightmare he had just braved. Once Scribble realised he was awake he shot up sending the sheet flying in the air. He sat on his haunches, sweat rolled down his cream coat. Heavy breaths came from his mouth, like a tired stallion who just finished a two hour gallop.

Scribble looked left and right to quickly survey his surroundings. “Was just a nightmare,” he declared, with a heavy breath. Quickly coming to his senses, he finally realised he was still in bed and Sketch was standing next to him.

A smile slowly made its way onto Sketch’s face, his eyes relaxed, and with a huge sigh he sat on the end of the bed. “’Bout times youze finally woke up, Scribble. One mo’ dayz, an’ I has ta call da doctor fo’ ya,” he said, able to now let his mane down. Scribble was awake, and the worst of it all over.

“Sketch, what ya mean another day? Just how long was I out for, mate?” Now more confused than stressed, as he finally conjured enough strength to sit up straight with his back leant up against the bed mental.

“Youze been out fo’ two an’ a half dayz, Scribble,” Sketch replied.

“What, ya serious!?”

“Ey, don’t go blamin’ me. But I must ask, jus’ what did ya do in da first place?”

Scribble went all red on the cheek from pure embarrassment. Quietly he let out a small mummer, so low that it made the Sketch lean in and try and hear what was said. “Scribble, mind sayin’ dat again, didn’t quite catch dat?” Sketch eagerly asked, wriggling his ear a little.

Again all that came out was a quieter mumble than before. Try as he might Sketch was not going to give up on this subject. “Oh sweet apples, jus’ spit it out already will yaz!” he demanded, pointing a hoof at Scribble who was now hiding under the sheets, his scared eyes sticking out from under them the only bit of his body now visible.

“Okay, okay. Take it easy will ya. ‘Member, I’m the one who has been out of it for two and a half days, mate,” remarked Scribble, as he folded his hooves in protest. Sketch stared him down with beaming eyes, like he would shot fire out of them if he could. Scribble cowered in the corner. He contemplated his options for the current situation. ‘The nightmare seems safer than this right now.’

“SCRIBBLE SCRIPT!!!” Sketch yelled, out of pure frustration with the delaying tactics.

Scared half to death, Scribble put his forehooves in front of his face, trying his best to protect himself from the impending doom of Sketch. A moment of silence pasted. Scribble slowly brought his hooves down to see why he was not dead yet. Sketch was just sitting there staring right into his eyes. No words were needed to relay the message being sent from him.

“Well… I might off…” Before a scared Scribble could even make a start on his explanation, the down stairs bell for the shop rang. An eye brow rose on his face. “Was that the bookshop bell?” asked Scribble, forgetting he even ran a shop until this moment.

“Ya, dat it is,” answered Sketch, frustrated he was interrupted from the topic at hoof. “Listen Scribble, youze got some soup under da towel in da kitchen, an’ a few tablets next ta it. I want youze ta down both befo’ I comes back up,” he ordered, glaring at Scribble until he agreed to obey.

Scribble let out a few squeaky nods putting on his best smile to appease his new master. Sketch was satisfied he had the scaredy writer in his control. He got up and trotted down stairs to serve the customer in the book shop.

Celestia’s sun was beaming through the window making its presence known now that all other distractions were down stairs serving a customer. ‘Was I really out that long? The cold I scored couldn’t of been that bad…seriously…could it?’ The sheets were pulled back, and four hooves connected with the floor. ‘I need to stop thinking so much on these matters.’ The thought made Scribble shake his head for all it was worth, rinsing those thoughts from his brain.

On route to the kitchen Scribble noticed that the saddle bags he dropped on the floor when he went to bed were now put back on the shelve, and all the water that was in puddles on the floor cleaned up. ‘Just how much work has Sketch done around here? Running the shop and looking after me? I think I better get him a present, or at least some extra pay this week.’

Green eyes peered into the kitchen, scoping out the steaming bowl of soup. Scribble trotted up to the bowl and took a small sniff of the contents within. Upon smelling the delicious brew his stomach rumbled demanding it become full immediately. Not being able to win any argument with his own stomach he scooped up the bowl of soup, pills and glass of water on the bench remembering the orders given from the scary task master.

The bowl was placed on the table, and no time was wasted in consuming the contents within. Scribble stuck his head right in and began to slurp the yummy goodness into his hungry beast of a stomach. A meal had not felt this good in a long time, at least the Scribble’s belly agreed, first meal in nearly three days. With the soup devoured his attention was now eyeing off the pills and cup of water. Closer inspection revealed them to be flu tablets. ‘How did Sketch know I had a cold?’

“Well, if I don’t take these I will be dead within a few minutes,” Scribble grumbled, looking down the stairs knowing all too well what evil awaited him if the tablets did not disappear. He took a deep breath shoving the tablets into his mouth and swallowed, following it up with a big cup of water. “…Yuk,” tongue stuck out in protest.

Laughing came from the direction of the stairs. Scribble turned to see the Sketch enjoying a good laugh at his expense. “Well, nopony saidz it would be tasty,” Sketch laughed, making sure he rubbed that fact in.

“This your way off getting back at me?” Scribble asked, still holding out his tongue from the awful taste.

Sketch trotted up to the table and pulled a seat out for himself. He parked his flank on the chair and thought about it a moment. “Well dat be a start,” he grinned, with a cheekily evil smile.

“Oi, come on mate, no need to…” Scribble was cut off. A scary Sketch stared with intent to kill at him.

“Now I thinkz ‘bout it, dat prank score we got is now back ta even. Well not quite even. Making youze take dat tablet makes me one an’ youze zero,” Sketch smirked.

“Hey, hey that’s not…” again cut off by that evil stare.

“Youze was sayin’, boss!?”

“I… said… that is completely fair. I couldn’t agree more, mate,” Scribble muttered, faking the best smile he could muster to the Unicorn that held all the cards.

“Dat said, I still not lettin’ youze dodge da topic from befo’.” Sketch’s tone became more serious while he folded his forehooves. He looked straight into Scribble’s eyes, giving off the same death stare as before.

Scribble let out a sigh before he addressed Sketch. “I was late coming in from my date, okay. It was raining, and I suppose getting myself soaked for a few hours didn’t help.” Scribble confessed, not really happy he had too.

“An’ what else youze not tellin’ me?” questioned Sketch, curious as to what else his sick friend might be hiding.

Silence was the only response that Scribble gave, he just sat there and stared up at the ceiling. Not wanting to make eye contact, or even acknowledge Sketch’s presence in the room. But those deadly staring eyes just would not go away. Try as he might, Scribble could not win this fight. “And… my date kind of,” sliding off into a mumble.

“Come on Scribble, tellz me, kind o’ what?” Sketch stubbornly asked, practically being able to foresee the incoming answer.

“She no showed, okay. Happy now?!” Scribble yelled, as he took all his frustration out on Sketch. “Didn’t show up at all! The date I had been looking forward to all week didn’t even show her flank! Just left me sitting there watching grass grow at the café!”

The declared information made Scribble come to tears, the water works factories inside his eyes pumped into overdrive. “I haven’t had a date in before Sketch, and now… I just can’t take this anymore!” he cried out, as he slammed his head in the table repeated times.

“I had no ideas dat youze have it so rough,” Sketch added, shedding a tear of his own.

Sketch talking snapped Scribble back into reality, somepony was in the room while he was confessing deep feelings. “Oh sorry mate, where are my manners. I shouldn’t be crying over something so trivial.” Scribble uttered, wiping his tears away with his forehoof.

“Ey, it’s okay iffa youze wanna talk about it,” Sketch pleaded, wanting to know more, wanting Scribble to open up and be honest with him.

“No, no. It’s okay. Seriously mate, I’m fine,” Scribble insisted, putting his forehoof out to stop Sketch coming to comfort him. “Besides I have to get down to the shop and back to work, ya been covering my flank for nearly three days now. I will be galloping circles if I didn’t finish the day off for ya,” Scribble insisted. He pushed his seat back and began to trot towards the stairs. Scribble staggered and fell on his face, right in front of the stairs, his strength sapped from days of being sick.

Sketch cared too much to see his friend in pain, and propped Scribble up holding one of his forehooves over his own back to balance the wobbly writer. “Come on, dat is no way ta be actin’. Youze goin’ right back ta bed. Nowz!” Sketch demanded, the tone in his voice like a royal decree.

The strict but kind hearted Sketch put the sick friend back into his bed. “I’m sure youze can tuck youze self in, Scribble. Now get some rest an’ I can take care o’ da shop,” Sketch sternly stated. “Oh an’ befo’ I…”

Scribble dawned a smile as he cut of Sketch mid speech. “Yes, yes Sketch, I promise to not leave the bed,” he laughed, rolling back into the sheets.

“How do youze keep doin’ dat… Youze know whatz jus’ forget it. I don’t want ta knowz,” a puzzled Sketch blurted out. He turned for the stairs and trotted down while he mumbled to himself, trying to figure out how Scribble kept doing that.

~~~~~~~~~~

Another hot day was dished out by Princess Celestia, the blazing sun scorching all those who laboured in the fields below. The high humidity didn’t make things any better for pony’s who lived in Trot About Creek. It was a small little farming community down under in the southern parts of Equestria. The town and surrounding area were known for three things, the hot sun, bushlands and sugarcane farms.

The Sugar family ran the sugarcane farm here in Trot About Creek, a quaint and happy place known as Shimmer Shine Ranch. One of the biggest sugar farms in all Equestria, it lived up to its nickname of the Sweetest farm in Equestria, although some (Apple family) would argue that point. A cherry red filly with twirly indigo and iris coloured mane galloped into the farm house. “Mum, dad it’s from Scribble, it’s from big brother!” the excited filly claimed, as she jumped up and down on the spot. She held a letter in her mouth eager for her mother to read it to her.

The jasmine yellow coated mare with a raspberry red mane laughed at her daughter. ‘That filly has way too much energy… Oh no. She hasn’t been eating those sugar cubes again has she?’ These thoughts made her panic, with sweat dripping off her face. “Sugar Rush, sweetie, ya haven’t been eating those sugar cubes again… have you?” her mother asked, worried about what the impending doom of an answer could be.

The hyperactive little filly shook her head, she started to blush red. “Um.. no mum. I haven’t eaten any cubies at all,” the filly hesitated a bit, while starring at anything but her mother’s eyes.

“Sssuuugggaaarrr Rrruuussshhh, don’t ya lie to me, little filly,” her mother enforced, she closed in the distance on her little bundle of joy.

The sound of the front door being opened drew attention from both mother and daughter in the kitchen. “Yay dad is home!” Sugar Rush screamed, bolting out of the kitchen.

A medium sized sturdy stallion entered the front door, his coat was Golden yellow with an auburn red mane. He sported a brown Akubra hat on his head, and a cutie mark of three stalks of grown sugarcane. No sooner has he taken a few hoof steps into the house, then a fast blur of cherry red zoomed right at him and bull tackled him to his back.

“Dad, ya home early today! Yay, now we can play!” Sugar Rush yelled, almost deafening her father’s ears. The cherry red ball of excitement jumped up and down on her father’s stomach, this made the farmer flinch a little.

He grabbed the hyperactive filly in his forehooves in order to stop the stomach pain. “Okay ya little ball of fluff, let dad get in first and see ya mother, than we might have some time to play your fav game, okay kiddo,” the farmer told his daughter, as he put her back on the wooden floor.

The hardy stallion spun round and lifted himself to all fours, he stretched his hooves a little before making for the kitchen, followed by the little cheery red filly. “Oh, an’ guess what dad? We have a letter from big brother. Mum, was about to read it an’ now you can hear it to. Come on dad, hurry up!” she blurted out, and darted into the kitchen in front of her father. The hearty stallion just smiled while he shook his head.

“Look mum, dad is home, can we please read the letter now. PPPLLLEEEAAASSSEEE!!!” the little filly pleaded.

The stallion laughed at his little filly, then greeted his wife with a kiss on the lips. “Hello my sugary darling. How was ya day?” the farmer asked, with a smile.

“Ya, how was your day Sugary Delight? Must off been good ya got a kiss from Blazing Cane. How was it? Do tell me all about it?” the cheeky filly asked, trying to be grown up and posh.

Both parents stop dead in their tracks. Her mother and father gave the cheeky little cheery red Sugar a disproving stare. “Young filly, how many times do I have to tell ya? Ya call me mum, an’ your father dad. Now, any more cheekiness out of ya little miss an’ no letter from ya big sib,” Sugary Delight declared, holding the letter from Scribble like a hostage.

The tension in the kitchen reached a boiling point, as the cheery red cheeky filly slowly lowered her head to the ground and let out a little mumble, barely audible by anypony else other than herself. “Well, young filly?” her mother again questioned.

“Okay mum. I promise. No more cheekiness… I’m sorry, mum, dad,” the little filly sobbed, sad for being scolded.

“Well I should think so young miss, glad ya learnt ya lesson,” the caring father sighed. He picked up his little filly and placed her in a seat at the kitchen table. “Now, how about we read that letter from ya brother, huh?”

The filly’s baby blue eyes lit up, all tension from a moment ago forgotten with her usual flare and zip returning. “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!” she screamed, as she gave the seat a workout by jumping up and down on it with pure excitement.

Sugary Delight dropped the letter on the table and tore the end of the envelope off. She carefully pulled the letter out and straightened it on the table.

G’day All

To my loving parents an’ special filly, I wish ya all well and hope life has been pleasant on the farm. Manehattan had been an interesting and new experience this last year. My book shop is still popular, an’ I’m brimming with business an’ new ideas. Still hold hopes of releasing a major book series, but for now at least I get to work with books. Sketch is going good an’ says hello, he is a huge help an’ becoming a nice friend to work with.

I have started visiting the local orphanage an’ sharing wonderful stories with the young foals, they love it, having a blast anytime I tell them a good old yarn. They always beg me for one more. Ya know nothing is more important to me than what I do for other ponies bringing them joy. I must say I do miss ya all, but not so much Trot About Creek. Manehattan is turning out to be a good choice after all. I even have a date coming up in a few days, trust me she is quite the beauty… An’ yes mum, you will like this one, I promise.

Anyways, I have to fly, so catch ya all round.

Ya loving son, Scribble.

P.s. Check the rickety old shelf in Squishy’s room. She probably got a stash of cubies in there.

“Um, I forgot mum, I got homework I must do,” Sugar Rush sceptically stated, trying to quickly escape the kitchen.

“Freeze young filly!” her mother insisted, she grabbed the little filly with her forehoof. “Just what was this about a secret stash of cubies, little miss? Ya know you’re not supposed to be hiding those sugar cubes in ya room.”

“Cubies… Nope, no idea what ya talking ‘bout, mum,” she lied, as she darted past her mother and made for her bedroom down the hall, mother in tow.

Deepest Fears

Chapter 3 - Deepest Fears

What does one really hide deep within their own hearts?

One week had passed since that tragic night Scribble got left abandoned at the café in cold freezing rain. It had been a week he would rather forget. Being sick and having to confess certain aspects of one’s life was not fun. But today Scribble Script had a chance to escape his turmoil if only briefly.

“Okay Sketch ya got everything covered for this arvo mate?” Scribble asked, saddle bags loaded and ready. To Sketch’s curiosity Scribble had packed a black bandanna, plastic pirate sword, a toy parrot and several poster size pictures of pirate ships Sketch himself drew.

“What’s youze goin’ ta be raidin’ an’ pillagin’ da nearest jewel shop now Scribble?” Sketch asked, trying to stop himself from laughing like a hyena.

Red replaced cream on Scribble’s embarrassed face. He drew circles on the wooden floor while searching for the perfect excuse. “Nope, today is orphan day mate.” Scribble cleared his throat while he pulled out and put on an eye patch from his saddle bag. “Yaarr, today the colts and fillies are sailing far buried plunder. Ya got e problem with that, ya whata savvy?” done with his best pirate voice, which surprisingly was really good.

“Dat…… Dat is well… Not bad,” complemented a shocked Sketch. He put a hoof over his muzzle in an attempt to stop the laughing that was about to pour out like a raging inferno. “But, dat patch makez youze look ridiculous.” Not able to contain his laughter anymore Sketch broke out all over the floor behind the counter.

“Huh!” Scribble blurted out with excitement, pointing a hoof at his laughing friend. “See the foals will love it! If ya think it funny, then they will be on full sugar overload for it! Woot!” he cheered full of excitement while making a beeline for the door.

Upon hearing the store’s front bell Sketch popped his head back above the counter to look. ‘Sommat ‘bout that pony will neva change.’

~~~~~~~~~~

Scribble took a deep breath eyeing off his target, the Manehattan orphanage. A nice little building with a city block of its own sporting nice gardens several buildings and an arched overhanging wooden fence you trotted under to enter the facility.

‘It’s a nice arvo for some great pirate adventures. The little foals going ta love this so much.’ He was acting like an excited little colt, jumping up and down on the spot squeezing to himself before bolting into the main building.

The front doors to the reception area swung open as Scribble charged in making a grand and to the receptionist behind the counter shocking entrance. Stunned and scared the mare behind the counter dropped her pen and jaw at a cream dust cloud that suddenly appeared in front of her. She struggled to say her normal rehearsed welcome line. “Hello sir can…”

Scribble had cut her off using his somewhat baffling mystic powers. “Help you. Yes ya can. I’m here for my weekly visit to read the foals an’ exciting tale of mystery an’ adventure,” he stated, full of childish excitement ending it with a pirate ‘yyyaaarrr’.

The receptionist rolled her eyes at Scribble and his childish remarks. She pointed a hoof down the corridor that lead into a big open room. “Sure just…”

Again cut off by Scribble as he bobbed up and down unable to wait patiently. “Go down the hallway an’ wait in that room for the foals! Sure no problem mate!” he announced, a little to loudly making the mare behind the desk cover her ears. With a cloud of creamy dust replacing where he stood just a second ago Scribble was gone quickly as he came.

The mare behind the counter rolled her eyes. ‘One of these days I must figure out how he can finish my sentences like that.’ She got up and trotted down another corridor to fetch the foals playing outside.

Entering the big room Scribble got to work prepping for his big adventure. He closed the curtains to darken the room, dawned his pirate costume, eye patch and fake parrot, then pulled a seat in to the middle of the room. He hoofed out two posters and put them on the table behind his seat. ‘Must remember to thank Sketch again for these amazing drawings. To think he whipped both them up in ten minutes.’

The hallway began to rumble, loud echoing screams came from behind the double doors. Scribble’s attention drawn to the double doors, he jumped up on the table and got his pose ready. ‘Show time pirate captain,’ he thought, giving himself a little giggle.

The doors burst open with a loud ‘BANG’, hitting the back walls from the pressure the foals put on them to open as they burst in cheering and yelling. ‘Story time, story time’ they all cried out encircling Scribble and his island table.

“Yyyaaarrr! Ye scurvy sea ponies be ready for me tale of adventure an’ treasure this week hey!?” Scribble yyyaaarrred at the audience waving his fake sword around.

The crowd of foals and a couple of mares all cheered. ‘Whoa, even the staff want to sample my story this time. Well I best not disappoint them.’ Scribble pulled his hat down a little and jumped into his seat. “Yyyaaarrr, well I be Captain Tickle Torture! The funniest pirate on these here seven seas!” Pounding his chest with a forehoof Scribble looked like a proud warrior. “An’ this here be me first mate, Paulie,” the pirate grinned, pointing a hoof to the fake parrot puppet sitting on his shoulder.

“Funny, ya aren’t funny. I’m the one with all the jokes and one liners ya scallywag,” the parrot chirped, making a fool of the pirate captain to which all the foals started to laugh.

“I we have ya know I the most feared thing on these seas since sliced bread. Ya are only the parrot because I think having a parrot on me shoulder looks cool ya cracker eating bird brain!” Tickle Torture insulted with a smirk, acting like victory was his.

The parrot squawked in protest. “Oh ya bucko!? The only reason ya called Tickle Torture is because I do all the tickling! Who ya think supplies all the feathers around here, dumb flank!”

The foals in the audience were all having a hard time containing themselves with laughter with Scribble’s antics, and the fact he was arguing with himself in two different voices. One acted for the pirate the other for the fake parrot on his shoulder.

“Don’t ya be getting all cocky with me Paulie! Remember this feather for brains, I be ye one who does all the actual tickling. Ya lucky ya can supply the feathers, otherwise ya be nothing but a pillow feather supplier!” he protested, taking control of the argument.

“Ah! Ya say that now, but don’t forget who’s got the map,” Paulie whistled, with a cheeky grin.

Tickle Torture reached behind his back onto the table and grabbed nothing. “Yyyaaarrr, I got it ya dumb bird!” he declared, as his hoof came back around and showcased nothing.

The Captain stood there with his eyes shut and his chest pumped out full of pride, electing a few cheeky snickers from the foals. He slowly opened his eyes to inquire about the laughing. “What ye all laughing at! Huh!?” Captain Tickle Torture asked, eyeing down the foals with a snarly smile.

The parrot chirped up. “Take a look what’s in your hoof.”

“Yyyaaarr, the map of cour…” He cut himself short as the smirk pirate noticed no map in his hoof.

“Some days I wondered who voted you the captain,” squawked the cheeky parrot. Making more laughter come as some of the foals were rolled on their backs with so much laughter. The mood in the hall was cheerful bliss and fun. Even the mares that cared for the orphans could not contain themselves.

“Yyyaaarrr, this not be up for a vote you squawking pile of feathers!” the pirate yelled, jumping up onto the table. He pulled up a poster of the pirate ship and let it learn against his flank. “I be the one who owns this here pirate ship, so what I say goes, got that ye bunch o’ land lovers!” Tickle Torture accused, with hoof pointed at the laughing foals.

“Ya, land lovers, says the pony with no wings,” squawked the sarcastic parrot.

This elected a snarling stare from the captain who pulled up another poster this time of a treasure map.

~~~~~~~~~~

The front door bell to the book shop rang with a stallion trotting into the establishment. A tall standing white stallion with maroon red mane eyed of Sketch behind the counter.

Hearing the bell drew Sketch’s attention. The busy artist stopped his cleaning and polishing of the counter and eyed the stallion sporting a house for a cutie mark. “Ey, how cans I helps youze ta-day?” he casually asked, with his normal charming demeanour.

“Yes, hello good sir. You wouldn’t happen to be Scribble Script would you?” the gentlecolt inquired.

“Nah. Sorry but, da writer youze looking fo’ wills not be in till tomorrow, sorry,” Sketch said, looking the big white stallion up and down.

“Okay than, thank you good sir. Please tell him that Grand Estate came by calling, and will do so tomorrow. Good day.” Tipping his hat he turned and trotted out of the shop, leaving Sketch confused.

~~~~~~~~~~

Scribble trotted through Trot About Creek, on this really hot and muggy day. The town was not the biggest in Equestria but it was enough for the locals who lived there. Big wooden buildings with corrugated iron roofs dotted the street on either side. The hot sunny summer afternoon scorched all those who dared outside of any cover. The town was abuzz with life despite the hot heat and high humidity. Scribble had a shopping list, seemed his mother insisted he do the shopping for dinner tonight. So here he was just outside the celery stand. “Um, I will have…” His jaw went agape as he stopped talking when the mare in front of him disappeared like some cheap magic act.

“What the heck!” he screamed. Scribble looked around the town as one by one other ponies popped out of existence, triggered when ever he looked their way. Confused and worried Scribble dropped his saddle bags of food and made a frantic run for home.

No matter what he did everypony around town vanished driving the him crazy. “No, no, no! This can’t happen! Why is this happening!? Just stop it already!” he yelled, to nopony in particular. Scribble came to a screeching halt right smack bang in front of the big town clock in the center of Trot About Creek. Scared beyond belief he eyed the clock that was just about to strike four in the afternoon.’ ‘DING’, the clock rang its big loud bells. The whole town started to flicker from colour to that of a black and white film. ‘DING’, the second strike sent shivers up Scribble’s spine, again the whole town flickered. ‘DING’. “No, this can’t be happening! Why does everything always disappear!?” he demanded to know. The clock seemed to slow time itself the last ding on the bells took way longer to activate than the first three chimes. ‘DING’, the whole town was now deserted deprived of any life the used to populate the outback slice of heaven. Scribble finally managed to open his eyes after crying a little. What he saw was straight out of a nightmare. The black and white piece of heaven was a ghost town, all the buildings looked centuries old and in ruins. The only sound was that of the howling wind through the abandoned streets.

A miserable Scribble picked himself up and just galloped for it. He refused to stop until he made it home to Shimmer Shine Ranch. Hurls and cries of pain could be heard around the town as he made for his destination. Echoes in the dark corners called his name. The howling winds strengthened making it harder to run southward home, but struggle through he did.

Finally at home Scribble pushed open the gates and bolted for the family home. He slowly opened the front door to the farm house fearing the worst of what could be on the other side. Not failing to impress his thoughts were right on the money. Scribble peered into the living room to see the remains of his father Blazing Cane on the sofa. The undead head moved to face him, slowly turning into dust as it did. “All alone now son,” the skull grinned, while laughing maniacally before falling to the ground in a pile of dust.

Scribble let out a huge scared ‘AAAAAHHHHH’, one straight from the heart. His deepest fear was right in front of him with a reaction to fit the scenario. “I have to get the buck out of this joint!” he yelled, his hooves acting of their own accord bolting out of the house into a big black world of nothingness.

~~~~~~~~~~

The steady pacing of beeps stirred the sleeping victim in his bed. He slowly opened his eyes to investigate what could have waked him. The roof was plain white, the walls a misty green, a door on one side and a window looking out over a nice garden on the other. Scribble in an attempt to get out of bed to further investigate why he was in a strange room was stopped by sheer pain spreading all over his body. He couldn’t move a muscle without his body groaning in protest.

The sound of Scribble groaning in agonising pain awoke Sketch who was asleep on a seat next to the bed. He looked up to see his friend’s eyes were open and looking a bit confused. “Ey Scribble ‘bout time youze woke up youze big sleepy head,” Sketch snickered.

Scribble tried turning to address his friend seated just below the window. “Err what the buck happened to me?” he groaned, still with pain from head to hoof.

“Youze tellz me. Youze da one who fell off da table in da orphanage,” Sketch informed, concerned for his friend. He got out of his seat and came to Scribble’s bed side. “Besides, dat not even da half o’ it Scribble.” With hoof pointed to Scribble’s left forehoof.

Scribble managed with some more pain to turn his head and notice his left forehoof was in a cast. “Oh great, what else could possibly go wrong in my useless life?” Scribble rhetorically asked.

The door to the room opened while Scribble was still eyeing off his cast and in trotted a very cute mare and a few fillies. “Well good morning, Scribble. Seems like you finally came round. It’s wonderful to finally see your eyes open.” She smiled while letting the fillies come into the room with gifts in tow.

“Hey, Happy Bliss. What ya doin’ here?…Matter of fact, what am I doin’ here?” Scribble asked looking around the room again, finally putting two and two together to discover he was in a hospital.

“Well after you fell off the table while telling your pirate story, you was out cold. But I must say it was a very dramatic fall,” she snickered, at the his expense. “You just spaced out after you got to the part of the story where the parrot marooned you on a small island all alone while he took your ship and sailed away. After that you just fainted and fell off the table breaking your hoof in the process,” she stated, pointing out the hoof in the cast.

“Must o’ been anotha nightmare again, youze need ta tellz me what is goin’ on Scribble.” Sketch used his telekinesis to pour Scribble a glass of water and brought it up for him to sip.

“Nightmares?” the foal carer voiced out of concern, as she helped the fillies put a get well card and present on the table next to Scribble.

“Ya last time he was out fo’ two days. Iffa ask me Scribble youze should talk ta somepony ‘bout it,” Sketch said, giving him a stern look.

Bliss was nor a little concerned if Scribble should read to the foals again while in this kind of state. “Oh my, that seems bad.”

Scribble’s whole body was in pain, the slightest movement sent shockwaves all over his body. He forced himself to endure it in order to acquire the information he needed. “Just how long was I out for this time?”

“Four days dis time, buddy.”

“Wow really?” Scribble asked, wondering if he still was in a dream or not.

“Afraid so, we really needz ta do summat befo’ youze get inta any permanent coma.”

The door opened again bringing to an end any topic of conversation over Scribble’s nightmares. A yellow mare with rose red hair trotted into the room. “Oh Scribble, youze finally awake. Dats good, now we can finally see some results an’ treat youze properly,” the Unicorn doctor said with a cheerful demeanour.

“Well it’s good to see you Scribble. That present from all of us at the orphanage, we hope once you better you will come tell us more stories. All the foals will miss your weekly visits while you recover,” Bliss said, leading the other fillies out of the room with all of them giving a friendly wave good bye.

The three ponies left in the room waved Happy Bliss out as she made for the door, we’ll those able to move did. The doctor turned to Scribble and made her way to the right side of Scribble’s bed. “Okay Scribble, I’m doctor Pulse. I needz ta do a few tests ta check youze recovery so far,” Pulse uttered in a way to cheerful demeanour than the room was set for.

“But I can hardly move without anything hurting,” Scribble groaned.

“Sorry, youze will jus’ have ta tough it out. Besides, I have a nice lolly pop fo’ da big stallion when we done,” She grinned teasingly. This made Sketch burst out in laughter as the doctor started her tests on the helpless and annoyed victim.

Scribble cried out in pain as the doctor took his pulse, temperature, made him stick out his tongue and heartbeat. “Ah come on Scribble, youze made o’ tougher stuff than this?” Sketch laughed, rolling on the floor unable to stop. “O’ I will not let youze live dis one down fo’ a long time, MATE!” Sketch mockingly stated, putting on his best outback voice impersonation.

“Okay, okay youze. Scribble will needz da help o’ some good friends after dis. As youze told me youze think it is da nightmares he is havin’ dat causes dis,” she said, forcing Sketch to stop laughing and pay attention.

“Ya Sketch, ya have to stop laughing now mate,” Scribble demanded managing a grin to shut Sketch up.

An evil smile came over Sketch’s face as he slowly trotted over to look Scribble in the eye. The scared patient gulped as to what could be going through his evil mind. Sketch invaded Scribble’s personal space before delivering his message of doom with an evil snicker. “Okay Scribble, I willz promise ta stop laughin’ iffa afta’ youze get betta youze promise ta spill da beans. All o’ dem an’ not leave anythin’ out as ta what makin’ youze have so many nightmares, okay?”

Scribble despite the pain shook his head in protest. Sketch let out an annoyed groan. “Ey doc, think I can give him dat yucky medicine?”

Pulse caught on quickly to what Sketch was doing and played along. “Sure, I can arrange dat fo’ youze.”

Outnumbered two to one Scribble was starting to sweat with the doctor closing in from one side and the evil artist from the other. “Okay, okay I promise Sketch. Ya win, ya win. Just get that medicine away from me,” he howled out in desperation.

Both the doctor and his friend let out cheeky grins. “I never said youze actually had ta take any medicine,” she smiled, with a side order of snickering.

“Sketch I will end ya…OUCH!”

“Ya youze an’ what able body?” asked Sketch, snickering with victory.

Pulse put back on her smiley face and took out her pen writing down a few things. “Well, Scribble will have ta stay heeya anotha night ta let his aches an’ pains clear up. Afta’ dat his cast will only needz ta stay on a week. Lucky fo’ him he only sprained his hoof not broke it. Youze should be able ta walk on it properly in a week or two,” Pulse informed, eyeing off Scribble to make sure he would comply.

“O don’t worries doc, I will make sure dat da patient does as told,” Sketch snickered, with evil intent eyeing his victim.

‘I’m doomed.’

Troubled Past

Chapter 4 - Troubled Past

Prying into somepony's heart is a tricky business, pry to far and you risk the relationship with that pony, pry not enough and you find out nothing.

Another week had passed since that fateful day in Manehattan General. One week that seemed it was a whole year, especially if said pony had a cast around one forehoof. The bookshop had been only partly open during the week when ever Sketch could spare the time.

Scribble was seated at the table enjoying a home town meal. He had placed his favourite spread with cheese in between toasted bread. With two such toasted delights laid out before his hungry muzzle he dug in. A huge bite out of the first toasted bit of perfection was all it took to make Scribble let out a pleasing moan to how tasty his handy work was.

The front door of the shop opened, to which he raised an eyebrow. ‘Funny, the shop is closed for today, only one pony other than myself has a key.’

“Ey Scribble it me! Youze up there o injured one?” Sketch cheekily called out from down stairs.

The sound of the shop door closing and being locked confirmed it didn’t matter what Scribble answered he was coming up. “Ya, I up here mate,” he groaned with a small sigh. It was D-day for Scribble after all, time to fulfil that promise he was…forced to make.

But maybe the he could get a little bit of revenge on Sketch for forcing that promise out of him. He eyed of the other toasted delight and grinned from cheek to cheek with an evil idea. “Ya just in time for brunch, hurry ya flank up here an’ grab ya tucker before it gets cold,” Scribble yelled back down stairs, evil grin on his mug.

Sketch trotted up the stairs taking in the smell of lunch as he did. ‘Mmmm, dat smellz good. Wonda what he whipped up dis time. Scribble quite da cook, but I neva tellz him dat.’ His cheeks puffed up as he tried to contain his little giggle from being known. “Smellz good. What youze make me dis time?” a hungry Sketch asked, with drool showing a little.

A scheming Scribble pushed the plate in front of Sketch as he parked his flank on the other side of the table. “This a bit of tucker from back home in Trot About Creek, we call it a Vegemite and cheese sandwich. Not many out of the area can take it, real acquired taste. So don’t be shocked if ya spit it out like a city slicker would,” he sternly stated, trying to stall a giggle.

Sketch eyed the food with some scepticism. ‘He jus’ might try an’ poison me ta get out o’ our little chat comin’ up.’

Sketch eyed the sandwich again before giving his friend a knowing glance of annoyance. “What! It’s not like it will send ya on a one way trip to nowhere.” Scribble defended, throwing his forehooves in the air as he played innocent.

Sketch slowly picked up the sandwich in question for a closer sniff. Satisfied it would not end his existence he took a bite. The taste entered his mouth like a rodeo stallion in full buck. He spat it out of his mouth quicker than it went in. “WOW! Dat some strong stuff!” he cried out, hoof in mouth in an attempt to purge the taste. “Jus’ what is dat…Poison?” he questioned in a futile attempt to get the poison of his tongue.

“I told ya mate, it Vegemite. Only really used down south in the outback towns and settlements.” Scribble wasn’t able to contain his joy any longer, bursting out in laughter at the site of his friend wiping his tongue for all it was worth. “Here Sketch, ya little cry foal.” Scribble chuckled some more as a glass of water was slid across the table.

Sketch didn’t need to be told twice, he fumbled the water into his hooves and skulled the contents with all due haste. He let out a sigh of relief for the life giving water now saviour of his taste buds. “I think youze enjoyed that ta much.”

Scribble kept his smug smile as he pulled a clipboard with a piece of paper on it. He pulled his pen out of his ear and clicked it open, applying a single stroke on the left side of the page under the words Scribble Script. He showcased this point very clearly to the Sketch, maintaining his smug attitude. “Oh ha ha. Now itz one all. Don’t think youze will get anymo’ on me,” the determined victim bellowed out I protest.

Scribble just continued to laugh it up. The victory was all his, and he was going to enjoy every fleeting second of it. “Just give it time mate. Soon I will be so far up the creek ya will have to get a motor dingy to catch me,” Scribble crowed, not letting up the laughter.

“Okay fuzz ball, it like date ey? Well allow me ta sour youze mood,” Sketch sternly stated, slamming his hoof on the table. Scribble’s cheerful demeanour flew right out the window with the entrance of the tense atmosphere. “No mo’ small talk! Spill, now, like youze promised!”

“Fine, but trust me when I say ya asked for it,” Scribble deadpanned.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Come on Scribble, ya going to be late. Get sorry your flank into gear an’ hurry up, or my hoof will put your flank in gear!” Sugary Delight bellowed from down in the kitchen.

“Stop ya hollering mum, I’m a comin’,” the young colt screamed out from in his bedroom. He gathered all the materials for his big presentation today at the school, over filling his saddle bags. He swung the heavy load over his back and trudged down stairs for a quite bite before he had to gallop for school.

Scribble came roaring into the kitchen, never one to enter a room quietly. “Oh nice, Oatbix this morning,” he cheered, parking his flank on the seat to eat the yummy breakfast.

“Ya better wolf that down fast. Ya’ve got five minutes, than out the door with ya,” Delight ordered, putting his lunch on the table.

Scribble didn’t need to be told twice to finish breakfast in a record time that would have made the Equestria records if he was being watched. He stuffed his lunch into the already cramped saddle bags and galloped out the front door, waving bye to his mother on the way.

Celestia had made a wonderfully crystal clear day in Trot About Creek. Rays of her loving sun warmed Scribble’s back as he made his way to the high school. The warm morning made him smile, feeling all cosy inside. ‘Maybe with today’s project things will finally be different…ya right, who ya kidding Scribble.’

Scribble closed in on the school somewhat hopeful today might be different. The multi-corrugated iron roofed buildings calling his name. About to enter the front gate of the school complex Scribble spotted several class mates, two fillies and a colt his age. ‘Well, now a better time than any for the “Daily Existence Test”,’ he thought, sceptical as always with this test. He approached the talking trio with a friendly smile like he normally did. “Morning, guys. Looking forward to today?” Scribble chirped with his normal cheerful demeanour.

The trio stopped dead in their hoof tracks. They gave Scribble blank stares, stating their normal response. Nothing. “Ya…um, hey Scribble.” Was all one of the fillies could muster before awkward silence befell the entire group.

“Um…we better hurry to class,” the colt said to break the silence, the trio taking that as their signal to make a hasty retreat.

Scribble shook his head in disappointment. ‘Yep, still don’t exist. Check.’ He trotted in through the gate following the others into the classroom for the start of the school day.

~~~~~~~~~~

A loud knock on the bookshop’s door brought a sudden pause in the story. Sketch turned his head and looked towards the stair case leading down into the shop. “Ey, expectin’ anypony today Scribble?” he asked, confused as to who it could be.

Scribble shook his head in protest, just as confused as Sketch to who the pony at the shop door could be. Scribble got out of his seat to go inquire of who it could be but was stopped by Sketch holding his hoof out. “Scribble sit. I willz check it out,” Sketch ordered, using his magic to force Scribble back in his seat.

Scribble rolled his eyes in protest. “G, thanks mum”.

“No problem o sick one,” he cheekily answered, while heading for the door.

Upon arriving at the front door and seeing the pony in question Sketch’s eyes flared up and he became angry. He opened the door letting it slam on the wall of the bookshop. This got the attention of Scribble up stairs who thought more investigation of this was needed.

“Ey, Grand Estate how many darn times do I have ta tellz ya, Scribble Script is not well, come back next week!” Sketch yelled, frustrated beyond belief at Grand Estate’s tenacity. Turning his hindhooves to the door Sketch proceeded to buck the front door shut.

Grand Estate prodded his forehoof into the door demanding to be heard. “Now see here. I demand to see Scribble Script right away, my clients can’t be kept waiting good sir,” he formally addressed, making his point loud and clear.

The front door continued to go back and forth with the two ponies fighting over it like timberwolves would a cornered filly. Both of them strongly argued their points as to who should leave and who should be let inside. The commotion made Scribble come down the stairs to investigate. Estate spotted the limping writer half way down the stair case and called out to him. “Scribble Script! Scribble I just need a moment of your time please!”

Sketch was trying to close the front door on the persistent sales pony. “Go back upstairs Scribble, I got dis annoyin’ sales pony!” Sketch demanded. To which Scribble, who was taken off guard by the demand, just stood there dumb founded. “Scribble, get goin’!” was all he could yell before having a door slammed in his face and pancaked up against the bookshop wall.

“Sketch!” Scribble cried out, concerned for his friend, before he rushed down to his aid.

Estate poised himself up ready to finally address the prize he has been trying weeks to get. “Mr Script, I need just a little bit of your precise time please, to tell you…” The stumped sales pony was shocked to see Scribble and his only goal the last week limp past him in complete ignorance of anything stated or even muttered out of his grand mouth.

Scribble limped all the way across the bookshop to lend a caring hoof to Sketch. He pulled the door back freeing his injured friend from the pancake position on the wall. “Oi Sketch, ya okay mate?” he asked, helping the dizzy Unicorn to his hooves.

Sketch shook of the dizzies letting his senses come back to him. “Ya man…I willz comes around.” He wobbled round a bit, before finally managing to centre himself. “But I wish I could say da same fo’ dat pony there when I done wit’ him.” Sketch gave Grand a huge death stare, intent to kill all he could think about.

“Speaking of which. What is ya problem mate? Ya didn’t even care to not hurt my friend here?” Scribble accused, pointing a hoof at the pony in question.

“I’m sorry if I up set you so Scribble, but my client can’t be kept waiting. He needs your answer soon, and it is my job to make sure he gets it,” he stubbornly stated, full of pride.

“Okay dat does it. Let me at this wise crack,” Sketch announced in his rage, all puffed up and ready to kill somepony. Sketch with a killer instinct of a timberwolf took a few hoof steps towards the un-phased sales pony. The killer instinct in him was quickly put to rest with a cream hoof shoved in his mouth.

“Hold up there a sec, mate. Let’s find out what he wants before we kill him.” Scribble calmly mentioned with another hoof pointed at Grand Estate.

Estate composed himself, clearing his throat. “As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted.” To which he received two pairs of disapproving eyes. “I am here on the behest of my client to ask Mr Scribble Script here to purchase his twenty five percent stake in Shimmer Shine Ranch.” Estate reached a hoof into his saddle bag for some papers to fill out.

Sketch was simply confused as to what he was hearing. Scribble on the other hoof was a fiery red mountain of molten lava. Scribble hobbled up to the Estate just as he turned to hoof over the paper work, so frustrated he took the papers in his mouth and spat them out on the floor. “Ya want me to sell my share in my family’s farm!?” he yelled, making his presence known and his point loud and clear. “Have ya lost all ya marbles mate!? What in Equestria would make ya think I would sell me share in the ranch!?” Scribble stomped all the papers into pulp on the ground, making sure none of those accursed pieces were left.

Scribble fell over in pain from stomping those papers with only three able hooves. “I say, those papers were importa…” Estate was cut off from the biggest death glare he would ever receive in his life.

“Get out…”

“I say what?”

“Ya heard me ya sad excuse of a pony!” Scribble had exerted almost the last of his energy to say his last demand. Sketch trotted beside his friend and gave him a hoof up. “It’s my family’s farm, I will not sell it now or ever! Ya hear, mate!?”

“My papers,” Grand Estate moped. “Now you listen to me. My client needs that farm and I can’t take no for an answer,” he stated with his normal pride.

Scribble turned towards the stair case and started to limp his way over. “Sketch, please show Mr Grand Estate the door, an’ inform him to neva’ use it again,” he sobbed, letting a few tears fall.

Grand Estate was more than a little annoyed by now, taking a few hoof steps towards Scribble in an effort to change his mind, only to be stopped by a grey wall of steaming mad Sketch. “I say sir, kindly move out of my waayyyyyy…” Estate screamed. Sketch simply had enough of this pushy stallion thinking he can make any demands he wanted. So he turned around, lifted his hindhooves, and gave the stubborn pony the biggest buck he could muster up. The impact sent Estate flying out the front door and across the other side of the street. He landed smack bang into a brick wall, leaving the big old Grand Estate with a big old grand lump to the head.

“An’ iffa eva see youze again I willz make it mo’ than jus’ a bump ta da head!” Sketch yelled, slamming the door to the book store shut.

Sketch trotted back up the stairs to find Scribble with the water works in full swing. He took a seat next to his friend and put a hoof over him. “So hows ‘bout youze continue where youze left off, ‘ey Scribble?” Hoping to take the his mind off what just happened.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Okay, next up is Scribble class. Please pay attention to him as he presents his idea for the school fundraiser,” the teacher announced, waving a hoof for Scribble to take center stage at the front of the classroom.

Scribble obliged and brought himself plus all the items needed for his presentation to the front. The young excited pony set up a few posters on the black board and pulled out a few other props from his saddle bag. “I thought long an’ hard on this idea an’ I reckon ya all will love it. Has the potential to raise heaps of money an’ be fun to implement at the same time,” he announced to the class, acting like a spoiled foal getting a treat.

A few of the foals in the classroom started to murmur amongst themselves as to what this fun idea could be. Some of them to Scribble’s surprise produced some smiles in anticipation of this idea. “Can any ya all say…fun house?” Scribble now had the classroom’s full attention. Again the class started to chat amongst themselves, this time with positive feedback and points. ‘Well this is a shock surprise. They actually like my idea?’

“Scribble…Scribble…SCRIBBLE SCRIPT!” his teacher yelled, snapping the frightened writer out of his own little world. Scribble came to and faced the direction of the yelling voice to see his teacher a little confused. “Now ya back from ya own world. Care to explain more ‘bout this interestin’ idea?”

The whole class was on edge for more of this wonderful idea, all eyes glued to Scribble who proceeded to fulfil their request by explaining in great detail how they would pull of the perfect fun house. From events in the house itself to how they could implement it when the show came to town in three months. It took thirty minutes for the sales savvy Scribble to convince the rest of the class that this was the idea they should do for the fundraiser. All class mates raised their hooves making the vote official that Scribble’s fun house idea is what this year’s project would be.

“Well now ya all like my idea we need to start figuring out who is gonna be doing what in this festive event,” Scribble delegated, pulling out his checklist of positions that needed to be filled. The response from the class was one that surprised the him, but he knew he should have seen it coming. The class fell so silent you could hear a pin drop. Faces of all the students spelt the story, awkward looks saying they loved the idea but helping Scribble was something unconfutable for them. ‘And reality is now back, classic Scribble real classic. Ya should of known it was too good to be true blue.’ Scribble scanned the class for another couple of seconds before asking again. “Anypony…anypony at all?” The only answer he would receive was a still silent classroom not obliging. Scribble summoned all his courage to speak his next line. “Come on guys, I can’t do this all by my little lonesome.” He pleaded with his class, hoping beyond hope that just this once he could finally be accepted.

Students stared at each other, none of them wanting to be the first pony to put a hoof up to help. Seeing that nothing was going to change the teacher decided to step in. “Okay all, I’m gonna call out numbers an’ whichever one you get is your job for the fun house,” the Unicorn teacher announced, levitating the list from Scribble’s hoof to her own. She started writing numbers next to jobs on the list while the class groaned in unison at the idea of forced labour.

The fire of anger came into Scribble, frustrated at the fact his class mates weren’t willing to help him with the fun house. He turned his hindhooves to the pops sitting next to him and bucked. Papers and some cardboard cut outs flew in all directions. “Just forget it!” he declared with anger in his heart, storming out of the classroom. The teacher tried to stop the enraged pony, her pleas falling on death ears as Scribble was long gone into the wind too far away to receive any audio message.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Wow! Dat rough pal. Was it like dat fo’ youze everyday?” Sketch asked, saddened by the tale he just heard. He took out a tissue to try and stop the water in his eyes from becoming a new river.

“Pretty much, ya. I admit, that was a more extreme case, but I had that kind of rejection daily mate.” Scribble let out a small sigh before continuing. “Least ya have an’ inkling as to why I have all those nightmares now.”

“Well dat does explain a lot. I knowz it musta been hard ta tellz me all dat,” Sketch said caringly while he trotted around the table and put his forehoof on Scribble’s shoulder to comfort him. “But I proud o’ youze fo’ doing so Scribble, ‘cause now I can help youze.”

Scribble knocked the Sketch’s hoof off his shoulder abruptly. “No, ya can’t mate. I will always be alone.” Scribble in his frustration turned to face the wall, avoiding eye contact with Sketch.

“But I can help youze Scribble.”

“Ya only feel sorry for me is all Sketch, an’ that why ya now all like a mate, an’ I help ya an’ so on!” Scribble yelled, letting out years or anger and remorse. “Just get lost will ya.” He pointed a hoof at the stairs down into the shop to make his point.

Sketch was determined not to be kicked out of the book shop. “Come on Scribble I jus’ want ta help youze is all.”

Again Scribble demanded that he vacate the premises, and do so immediately. After which Scribble trotted to his bed and jumped in ignoring anything else the Sketch said or did.

Sketch got the message loud and clear. He trotted down the stairs with tears on his face and locked the shop door behind himself. Scribble sobbed when he heard the door shut. There he lay in his bed unable to anything else but feel sorry for himself, and horrible for hurting a friend.

It’s not that Scribble didn’t consider his co-worker a friend, it’s simply he wants a special somepony or a very close friend who was more a brother/sister to him. The thing he wanted most in life was just that, somepony special to spend it with. A lonely life was no fun, and even amongst those who were friends he still had no true blue ones.

Plots and Plans

Chapter 5 - Plots and Plans

Sometimes it is the simple things in life we do that has the biggest effect on who we turn out to be.

Celestia’s royal golden sun peered over the morning horizon, coating the land with golden rays of warming brightness. A stubborn yellow filly with a cute red mane refused to wake up. Rays of sunny beams shun through the window making the little filly stir, but still refusing to wake and greet the golden sun. “Apple Bloom,” a voice from down stairs called out. But still the sleeping filly did not wake. “Apple Bloom, don’t make me come up there an’ get ya outta bed young filly,” the voice called again, this time a bit more stern.

A frustrated orange mare with a lush yellow mane opened the door on the sleeping filly. Day light shining in her room and noise from down stairs had both failed to awaken the sleeping filly. An evil smug came over the farm mare as she knew exactly what this situation called for. Applejack slowly pulled back the bed sheets as not to disturb the sleeping filly. She slowly closed the distance between her mouth and the filly’s very vulnerable stomach and blew hard. The ripple effect of the playful raspberry to the cute filly’s stomach made her spring to life. Apple Bloom burst awake with laughter unable to control herself from Applejack’s unforgiving morning assault. “Okay sis Ah’m awake, Ah’m awake!” she screamed out laughing.

“Well maybe if ya came down when Ah called this wouldn’t o’ happened little sis,” Applejack said slyly, continuing the raspberry attack on a frantically laughing sister.

“Okay, okay, sis ya win. Ah promise Ah will wake up when ya call,” the little filly pleaded as she tried to shake her big sister off.

Applejack was enjoying the torture of her little sister to much let up just yet, adding to the raspberry assault with tickling. The little filly’s laugher increased tenfold as she continued to cry out in protest. “Sorry, Ah can’t hear ya ta well Apple Bloom. What did ya say?” her older sister teased.

The filly couldn’t contain herself laughing at the peak of her voice and gasping for air in between. “Ah said Ah’m sorry sis! Ah will wake up when ya tell me ta, Ah promise!” the screaming filly pleaded in amongst all her laughing.

Applejack finally let up, releasing the laughing filly so she could catch her breath. The sturdy Applejack put all fours back on the floor and made for the bedroom door. “Now hurry up and scoot yer boot Apple Bloom, ya breakfast is gettin’ cold an’ ya have ta go ta school today.” Applejack peered back into the room to check her little sister registered all those instructions, only to receive a mock salute and teasing smile from her. The older sibling rolled her eyes and shut the door on her way out.

The Bloom, now wide awake jumped out of bed and began her normal morning routine, if not a bit more hasty due to a late wake up call. She made for the bathroom and had a quick shower, much too quick for her taste. ‘Next time Ah will get her up before old Sunny crows,’ a wet pouty Apple Bloom thought to herself as she scrubbed down.

Down stairs the kitchen was filled with the sweet smell of pancakes. Applejack the master chief she was always enjoyed making her family breakfast. Pancakes with her trademark homemade and absolutely delicious apple syrup. As usual the smell flowing out of the kitchen drew all kinds to the breakfast table a big red hard working stallion, an elderly pastry specialist and a freshly cleaned little filly who was last into the kitchen coming down the stairs. “’Bout time Apple Bloom, these here pancakes getting’ mighty cold,” Applejack teased, smelling the pancakes to rub it in, electing giggles from her big brother and granny.

“Y’all don’t have ta rub it in, ya know,” a pouty Bloom stated crossing her forehooves in protest. This made all other Apples in the room giggle at their youngest member.

“Well maybe if ya woke up on time, this wouldn’t happen sugarcube,” Applejack scolded, serving Apple Bloom her pancakes. She also passed over the apple syrup, making Apple Bloom eye off the syrup with great anticipation.

Apple Bloom helped herself to the red slimy goodness pouring more than she needed on her pancakes. Applejack gave the little filly an annoyed stare. “Apple Bloom!” she scolded again, hoof pointed at the apple syrup. “What’s Ah told ya ‘bout wastin’ ta much syrup? Now Ah will have ta make more.” Applejack was more then a little annoyed now, holding up the empty jar to emphasize her point.

For a moment Applejack held the jar considering a course of action to correct this problem. “Okay sis, when ya get home from school, yer goin’ ta help me make a new batch o’ apple syrup.

“But Applejack, me an the girls have a Crusader’s meetin’ planned fer afta school” Bloom groaned in protest waving her hoofs in the air.

“Well, maybe ya will not be so wasteful next time, little filly,” Applejack corrected. She put the empty jar back on the table. “Come ta think o’ it, Ah got a whole heapin o’ goods Ah been meanin’ ta whip up.” Applejack dawned a cheeky grin and turned to face the little bloom. The filly gulped she knew what her big sister was about to mention. “In fact, ya can help me make a few other things while we’re at it. Don’t that sound sweet, sugarcube?” she laughed, teasing the little filly even more.

“But, but, but, Applejack…” The little filly was cut off with a smug smile on her older sister’s face. “Yer enjoyin’ this way ta much, ain’t ya?”

“Eeyup.”

The little filly rolled her eyes before crossing her forehooves and letting out a growl. Apple Bloom was none too pleased on missing out on all that planned crusading. “All right little miss pouty, y’all can help me this afternoon. Who knows…y’all might get a cutie mark outta it.”

Apple Bloom leaped up from the table and into her sister’s hooves. “Thanks sis, yer the best,” she yelled as she gave her sister a big tight hug.

“Okay little filly, now get yerself ready fer school.” With Applejack’s last order the filly could not get out of the door quick enough.

~~~~~~~~~~

A knock to the office door brought the attention of a busy Unicorn behind the desk. “Yes, come in,” the deep stern voice ordered.

The door creaked open and in walked a proud grey stallion with a bandage around his head. “Grand Estate, what happened to you?” the boss behind the desk questioned, worried for his friend.

Grand trotted up to the front of the desk and took a seat. He rubbed his saw head and cringed a little in pain, it was still sore and his newly acquired lump was not helping. “I’m okay, for the most part boss. But Scribble and his little friend...well, they quite literally bucked me out of the shop,” he stated, pointing a hoof to his bandaged head.

The boss looked a little concerned. “So I take it Scribble Script said no?” the boss asked with great interest, as he pulled a few pieces of paper from a draw in his desk.

“Among other things.”

“So there no chance he can be persuaded to give up his twenty-five percent of the ranch?”

“Not unless you want to get rough boss. Like father like son, he will be stubborn to the end I fear,” Grand reasoned, shaking his head in frustration.

The boss went back into his desk draw and pulled out a few griffon cigars and hoofed one to the sales pony. He then used a spell to light both of them up and levitated his cigar into his mouth and took a long deep breath. The boss hopped out of his seat and trotted for the window, the Unicorn deep in thought folded the blinds back and took in the urban wonder of Manehattan. “Perhaps your right my old friend. I don’t normally like to get this rough, but that stubborn family not leaving me any choice,” the boss murmured still deep in thought.

Grand Estate joined his boss near the window. He levitated the cigar out of his mouth and let out a big breath of smoke. “What is under that farm is just far too valuable to let it stay. We doing the right thing here,” he stated as he looked out the window and took in the evening sun.

The boss sighed as he trotted over to the intercom on his table. “Send for Twitchy Spark please Miss Vern.” He took his hoof of the intercom and sat back down in the big cosy leather seat.

“Right away Boss,” a rather dull voice on the other end of the intercom announced.

~~~~~~~~~~

Applejack was rummaging through the kitchen for ingredients to cook with. She pulled out everything from flour to a basket of apples she bucked earlier that morning. Apple Bloom and the other Crusaders would be coming soon and she wanted to be ready for an afternoon of cooking they would never forget. But there was one ingredient that eluded her, making the search around the kitchen frustrating to say the least, one simple ingredient that she could not be without.

Applejack growled to nopony in particular while franticly searching the kitchen. “Now where in tarnation is the sugar? O’ all the things ta be missin’, it has ta be the sugar.” Applejack tore the kitchen apart looking for a sack or even a jar of sugar, but no was to be found anywhere. She growled to herself again before bellowing outside for her brother to come and help with this dilemma.

Big Mac trotted into the kitchen with a smile on his face to inquire of his sister what she needed help with. “What seems ta be the problem AJ?” he asked out of concern for his sister, since her face looked like her life was about to end.

“Thank goodness yer here! Ah run outta sugar! We don’t got none anywhere, an’ Ah promised those fillies we would be cookin’ up a storm this afternoon. Do we gots any sugar anywhere, Mac?” she pleaded, desperate for her brother to say yes.

Big Mac rubbed his chin for a moment while he parked his rear on the floor. “Not sure, let me check the barn.”

“Correct me if Ah’m wrong, but we ain’t received a new shipment of sugar fer a while now. In fact, if Ah member correctly, the latest delivery is already two weeks late,” Applejack stated as she finally realised they could be out of sugar. Given this is no life threatening problem, but still, for a family of sweet makers it’s a scenario they would rather avoid.

“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed. He stood on all fours and proceeded to check the barn to see if any of those sweet bags of sugar were left.

The hardy stallion returned fifthteen minutes later with empty hoofs. He shrugged in disappointment to his saddened sister. “Seriously, we out o’ sugar?”

“Eeyup.”

“Well ain’t this jus’ dandy. Now Ah gotta race inta town ‘n’ grab some.” Applejack grabbed her saddle bags and made for the door. “Mac, ya mind bucking me another bucket o’ apples, please,” Applejack blurted out, already through the door and gone down the dusty windy road.

~~~~~~~~~~

For second time that evening the door into the office had a knock on it. The boss called out from behind his desk to the pony in question to enter. The doors opened and in trotted a fiery red Earth pony with a mustang orange mane. “Are Twitchy, glad you could make it my fine chap. Please come in have a seat. Can I offer you some ale, or a cigar?” the boss offered his expected guest.

“Nah, youze know me. So let’s make dis quick, ‘ey boss,” the fidgety pyromaniac demanded.

“Yes to true. How could of I forgot that,” the boss calmly stated, putting the offered cigar down on the marble desk.

The boss reached into his desk draw and pulled out a map of Manehattan and a few photos. He slid them along the marble desk so they ended up in front of the Twitchy. “This is your next target. This book shop has to be burnt to the ground to send a message to its owner. Which, might I state, is not to be burnt alive this time. Do I make myself clear, Mr Spark?” the boss ordered sternly taking another whiff of his cigar.

“Yea, yea, yea, I got it, boss man. Jus’ make sure youze got ma fee…Boss!” Twitchy scooped up the map and photos and was out of the office faster than he entered.

The boss lit another cigar and turned the seat around to stare out the window and contemplate his next move while taking in the lovely sunset Celestia was putting on.

~~~~~~~~~~

Applejack galloped through town at blistering speeds, it would not be long before those fillies arrive back home for the afternoon cooking session. The farm mare didn’t wish to keep them waiting, especially when it was her punishment to her younger sister and it was cutting into their precious crusading time.

But hope was realised as the targeted destination was finally within eye sight. The gingerbread sweet shop was only a couple more gallops away, and the hawk had sighted its prey and picked up the pace ready to swoop. Applejack roared down the street and intended to bust right into Sugarcube Corner. The determined pony was just on the stairs leading into the sweet shop when the top half of the double doors opened. A pink Earth pony hanging upside down popped her head from the top of the door and greeted the blistering orange blur. “Hello there speeeeedy weeeeedy, what brinnnnnnn...,” Pinkie Pie screamed as Applejack failing to put the brakes on in time slammed into her.

“PINKIE!" was all Applejack managed to scream before both of them slid across the floor and strait into the shelf of cakes located on the far side of the sweet shop.

A loud thud and bang rattled the entire shop as cake, bits of wood and two ponies who lay knocked out on the floor was all that could be seen at the site of impact.

Applejack slowly came to and opened her eyes to see Mrs Cake’s head above her. “Oh my, Applejack you okay sweetie?” she asked, lending a dizzy Applejack a hoof and helping her to all fours.

Applejack wobbled a bit still gaining her balance. She shook her head to gain her composure and addressed the worried Cake. “Don’t y’all worry none, Ah will be jus’ fine an’ dandy.”

Pinkie Pie also came to and managed to get up and clear her mind. “Oh wow, what a ride, can we do that again?” she cheered, jumping up and down with uncontrollable excitement. Mr and Mrs Cake could only facehoof at the excited pony and her idea of wanting to crash into something again.

The sweet shop was a complete mess you couldn’t see the floor and some of the walls no matter what direction you looked in. The display case that housed the cakes was nothing more than scrap wood mixed in with all the cake. Two unhappy Cakes now stared down Pinkie demanding answers. “Pinkie Pie, jus’ what in tarnation were ya thinkin’, girl!” Applejack yelled in frustration at her pink friend.

“I’m so sssuuupppeeerrr sorry Applejack, I just thought a fun hearty hello would be a fun way to greet and cheer up a friend. You do seem a little worried, so I wanted to cheer you up,” she admitted sobbingly, starting to tear a little, upset she made her friend mad.

Applejack broke her frown and produced a smile. How could she stay made at Pinkie whose logic was floored but still made sense in a caring way? “Shucks Pinkie, Ah can’t stay made at ya. Ah’m sorry fer gettin’ mad an’ so uppity with ya,” The apologetic Applejack confessed, taking off her trade mark Stanton all humble like.

Pinkie Pie was almost ready to pour out the water works. She raced up and embraced her orange friend in a huge hug. “I’m sorry to AJ, I should have been more careful about surprising you so much. Next time I Pinkie promise I will be more careful not to get you hurt.” Pinkie was crying, letting the water works out all over her friend’s coat.

“Hey sugarcube, that’s all right. Now, how’s ‘bout y’all lend me a hoof an’ we get this mess cleaned up.” Applejack waved a hoof around the shop to signify her point. She smiled at the Cakes, hoping they would let her help clean up as a form of apology.

“Oh thanks kindly Applejack, but we can clean this up, not like all this was your fault?” Mrs Cake declared trotting towards the broom closet.

Applejack was not going to take no for an answer, she considered the fact she was galloping to be part of the problem at hoof. she insisted to be allowed to help clean up. This might make her late coming home but it (in her book) was the right things to do. “Fine, Applejack you can help clean up, since you insisted so much. You can start with the mop if you like.” Mrs Cake said hoofing a mop to the her.

Pinkie Pie strung to attention full of excitement and a glare in her eye. A glare the Cakes and Applejack knew all too well. The party pony had an idea and for better or worse she could not be stopped in her endeavours to complete it. “Pinkie Pie, jus’ what in tarnation are ya plannin’?” Applejack asked, scared what could be brewing in Pinkie’s mind.

“Don’t ya worry your little apple baskets AJ. I just can’t let yummy cake like this go to waste,” Pinkie Pie claimed in a sing-song tone. She licked her lips and bent her knees before launching herself towards the side wall of the sweet shop. Within one minute the whole room was void of cake in anyway. Pinkie Pie licked her face clean and patted her big stomach. “Mmmmmmm, maybe I should mix all these cakes together and make a new flavour out of it. So delicious.”

A stunned Applejack and Cakes just stood there with sheepish grins on their faces. Pinkie Pie had licked the entire store clean in a minute. Not only that but the shop was sparkling clean, as if Pinkie had a magical cleaning agent on her tongue that left the floor, walls and roof sparkling.

“Um…okay, an’ that jus’ happened,” a stunned Applejack declared, getting a united nod of agreement from both Cakes, who couldn’t get over the fact Pinkie broke all cleaning speed records on existence to pull off her sparkling stunt.

After another minute of just staring into the abyss or in Applejack’s case a strangely clean sweet shop, she shook her head free of any such thoughts and addressed the whole reason she rushed for the this location in the first place. “Um, excuse me please Mister ‘n’ Misses Cake. Ah’m in dire need o’ a sack o’ sugar please. We ain’t had any delivered ta us in a couple o’ weeks, an’ Ah know y’all always have an extra sack o’ two layin’ ‘round.”

Mr and Mrs Cake gave each other a look of distress before facing Applejack with the same look. She didn’t like where this was going and kind of figured what was about to be said next. “We’re sorry Applejack. We’re clean out of sugar also. Other ponies in town seem to facing the same problem, and already came to see us. We have already given out all the sugar sacks we can spare,” Mr Cake revealed, disappointed he couldn’t give his favourite apple farmer a sack of sugar.

“We just haven’t had any new sugar delivered in weeks. Our normal supplier in Trot About Creek seems to have gone dark, as we have had no reply from letters we have sent,” Mrs Cake informed, giving her stressed husband a little snuggle. “But if we don’t get any in the next week, our own supplies will run dry as well Applejack.”

Applejack took a few minutes to process all this new information, seating her rump on the ground to let her brain has full processing rights. ‘Wonder what in Equestria could be holdin’ up the sugar from Shimmer Shine Ranch,’ Applejack thought to herself while she rubbed her chin.

“Maybe Ah should go an’ pay Shimmer Shine Ranch a visit, an’ see what could be holdin’ up the sugar harvest. If what y’all say is true, most of Ponyville is nearly out o’ sugar. We can’t have a sweet town like ours without any yummy treats ta eat. Jus’ wouldn’t be the same,” she firmly stated putting a forehoof on her chest like it was her duty to solve this problem. “Looks like Ah’ll be takin’ a little trip ta Trot About Creek ta find out what in tarnation is goin’ on!” Applejack declared to nopony in particular.

“Oh Applejack, you don’t have to do that for us,” Mrs Cake protested, giving her best baby eyed face.

“Nah, not a problem Misses Cake. Ah like an excuse ta see more o’ Equestria Ah never been ta before,” Applejack chirped way too excitingly. She bolted out of the sweet shop, leaving the Cakes dumb founded and the Pinkie Pie already planning her home coming party.

Applejack galloped off home in order to prepare for the long train trip to come. ‘Apple Bloom might be a little upset with no cookin’ this afternoon, but lettin’ them crusade should fix that.’

Author's Note

Hold ya horses, not long till everything will start coming together. Twist will come in a little later, for those ya who wondering about that.

The Fires of Destiny (Part 1)

Loving Laughter Chapter 6 - The Fires of Destiny (Part 1)

If destiny really predetermined? Or are we truly free to choose our own path in life?

“Here ya go. Sorry it was so late mate, but ya know how these things can happen sometimes with the mail service,” Scribble chuckled, trying his best to down play the fact the book order was late. The stallion on the other side of the door was sympathetic to his cause and nodded. Scribble waved him goodbye and prepared for the long trip home.

It was a nice evening in Manehattan, Celestia and Luna put on a beautiful show of orange and rays. The sun beaming across the incoming night sky was one of the few joys Scribble looked forward to everyday, and he soaked up every moment of it. His saddle bags were now empty, and his delivery run complete, it was time to retire to the bookshop and his nice cosy bed for the night. ‘Haven’t felt this plastered since a full day of harvesting in the old sugar fields,’ he thought, his aching bones and muscles agreeing with the sentiment.

It had been a full week since Grand Estate last graced the bookshop with his presence. In that time things had begun to settle down a bit, the bookshop opened again and Sketch had taken on more hours of work. This gave Scribble time to settle down and think things through, a lot had happened the past couple of months, and he needed time to processes it all.

Scribble began the long walk home through the cold winding streets of Manehattan. The noise of bells and loud galloping filled the city streets, Scribble saw a large water wagon being pulled by several strong stallions. ‘Fire brigade? What could be going on this late at night?’ he wondered to himself watching the wagon gallop down the street and around the corner. Scribble got a little worried upon the realization of the fire wagon’s projected course. It was heading in the direction of the bookshop.

After staring into space, or in this case the night sky full of smoke, Scribble tipped over his own hooves while he bolted off after the fire wagon. The hearty Earth pony put hoof to pavement slowly gaining distance on the wagon. ‘No way it could be the bookshop. There heaps of building that side of the city. Besides,’ Scribble thought as he took another look towards the smoke in the evening sky. ‘Nothing compared to the bushfires we used to light up in Blaze season back home.’

Scribble found maintaining his high speed a little bit of a job, but thanks to years working the sugarcane farm in the outback he managed to ignore the muscle pain and soldier on through. He went hard enough to even catch the fire wagon, as it rounded another corner.

But it mattered not that Scribble caught up, he was home. Standing before him was several other fire wagons with Unicorns using magic to put out the fire, a fire that was consuming the bookshop. Scribble broke down, collapsing onto his flank and staring into the raging inferno.

Fire ponies ran around the scene, getting bystanders out of the way and adding more water onto the fire. They tried to move Scribble who was gone to the world. “Ey!” a fire Unicorn yelled out, trying to push a dazed Scribble out of the potential range of falling debris. “Ey, come on pal, youze have ta move o’ youze might get hit o’ burnt! Now move ya flank befo’ youze get roasted!” the fire pony yelled slowly pulling Scribble out of danger.

The fire Unicorn yelled out for help moving Scribble away from the fire. Another strong and sturdy Earth pony galloped over and heaved him out of range. They had just gotten the Scribble out of danger range when a third fire fighter reported they could hear cries for help inside the fire. Scribble eyes opened up like he was shocked back to life. “SKETCH!”

Out of nothing but pure instinct Scribble jumped and bolted into the fiery inferno, despite three fire fighters trying to stop him. Without a second thought he rushed in and didn’t look back. ‘Dam it Sketch, I won’t forgive myself if I lose the only pony I got close to in this bugger of a concrete jungle.’

Pieces of wood and furniture were ablaze, and the roof itself was starting to fall down. The heat was like being in an active volcano, making Scribble sweat profusely as he started to lose energy. “Sketch!” he called out in vein. “Sketch, Skeeetttccchhh!” Scribble continued to search what seemed to be an empty shop, he couldn’t see hide nor hair of his favourite artist. ‘Maybe he already been burnt ali…’ Scribble cut off mid thought by tripping over something on the floor. Scribble was left battered and bruised from the sudden impact. He turned around to see the cause of his down fall, only to have his eyes light up. Sketch was out cold on the floor, burn marks and more bruises and cuts then he had time to count. “Sketch! Oi Sketch, come on shake that flank and let’s get going mate!” Scribble ordered trying to shake his friend awake. “No, this can’t be happening, ya can’t be dead?”

Scribble spent another minute trying to shake his friend back to life, but to no avail. Hope was fading fast as Scribble held his friend in his forehooves and let the waterworks out. “Dam ya Sketch! Ya was not meant to cark it yet!” Scribble yelled before going silent for a few seconds. “YA CAN’T LEAVE ME ALL ALONE, DAM YA!” Scribble screamed out at the top of his lungs. Bringing Sketch close to his chest he gave him a huge hug, Scribble was ready to die right there and then. ‘What do I got left to live for in this world?’

Ba-bomp.

“Well at least it will end with a mate.” Scribble had lost all the will and energy to continue on, collapsing to the floor next to Sketch. The fire grow bigger and wilder, completely consuming the bookshop and upstairs apartment.

Ba-bomp.

The staircase leading upstairs fell to pieces, crashing into the shop counter and causing a huge explosion. None of which Scribble could hear, he was dead to the world, the entire world, expect for himself and Sketch.

Ba-bomp.

“What the?”

Ba-bomp.

He pulled Sketch’s chest close to his ear and listened carefully.

Ba-bomp.

“That little ripper, ya alive mate ya alive!” he cheered, as he gave his friend another hug.

Scribble almost lost himself in thought again, before the heat of the fire and burning embers at his hooves reminded him of the current situation. “Oh right… fire. Come on mate let’s get ya out of this mess.”

Scribble attempted to get up on his own fours, but fell short collapsing back on top of Sketch. ‘What? Since when do I gots no energy left?’ He was shocked his hooves refused to work. “Okay Scribble, there is no way, no how, ya rotting in this hell! Ya been through enough hells as it is! Now get ya sorry flank movin’, an’ get Sketch out, NOW!” he declared inspirationally to himself. Slowly Scribble got up, one hoof after another he pulled himself from gravity’s effect. Grabbing Sketch by the neck and tossed the artist onto his back. This caused Scribble to collapse into the ground again. “Dam Sketch, ya need to go on a diet after I save ya flank,” he deadpanned, managing a small giggle to help inspire himself. Scribble summoned every ounce of energy from every corner of his body, he slowly raised himself and Sketch off the ground, howling in pain as he did so.

Scribble’s hooves wanted to give in, his breathing became heavy, the air thick with smoke and the sheer heat that was burning his very body. Scribble didn’t care about any of that. The only thought on his mind was saving Sketch. With all his reserves gone Scribble was running on pure adrenaline. He eyed the front door off in the distance with fire and fallen debris between him and freedom. Scribble took one last gulp and charged the front door. Letting out a huge yell, like the medieval ponies of old, Scribble with his precious cargo didn’t stop for anything, using his head to knock objects out of his path closing the distance on the door to freedom.

“Ey, where da flank are dem Pegasus wit’ da clouds!?” the fire Unicorn questioned looking into the sky.

“Not sure, dey should be here by now,” another fire pony informed.

The two Unicorns were near the front of the bookshop using their magic to levitate hoses, spraying water from the wagons into the fire. “Ey, youze here dat?” one of the fire Unicorns asked, putting his ear closer to the burning inferno.

The other Unicorn followed suite and tried to listen to a constant banging noise coming from inside the burning shop. “Ya, sound like a..”

The Unicorn was cut off mid speech as Scribble came crashing through the front door from the inside of the burning building. He started his jump from inside the shop and knocked what was left of the front door clean off. Scribble and Sketch landed on the ground out front near the two Unicorns, both ponies rolling several times before coming to a complete stop.

“What in Celestia’s name!?” the stunned fire pony yelled, frighted out of his flank at the surprise invasion from within the fire.

“Quick, somepony get us some help ova' heeya!” He raced over and picked Scribble’s head off the ground, inspecting his for any wounds or burns.

Scribble was still conscious but barley. He looked up and saw several Pegasus with storm clouds pouring down on the flaming inferno. “Make…make…make sure ya help Sketch,” was all Scribble could manage before his eyes closed and he passed out.

The fire fighters gathered up the two injured ponies and rushed them off to the hospital, just as the last bits of the bookshop came crashing down.

~~~~~~~~~~

A familiar beeping sound from a white and green room aroused the sleeping patient from his much loved slumber. Scribble groaned as some familiar pains came to his body. When he could finally open his eyes he saw what he expected, a hospital room and himself covered in bandages.

“Well youze an’ me on a second date already, sweetheart?” a familiar mares voice snickered. The doctor pulled up a bench on wheels next to Scribble, and got ready to check his condition.

“Oh great, the old trickster is back. If you an’ Sketch force me into anotha’ corner I will…”

“Well sorry sweetheart, dat won’t happen dis time ‘round,” Pulse said in a sad tone while she pointed a hoof to the other bed in the room.

Scribble lifted his head a bit, flinching a little from the pain, to see his friend in several bandages laying there lifeless. “How bad is he?” Scribble asked, fearing the coming answer.

Pulse hooked Scribble up to a few medical devices while checking his condition. “Not good I’m afraid.” She said pulling the thermomotor out of his mouth. “Minus da burn marks he got, Sketch will also be in a coma fo’ several months we believe.” Pulse had a few tears in her eyes, understandable since Scribble was boiling with the water works. His best friend in this city was going to be out of commission for months.

“It all my fault Pulse. Somethin’ in my shop set off a fire, an’ it caused my mate to end up in this state.” Scribble could feel his guilt stacking. He was unable to take his eyes of his friend on the other side of the room.

Scribble broke down in a puddle of waterworks, referring to himself as useless and not deserving to live in this world. Pulse saw herself having to do something before this escalated out of control. “Look not all dat bad, youze did save youze friend now, didn’t ya? He will live ta see anotha day, thanks ta youze dat is.” Pulse put a hoof on the Scribble’s shoulder to try and calm him down a notch.

It took a few minutes but Scribble eventually settled down, regaining his senses and letting Pulse do her tests. “I know, I know I saved him, but I shouldn’t of let him been burnt in the first place. An as ya said, he will be out for a few months at least, maybe even longer.”

Pulse put all her tools back on the mobile bench having finished the tests she needed to perform on Scribble. “Listen hun, maybe dis is a chance for ya to have a holiday o’ take some time off. Maybe youze can visit ya family fo’ a while or summat?” she mumbled to herself speaking more just out of thought than to Scribble.

This got Scribble’s attention loud and clear. ‘Come to think of it I no seen or heard from the family in a couple of months, maybe I should have a little down time back home. Will give me time to see what is next in my life.’

“Scribble, ey Equestria ta Scribble!” Pulse yelled to snap her dazed patient out of his own little world. “Come on sunshine what ya thinking off?”

“Off home, Pulse. It has been a good couple of months since I last heard hide nor hair from them. Not like them to go so long without a reply, seems like they up the creek without a paddle,” Scribble replied a little worried.

“Ey, what up da creek?”

Scribble giggled a little at the doctor’s lack of expense. “It’s where somepony might be in a little trouble where I come from. I know it a little confusin’ sometimes, but no better then how some of the ponies in this city speak,” Scribble stated still rubbing in the fact he got Pulse good.

“Oh ha ha, looks like da funny writer got one ova’ on da doctor,” She adjusted her tone to act like an evil scientist. “But da doctor will get da last laugh.” Pulse pulled her head back and made her eyes go into a sharp stare. She opened her mouth and let out a huge evil laugh, well, the best one she could pull off in any case. This made Scribble flinch, sweat poured down his face, he knew what was to come.

“Um…Pulse, what is that look for? I assure ya I’m perfect, and as fit as a fiddle.”

Pulse still had a smug look on her face, which literally made Scribble wet the bed. Pulse laughed her flank off at the embarrassed bed wetter whose face now glowed redder than a sweet strawberry. “Settle down will youze. I not really goin’ ta hurt ya.”

“Ya sure?” a frightened Scribble begged, hiding under the sheets.

“Yes, I’m sure. Besides youze willz have ta stay in hospital at least anotha week befo’ ya make travel plans.”

Scribble didn’t much like this idea, and it showed on his face. Replacing the playful smile he just had with a look of concern. “A week? What could be so wrong with me I need a week? Just how bad are my injuries?” Scribble questioned with the topic of injuries reminding him of pain which made its way back into his body.

“Well compared ta ya friend ova there, youze got off easy.” Pulse levitated her clipboard in front of herself so she could read off the list to Scribble. “Youze got some minor burns, bumps an’ bruises an’ a huge open cut to ya right hind leg. Dat cut is gonna leave a mark when it’s all healed up. But your coat will hide it once it grows back fully.”

“That bad eh?”

“Ya, dat bad. Youze in heeya a week so those burns can heal up a little. Afta dat youze free to head home, jus’ so long as ya take it easy fo’ a while,” she stated sternly putting her notepad back down. Scribble wasn’t much happy, not angry with the doctor but more a sense of longing. Longing for his home back in Trot About Creek, and the family he hasn’t seen in ages.

~~~~~~~~~~

Scribble stood on platform four ready to depart southwards for home. The train was due in a matter of minutes and Scribble couldn’t wait to leave this city behind. Even thought he was leaving it behind for another town he hated, what choice did the sad soul have?

It had been ten days since that fire, the fire that saw Scribble and his only real friend in this city in a coma. Even after a week in the hospital the doctors still had no idea when Sketch would wake up. Scribble asked Pulse to forward to Sketch when he woke up that he had gone home, and he gave the doctor a contact address.

According to the police investigation, the fire was accidental. So Scribble was not compensated for anything he lost in the fire. With the official report saying the toaster was left on and fell over, starting the fire. Scribble didn’t much buy the story, but he couldn’t care less to lodge any form of complaint. The police force was nice enough to buy the train ticket he needed for the trip home.

So here Scribble was with a small saddle bag over him with the few things he managed to salvage from the fire. A few family snaps and one scarf being all he had to his name.

A train pulled up against platform four, and a voice called out over the loudspeaker. “Now boarding platform four, the Southern Outback express, stopping at Filly Springs, Hoof’s Rock, Trot About Creek and Gold Pine.”

‘Well that’s me, an’ about time to. Any longer an’ I would of chucked a right old wobbly,’ Scribble thought to himself happy to be taking his final steps out of the Earth pony metropolis.

Scribble boarded the train and presented his ticket to the conductor who stamped it for approval. He was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to shut off for a while. Scribble took a bunk in the sleeper car and fell into forty winks. The train trip was going to take a whole twenty four hours, plenty of time for some sleep and to think about what is next in his life.

Author's Note

Sorry for this chapter taking so long, but ya know how life gets sometimes. Anyway chapter 7 is already done just needs editing, and 8 is already started so ya will getting some more reads soon.

The Fires of Destiny (Part 2)

Loving Laughter Chapter 7 - The Fires of Destiny (Part 2)

Is meeting someone predestined or just pure chance?

(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 Note

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.

Acquaintance or Friend?

Loving Laughter Chapter 8 - Acquaintance or Friend?

What's the difference between someone you know, compared to someone you really know.

Camper led his class into the outback not too far from Trot about Creek. Today was a field excursion day for the survival training class. Camper halted the group in a clearing near a river. “Okay ya bunch of ankle bitters, today we be studying the art of orienteering,” he announced addressing all the fillies and colts in his class.

“Orienwhatting?” one of the students asked.

Camper giggled at the student who could only scratch her head with confusing. “Orienteering, young filly. It’s the art of navigating.” The students still looked a little confused. “Seriously? Nopony knows what navigating is?” Camper deadpanned, all his students could do was return blank stares at him. “Oh great, we have a long day ahead of us. Listen up young guppies. Navigating is where ya use a map or compass to get from one location to anotha’. Much like what we doing today.”

Camper pulled out a saddle bag of supplies, getting his samples out. He showed the young fillies and colts a compass and map, as he began to give some basic instructions on how to use each. The interested students paid full attention, Camper amazed them with a tale of the great outdoors, and how these tools could save their lives one day should anypony ever get lost.

After a thirty minute lesson all the excited students wanted to try it out themselves. Lucky for them Camper was about to oblige. “Okay guys, I wan’t all of ya to split inta groups of two,” he ordered. The students did with due haste and excitement, all students but one that is.

Scribble stood up the back all alone as he normally did. It looked like he would be a solo team. ‘Surprise, surprise, alone again. What’s new?’ Scribble thought to himself as he eyed off all the students angrily.

Camper handed each pair a compass and a map from his saddle bag. “Now listen up class. For today’s exercise ya will all be finding three points. Each point is marked on ya maps so ya can navigate to them. What ya gotta do is use the compass an’ make ya way to all three points. At each point is a flag for each pair. Once ya collect all three flags, make ya way back here to complete the exercise,” he instructed, holding up a map and pointing out several locations marked with numbers.

All the students were now really excited to give their new found navigation skills a test run. Camper sensed the growing excitement and got an idea to help them strive to do the best they could. “We will even make this a little interestin’, hey guys?” Camper proposed, gaining with the full attention of the class. “First team to make it back to me with all three of their flags will not have to take the written exam.”

The students all had grins cheek to cheek plastered on their faces. No written exam sounded like something from heaven. “Now don’t forget ya whistles. If ya get lost or in trouble just blow the whistle really loudly and stay put. I can come and find ya then, an’ show ya the way.” He hoofed all the teams a whistle to use.

Camper was just about to let the raging stream of students lose into the outback when he noticed Scribble up the back without a partner. “Oi, Scribble. Why ya not in a group mate? Do we have an odd number of ponies today?” he asked, as he slowly trotted towards Scribble Script.

The lonely student simply sat there and shrugged. He didn’t know or care either that he was alone. Scribble was used to solitude and all the discomforts it brought. He also knew that nopony in the class ever wanted to pair up with him, so he never put any effort into trying to get along with his fellow class mates. “Anypony not got a partner yet?” Camper asked, looking around to see if any student was yet to be put into a group.

Cold silence was the only answer he got. “Okay than, looks like we will have to make a team of three.” All the students groaned in protest. The last thing any pair wanted was Scribble Script on their team.

Scribble’s expression changed to one of anger. He never could figure out what he did to his class mates to be treated like an outcast, and right now he couldn’t care less either. This was always the treatment he got from the rest of the class. So in return he decided to not care about the situation at hoof.

“Come on guys, ya can take one more wit...” Camper was cut off mid speech by Scribble. The furious student had stormed up to his teacher and snatched the last map and compass out of Camper’s hoof. “Never mind, I will do it myself!” Scribble demanded really loudly, followed by an angry growl.

Camper objected, trying to make him join a group. But Scribble would have none of it. The raging outcast stormed off into the bush completely ignoring his teacher’s demands.

Camper dismissed the rest of the class, and prepared to help the students complete the lesson. He looked off into the distance as Scribble finally trotted out of his sight. ‘I must ‘member to yak with Blazing ‘bout his son. Maybe there is something that could be done to help the little guppy.’

Hours had pasted and Scribble was no closer to any of the three points indicated on the map. He didn’t even care, just wanting to get away from his class mates. Scribble found a nice view from a cliff’s edge. Scribble parked his flank down and took in the wonderful view. If there ever was a more ideal location to reflects on ones feelings Scribble had found it here.

Scribble began to think to himself, as was his normal routine when he was upset. The clouds overhead rolled in while he wasted away the hours thinking on today’s events. A loud bang of thunder snapped him from his thoughts and back to reality. He looked up and saw the grey sky just as it started to rain. “Well, why not. Today couldn’t get any worse no matter what happens!” Scribble yelled towards the sky, taking out his anger on the storm clouds.

The clouds returned their anger at Scribble with another strike of lightning. This much louder burst of lightning startled Scribble enough to make him lose his hoofing. He tripped and toppled down the cliff’s edge. Scribble was so frightened as he kept on falling until he hit a small ledge halfway down the cliff.

The fall made Scribble pass out for a few moments. When he finally came to he was wet, scared and injured, his right forehoof was fractured in addition to many bumps, bruises and open cuts. Scribble tried to stand up only to buckle under the pain of his injured hoof. He huddled himself under the cliff’s shelter to avoid getting wet and wept.

“Scribble,” a mysterious voice on the horizon called.

The shocked student looked out over the horizon to see who was calling. He saw nothing but the rain and bushland below.

Again the voice called his name, louder and with more force this time. “Who are ya? What ya want with me?” Scribble asked the mystery voice.

“Wake up,” the voice replied

The ground around Scribble began to shake violently. “HELP! SOMEPONY HELP ME!” he called out, hoping that help would arrive soon.

Again the voice called, “Scribble, wake up. WAKE UP!”

~~~~~~~~~~

The train from Trot About Creek to Ponyville cruised along at a pleasant speed during Luna’s magnificent night. On-board all ponies dreamt the night away with pleasant dreams, expect for the train’s engineer, conductor and two ponies in one of the sleeper caverns.

Applejack shook Scribble Script back and forth trying to arouse him from his slumber. “Scribble, wake up. WAKE UP!” Applejack bellowed out.

Scribble’s eyes shot open as he suddenly and unexcitingly shot his head up. Both Applejack’s and Scribble’s heads collided with such force it sounded like she had just bucked an apple tree. Both ponies let out yells of agonising pain with forehooves covering newly acquired lumps to both heads.

“Ah! What the buck were ya doing Applejack!? Tryin’ to kill me now, are we?”

“What was Ah doin’? What in tarnation were ya doin’?” Applejack questioned in retaliation. “Ya were the one screamin’ an’ yellin’ in yer slumber, not me.”

Scribble paused for a moment to get a grip on the situation at hoof. “Wait! I was screaming an yelling?”

“Ya was. That’s why Ah woke ya up.”

Applejack finally took her hoof off her head to inspect the damage. She gently tapped the small lump while continuing the topic of discussion. “Jus’ what in Equestria were ya dreamin’ o’ ta make such loud screams? Ya were also cryin’, musta been some dream.”

Scribble gave of a look that could kill, glaring at her. Applejack throw her hooves up in defence, “What?”

“I mean no offence Applejack, but it none ya business what I was dreamin’ ‘bout,” a sleep and now cranky Scribble informed.

Applejack was a little annoyed at Scribble’s ability to not open up to her. “Come on, Ah not askin’ fer yer entire life story. Jus’ what ya was dreamin’ ‘bout?” She was hoping a soft approach might work on him.

“I said no. Now can we drop the subject an’ get some sleep, please?” Scribble begged.

Applejack was now a little saddened. She normally never had trouble getting any of her friends to open up to her. Scribble was the first pony she ever met who had put up so many walls. She had a hard enough time just breaking an outer layer back in Trot About Creek, so the walls to come were not going to be easy. “Ya can tell me anythin’. Ah promise Ah won’t tell anotha’ soul,” Applejack declared, holding up a hoof to reassure Scribble she was genuine.

Scribble looked out of the cabin window taking in the night view as the train sped out of the bushland and into the lush rolling grasslands of central Equestria. He sighed a little, “Applejack, how can ya expect me to trust ya when I have known ya all off a couple of days?”

Applejack put her hoof to her cheek and thought for a moment, while she watched Scribble stare out the window. “Ah jus’ want ta help ya Scribble. Is that too much ta ask?”

Scribble turned back round to face Applejack who was on the other side of the sleeper cabin and shook his head up and down. He had a look of certainty written on his face, which proved to Applejack he was dead serious.

Applejack knew she had been beaten. She rummaged through her saddle bag that was on the floor near her seat. She pulled out two apples with her mouth and throw one towards Scribble. “Okay than. Hows ‘bout a deal? Ah agree ta not pursue the matter anymore if ya promise ta come an’ tell me ‘bout it when ya feel ready fer it. Sound fair?” Applejack asked, as she held her apple in her hoof and put it up in front of Scribble.

Scribble eyed the apple he caught in his hoof and pondered Applejack’s deal for a few seconds. He looked up and saw a smile on her face and an apple held up towards him. He produced a smile of his own and met his apple with hers. “Sounds good to me, Applejack.” Scribble agreed, the sound of two apples clanging together making the deal official.

“Good, an’ if ya like, call me AJ from now on. Most o’ ma friends do,” Applejack stated taking a bite of her apple.

“Okay…AJ.” Scribble giggled a little taking a bite form his apple.

The apple was unlike any apple he had tasted before. Scribble let out a long pleasant moan, as he took more bites into his delicious treat. “This the best apple I ever had. Ya really grow apples this good?”

Applejack let out a small chuckle. “We certainly do. All apples on our farm grown wit’ Apple family integrity an’ care.” She took another look at Scribble who was consumed with his tasty treat. “Not bad fer a midnight snack, huh?” she cheekily asked.

Scribble throw the last bit of apple into the air and caught it with his mouth. He took a few chews than swallowed the last of his midnight snack down. “Mmmmm, not bad indeed. Tell me a little ‘bout ya farm and Ponyville will ya. Might of visited sooner had I known the apples this tasty,” Scribble jokingly said.

Applejack put her half eaten apple on the seat for a sec. “Hmm, where ta start. Ponyville kinda like yer town in some ways. We primarily a farmin’ town, growin’ everythin’ from apples ta corn, flowers, carrots an’ so on.” Applejack brought her forehoof under her chin as she continued to think of what else she could describe of Ponyville. “Me an’ the family famous fer our apples, apple cider an’ Zap Apple Jam.”

Scribble got a look of curiosity that made Applejack stop talking. “Zap Apple Jam ya say, I think I heard of that somewhere before?” Scribble pondered, a little confused.

“It our special rainbow-coloured spread. We use it fer makin’ an’ bakin’ everythin’ from cakes ta pies.” Applejack gave her chest a little pound with her hoof. Much like a Pegasus she was full of pride with her family’s baking abilities.

“Sounds tasty.” Scribble said rubbing his belly, and getting a little excited. He could almost taste that Zap Apple Jam the way Applejack was describing it. “Say tell me ‘bout ya family and friends, since I will be staying with them from now on.”

Applejack went into great detail telling Scribble about her family and friends. She told Scribble about her strong brother and energetic little sister. All her friends from Ponyville Rarity, Twilight, Spike, Pinkie and the rest of the gang. “Ya, me an’ the girls always seem ta find ourselves in a whole heap o’ trouble quite regularly.”

“Trouble? Just what happens in Ponyville? Sounds like your quaint little town sees a lot of action?” Scribble asked, with more curiosity than a filly peeping through a key hole.

“Ya, yer could say that. But Ah won’t spoil the surprise,” she chirped, sporting a giggle for added effect. Scribble was left stunned. Just what could of Applejack meant by that.

Applejack looked out the train window and remembered it was night time. “I will tell ya all ‘bout it tomorrow. We will be arrivin’ at the station jus’ befo’ first light. So get a little more sleep befo’ we get there.” Applejack yawned as she snuggled up with her pillow.

“Good idea,” Scribble agreed, getting cosy with his pillow and returned to dreamland for a few more hours of sleep.

Author's Note

Sorry again for delays. Y'all know what life can be like sometimes. Also us writers do love feedback, so let me know what ya think of the story if ya enjoying it.

Welcome to Ponyville

Loving Laughter Chapter 9 - Welcome to Ponyville

Does a location mean a new start in life? Or does your past always manage to find a way to haunt you?

Luna’s moon was nearing the horizon of her beautifully adorned night sky. Under the star light of what few stars still shun the train from Trot About Creek was nearing Ponyville station. “How long ‘til she arrives?” An impatient little filly asked, tugging on her big brother’s tail.

The sturdy big red stallion shrugged. “Not sure.”

The fidgety filly ran on the spot, unable to stay still with the absence of her sister. “She was supposed ta be here…” A loud whistle blowing from the south interrupted her. Apple Bloom quickly turned her attention southward to view the powerful steam locomotive. It was only minutes away from the station, and the little Bloom was full of energetic excitement. “She finally back! Applejack is back!”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac agreed.

Another blow of the horn announced the steam trains arrival at the station. The iron workhorse slowly pulled up to the platform and came to steady halt. A pony with a clock for a cutie mark jumped onto the platform from the caboose carriage and blow his whistle. “Ponyville Station! Everypony departing for Ponyville please do so now!” the conductor announced with a loud voice.

The carriage door slid open and Applejack trotted out of the train. “Hoo-wee, sure am glad ta finally be home,” she said, tipping her trademark Stetson forward a little bit.

A quick blur of yellow and red crash tackled Applejack on the platform. “Applejack, yer back, yer finally back, sis!” Apple Bloom yelled, giving her sister a huge hug.

The loving tackle had Applejack on her back with the energetic filly on top, refusing to let her sister go. “Ah missed ya too, lil’ sis!” she lovingly returned, her forehooves picking her little sister up and lifting her into the air. “Come here an’ give yer sis another hug.”

Applejack squeezed her little sibling tight, electing a giggle from the filly as she was so happy to see her sister. Big Mac trotted up to both his sisters and smiled. “Welcome home Applejack,” he greeted kind-heartedly.

Applejack broke the embrace between herself and her sister. She rolled Apple Bloom off to the side and got back up on all fours. Smiling she gave her brother a hug, putting both forehooves around his neck. “Ah missed ya too, big brother.”

Mac returned the hug and patted her on the back. “So, what kept ya a few extra days? We were startin’ ta worry ‘bout ya,” Big Mac asked.

Applejack was about to answer when another voice from behind them spoke up. “So this is your big brother and little sister ya was talkin’ ‘bout?”

Applejack didn’t even look behind to give her answer. She starred with pride towards her two siblings. “Eeyup, they sure as sugar are.”

Scribble trotted up and stood next to Applejack. “Nice to meet ya both. I’m Scribble Script,” he declared holding a hoof out towards Big Mac.

Big Mac and Apple Bloom starred at the cream coloured guest who seemed to know their sister, confused looks dominating both of their faces. “Applejack, who is this?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Ya haven’t told them yet?” Scribble asked.

Applejack shook her head. “Nope, not yet. Was too busy givin’ ‘em a hug.” She turned to face her siblings and pointed a fore hoof towards Scribble. “This here is Scribble Script. He will be stayin’ with us fer a while, ta help with this year’s harvest.”

Scribble put on a fake smile and waved a hoof towards the siblings. “Hope ya two don’t mind an extra hoof helping?” he asked, hoping the little Bloom and Big Mac would be accepting of him like their sister.

“Eeyup” Big Mac answered. He gave Scribble’s hoof a hearty shake, literally shaking the poor pony up and down, making him dizzy.

“Ah’m Apple Bloom. An’ Ah think it would be a great idea ta have ya help this year! Means Ah get more crusadin’ time!” she revealed, getting so excited at the prospect.

“Crusading time?” a puzzled Scribble asked.

“AAA-PPPPP-LLL-EEE BBB-LLL-OOOOO-MMM!” her sister scolded.

She quickly readjusted her tone and corrected her last statement. “Err, what Ah meant ta say is, we sure would be grateful.” She branded a huge smile to try and convince her sister she was sincere. Applejack wasn’t buying any of it, starring her little sibling down with a disapproving look.

“All aboard,” the conductor called out blowing his whistle again. The train behind them started to power back up, getting ready for the next trip it was scheduled to make.

“Ah think we should continue this chat ova breakfast,” Applejack stated, putting her saddlebags back on. With the agreement of her siblings and Scribble they trotted off the platform, making for Sweet Apple Acres.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Apple family plus one guest trotted into the farm house and were greeted with a pleasant smell. The smell of breakfast as prepared by none other than master pastry chief Granny Smith. “Applejack. So good ya came back. It’s nice to see ya,” Granny Smith greeted, giving her granddaughter a huge hug.

Applejack was happy to finally be home. She took a seat at the breakfast table with the rest of her family, and motioned for Scribble to join them, as Big Mac pulled up a spare seat.

“Um… thanks,” Scribble cautiously said. He hesitated at first, but soon took the offer to join the Apples at the table, after Applejack gave him a reassuring smile.

“Don’t worry, Scribble. We always have extra food cooked up,” Applejack proudly revealed, addressing her comment at the oldest member of the Apple Family.

“What?” Granny asked putting a forehoof to her ear. “Ya want a texture approved?”

“No, Ah said ya always have extra food cooked up, Granny,” Applejack declared a little louder.

“We need more nectar booked?”

Apple Bloom, Big Mac and Scribble could not help but chuckle as Applejack gave up and waved her hooves in the air. “Jus’ forget it, Granny.”

Apple Bloom dug into her pancakes with an extra load of golden syrup on top, followed by the rest of the Apples. Breakfast seemed more a casual social gathering in the Apple family than any form of routine. Scribble let out a little smile, he liked casual and simple more than complicated or formal. “Ain’t ya goin’ ta eat yer breakfast Scribble?” Apple Bloom asked with curiosity, pointing to the large mouth-watering stack of pancakes located in the middle of the table.

“Um…sure,” Scribble stuttered a little. He reached for the stack of pancakes and hoofing himself a few, dropping one on the table in the process.

Applejack rose an eyebrow at this. ‘Seems he is still not really comfortable ‘round the family yet. Ah think Ah might pay Twi a visit afta’ breakfast, an’ see if she can sort this out a lil’.’

All ponies around the table continued to lower the pile of pancakes in no time. Casual conversation dominated the rest of breakfast, mainly directed at Scribble on topics such as his first thoughts on Ponyville and what experience he has had on farms. Scribble informed them of his days working the sugar fields, and he could handle any form of work they throw at him.

Scribble loosened up a little as breakfast neared an end, even managing a little smile. That is until Apple Bloom brought up that certain topic. “So Scribble, why do ya wanna work here instead o’ the sugar farm?” Apple Bloom asked, stuffing her face with the last pancake.

Scribble’s expression went from happy to sad instantly as he clamed up. The atmosphere in the kitchen turned cold really quickly. Applejack knew she had to step in quickly before Scribble melted down again. “Don’t worry y’all, we can address this later on. Me an’ Scribble were up half the night on the train ride, so we could really use some shut-eye.”

Applejack pushed her seat back and left the table, taking a few dishes to the sink as she did so. “Apple Bloom sweetie, could ya show Scribble ta the guest room please?” she politely asked her little sister.

“Sure can, sis,” she chriped, followed by a burp caused from too much apple juice. “Oops, excuse me. Come on Scribble, shut-eye down the hall here,” Bloom informed, motioning with a hoof for Scribble to follow her. Scribble obliged the little Apple, following her down the hall, yawning as he went.

Big Mac gave his oldest sister a concerned stare. “What was that all ‘bout?”

“Ah’ll explain later big brother. Ah need ta go an’ see Twilight ‘bout it first.” She quickly made ready and rushed for the door. “Ah promise Ah will tell ya when Ah back!” Applejack yelled, galloping out the front door.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was a bright sunny morning in Ponyville, perfect for just about anything anypony had planned. Golden Oak library was already abuzz with action this particular morning. Twilight started to rattle off a list of commands to her number one assistant, as the baby dragon ticked them off a huge check list.

“Order new quills?”

“Check,” The dragon affirmed, adding another tick marker on the long list.

“Deliver Misses Cake’s new book?”

“Check”

“Go shopping for dinner tonight”

“Check”

A few loud knocks banged on the front door.

“Knock on the door?”

“Check…wait, knock on the door…That’s not on the list,” Spike revealed, totally lost in confusion.

Again the front door was knocked on, even louder this time. This Drew the attention of both Spike and Twilight. She giggled pointing a hoof to the front door. “Spike, could you please get that.”

Spike’s face turned red from embarrassment. “Um…sure,” he mumbled, before putting his list down and racing for the door.

Spike swung the door open to see who would come calling so early in Celestia’s morning. “Oh, hey AJ,” he kindly greeted, opening the door for his friend to enter. “What brings you here so early this morning?”

“Howdy Spike. Ah need ta see Twilight. Is she in?” Applejack asked.

Before Spike could even give her an answer a voice called out from across the room. “Over here Applejack. Come on in.”

Spike invited Applejack into the library pointing both of his arms in Twilight’s direction. He put on a cheeky smile. “After you, m’lady.”

Applejack rolled her eyes at the baby dragon as she made her way into the library and towards her friend. “So AJ, what’s do you need? Would you like some tea? Spike was about to make a pot,” she cunningly ordered, swinging her head in the direction of the kitchen. Spike picked up on the subtle hint and made his way into the kitchen, grumbling and complaining under his breath as he did.

After Spike had left the room Applejack began. “Ah need help wit’ a problem Twilight. While Ah wa..”

Twilight interrupted her mid speech by grabbing both of her cheeks and freaking out. “A problem! Oh no, no, no, no, no! What’s gone wrong this time!? Pinkie Pie didn’t cover your barn in custard again, did she!? Did you and Rarity have a fight!? Parasprites aren’t in town again, are they!?” Twilight asked, freaking out over what horrors awaited her to fix.

Applejack pushed Twilight to the ground, freeing herself from Twilight’s grasp and making her land on her flank. “No, no, Twilight. Nothin’ that bad. Ah jus’ need yer advice on a new pony Ah kinda brought back from Trot About Creek wit’ me,” she sternly stated, making sure Twilight knew this was no natural disaster.

“New pony…Wait, just what happened to you down south? You were gone a few extra days. Your family were starting to worry about you,” she asked, getting to curious for her own good.

Applejack spent the next four hours explaining everything that happened, from the events as they unfolded to how Scribble Script is a complete wreck over what Applejack assumed was him being lonely, and other things in his past he had not revealed yet. Time flew by quickly while Twilight and Applejack spoke, so much so it was now lunch time. Spike brought a tray of hay fries for the girls, and offered them refills of their tea. “Thank you Spike. Another refill would be nice. Applejack, would you like some more tea?”

“Nah thanks, Ah’m fine.”

Spike poured Twilight another glass and returned to the kitchen. “So you mean to tell me Scribble lost his shop in Manehattan, and his entire family in Trot About Creek? And he has had no friends his whole life, just rejection and suffering?” a shocked Twilight asked.

“’Fraid so. Least that is what Ah think is the case from what Camper told me. He has hardly opened up ta me. Ah still only skimmed the surface o’ his problems,” Applejack sadly revealed.

Twilight levitated her friend a tissue, while taking one for herself. “That’s horrible. We have to do something to help,” Twilight said, making her last statement sound almost like a demand.

“Ah know. That’s why Ah got him ta come ta the farm and help wit’ Apple Buck season this year. Figured a change o’ scenery might help him open up. An’ jus’ maybe he could make a new life fer himself here in Ponyville… Scratch that, he will make a new life for himself in Ponyville,” Applejack announced with full determination.

“He will?” Twilight confusingly asked.

“Ah made him a solid promise he would have a better life in Ponyville.” Applejack stood up on all fours and raised one hoof in the air. “An’ ya know Ah never break a promise,” she declared with pride.

“Well that’s true. Looks like we will have to help Scribble get back on his hooves if you made him such a promise,” Twilight confessed, scratching her head.

For the next couple of minutes Twilight did nothing but scratch her head, trying hard as she could to come up with a perfect sure fire plan to make Scribble happy. After which she simply gave up. She slummed down onto her flank in defeat. “I might have to call the girls in on this one. You sure brought back a doozy of a problem with you this time around,” Twilight sobbed, not liking to admit she was pegged on this particular problem.

“Eeyup,” Applejack agreed. “But Ah had ta do something. Ah could no jus’ leave him in that state.”

“I know AJ, I know.” Twilight got off her flank and stretched a little, several hours of not moving had made her joints stiff.

“Well, Ah will keep him busy on the farm fer a few days, while ya figure out a plan ta help him.” Applejack picked up her hat and flipped in the air. “Least that should take his mind off his troubles fer now,” she said, as her hat made a perfect landing on her head.

“Okay AJ, that sounds good.”

“Well Ah gotta go, need ta get some sleep befo’ Ah start work tomorrow.” Applejack made for the Library’s front door, giving her friend a hearty wave good bye. Twilight returned her farewell with a wave of her own.

“Spike!” Twilight bellowed out form the library. Spike slowly made his way out of the kitchen to see what Twilight wanted this time. “Cancel our plans for today, and go round the girls up please. Tell them I need to see them all here now, and that it is urgent!” She ordered her assistant in a polite manner.

Spike gave a mock salute and sped out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was a bright and sunny morning at Sweet Apple Acres, Celestia had perfected the art of raising the sun this fine morning. It was also Scribble’s first morning waking up on the farm. A brand new day was before him, signifying the start of his new life on the apple farm.

Scribble wasted no time joining the Apple family for breakfast. This morning it was oatmeal and raison toast severed with the normal freshly squeezed Apple family apple juice.

The meal was all over and done with right on seven am. Life on the Apple farm did start early, not that Scribble wasn’t used to early farm starts form his past life on the family sugar farm. Applejack took Scribble down to the barn to show him what his task was for the day.

“Righto, today yer on apple buckin’ detail,” she informed as she slid open the barn door. The barn was huge, stocked with all kinds of farm supplies and tools. It really had been a while since Scribble laid eyes on such a sight, bringing a flood of memories back as to his days on the family farm.

“Apple whating detail?” he asked, puzzled by her terminology.

Applejack chuckled to herself for a few brief seconds as she trotted into the barn. “Apple buckin’ detail. It’s what we call harvestin’ ‘round these parts,” she explained while loading up a wagon full of buckets. She placed several dozen buckets into the wagon, making sure they were not too high as to fall off mid journey. Applejack, with a cheeky grin on her face, motioned for Scribble to hook himself up to the wagon.

He rolled his eyes, but obliged Applejack and fastened himself to the wagon. “So, why so many buckets AJ?” Scribble asked, taking another look at how many buckets he was hauling.

“Follow me. This be easier if Ah show ya, instead o’ tryin’ ta explain it.”

Applejack lead Scribble about five minutes from the barn to the western fields. The apples on these trees were nice and juicy red. They sparkled under the morning sun, inviting anypony who saw them to take a bite. She halted Scribble to a stop, and helped to unlatch him from the wagon. “Okay, here is how we do it. Ya place ‘bout four o’ five buckets ‘round the apple tree like so,” she explained with a bucket in her mouth, placing it along with four others she had already set around this apple tree. Applejack than reared herself up to the tree before continuing her lesson. “Now this is the fun part. Ya simply position yerself like so.” Applejack’s forelegs where firmly entrenched into the ground, while her hindlegs were backed up ready for a powerful buck. “An’ buck the apple tree hard.” She proceeded to demonstrate this point with a smile on her face, as red morsels fell from the tree into the buckets.

‘Wow. She is strong,’ he thought, watching Applejack easily make the apples fall from the tree.

“Now not all the apples will land in the buckets, but ya should get most o’ ‘em in,” She instructed, pointing out several apples that had fallen short of the intended target, and now graced the grass with their red presence. “Just make sure ya pick up any lose ones an’ toss ‘em inta a bucket fer Mac ta collect.”

“Mac collects them?” Scribble asked, still getting his hoof around the process they used on Sweet Apple Acres.

“That’s right. Just leave the buckets around the trees fer him to collect. An’ once ya run outta buckets simply go back ta the barn an’ get anotha’ load. Mac will put the empty buckets back in the barn fer ya.” She placed another rings of buckets around the second apple tree. “Now, let’s see ya try a hoof at this.”

Scribble approached the tree and looked it up and down for a second, before turning to face his hindlegs at the tree. He aimed up his target and got into position, just like how Applejack showed him to do so. “Okay, here goes!” he announced, closing his eyes and letting his hindlegs loose. With a mighty thud Scribble’s hindhooves connected with the apple tree, sending several apples plummeting into the buckets.

Applejack was modestly impressed. “Not bad fer yer first go. Give it a few more bucks, should get the rest o’ those apples out,” she encouraged.

Scribble reared up and gave the tree another buck, followed by another, than another. It took him a total of five bucks to finally make the apple tree relinquish every last apple it held hostage. “Don’t worry, sugar. Ya will get the hang o’ it in no time. Now get ta work, we got this whole field ta get done today,” she said, trotting off and leaving Scribble to the task at hoof.

~~~~~~~~~~

Four days had pasted since Scribble first bucked an apple tree. He was now quite good at the task, bucking every single apple out of the trees with just two bucks, sometimes three is the apples were stubborn. In that time all Scribble had done was work the apples trees, eat and sleep. Despite Applejack trying to give him some time off so he could enjoy the new town he was living in. Scribble refused saying he needed to work in order to pay for his lodgings.

Applejack was no fool. She knew it was just an excuse so he didn’t have to interact with anypony else. “Ah tell ya Mac, that pony jus’ doesn’t want ta do anythin’ but work! He turned inta a right-old machine,” she stated, bucking another apple tree.

“Eeyup.”

Applejack stopped bucking trees for a moment to concentrate on the topic at hoof. “Ah tried givin’ him some spare time, askin’ him ta go shopping with Apple Bloom in town, tried ta introduce him ta the girls…even offered ta show him ‘round Ponyville. He will have none o’ it. All Scribble wants ta do, is work.”

“Hello Applejack, Big Mac. How are you this fine morning?” Twilight asked, as she trotted up to the siblings from the path coming into the farm.

Applejack’s disappointed attitude quickly disappeared into one of happy thoughts as her friend greeted her. “Howdy, Twilight. Me an’ Big Mac jus’ fine an’ dandy. Right big brother?” she happily replied with a smile.

“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed with his normal one-line response.

“What brings ya down here so early this mornin’?” Applejack asked, surprised.

Twilight glared at her friend for a few seconds, with Applejack branding a cheeky smile in return. “I’ll have you know Applejack, I’m normally up pretty early each morning thank you,” she huffed.

Applejack and her brother shared a little giggle at Twilight’s expense. “Ease up Twi, ya know we only kiddin’. Now, what can Ah do ya fer?” Applejack inquired, interested to see for what reason Twilight paid them a visit.

“Actually, I’m here because I think I might have a solution to our Scribble Script problem. Where is he right now?” Twilight asked, hoping to finally meet the pony in question.

Applejack and Big Mac gave each other concerning looks, ripping Twilight’s smile clean off as she noticed the sibling’s concern. “Scribble ova’ yonder, Twilight,” Applejack said, pointing a hoof towards the western fields in the distance.

Twilight looked off in the distance and saw a cream coloured Earth pony working the apple trees. “That’s him?” She seemed puzzled as to why Applejack and her brother were worried.

“Yup, that’s Scribble,” Applejack confirmed.

Not taking her eyes off Scribble, Twilight voiced her concerns. “I don’t see what the problem is AJ. He seems fine to me.”

“He’s been like that since he started apple buckin’. He only works an’ sleeps. He barely eats. He is pretty much a machine. A lifeless, soulless machine,” Applejack expressed, concern her expression of choice.

Twilight gasped. “Is it really that bad?”

“Eeyup, Ah never seen anypony sink this low befo’ in ma life.” Applejack took a few seconds to pause before saying her next gut wrenching line. “Ah believe if me an’ Camper not found Scribble when we did, he woulda died under that Wattle Brush tree.”

Twilight gasped, falling back on her flank as she did. Her mouth was agape, she couldn’t believe anypony would willingly allow themself to die. “Just…just…just what in Equestria would make Scribble want to kill himself?!” she managed to blurt out, still horrified that somepony could do this.

It was now Applejack’s turn to be upset. She didn’t like the idea of the current situation anymore them Twilight did. Off in the distance, Scribble continued to work away at the apple trees, placing some more buckets down around his next tree to buck. The look on his face was devoid of any emotion, just like a lifeless machine. This was the sight for Applejack, Big Mac and Twilight as they all watched the machine work while talking.

“Ah jus’ don’t know, Twi. Any effort Ah try ta find out his past, o’ why he is so saddened, only ends up with him gettin’ angry.” Twilight listened on with horror. “But as Ah already told ya, Ah think he has been very lonely in life. Ah not sure how much deeper it goes.” Applejack managed a few tears, along with Twilight and even Big Mac. Seemed to them Scribble Script was beyond saving.

“Well, we have to help him and fast. Who knows how long he can stay like this before giving up again?” Twilight announced. She pounced up on all fours, gleaming with a new found determination to help the machine become a pony again.

“Better said than done. But what in tarnation are we goin’ ta do?” Applejack inquired, hoping Twilight came down to the farm with more than just a friendly chat in mind.

“Well that’s why I’m here, right? I think cheering him up a little is a good first step. So I asked Pinkie Pie to throw him a big welcome party,” Twilight proudly announced.

“Pinkie Pie?! Twilight, please don’t tell me ya asked Pinkie Pie fer help?” Applejack blasted Twilight, hoping it was only a joke.

“Yes I did. You know if anypony can throw a party, she can.” Twilight argued.

Applejack was over being annoyed at the issue and was flat-out angry. “Ya can’t let Pinkie Pie throw Scribble a party! She will be ta much fer him ta handle!” Applejack yelled as she trotted over the fence and close to Twilight.

“Well,” Twilight said backing back a little. “Well, I think she can handle it!” Now holding her ground and taking a few trots towards Applejack. “Think about it. We have tried a soft and careful approach up until now. What we need is something different!” Twilight argued back.

Both ponies came to a stop, so close they were touching noses. “Ah agree we need somethin’ different. But come on, Twilight. Pinkie Pie?” Applejack deadpanned, making her point on the party mare loud and clear.

Twilight pushed Applejack forward a little bit in protest. “Think about it Applejack, if anypony can make a friend out of Scribble, its Pinkie!”

Applejack stopped advancing on her friend and took a few hoof-steps back. She thought for a few seconds before producing her response. “Okay Twilight, we can try it yer way. Ah mean…Ah plum outta ideas,” she calmly admitted.

Twilight finally settled down as well, with the standoff over and Applejack submitting, she had no more need to persuade her friend anymore. “Okay, it’s settled then. Just make sure you come up with an excuse to get Scribble to Sugarcube Corner for lunch tomorrow. Me and Pinkie will handle the rest.”

“Ah sure hope ya know what ya doin’, Twilight,” Applejack said, still unsure if this idea would work.

“Makes two of us, Applejack. Makes two of us. Let’s see what tomorrow brings,” Twilight turned flank and made back for Ponyville, with a surprise welcome party for Scribble to plan.

A Party to Remember

Loving Laughter Chapter 10 - A Party to Remember

How long does trust take? What does trust take? Once hurt can someone truly trust again?

“Come on y’all, shake those hooves! These apples ain’t goin’ ao deliver themselves, ya know,” Applejack ordered. She reinforced her statement by slamming her hoof down hard on the ground.

Scribble groaned with pain as he pulled the wagon along. “Just where are we deliverin’ so much stuff?” Scribble asked, pointing a hoof towards the towering wagon full of goods. It was stocked with baskets of apples, a box apple cider, five bales of hay and two sacks of flour. Too heavy for just one pony to pull, least Scribble thought so.

“Quit yer belly achin’ an’ jus’ follow me, Scribble. We need ta get this stuff ta the Cakes fast.” Applejack quickly adjusted the saddle bags on her sister’s back before they could fall off for the third time this trip.

Scribble continued to pull the wagon, straining his legs as he did so. He couldn’t really hide the fact he was struggling to pull the loaded wagon full of supplies. It was easier to pull once the momentum picked up. But stopping and starting to turn corners and avoid other ponies in town was taking its toll.

“Tell me…again…why I had to…pull the wagon…AJ?” Scribble asked in between taking heavy breaths.

Applejack slowed a little to let Scribble catch up, as she now matched his much slower pace. “Cause, Big Mac is busy fixin’ the other wagon.” She gave a knowing filly another disapproved stare.

“But Applejack, it’s not completely ma fault. Was Scootaloo’s idea ta see if we could be go-kart racers,” Apple Bloom argued.

“Stow it, Apple Bloom. Yer already in enough trouble,” she ordered.

“But Applejack…”

Applejack cut her younger sibling off with a stern glare, making Apple bloom zip her lip faster than Rainbow Dash could perform a Sonic Rainboom.

Applejack took a look into the sky to check the time of day, and noticed they were running late. “Okay guys, enough chit-chat. We’re runnin’ late.” Applejack moved behind the wagon of supplies and lowered her head a little. She pressed her forehead to the back of the wagon and pushed, giving Scribble enough momentum to pull with normal speed.

~~~~~~~~~~

It took another fifthteen minutes, but the trio from Sweet Apple Acres had finally arrived at the intended destination, a gingerbread house in the middle of town with aromas of only the sweetest verity floating out the front door.

“Ah think they already started cookin’. Me an’ Bloom will get these supplies in. Hurry an’ unload that wagon, Scribble!” Applejack yelled, as both she and Apple Bloom made a quick dash into the sweet shop.

Scribble let out a frustrated breath of air and looked up into Celestia’s beautiful morning sky. “She couldn’t have just left me to my work, could she? Nope, she had to drag me into town,” Scribble mumbled to himself. He unlatched the hook and pulled the back lid of the wagon down. After loading the bags of flour onto his back, Scribble took one last look into the sky, knowing it was going to be a long day.

Holding his head low and trotting slowly, Scribble made his way into the sweet shop to make the first of his deliveries when it happened. Streamers popped, balloons fell from the roof and a whole load of ponies screamed “SURPRISE” at the top of their lungs. At that moment the stream of positive energy from happy party ponies in the sweet shop collided with the negative energy that Scribble had been building up over the morning. He was frightened out of his flank, jumping up and sending the bags of flour on his back flying into the air. The two bags of flour hit the wall above the shop’s front door, and come back to earth with a vengeance.

A cloud of white filled the front door and surrounding area of Sugar Cube Corner, with the stunned party guests looking on with baited breath to see if Scribble was okay. When all the flour finally settled what was once a cream coated guest of honour for the surprise party was now a shocked white annoyed guest of honour. Silence was all that followed, with everypony still trying to process what just happened. All but two ponies it seemed, with a pair of baby fouls snickering to themselves near one of the tables of food.

It only took a couple of seconds for a pair of pink forehooves, one for each mouth, to stop the onslaught of giggling. “Pumpkin, Pound Cake. Sssshhhh! Stop it you two,” a laughing Pinkie Pie barley managed to say, letting out a few chuckles of her own.

By now it was written on just about everypony’s face. Try as they might, containing the laughter within was impossible. Applejack however was not laughing. She knew this was not going to end well. Racing across the party floor to Scribble who had already turned tail and started to make for the door. Applejack called out to him, pleading for him to stop.

Her calls fell on deaf ears. Scribble neither acknowledged her call or made any attempt to stop. He just kept slowly trotting in the direction of the apple farm. Applejack finally caught up to the Scribble who was lost in a world of his own despair. She put a forehoof around the back of his neck and came to a stop. This prompted Scribble to come to a complete halt, to which he offered no resistance. Applejack moved in front of him so she could look him directly in the eyes. She lifted his head up with a forehoof in attempt to comfort him. “Listen sugar, that was an accident. No need ta think it’s the end o’ the world.” She put a brave face and a big smile on for Scribble, in hopes it just might work. “We can still have a wonderful party fer ya. Let’s get ya cleaned up an’ back inta the fun. Sound good?”

Scribble hesitated at first, but slowly came around and agreed with a nod of his head. Applejack, despite the fact it would also get her partly covered in flour, gave Scribble a big hug. “Ah’m mighty proud of ya fer givin’ this party anotha’ go.”

Scribble took comfort in the fact there was somepony by his side during these hard times. If not for Applejack he would have no idea where he would be right now, most likely with his family in whatever amounted for an afterlife. Scribble scolded himself for thinking of such things, and simply concentrated on the pony who was the least bit nice towards him at the here and now.

Applejack broke the hug and started back towards the sweet shop. “Come on, let’s get ya all cleaned up,” she offered, motioning with her head towards a water tap on the side of the building. Scribble managed to brand a small smile as he followed Applejack towards the tap, and hopefully a clean coat.

By now loads of party guests had started peering out the windows and doors to see the situation unfold. One pony in particular bolted out the front door to offer her help once she saw Scribble’s coat covered in flour and Applejack’s idea being to use water to wash it off. She raced around the corner and caught Applejack just before she could apply water all over his coat. “Wait, stop!” she yelled, hoping it would get Applejack’s full attention.

It worked. Applejack halted from turning the tap on and releasing the water from the garden hose. “Darling, don’t ya know what would happen if you apply water to that flour?” Rarity asked, snatching the hose from Applejack’s mouth.

It suddenly dawned on Applejack and Scribble that adding water to flour would make the flour much harder to clean. Both of them branded blushing red cheeks in embarrassment of not noticing this point sooner, with both of them being experienced bakers and all. “Oh…yeah,” was all Applejack could say before a look from Rarity meant she was going to get scolded later for this.

By now Pinkie, Twilight and Rainbow had all come around the corner to investigate the situation. “Pinkie, be a dear and keep the party going for us please,” Rarity asked in her normal polite demeanour.

“Okie dokie lokie,” Pinkie responded, a blur of pink all that was left of where she was standing.

Rainbow dash caught on quickly to the idea that she was going to have to help Pinkie stall the party. “But, just where are you going?” she demanded to know.

“I will be taking this pour soul back to my place for a proper cleansing. We simply can’t have him be at his own party looking like this.” Rarity pointed a hoof towards Scribble, presenting him like a new dress ready for display. The look in her eyes sold her friends, they agreed, some of them against better judgement.

Rainbow dash groaned in protest but, like the rest of the gang, agreed. Twilight thumping her in the side helped the decision. “Fine, but make it quick. We can’t keep all those guests distracted for long,” Rainbow huffed.

Twilight gave Rainbow anther disapproving stare as she shoved Rainbow Dash towards the door. “Just be sure you make it quick, please, Rarity.”

“Will do, Twilight,” Rarity agreed as she waved Twilight and Rainbow off. She turned her attention back to Applejack, “Applejack, you should help them out as well while I clean this poor pony up, goodness knows they will need all the help they can get.”

“Ah’m sorry Rarity, but no can do. Ah’ll be sticking close ta Scribble here,” Applejack announced, putting a hoof around Scribble to ease the pressure.

“Fine. Let’s hurry up and get to my house. I got just the thing for this kind of situation.” Rarity began to lead the way back to Carousel Boutique when she noticed Scribble was yet to move. “Come on, darling we must hurry,” Rarity pleaded hoping Scribble would see reason.

“It’s okay sugar, ya can trust Rarity here. If anypony can fix a fashion disaster, it’s her.” Applejack’s reassuring seemed to have done the trick. Scribble gave a reluctant nod, and followed after Rarity at full gallop.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rarity hastily opened her front door before issuing orders, “Quickly dear, we must get him into the bathroom!”

Scribble paused just shy of putting a hoof into Rarity’s shop. Rarity turned and gave him a look of shock, wondering why he stopped. “Um…won’t I get flour all over your nice carpet?” Scribble sobbingly asked, not wanting to cause any damage to the shop.

Rarity was flabbergasted. She turned back around and grabbed Scribble by the forehoof, and dragged him into the boutique. “How can you even think about that at a time like this? We have a real emergency on our hooves here!” she yelled, pulling Scribble straight into the bathroom. Applejack couldn’t help but laugh at Scribble as she quickly followed him into the bathroom.

In the bathroom, Rarity shoved Scribble into the shower and shut the door. “Now hold still darling, this won’t take but a few minutes,” she ordered as her horn flared up.

“Rarity, jus’ what in tarnation ya thinkin’ o’ doin’ here?” Applejack looked worried as multiple pieces of makeup equipment started to hover around a sweating Scribble.

“Don’t worry, Applejack. I use this spell all the time to remove makeup really fast,” Rarity explained as she started to concentrate and surround Scribble in a glow of fine blue.

“Um Rarity, ya sure this is safe? I never been encased in Unicorn magic before.” Scribble panicked, starting to fidget and look really uneasy.

“Why yes darling. I assure you, it’s completely safe. Now hold still for just a moment,” Rarity ordered. The spell took full effect and blinded the entire bathroom in a white-blue glow. Powder brushes, lash groomers and an array of other makeup tools started to constantly pat down or stroke Scribble’s coat. White dust filled the air inside the blue bubble surrounding the flour coated pony. Rarity’s custom Makeup Remover spell seemed to be doing the trick. It peeled and brushed off all of the white flour of Scribble’s cream coat.

For the next three minutes Rarity filled the bubble with her magic, concentrating real hard, even sweating a little. “Okay, that should just about do it,” Rarity cheered, a blue bubble full with white flour bits filled a garbage bag floating nearby. What was left was a clean and sparkly Scribble Script.

He slowly opened his eyes upon feeling no more tools stroking or prodding his coat and mane. He looked round to see his hooves nice and clean, back to their normal creamy selves, and two very happy ponies with big smiles on their faces. “I take it the spell worked,” he ask, still with some doubt.

“Why, of course darling! I told you not to worry.” Rarity levitated over several mirrors so Scribble could look at himself from all directions.

“Wow Rarity, seems like ya cleaned him up real nice like,” Applejack complemented, impressed Rarity pulled it off.

“I’m back to normal, thanks mate.” Scribble was actually quite happy, no more flour and somepony was really nice to him with no strings attached. ‘Maybe Ponyville is a nice place for a new life…ya wishful thinking, like anything good every happens to me.’ Scribble’s smile disappeared again, with his normal mopey expression returning.

Rarity looked Applejack in the eye out of concern. “I thought he was happy to have the flour off?” she asked, wondering what she could have done to offend Scribble.

Applejack looked concerned, Scribble was just slumping deeper into his misery. “Hey now, no need ta go inta anotha slump again, is there? Ya jus’ got yerself cleaned up right?”

He let out a sigh, “I know, I know. It’s nopony’s fault…I just have things on my mind is all,” Scribble sadly admitted.

“Well, I know just the ticket then,” Rarity chirped getting the attention of the other two ponies in the bathroom. “Let’s make haste back to that party. Don’t want to keep those guests waiting too much longer, do we?”

Now all clean and ready to go, Scribble slowly made his way out the door. He stopped a second and turned to address Rarity for one last point before he forgot. “Um…thanks Rarity. What ya did, was…well, was very nice of ya. Cheers again, mate,” Scribble managed with somewhat of a smile. He then proceeded out the bathroom and made for the front door, trotting slowly and looking like a lifeless spirit more than an excited pony going to a party.

“What was that all about?” Rarity asked, confused beyond belief. “It’s like nopony has ever done anything nice for him before.”

“That’s probably not ta far from the truth,” Applejack let out in agreement.

“WHAT!....”

Scribbled turned back around to see what the sudden outburst was. His expression unchanged, but his curiosity aroused. He saw Applejack giving him a huge smile with one of her forehoofs stuck in Rarity’s mouth. Applejack used one of her hind legs to kick Rarity in the flank, hard. This elected a painful ‘yipe’ from Rarity, well as much of a yipe as she could manage with Applejack’s hoof in her mouth. ‘Great, more rejection… like I care anymore.’ Scribble let out another sigh and continued his slow trudge towards the front door.

“Listen, Ah promise Ah will explain later. Fer now, just keep yer yap shut, okay?” Applejack’s stern look conveyed her question in more ways than one to Rarity.

“Mmm hmm,” was all Rarity could manage with a hoof still in her mouth.

“Good.” Applejack finally pulled her hoof out of Rarity’s mouth with a loud pop. “Now let’s get ta the party, Scribble already out the door.” With her piece spoken, Applejack made after Scribble Script.

“Eww hew, my mouth,” Rarity cried out, tongue dangling out of her mouth in protest. Applejack quickly turned around and gave Rarity her version of Fluttershy’s stare. Rarity let out a loud huff in protest. “Fine! But they better have something at that party to get this taste out of my mouth.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Scribble and his cleaning crew made it back to the party in good time. Taking only twenty five minutes to get Scribble all cleaned up and ready to shake his booty. He approached the door to the sweet shop much the same way he left, sad and upset. Applejack had just about all she could take of Scribble feeling down, and was about to literally buck him into the party when Pinkie Pie popped out of a nearby garden bed. Completely stunning Applejack and Rarity, but for some strange reason Scribble was unfazed. Whether he was just too depressed, or simply used to it, Applejack had no idea. She made a mental note to ask Scribble about this later.

“Welcome back party pony guest of honour!” Pinkie greeted with way to much excitement.

“Um Pinkie, ya might wanna settle down some…”

Applejack was cut off as Pinkie completely ignored her and pulled out a party hat. She quickly strapped it on Scribble’s head. “Don’t forget your party hat silly billy.”

“PINKIE!” Applejack yelled, now with her muzzle in Pinkie’s.

“Yes Applejack?” Pinkie chirped, giving Applejack a few fluttering winks.

Applejack let out a frustrated sigh, “Pinkie, ya need to settle down a bit. Take it easy on Scribble. He has been through quite an ordeal the last couple o’ weeks.”

“…Fine…party pooper,” Pinkie sobbed.

Applejack was about to speak when an impatient Pinkie cut her off to address Scribble. “So…hi, I’m Pinkie Pie. And I’m your very best of bestest friend here in Ponyville.”

Scribble’s eyes lit up with red veins visible throughout his whole eye. He froze in place at Pinkie’s last comment, almost the same reaction somepony would have if they got stunned with an electric zap.

Applejack shot to attention, “Oh no! Scribble, wait!”

It was too late before Pinkie or Rarity could even read the situation Scribble lost it. “No…no…nnnnooooo, not again. This is too hard! I can’t!” Scribble yelled as he started to flip out.

“Scribble, jus’ calm down,” Applejack peacefully encouraged, trying hard to avoid what happens next.

“Sorry Applejack! I just can’t do this! I just can’t, not now!” Scribble throw Pinkie Pie off his back and bolted back towards Sweet Apple Acres. No amount of yelling or begging from Applejack could stop him. Dust swept up into the air and droplets of water could be seen flying behind a saddened Scribble.

“Was it something I said?” ask a confused Pinkie.

Applejack let out a sigh, it was going to be a long night. “Yes Pinkie it was. But it not yer fault. Ah ain’t got the time ta explain jus’ now sorry girls. Have a nice party, ya hear?” She galloped off after Scribble. “Oh an’ tell Apple Bloom ta come right home afta’ the party please.”

Author's Note

Least I'm over being sick now. Sorry again for the delay. But that what we call life happens sometimes.

The Hardest Story To Tell

Loving Laughter Chapter 11 - The Hardest Story To Tell

Should your deepest fears ever be told? If so, who do you tell them to?

It was another bright and sunny day in Ponyville. Celestia’s gift of constant sunny days was being enjoyed by all who went about their daily lives. The bell at Ponyville school sounded it was lunch, with three hungry Crusaders looking to fill their hungry stomachs with food.

All three agreed a nice big oak tree would be a wonderful location for today’s lunch break. With a smile on their faces three little fillies made for the biggest tree in the school. “This spot looks nice for lunch,” Sweetie Belle squeaked.

“An’ guess what girls?” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle gave Apple Bloom their full attention, hoping it would be a nice surprise. “Applejack gave me some apple juice fer y’all ta enjoy,” she announced with a huge smile on her face.

“Apple juice, sweet! Your sister makes the best apple juice,” Sweetie Belle chirped, licking her lips at the thought of some tasty juice.

Apple Bloom unpacked her saddle bag, pulling out a big bottle of the tasty juice her sister was famed for making. The other Crusaders also got their lunch out and proceeded to start eating.

“So, we going to start this meeting?” Scootaloo asked impatiently.

Sweetie Belle got her notepad and pencil to take down notes. She titled the top, “Crusading Ideas”, and made a list of dot points, ready to write new ideas down. “So, who got ideas?” She was hoping either of her friends had some, as she was drawing a blank on fresh ideas for crusading.

All three Crusaders scratched their heads. Per normal with planning sessions, they had no new or fresh ideas that didn’t enter the crazy category. “Come on y’all, we need ta think of somethin’ new ta try.” Apple Bloom hoped her words would inspire some ideas from her friends. She certainly wasn’t going to have any new ones.

For the next fifthteen minutes, all three Crusaders could only slowly eat their lunch, scratch their heads and only come up with half-brained ideas that would not really be viable. All three drooped down on their bellies, saddened by the fact not a spec of inspiration could come their way.

“Why do you three look so down?”

Three Crusaders looked up and saw a cream-coated filly with a curly orange mane. “Hey…Twist,” all three sobbed in union. They couldn’t even lift their heads high enough to look her in the eye.

Twist now feeling the awkwardness was lost for words. “Hey…come on…what’s wrong?” she asked, hoping to dispel the silence that befell the Crusaders.

Sweetie Belle stood up and in a huff of frustration, as she flung her forelegs around in the air. “We can’t get any new ideas for our cutie marks! We been at this for nearly two years now, and…nothing!” she yelled out, finishing with a raspberry.

“That bad, huh?” Twist asked, already knowing full well from their expressions she was right on the money. All three nodded together, drawing circles in the ground with their hooves.

Twist thought for a moment. She wanted to help, she really did. But her afternoon activity involved cooking some sweets. She knew from past experience that the Crusaders have already tried that. Twist even remembered the last time they tried. The kitchen was in need of remodelling after those three had finished with it. “I know you three have tried before, but would like to help me make a few sweets? I’m sure they will make you smile!” she let out with a little too much energy, more than the atmosphere around her would allow.

“We would love ta, Twist. Really we would. But y’all member what happened last time, right?” Bloom asked, the rest nodding in agreement with her. Wasn’t just Twist that remembered the last time they all had a cooking session together.

Twist let out a depressed sigh. “Oh come on now, Twist. Cheer up. I know we’re busy a lot of the time with Crusading, but how about we make it up to you by letting you join us on a few crusades?” Sweetie Belle offered, trying her best to cheer Twist up.

“I would love to, guys, but after that cooking incident, Miss Grim Order has told me I’m not allowed to hang around you lot anymore unless she is supervising.” Twist let a few tears drop. To her, Miss Grim Order was the worst.

Sweetie Belle especially felt sorry for Twist. “Well maybe we could just come for a visit…”

Sweetie Belle was cut off by a surprise outburst from Apple Bloom. “No, we can’t Sweetie!” she yelled. Apple Bloom turned with a saddened face towards Twist. “Ah’m mighty sorry Twist, but me an’ the girls have chores ta do back on the farm befo’ we can do any crusadin’ this afternoon.”

“What, we do?” Scootaloo groaned.

Apple Bloom gave her orange friend an unhappy stare. “Yer not weasellin’ yer way outta this one, Scoots. Ya promised ta help me an’ Sweetie get the apple buckets for Scribble…‘member?” she threatened, closing the distance between herself and Scootaloo.

Twist was a little confused at this name. “Who is Scribble?”

“That’s right, ya probably don’t know o’ him yet,” Bloom explained. She took a seat on the grass, taking another bite of her apple. “He moved in wit’ ma family a few weeks ago so my sis could help him sort out his life. She brought him from somewhere down south…Err, where was it again…?” Apple Bloom trailed off trying to think of the location.

“Trot About Creek, wasn’t it?” Sweetie suggested.

“Ya, that’s the one,” Apple Bloom chirped up.

Scootaloo chimed into the conversation with a question of her own. “Oh, wasn’t he the same new pony who ran away from Pinkie’s party?”

“Ya, that’s right Scoots. He was that same new…” Apple Bloom froze in place and mid speech. “New…new…new…” She slapped herself over the head with a forehoof. “Oi girls! He is a new pony! A NEW PONY!” she yelled at her fellow Crusaders.

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and even Twist looked confused. “Ya, so what about it, Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo asked, impatiently waiting for Apple Bloom to spit it out.

“Don’t ya two get it? He is a new pony in town, with a cutie mark we ain’t seen befo’!” Apple Bloom revealed, smirking.

In an instant Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo caught onto what Apple Bloom was saying. “WE CAN ASK HIM ABOUT HIS CUTIE MARK!!!” all three Crusaders screamed at once. Twist was literally blown back by the force of their combined determination.

“Why didn’t we think of this before?!” Sweetie Belle declared.

“I know, right? Let’s hurry right after school is over and ask him,” Scootaloo agreed.

“So if we’re all agreed girls?” Apple Bloom raised a forehoof towards the middle of the trio. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo added a forehoof each to the pile. “One, Two, Three.”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders, Go!” all three yelled in union. The school bell to finish lunch signalling its agreement.

“Come on girls! One more session o’ class, than our new cutie marks await!” Apple Bloom announced running into class, followed by her two friends. Twist was left alone, simply stumped. “Oi, hurry up, Twist, o’ ya’ll run late fer class!” she yelled back at Twist.

~~~~~~~~~~

It has been a week since the tragic events of Pinkie’s surprise party. Things on Sweet Apple Acres and around Ponyville have begun to settle down, with life returning to normal. Applejack, Big Mac and Scribble were working the orchard as per usual during harvest season.

“Ah jus’ don’t know, Mac. It’s like he is a soulless machine again. Anytime he gets hurt, he turns away any help o’ communication wit’ everypony.” Applejack pointed a hoof towards the Scribble machine working in the field over yonder. “Ah plum outta ideas ta help him. Jus’ what can we do, Mac?” she asked, hoping, praying her brother would have an answer.

Big Mac pondered the idea while watching Scribble work away an apple tree. “Ya’ll have ta find out what is wrong wit’ him. Until he opens up ta somepony, not much we can do. We will jus’ have ta be there fer him till he is ready, AJ.”

Scribble, as per his machine ways, just bucked, picked up left overs and took apples to the barn, then repeated the process over and over again. Scribble had spent the whole week since the party in silence. He ate in solitude and could barely sleep. Who knows where Scribble was drawing energy from to apple buck, but he wouldn’t let up, working from dawn ‘til dusk every day.

Applejack was fed up of Scribble not responding to any form of help. The only thing he did respond to was orders to work and sometimes break times if he was feeling really hungry. Applejack marched right up to Scribble, who was soullessly working another apple tree. “Oi Scribble, ya need ta tell me what’s goin’ on, an’ ya need ta do it right now!” she ordered, holding his face up to hers and yelling at him muzzle-to-muzzle.

Scribble’s expression was unchanged, simply giving Applejack a blank stare. Nopony was home in Scribble’s soul. No feeling, no personality, no identity what so ever was to be found in him, just a soulless lifeless machine.

Applejack had reached her limit with Scribble’s despondence. She grabbed the him by the neck and shook the lifeless machine, trying to bring any form of life back into him. “Ah’m sorry Ah can’t help ya! Ahm’ sorry that everythin’ ain’t turned out the best!” She continued to shake Scribble violently now. Tears rained down from her eyes. “DAM IT, SCRIBBLE! HOW CAN AH KEEP YER PROMISE IF YA NO LET ME IN!!!” she screamed out at the top of her lungs, still shaking him for all he was worth.

A red hoof grabbed Applejack on the shoulder and pulled her of Scribble. “Applejack, that’s enough!” her brother commanded.

Applejack, still crying, settled down. She again directed her attention at Scribble. “Ah’m sorry, Scribble. Ah jus’ lost control o’ ma self fer a moment.”

Scribble was also letting out the tears, they fell from his face like a waterfall in monsoon season. He gave Applejack a saddened look for an answer before looking away to the left. Scribble had no strength left to look Applejack in the eyes. More than could be said was exchanged between Applejack and Scribble with a simple look from the heart. Scribble was lost to the world, lost from any form of salvation.

Scribble slowly trotted towards the nearest apple tree and commenced his apple bucking duties again. Applejack and Big Mac returned to the farm house depressed and defeated. Maybe time could help Scribble out of his drought.

~~~~~~~~~~

A storm of dust clouds were on the horizon, they closed in on Sweet Apple Acres with such speed and ferocity. Three speeding forms of ponies appeared from within the cloud, getting ever closer to the gates of the farm. It was just after three in the afternoon and only three ponies could’ve made this much of a fuss to get back to the farm on such demand.

Applejack looked towards the gate to see the incoming storm. “What in tarnation is that?” But it was too late, before she could size up the incoming storm it passed right by her, spinning her till she was dizzy as it steamed pass like a train with no brakes.

After a few seconds she finally regained her bearings and yelled at the offending dust cloud. “APPLE BLOOM!” The dust cloud came to a stop in front of the barn. Three frightened fillies slowly turned around. “Apple Bloom! What the hay y’all doin’ chargin’ right inta the barn?” she demanded, stomping a forehoof on the ground.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders all froze in their hooves, uncertain what Applejack would do to them. “We’re sorry, sis! We got a great idea fer gettin’ our marks is all,” Apple Bloom revealed.

The older sibling let out a sigh. “All this effort over a cutie mark, shoulda known. Jus’ don’t forget ta do yer chores first.”

“We won’t, sis! Our chores part o’ the marks,” Bloom declared. Applejack looked confused, but decided against questioning their motives. It was maybe for the better she lived in denial of knowing the logic that drove those three fillies.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle bolted into the shed without a second to spare, and with a blur, were gone again, buckets in tow as they made for the orchard. “One day Ah must ‘member ta ask that little filly what goes through her head sometimes.”

“Hurry girls! Come on, hurry up”, Scootaloo demanded impatiently.

“We’re hurrying, we’re hurrying, Scoots,” Sweetie managed to let out, almost out of breath from constant galloping and now hauling apple buckets.

“Come on, girls! How badly ya want those marks?” Bloom encouraged, all three finding new strength and resolve to get their cutie marks.

Scribble was still out in the field bucking apple trees when a dust cloud ascended on him. He was shocked, missing his next buck on the apple tree. He stood there speechless, falling over from pure shock. “What the heck?”

The dust cloud dissipated just in front of Scribble with three excited fillies replacing the once-approaching dust cloud. “Oh, Apple Bloom, don’t make me lose my butterflies over something as simple as chores, please,” Scribble begged the fillies.

Sweetie Belle looked confused at Scribble’s comment. “Lose your butterflies? What does that mean?”

Scribble paused to catch his breath a second. “It means I was scared silly. It’s native slang from my part of Equestria,” he explained. Scribble took a seat on the grass and shook his head along with the last effects of being scared half to death by the Crusaders. “Now what do ya girls need, I’m a tad busy here, as ya can see.”

“We have chores ta deliver ya some more buckets fer buckin’ apples,” Bloom said with way to much excitement, making Scribble wonder what, if any, motives the girls truly had.

“Well…thanks girls, I can take it from here. Cheers for the help.” With his thanks given, Scribbled turned back to the apple tree to continue his distracting labour. He bucked another apple tree and apples fell in all their glory into the buckets prepared for them. But something was amiss. Scribble looked back around and saw three fillies sporting smiles, still sitting there like they were waiting for something.

He gave the girls an odd look. ‘Those three are way too excited. What’s gotten into them, I wonder?’ Scribble was so worried about the girls, he forgot he was bucking apple trees, but some apples landing on his head soon brought him back to Equestria. The three fillies fell over laughing at poor Scribble who had a new lump to his head. “Okay girls ya can stop laughing now.”

“We’re sorry Scribble, it was jus’ so funny!” Bloom snickered, slowly coming to a stop with the laughing onslaught. Her friends were not as fast to stop, and got a swift kick to the flank each from Apple Bloom.

“So, what do ya fillies want? Ya wouldn’t just hang round to watch me buck apple trees.” Scribble trotted up to the girls and parked his rump on the grass in front of them. Giving the fillies a weak smile, he tried his best to be normal around them. They were after all, just little girls.

“Ah’m sorry ta ask, Scribble, but we want jus’ a little favour please?” Bloom asked. The girls all dawned puppy-dog eyes and let Scribble have a full does of cuteness. Scribble cringed at the six gazing puppy-dog eyes staring him right in the face. “Could ya please tell us how ya got yer cutie mark, please?” she begged, pouring on all the cuteness she could muster.

“My cutie mark?” he sighed. Scribble got back up and headed back to the apple trees to continue his work. “Sorry girls, I’m way too busy to…”

Scribble was cut off by three begging fillies.

“PPPLLLEEEAAASSSEEE SSSCCCRRRIIIBBBLLLEEE!!!” all three fillies begged together.

“… But…”

“PPPLLLEEEAAASSSEEE!!!” with every last bit of cuteness they could muster.

Scribble let out a sigh of defeat, kids were one weakness he could never say no to. Making them happy was just one thing in his life he had to do. “Okay, okay girls, ya win. Just please, save my bark from those eyes of yours,” he begged the fillies, finding it hard to even look them in the eyes.

The Crusaders jumped up and down with pure excitement. “See Ah told ya it would work girls,” Bloom exclaimed. The fillies gave each other a huge group high-hoof for their efforts.

“Ya all had this planned from the start, didn’t ya?” Scribble deadpanned, annoyed three fillies got the better of him.

“Yup, that’s right. An’ it worked like a charm,” Sweetie Belle squeaked.

“Cute kids, the only weakness of Scribble Script. Fine. Take a seat, little ones. I’ll explain my mark for y’all,” Scribble sobbed in defeat, patting his cutie mark as an indication of their prize.

The fillies took front-row seats as Scribble turned back around and got comfortable on the grass. He faced sideways so the girls would have a clear picture of his mark. His mark, the full proof of his storytelling and writing skills, engraved on his flank for all to see. Giving his cutie mark a rub to make it shine, “Where should I start?”

The fillies waited with baited breath, clinging to every word Scribble said with the greatest attention and anticipation. This was it, a chance for new ideas and inspiration, a cutie mark like none they had laid eyes on before was right before them. “This fountain pen represents my abilities as a skilled writer, while this book tells of my love for reading and prowess to tell amazing and thrilling stories.” Scribble had a little pride in him explaining his mark, despite the sad state he was in. Just for a small moment, he could forget his troubles and think of something else.

Six pairs of eyes all turned to light bulbs, the Crusaders giving each other knowing glances. They all turned towards Scribble with cunning looks and cheeky faces, all thinking the same idea. ‘This can’t be good,’ Scribble gulped, a little paranoid of what the fillies were planning.

“Tell us a story!” they yelled.

Scribble put his forehooves up in defence, shaking them wildly. “Hey now, I don’t got time for that! I got work that has to be completed here,” he explained, pointing a hoof towards the unbucked apple trees.

All impatient CMC members jumped up and down in protest. “Story, story, story!” they screamed.

“Come on girls, be fair. I need to..”

“Story, story, story!” they continued to chant, ignoring and resisting any excuse Scribble offered up. Scribble tried a few more excuses, none of which worked in the least bit.

“But girls…”

“PPPLLLEEEAAASSSEEE!!!” they begged, putting on the cute faces and puppy-dog eyes again.

Scribble was completely defeated, his back against the wall and out of options. He couldn’t say no to such a cute group of little fillies pouring on the charm like they were. “Fine,” he admitted with defeat.

Again the CMC members were victories. They danced around in a little victory dance to celebrate.

“Gather ‘round little ones, an’ I will tell ya the thrillin’ tale of Tremor Force, the underground explorer who found the lost temple of Hoof Rock.” The fillies gathered around and got comfy, this was going to be a tale they would not soon forget.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tremor Force was a proud member of the Venture League and a veteran underground explorer. The Venture League was an experienced group or explorers and adventurers from all over Equestria and beyond. Their members would be hired out for jobs that normal ponies would have no chance of doing, from escorting travellers through the dangerous Ever Free Forest, to finding lost cities and civilizations. Nothing was impossible for these hearty ponies.

Tremor Force was the best archaeologist the league had. Plus, being an Earth Pony, she was also the premier underground explorer for the league. If anypony could handle an underground mission, it was her.

This particular adventure, she was following some clues to what could be the lost ruins of Hoof Rock. Said to be an ancient Earth Pony temple from way back before Equestria was even formed, legend has it that it holds untold amounts of Earth Pony history and information. Anypony who could find it would be the crown jewel of explorers everywhere.

Tremor’s lead had her poking about caverns deep under Equestria, rumoured to go on for ever. They were known as the Lost Caverns. Anypony who ventures in, never returns, they will be lost for eternity. But Tremor was no ordinary Earth Pony, her skills and knowledge of archaeology were more than enough to handle this situation.

~~~~~~~~~~

Sweetie Belle decided to interrupt the story to make an inquiry. “Um…excuse me Scribble. What is archaeology?” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo too both wanted to know.

“It’s the study of pony history, little ones. An archaeologist is a pony who learns more about our past by studying ancient ruins and artifacts.” Scribble was starting to enjoy himself for the first time in a long time, even smiling as he told the story of Tremor Force for the excited fillies.

“Cool,” was the reaction of three fillies who were getting more pumped every minute they listened to the story.

“Maybe we could be Cutie Mark Crusader Archaeologists!” Scootaloo screamed raising a hoof into the air. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom struck the hoof in agreement, while they all screamed ‘YAY!’ “Sweetie Belle, make sure you write all of this down,” she ordered as Sweetie Belle pulled out her pencil and notepad.

“Oi! Do ya want me to finish the story or not?” Scribble asked, himself wanting to finish this tale he was making up. The three fillies imminently stopped what they were doing and returned to their comfy positions in front of the avid storyteller. “That’s better. Now, where was I?”

~~~~~~~~~~

The deep dark recesses of the caverns were pitch-black in darkness. But Tremor didn’t carry torches or any form of lighting. She could see in the dark. Her special eyes had perfect twenty/twenty vision and the special trait of seeing in this pitch-black cave. She saw the dark underground world as clear as we see the bright blue sky in the middle of the day.

Using her special skill, she ventured bravely forth into the unknown, following the clues she had obtained of Hoof Rock. Tremor had with her an old journal describing the journey another pony took five hundred years ago to Hoof Rock. She followed the path dictated by the journal deep into the Lost Caverns. Once you enter the Lost Caverns, you must follow the true path, one that can only be found by witnessing the natural beauty of the caves.

“Well that wasn’t too hard a clue. If the rest of these instructions are any easier, I might make finding Hoof Rock a test for new Venture League members.” Tremor closed the book, putting it back in her saddle bag. She looked up to the cave roof and saw glowing blue lights. These were lights that can only be seen when no other source of light was present--in other words, when you enjoyed the natural beauty of the caves.

She followed the glowing rocks for what hours on in, twisting and turning through the maze of caverns and caves. Tremor did not tire one bit. She was a well-trained veteran member of the league, able to go the distance with her level of endurance. She only paused when a weird sound could be heard from down a long corridor of a very largely-sized cave.

She stopped to listen, the constant drip of water signalling an underground spring. Tremor galloped with excitement towards the dripping water and found it to the starts of a small stream. She pulled out the journal to read the next clue, clearly remembering from studying the book before that the second clue had something to do with water. Find the room of waterfalls, flowing freely untouched for hundreds of years. To enter the rock, you must take a leap of faith. Falter for even a minute and you will never make it out alive.

Tremor followed the small stream until it became an underground river. As she drew nearer her destination, the roaring of water filled the caves with echo and mystery. She arrived at a huge underground pool of water with eight mighty waterfalls pouring into it. The spectacle was a sight to behold and hear, the roaring sound of the water combined with the misty falls themselves as they emptied into the pool below. What struck Tremor as odd was, where was all this water going? The water level never rose higher. All this water had to be going somewhere?

~~~~~~~~~~

“Well, think you three could guess what the next clue means?” Scribble asked.

The three fillies thought the clue over, taking into mind the description of the waterfalls and pool they fell into. For five whole minutes, the scratched their heads and discussed the clue. But not one of them could figure it out. “Please could you tell us the answer?” Sweetie begged, putting her cute face back on.

“Shame none ya could figure it out. Ya will have to study a lot harder if ya wanna become Cutie Mark Crusader Archaeologists,” Scribble giggled, getting a little payback on the girls for being forced to tell the story. The fillies were now all pouty over the matter, giving Scribble unimpressed faces. “Okay, okay, I was joking I swear,” he admitted, putting his forehooves up to show his honesty.

“Just continue with the story,” Scoots impatiently ordered.

Scribble rolled his eyes before the amazing adventures of Tremor Force continued.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tremor jumped down onto a little rocky outcrop that was above water level to one side of the pool. She investigated the center of the water and noticed an anomaly. Bubbles were sometimes coming up in the center of the water. Something had to be underneath the water. A pocket of air, an underground cavern or maybe something else lay down there.

Tremor sat down and pulled out her notebook to do a few calculations. While she was writing the faintest of sounds could be heard, the sound of water being forced down a tube. Least that is what Tremor came to the conclusion of. Tearing a page from her notebook, she tossed it into the water and watched with great interest what would happen.

The page slowly floated towards the center of the pool, drifting with some kind of tide. True, the waterfalls would make waves, but the page was only moving in one direction and not all over the place. Once it made it to the center of the water, the piece of paper was yanked underwater. “I knew it! How clever of the ponies who found this place to use this as the entry into Hoof Rock,” Tremor declared with a smile on her face.

The hearty explorer took a huge deep breath and dived straight into the middle of the pool. Without any hesitation, she aimed right for the center of the rocky floor. Sure enough, was a small tunnel where water was flowing into. The current flowed down the cave like a roller coaster at a theme park. It gushed left, then right. Up ,then down. Tremor kept her hooves close to her sides and flowed with the current down the spiralling tube. She rode that water like it was the best ride she had ever been on, enjoying the thrill a little too much.

The ride only lasted for a minute, after which it shot Tremor Force out like a shotgun of a smaller pool of water at the other end. She landed on the sand with a perfect summersault. “Huh, if judges were here, it would be a perfect ten,” the cocky explorer said to herself, proud she made a great landing.

Shaking herself dry, Tremor pulled out the journal for the next clue. Through the door made of rock and stone is what you seek. But opening it can’t be done unless you are one with the earth. Those who are not attuned will face the wrath of the mighty guardian.

She closed the book and put her supplies down to see what she had to work with. “Great, now I got to fight something. Just great,” she mumbled. Looking at what tools she had to work with, there was little in the way of anything useful to open that door. She huffed in frustration and packed the supplies back up. “Looks like I will have to try out my new ability. Well, no time like the present for a field test.”

Tremor approached the door putting all four hooves on the ground in a sturdy manner. She concentrated and waited. She closed her eyes as the world around her could be seen without the use of her eyes. Tremor listened to the earth as it pulsed like a heartbeat. It pulsed in time with her own heart, giving off fluent, even beats.

Tremor continued to keep her mind silent as the pulsating beats revealed what was on the other side of the door. She could see above, below, to the left and right of her present location. This amazing sense was Tremor’s sixth sense, developed and named after her. She called it Tremor Sense, the ability to feel vibrations of the earth and use hearing to visualize a picture of the world around you.

~~~~~~~~~~

“WWWOOOWWW!” the Crusaders exclaimed.

“Ya can see underground and behind walls with that stuff?” Bloom asked, too excited to keep a normal face. She jumped up and down in front of Scribble, wanting to know more. The other CMC members were the same, trying themselves to feel vibrations of the earth.

“Hey now, I didn’t say it was something you could really do. Don’t forget it’s only a story…”

The Crusaders were not listening, too indulged in their attempts to gain a Tremor Sense ability of their own. Scribble tried to settle the over-excited fillies down, but they were to noisy that anything Scribble said was simply not heard.

The noise coming from the fields prompted Applejack to investigate, having to stop her apple bucking in order to do so. She was none too happy at the interruption of her routine work. “Now, what in tarnation could those fillies be fussin’ over this time? Them wit’ their cutie marks crusadin’ an’ all.” Applejack let out a sigh and made off in the direction of the noisy fillies.

“Oi, oi, settle down ya ankle bitters! Ya want me to tell ya what’s behind that door or not?” Scribble snickered, he knew he had the girls now. The three fillies clamed up real quick and plopped back down on their flanks in front of Scribble for the story’s conclusion. “That’s more like it.” He grinned, giving the girls a raspberry.

The cheeky girls decided to return their own raspberry back at Scribble. “Hey, who said you could give us a raspberry?” Sweetie Belle demanded.

“Yay” Scootaloo agreed, again giving Scribble a return raspberry.

“Oh, so ya don’t wanna hear how Tremor gets in the door?” Scribble teased.

“NNNNNOOOOOO!!!” the fillies pleaded. Scribble simply smiled, he had the girls in checkmate.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tremor used her new ability to scan the area around the door, finding three pressure pads in the floor near the door. She also found two of the switches opened trap doors in the floor, while a third was a lever to open the big stone door. “So this is what the clue meant, huh? One with the earth, indeed,” she chimed, happy her new skill was just what the doctor ordered.

Tremor trotted up to the left most pressure plate and slammed it with a forehoof. Gears and cogs could be heard behind the door as it slowly started to open. A golden glow shun through the cracks as the door opened ever wider. A ringing from a golden bell in the center of the room chimed the entrance of another pony to the temple. Tremor had done it she had found Hoof Rock, ancient temple of the Earth Ponies.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Ah will see what mischief those girls be causin’ this time.” She trotted towards the fields Scribble was working to investigate the loud yells from before. As she drew closer, she could her laughter and what sounded like Scribble talking in a happy mood. ‘Ah must be hearin’ wrong…Scribble is happy?’ Applejack quickened her pace, desperate to see with her own eyes if her ears were telling the truth.

Applejack got closer to the three Crusaders and Scribble, it sounded like he was explaining something to the girls, and enjoying doing so. She decided to sneak up on them to investigate for herself, using a nearby apple tree to hide behind. She listened in carefully to assess the situation, before moving in to inquire what was happening.

“Tremor looked ‘round the huge golden room. It was the most beautiful sight she had ever laid eyes on. Lush water fountains decorated the floor under the hanging golden bell in the middle of the room. Nicely-carved rocks adorned the sides of the room, while the walls, roof and floor were pure glowing gold.” Scribble was so happy telling the girls his story, while the fillies were stunned and amazed at such an exciting tale of mystery and adventure. “An’ that, little ones, is the tale of Tremor Force and how she found the amazing temple of Hoof Rock,” he concluded, finishing his story for the girls.

“So, what did ya girls think of that story? Good enough to prove my mark?” Scribble asked the shocked girls while he rubbed his cutie mark, making it shine in the afternoon sun.

“That was an’ amazin’ story! Tell us another one,” Apple Bloom cheered.

“Ya, tell us another amazing adventure. PLEASE!” Sweetie Belle begged.

“Come on girls, I got work I have to wrap up here,” Scribble pleaded.

The girls wouldn’t take no for an answer, tackling Scribble to the ground and begging for another amazing story. Scribble couldn’t help but smile at the silly fillies, they only wanted more amazing stories. ‘This is just like when I use to tell stories for the kids at that orphanage. They always wanted just one more, those cheeky foals.’ Scribble was lost in the moment, for the first time since he came to Ponyville he was smiling and enjoying himself along with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

“Well, had Ah known sickin’ my little sis on ya was all it took ta make ya happy, Ah woulda done it weeks ago,” the voice from behind the tree said. Scribble and the three fillies froze in their tracks, petrified as they saw Applejack come out from behind the tree.

“App..App..Applejack!” Scribble muttered. “Just where the heck did ya come from?!”

“APPLEJACK!!!” the fillies screamed.

Scribble quickly got off his back, bouncing the fillies off his stomach. Applejack slowly trotted towards all four of them, intent to kill written all over her face. “So, who’s gonna explain all this?” Applejack demanded to know.

“Sisssss! Sis! Don’t blame Scribble! We begged him ta explain his cutie mark ta us, then we kinda forced his hoof inta tellin’ us a story to show his skills,” the little bloom explained, stuttering a little.

Silence befall all in the orchard for a minute. Nothing but the wind and four scared ponies starring into Applejack’s eyes were present. They all wondered what Applejack was going to do with the lot of them.

“Well, normally, Ah would say it’s bad o’ y’all ta force anotha’ pony ta do somethin’ they no wanna do, girls. But this time, Ah will let y’all of with a warnin’. In fact, Ah’m mighty proud o’ ya, girls. Ya really helped Scribble outta a pinch,” she said, stunning all the others.

“You mean, we’re not in trouble?” Sweetie Belle bravely asked.

“Not this time. Ah’ll explain it a little later ta y’all. Now, all three of ya, get movin’. Ah need ta talk with Scribble fer a little bit.” The three fillies obeyed Applejack’s orders and started making for the farmhouse.

“Thanks again for the cool story, Scribble. We will defiantly want more soon,” Scootaloo said before racing off.

“Ya, thanks Scribble,” Sweetie chirped, following Apple Bloom and Scootaloo towards the farm house.

Applejack laughed as she took a seat on her flank next to Scribble. “Well…didn’t see that one comin’,” Scribble admitted.

“Ah’m jus’ glad yer happy fer a change. This is the first time Ah seen ya fer who ya really are, a happy, fun lovin’ pony who enjoys a good story.” Applejack’s smile was from cheek to cheek. Ever since Scribble came to Ponyville, he was a soulless machine. Now it seems the Cutie Mark Crusaders found a way to breathe life back into him.

“What can I say AJ? I have huge weakness for kids,” Scribble let slip.

“A weakness fer kids, huh? Interestin’. Ah will have ta remember that.” Applejack gave Scribble a slightly sinister smile. She now had ammo to use against him, and it was Scribble’s own stupid fault. He slapped himself in the face, making a mental note for later to find some dirt to use against Applejack.

Applejack thought it was now or never to try and find out what Scribble was hiding deep within his heart. What it was that had caused all this sadness and grief to consume him? “So Scribble…”

Before Applejack could even ask, Scribble gave his answer. “Okay Applejack, ya win. I’ll tell ya what happened to me during my life, if ya really want to know that badly?”

“How in tarnation did ya do that?” she asked, completely confused as to how Scribble know what she was going to say.

Scribble’s answer was to simply stare at her, waiting for an answer to his question. ‘Note ta self, look inta how the heck he does that later.’ Applejack shock her head free of conflicting thoughts and got herself ready for what was sure to be one heck of a story. “Okay Scribble, Ah do want ta know. If Ah’m goin’ ta help ya Ah need ta know.”

“I warn ya AJ, this is probably the hardest and saddest story ya will ever hear. Ya sure ya want to hear me out on this one?” Scribble sternly asked.

Applejack shook her head, while putting a comforting hoof around the back off his neck. She wiggled up beside Scribble and made herself nice and cozy. Both of them were graced with a beautiful evening as Celestia’s sun was on the horizon. “Ah’m ready ta listen Scribble, jus’ like Ah promised. Fire away, partner,” Applejack said, letting comfort and warmth fill both their hearts.

~~~~~~~~~~

Scribble took a deep breath and started explaining his terrible past. “My life started with such promise and hope. A lovin’ family, great place to grow up an’ all the promises of a fulfilled life. That all ended once I started School, Applejack.”

“I got no idea what I did wrong or what I didn’t do right. But, for some reason I was imminently an outcast. Nothing I said or did would make anypony accept me, let alone be friendly towards me.”

“As the years drew on, even in the town, I found it hard to simply be accepted as one of the gang. Sure, if I went shopping ponies would speak to me or give me a friendly greeting. An’ most ponies didn’t go out of their way to make my life miserable. But that is where anything ended. I simply existed, I wasn’t accepted. I couldn’t make any friends, find any love…Heck, the only social interaction I ever had with anypony minus my family was to simply exist. If I needed to buy food, or hoof in an assignment at school, that was the only time I ever was social.” Scribble was starting to cry, letting Applejack go so deep into his heart. It Looked like Scribble was right about one thing, this was the saddest story Applejack had ever heard. She was starting to feel saddened inside her own heart over the information Scribble was revealing.

“I even used to have a daily existence test, where I would greet some ponies from my school. Best result was they would look at me awkwardly while trying their best to make a quick excuse to leave. Worst result they didn’t even acknowledge my presence. I was all alone, Applejack. Being all alone is all I have ever known since the day I was born into this world.” The sun was getting lower as Scribble continued to reveal more about his past, Applejack paying full attention to every detail, making many mental notes.

“Sure, I have my family, but that’s it. An’ I can’t burden them with all my problems in life. I heard when ya in trouble, ya learn on ya friends for help. An’ when they have it tough, ya stand by them. Ponies were not made to live a life of solitude. We need each other. So that must make me a curse on Equestria, Applejack. ‘Cause the only time I have ever come close to a friend, I got him burnt…literally. Now my family is gone, the only pony I have ever known in the slightest is laying in hospital in a coma, an’ I have done nothin’ but bring misery on your whole family ever since I arrived here,” Scribble sobbed, scolding himself for making Applejack and her family suffer his existence.

“Now, hold on jus’ one cotton-pickin’ minute! Ya have not been a burden ta me o’ ma family. If ya were, Ah woulda given ya the boot already,” Applejack stated, trying to reassure Scribble he was not so useless.

“YOU’RE LYING!!!” Scribble shouted.

“AH’M NOT!!!” Applejack snapped back. “Ah’m the Element of Honesty! Ah wouldn’t lie ta ya!”

“But…but…but. Ya can’t be telling the truth! Nopony has ever accepted me…an’ nopony ever will!” Scribble cried, the pain in his heart was reaching boiling point. His eyes were bloodshot and his water works factory in full swing as the tears poured out.

“All I want in life is a chance to be like everypony else. To have friends, fall in love…TO EXIST!!! But…I’m scared, Applejack. I can’t take that chance anymore. Everytime I try to open my heart up to others, I get rejected. Ya know how crushing that is when ya suffer it ever day of your life. So your either lying, or you’re going to reject me later down the beaten path.” Scribble had finally released his deepest fear to Applejack. The ball was in her court, and Applejack would need to play all the cards to bring Scribble back from the brink of being lost forever.

She scooped Scribble up in a tight, embracing hug. “Ah promise ya Scribble, Ah will always stand by yer side. Ah will always be there fer ya. Ah promise Ah will aknowledge yer existence,” Applejack declared.

Scribble pushed her away. “Lies…all lies!” He looked away into the fading sunset, not strong enough to look Applejack in the eye.

Applejack grabbed Scribble’s head with both forehooves and forced him to stare her directly in the eyes. They were muzzle-to-muzzle. Scribble could feel the strong presence of Applejack all around him. Try as he might, he couldn’t escape Applejack’s grasp, she was more determined and stronger than him.

“Look me in the eye an’ tell me Ah’m a lair,” Applejack ordered, forcing Scribble to look her directly in the eyes. Into those unflinching, unwavering eyes of truth. Try as he might, Scribble could find no rejection, no pity, no lies in her eyes. Instead all he could see was Applejack’s fierce determination to prove she was telling the truth.

For the first time in his life Scribble could see light at the end of the dark winding tunnel. It was orange with a trade mark Stetson hat, and it was right in front of him waiting with open hooves. Scribble quickly wrapped his hooves around Applejack. She returned his hug holding him tight. Scribble let the waterworks flow freely. For what seemed like hours he held her tight, refusing to let go. He had grasped that which he wanted most in life. He was not letting go so easily.

Time seemed to stop for the two new friends sitting in the orchard. Evening turned to night as Luna put on a bright and glowing night sky to celebrate the newest friends in Equestria. Scribble finally let go, and said two simple words straight from the depths of his heart. “Thank you.”

“Yer welcome. Anytime ya need me, Ah will be there,” she said with a smile. “But Ah hope that if Ah need help, ya will be one of the first ta jump in, right?”

Scribble nodded and smiled.

“So, ready ta give life anotha’ try?” Applejack asked, wiping the tears from her own face.

Scribble was finally able to stop crying and followed Applejack’s lead, clearing the tears from his face. “Ya know what, I think I am,” he gladly admitted.

“Perfect. Ah know ya will have loads of friends in no time.” Applejack paused for a moment choosing her next words very carefully. “But Scribble, Ah want ya ta promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?” he asked.

“If ya ever have a problem, o’ ya feel depressed ever again, ya have ta come an’ talk ta me ‘bout it, right away. Ya hear?” Applejack had that same look in her eyes from before, letting Scribble know she meant business. She spat in one of her forehooves and stretched it out towards Scribble, waiting for his answer.

Scribble looked at her eyes, then down towards her soggy hoof, before returning his gaze back to Applejack’s eyes. He thought for a few seconds on this new deal, it was something he always wanted, but could he truly trust Applejack?

Scribble decided he would give trust one last try in life, and stake everything he had on Applejack. He spat in his own hoof and banged it against Applejack’s. Both ponies stood there, with two spat on soggy forehooves joined between them. “Okay Applejack, ya got a deal, mate.”

“Good ta hear,” Applejack said. She looked into the night sky and know it was time to head in. “Well Ah’m hankerin’ fer some food. What ‘bout yerself?” she asked, knowing full well Scribble was hungry, his rumbling stomach gave him away.

Scribble blushed a little, cursing his stomach for ratting him out. “Sure, some tucker would hit the spot right ‘bout now.”

Both ponies turned around and started towards the farm house, strolling through the beautiful orchard on such a perfect night. Scribble took in the view. It seemed having a friend made him see the world in a whole new way. He gazed at the night sky with wonder, thanking Luna for a wonderful show.

“Say Scribble, Ah do got a suggestion fer ya.” Applejack’s statement snapped Scribble out of his star gazing as he gave Applejack a curious look. “What ya say ta lettin’ Pinkie Pie try that welcome party fer ya again? Will give everypony a chance ta get ta know the real Scribble Script.”

Scribble hesitated for a moment, his old memories flooding his head again. Applejack put a forehoof around his neck to comfort him. “Ah will be there wit’ ya, every step o’ the way,” she said.

“Okay Applejack, if ya got my back, I will give it a shot,” Scribble said with some level of confidence.

“Good, now hurry up! Dinner is gettin’ cold an’ last pony in does the dishes,” she said, leaving Scribble in the dust.

“Oi, no fair. Get your little apple flank back here!” Scribble shouted, taking off after Applejack.

~~~~~~~~~~

In some nearby bushes three plotting fillies stirred. “Did y’all hear all that,” Apple Bloom asked.

Both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nodded. “We need to help Scribble…but how?” Sweetie Belle proposed.

“We can think about that later you two. If we don’t hurry we will be in trouble for being out after dark. Let’s go already,” Scootaloo insisted, bolting for the farmhouse. The Crusaders took off into the night, hoping to beat Applejack and Scribble Script in for dinner.

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay on this chapter. It was long, and I've been busy lately.

First Impressions

Loving Laughter Chapter 12 - First Impressions

Can you truly get to know someone just by a first impression?

Apple Bloom banged the hammer down against the meeting table, bringing to order the latest planning session of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stood at attention, then all three took a seat around the table.

Sweetie Belle was first to make her point. “So, are we safe to talk, Apple Bloom?”

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked worriedly at Apple Bloom, seeking confirmation and security from Bloom’s big sister and her new friend they were scheming to help. “Eeyup. Ah made sure Scribble an’ ma older siblin’s were busy befo’ Ah arranged the meetin’ time,” Bloom declared with a crafty smile. “Scribble an’ my sis workin’ the apple stand in town, an’ ma big bro is busy on the other side o’ the farm harvestin’ apples. We completely safe ta talk, girls.”

“Then let planning for ‘Operation Scribble Match’, commence!” Scootaloo announced.

Sweetie took this as her cue to start taking notes. She took out her notepad and pencil from her saddle bag, but noticed a problem. Her pencil was blunt, not in any condition to write with. She fished through her saddle bag again to find a sharpener. After a minute of looking franticly through her saddle bag, she failed to find any such device. Taking her head out of the bag, her attention was drawn to her friends, both sporting looks of confusion as to what could be taking her so long.

Sweetie stared at both her friends, especially Scootaloo. An idea sprang in her head of how to solve her writing woes. Sweetie brought both her forehooves to her face, letting out a frightened “Meep!” Her attention was drawing to a location in the corner of the club house behind Bloom and Scootaloo.

By reflex, Bloom and Scootaloo turned around to investigate their friend’s concerned plight. Upon turning to investigate, Scootaloo let out a very painful “YIPE!” She turned back around to see Sweetie Belle with an orange feather in her mouth and a rather cheeky grin.

“SWEETIE BELLE!!!” Scoots screamed.

Apple Bloom couldn’t help but let out a giggle. Sweetie’s charm and cunning had once again made a fool of a rather dense Scootaloo. She didn’t much like the idea she got fooled, but at least she wasn’t in Sweetie Belle’s line of fire this time.

“Sorry Scootie, but I need something to write with. Can’t you please fo-gi-ve me?” she flirted, hoping pouring on the charm would make Scootaloo forgive her.

Scootaloo’s anger boiled and she turned red with anger, or was she blushing? “How many times do I have to tell you, Sweetie Belle! Don’t use that name!” Scootaloo demanded, giving Sweetie a death stare.

Apple Bloom decided it was time to interject. After all, time was crusading, and crusading was cutie marks. “Alright, y’all, we need ta focus here.”

“Speaking of which, Bloom…should we really be doing match-making again?” Sweetie asked, remembering the last time they got scolded and had to do a month’s worth of Big Mac’s chores. All three Crusaders felt a shiver go down their spines, as if Applejack was right behind them, asking what they wear about to plan.

“It’s not like we’re usin’ a love potion--er, poison this time. We can just try a more…anotha’ approach,” Bloom chuckled half-heartily.

“I’m just not sure, guys. We shouldn’t really mess ‘round with other ponies feelings,” Sweetie said. Scootaloo also agreed, nodding in unison with her.

Pressure was mounting on Apple Bloom to provide a good reason as to why this is a viable idea. But Bloom, ever the smart filly she was, had the excuse she needed. “We don’t have ta force Scribble ta fall in love, jus’ give him a lil’ push an’ introduce him ta the perfect mare. Y’all saw how hard o’ a past Scribble has lived. He deserves the perfect mare, don’t ya think, girls?”

This made Scoots and Sweetie feel sad for him. Seems Bloom had her friends right where she wanted them. “So, y’all aboard fer ‘Operation Scribble Match’? Don’t forget, we could get our match-makin’ cutie marks outta this,” Bloom cunningly announced.

This was all it took to hook her two excited friends aboard for her master plan. Bloom smiled at her own cunning, being the master planner she was. ‘Ah knew Ah could get those two aboard. Now, all we need is a plan.’

“So, what’s the plan, Bloom?” Sweetie squeaked, excited her friend had this all figured out.

“Ya, don’t keep us in suspense. Spill already,” Scootaloo demanded, impatient as always.

Bloom’s smile quickly disappeared. Her friends put her on the spot, and they were smiling about it. It seemed after years of Bloom getting the better of them, they finally caught on and outsmarted her for a change.

“Well…Ah…um ta say…” Bloom couldn’t keep her speech straight, stuttering while trying to buy time and make a plan.

Thank fully for Bloom, her friends were good to her, like she was to them. They had their fun and now had a plan to make. “Well first we should choose who we going to set Scribble up with,” Sweetie chimed in.

“How about, Rainbow Dash? She is like, the coolest pony in Ponyville!” Scootaloo fangasmed, going off into her own little world about how cool her lifetime idol was.

Bloom and Sweetie gave her blank stares. “Seriously…” they face hoofed.

“What? She would be perfect for…”

Scootaloo was abruptly cut off by her friends. “NO SHE WOULDN’T BE!!!” they yelled, making clear once and for all their point.

Scootaloo looked away to the side, pouting since her suggestion was shot down so abruptly. Rainbow Dash was her one and only suggestion. Nopony was more perfect in any way other than her idol.

“Rainbow aside, let’s put together what facts we know ‘bout Scribble, girls.” At Apple Bloom’s instructions Sweetie Belle pulled out an inkpot from under the table, using her orange feather she plucked as a quill, ready to take down some notes.

“We know he loves ta read and tell stories,” Bloom mentioned, Sweetie taking these points down.

Sweetie took another dip in the ink pod, ready for some more points. But Apple Bloom couldn’t think of anymore. Her mouth was trying to say something, but no verbal words came out. “Read and stories, check. What else ya know ‘bout him?” Sweetie asked, assuming Bloom would know from living with him for months.

“Well, Ah’m not sure. Ah hardly known Scribble when he not been upset an’ all,” Bloom revealed.

“So, that’s all we got then?” Scootaloo asked. “We only know he likes to read and tell stories, basically what his cutie mark tells us?”

“Yup,” Sweetie chirped a little too positive, she than sprung to life, shocking her friends with her sudden burst of energy. “Girls! I got…” Sweetie cut herself off. She got up and trotted over the other side of the club house, to a certain famous thinking spot. Her friends finally clued in, seemed Sweetie had an idea worthy of their cutie marks. She wouldn’t go to all the effort to stand on the thinking spot if that was not the case.

Sweetie coughed a few times to get all the attention, in order to make a grand presentation. “Girls! I got the perfect…” again, she cut herself off when she noticed another missing element to her big announcement.

“Um…Scoots, if ya don’t mind?” Sweetie asked pointing a hoof up towards the light bulb.

Scootaloo caught on to what Sweetie Belle wanted, but wasn’t really enthusiastic about the idea. “Sweetie, do I have…” Scootaloo stopped herself when she received a cold stare from Sweetie. “…Fine,” she groaned.

Scootaloo made her way towards the roof access and hovered up. A few seconds later, she stuck her forehooves and head out of the same spot the light hung from above the thinking spot.

Now that everything was in place, Sweetie Belle could announce her grand idea. “Girls! I’ve got the perfect pony for Scribble!” Sweetie paused for a few seconds to build the anticipation, which at this point was killing her friends. “The perfect pony for Scribble is……”

Sweetie gave Scootaloo a wink, noting her cue to tap the light on. “Twilight!” she announced, throwing her forehooves forward to add appeal.

Apple Bloom jumped up, full of new optimism and life. “That’s perfect, Sweetie! Twilight would make the perfect lover fer him!”

Sweetie nodded in agreement before turning her attention to Scootaloo. “See, worth the full effect, right?” she cheekily asked.

Scootaloo didn’t care that Sweetie had got her, she only cared that Sweetie’s idea was perfect. “You bet it was the worth full effect!” she blurted, landing down to join Sweetie. “This really is a good spot for thinking up ideas.”

Bloom joined her friends on the thinking spot to bring the full trio together. “C’mon girls, let’s go an’ get those marks!” All three of the Crusaders bumping hooves in agreement with Apple Bloom’s battle cry.

~~~~~~~~~~

It had been ten days since Scribble made his first real friend. During that time, the harvesting of apples had increased two-fold. Scribble was working side-by-side with Applejack and Big Mac. The trio had become so coordinated that production had literally been doubled. They had harvest two weeks’ worth of apple trees in only the space of a week.

“Tell me, Scribble, what was it like workin’ on a sugar farm?” Applejack asked, bucking into another apple tree.

“A lot different than bucking apples, I can tell ya that,” Scribble explained, picking up the loose apples that missed the buckets. “We had to use sickles to slash the cane, then wrap up the stalks in bundles ready to be refined.”

A rouge apple fell outside of the buckets range. Scribble used a free forehoof to rebound it back on course. This Scribble did so while explaining his farming methods, on some level, Scribble didn’t even notice he did it. He was too engrossed in talking to Applejack that it was pure reflex. Applejack took note of this and interrupted the conversation. “Ya know ya jus’ kicked an airborne apple inta the bucket, right,” she pointed out, making Scribble look into the bucket in question.

Scribble looked confused. He looked into the bucket than at his forehoof before looking into the bucket once more. “I did?” he asked, dumbfounded.

“Ya did,” Applejack confirmed. She bucked the apple tree to make her point, letting several more apples fall right on top of Scribble.

With nothing but pure instinct and reflexes Scribble kicked and even head-butted the apples into several of the surrounding buckets. Applejack giggled at Scribble as he couldn’t believe his own reactions. “Ya have become so focused this last week, it’s truly amazin’.”

Scribble poked Applejack in the chest, electing smiles from both ponies. “That’s ‘cause I’ve had less to worry ‘bout in the last week,” he happily chirped.

Applejack was simply happy Scribble was starting to actually live. She saw more of the real Scribble in the last week then anypony (minus his family) ever saw of him in a lifetime. He was funny, charming, kind-hearted and a very hard worker.

Applejack was about to complement Scribble on his reform when his eyes shot wide open. Before she could get a word out, Scribble put his forehooves over her back and yanked her sideways.

“YEEE HAAA! Ride ‘em cowpony!” Pinkie yelled, falling out of the apple tree. Her rump landed with a loud THUD! on the hard earth, right where Applejack was just a second ago. “OUCH!” she yelled in pain, electing a giggle from Scribble.

Applejack gave Scribble a curious look… “How did ya do that?” she asked, confused beyond believe at what happened in just a few seconds.

“Instinct,” Scribble offered for an excuse.

Applejack was none too impressed. He was not telling the entire truth. She thought she would solve that mystery later. Presently, a pinker, more demanding matter was at hoof. “Pinkie, what in tarnation ya doin’ poppin’ outta ma apple tree like that fer?”

Pinkie stood up, still rubbing her sore flank. “Ya, Scribble, how did you do doing that?” Pinkie asked, not fully trusting Scribble’s answer either.

“Pinkie!” Applejack sternly said.

“Oh, right.” Pinkie gave a mock giggle before continuing with her reason for being here. “I just dropped by, literally,” she said, giggling some more. “To give you and Scribble your party invitations for Scribble’s re-welcome party this afternoon.” Pinkie pulled two invitations out of nowhere and hoofed them over to their respective owners.

“Don’t forget to bring me a few apples please, Applejack,” Pinkie said, as a pink dust cloud replaced where she was just standing.

Scribble gave his friend a rather odd look. “So, that’s Pinkie Pie?”

“Eeyup,” she flatly answered.

“So, now all I have to meet is Twilight, Fluttershy and…what was her name again… Rainbow Mesh?” Scribble asked, trying to recount if his guess was correct or not.

Applejack giggled while Scribble scratched his head, trying to remember the name. “Rainbow Dash, Scribble. Its Rainbow Dash,” she corrected her mistaken friend.

“Well, that aside. Pinkie Pie seemed a little…” Scribble stopped to try and think of the right word.

“Strange? Ya, she is like that a bit. Don’t ya worry none, it’s jus’ Pinkie bein’ Pinkie Pie,” Applejack explained, letting out a big breath. Pinkie was after all, a mouthful to handle or explain.

“Strange, ya say that?” Scribble thought about it for a moment, making Applejack curious again. “She seemed more fun to me.”

“Well that anotha’ way of puttin’ it. Pinkie is a barrel of fun,” Applejack let out laughing her flank off, even rolling around on the ground.

Applejack finally settled down, getting up and dusting herself off. “Come on, partna’. Let’s get ya ready fer yer re-welcome party,” she cheered, patting Scribble on the back.

~~~~~~~~~~

Streamers hung high from the ceiling balloons littered the room, while the smell of delicious treats could be smelt miles away. All the hallmarks of a Pinkie Pie party were present at Sugar Cube Corner. The only thing that was missing were the invited guests, or in classic Pinkie style, just about the whole town.

While the main room of the sweet shop was vacant, three sneaky fillies took the chance to hatch their latest plan. Six peering eyes slipped just past the door frame to inspect the room.

“All clear girls. Quick let’s put the present in,” Bloom ordered, doing a rolling ninja move into the bakery. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo followed her with fancy (For none trained fillies) ninja moves of their own. It was a secret mission, after all. Their target? The table of gifts in the corner.

“Scootaloo, do it,” Sweetie whispered.

Scootaloo pulled a lavender-purple box wrapped in a blue ribbon and added it to the pile of presents. The tag read “To Scribble Script. From your adoring lover, Twilight Sparkle.”

Apple Bloom face hoofed when she saw the writing. “Adorin’ lover…seriously, Sweetie?”

“What? It’s very romantic!” Sweetie protested.

“No it ain’t,” Bloom giggled.

Sweetie pointed an accusing hoof at her yellow friend. “What would you know about romance? All you ever did was make a love poison, ‘member!?” Sweetie teased, making her point loud and clear, and making sure to rub it in.

“Ah do to know ‘bout romance!” Bloom retaliated back.

“Do not!”

“Do to!”

“Do not!”

“Do t…”

Bloom’s and Sweetie’s argument was cut short by the only rational filly left. Scootaloo had a forehoof in both months, one for each arguing Crusader. “Have you two forgotten this is a stealth mission?! Now, let’s get out of here before we’re discovered,” commander Scootaloo ordered, pulling her hoofs out with a pop, then using them to kick the flanks of her friends.

Sweetie and Bloom groaned but obeyed. Quickly, all three made a rush for the door. They bumped into a pink pony who was just entering the sweet shop. “Oh, hey girls! Just making a last-minute present delivery for Twilight, are you?” Pinkie asked, oblivious to the plan at hoof.

The Crusaders had sweat rolling down their faces. Making themselves look as innocent as possible, all three nodded in unison. “Eeyup, that’s right Pinkie. But we are…gotta hurry…Uh…we left our invitations back at the farmhouse,” Bloom lied.

Before Pinkie could answer, the Cutie Mark Crusaders bolted out the door. She shrugged and let the matter rest, trotting inside to make the final preparation for the party.

~~~~~~~~~~

Applejack and Scribble arrived just outside the front door to Sugar Cube Corner. The music was pumping and the smell of sweet food in the air. “Ya ready fer this, Scribble?” Applejack asked, patting and reassuring him on the back.

“As I ever will, AJ,” he replied, taking a deep breath and getting ready for the party ahead.

“Jus’ remember, if anythin’ happens, ya promised ta talk ta me ‘bout it.”

Scribble waved her off with a reassuring hoof. “SCRIBBLE, AH MEAN IT!”

Scribble fell over in a submissive pose. “Okay, okay! I get it, Applejack. If anything happens, I promise to see ya right away.”

“Good, now let’s get goin’, Pinkie an’ the others are waitin’.” Applejack pushed Scrible into the party. She really wanted Scribble to meet her friends, so she could prove other ponies could be friendly.

They both entered the sweet shop to a rousing cheer. Party poppers busted, screams and cheers cried out from around the room, and an over-excited pink pony was right in Scribble’s face. “YIPEE! she screamed. “Scribble, welcome to your one and only re-welcoming party!” Pinkie placed a funky-looking party hat on his head, along with another apple-themed one for Applejack.

Scribble didn’t seem too phased by Pinkie. In fact he seemed to be enjoying the party already, much to Applejack’s surprise.

Pinkie raced back into the sweet shop, beckoning Scribble and Applejack to follow her. Scribble acted like a school colt on his birthday and raced in after Pinkie Pie. Applejack couldn’t believe her eyes. The same Scribble who would lose his emotional control just a few weeks back was now excited to attend this party. She knew Scribble would give this party a go, but this was more than the she had envisioned happening.

“Everypony, listen up!” Pinkie called out, getting the attention of all party guests. “Our guest of honour and newest member of Ponyville is here!” Pinkie pulled Scribble in front of her, displaying him like a prize she had just won for all to see.

Scribble was a little taken by this, but managed to keep his wits as everypony gave him a good look. He had no idea why he just didn’t do his normal thing, which was either stay out of the limelight or run away to avoid more rejection. What was so different? Why didn’t he feel like running? Why did he feel he could take it this time?

Guests at the party cheered. A new pony in Ponyville was always cause for celebration to them. The music started up again, and the party went into full swing. Ponies were eating, dancing, talking and having a good time.

Applejack came and stood next to Scribble, putting a hoof over his shoulder. “Well partna’, ready ta tackle this beast o’ a party?” Applejack asked, giving him a friendly whack on the back.

Then the reason hit Scribble like a hoof bucking an apple tree. He wasn’t alone this time. No matter if he suffered rejection or not at this party. No matter if he enjoyed himself or not. None of that mattered in the long run, simply because of the one underlining fact that was different this time. He already had a friend. A friend that would have his back, care for him, and help to pick him up if anything happened.

Scribble had no way to explain this sensation of having a friend. But it suddenly made nothing else matter. For all Scribble cared, Equestria could come to an end. So long as Applejack was still with him it wouldn’t matter.

“Sure, bring it on!” Scribble yelled, grinning widely.

“Then, let me introduce ya ta me friends. The ones Ah been tellin’ ya ‘bout.” Applejack proudly pointed to a familiar group of ponies gathered around one of the tables.

Applejack brought Scribble over to the table and took a seat next to Twilight. She pointed a hoof at Rainbow Dash and proceeded to move it clockwise around the table. “This here is Rainbow Dash,” she introduced.

“The best flier in all Equestria!” Rainbow declared, her eyes shut and head held high.

“An’ also the biggest ego in all Equestria,” Applejack laughed. Everypony else at the table followed, laughing at Rainbow and all her pride.

“Thanks for having my back, AJ” Rainbow pouted.

“Anytime, partna’,” Applejack said, supported with a mock salute and more laughing.

She continued around the table with the introductions. “This here is, Pinkie Pie, party pony extraordinaire.”

“Yes indeedy do. Now we can be friends forever. Cause I just met you, and that makes you my new friend,” Pinkie squeed, holding out a forehoof for Scribble to whack.

Applejack was about to tell Pinkie off for being too forward, fearing Scribble would still be sensitive over the whole friend thing. But she didn’t get the chance. Scribble took Pinkie’s offer with a smile and brought his hoof up to meet hers.

“Nice to meet ya, mate. Thanks for the great party.”

Applejack paused for a second to make sure Scribble was okay. Seeing he was enjoying the moment see decided to continue. “This here is, Fluttershy. She takes care of…” Applejack trailed off when she noticed she was pointing at thin air. “Rarity, if ya wouldn’t mind, please?”

Rarity sunk her hoof under the table and fiddled around for a moment, searching for a certain yellow Pegasus. “Darling, you simply must be polite and introduce yourself,” Rarity politely encouraged, as she dragged Fluttershy back up.

“Um…um…I’m, um…Fluttershy,” she mumbled quietly.

“Ya’ll have ta forgive Fluttershy, she is…well, a little shy.” Applejack thought the occasion called for a whack to the face, so she did just that to display her bewilderment towards Fluttershy.

“I can see that,” Scribble responded. He slowly reached out a hoof to greet Fluttershy, who just stared away, hiding behind her long pink mane.

“Applejack shook her head. ‘Some things will never change.’ She moved her forehoof along to the next pony around the table. “This here fashionista ya already know.”

Rarity gave Scribble a welcoming bow of her head. “Delighted to meet you again, darling.”

Applejack leaned over toward Scribble, whispering into his ear. “She is still a little too, fru-fru fer ma tastes.” Scribble quickly brought a hoof to his mouth to stifle a laugh. Applejack received a glass of water to the face and a disapproving stare from Rarity in response.

“I still might be, as you say, fru-fru, but at least I keep my opinions to myself,” Rarity huffed.

The rest of the table, minus a soaked Applejack and a pouty Rarity, were all laughing. Applejack voiced her disapproval in getting soaked, while Rarity argued back that she deserved it. Twilight hovered a towel for Applejack to dry herself with, while she interjected, “Rarity does have a point, Applejack. You did deserve that,” Twilight laughed, not able to keep a straight face.

This time is was Scribble’s turn to come to the aid of his friend, and he knew exactly what card to play. He put a comforting hoof on Applejack’s back to reassure her. “Don’t worry mate, I got your back. Just so happens I’m pretty good with jokes and pranks.”

Applejack smiled, then looked cheekily towards Rarity. “Don’t you two even think about it!” Rarity warned.

“Applejack, aren’t you going to introduce me and Spike?” Twilight asked, snapping Rarity and Applejack out of their staring contest.

“Oh! Right.” Twilight gave the farm mare a flat stare. “This here is Twilight Sparkle, an’ her assistant, Spike,” Applejack announced.

“Number one assistant, thank you,” Spike corrected.

Scribble trotted around Applejack to get a better look at Spike. “Wow, a talking baby dragon. Not every day ya get to see a sight like this,” Scribble said, holding out his hoof to give Spike a claw shake.

“Thanks,” Spike said, accepting the gesture.

“I also hear you’re very talented with magic, Twilight. Applejack tells me you’re the star student of own very own Princess Celestia.” Scribble was quite impressed that Twilight knew the Princess.

“Yes, it’s true. I study directly under Princess Celestia, and…”

Twilight was cut off by Rainbow Dash being her impatient self. “So, Scribble. Tell us about your cutie mark. I’ve been dying to know what kind of egghead stuff a pony does with a book and pen for a cutie mark?” she asked, pointing a forehoof at Scribble’s flank.

Before Scribble had a chance to answer, an excited filly interrupted them all by jumping on top of Scribble’s back. “We know, we know!” Scootaloo excitingly declared. “He’s a skilled writer, and tells amazing stories!”

“Ya, it’s true. He told us one a few weeks ago!” Sweetie added.

Bloom and Sweetie came up beside Scribble to join their excited friend. “Ya, an’ he enjoys readin’, much like yerself, Twilight,” Bloom stated, giving Twilight a wink. The three fillies giggled, all knowing their plan was a sure winner to match Twilight and Scribble.

“Stories? Oh, you simply must give us a sample, darling?” Rarity politely asked. The rest of the ponies at the table agreed, wanting to hear one of Scribble’s famous stories.

Before he could get a word in the music was turned up, filling the sweet shop with a funky tune. “Oh, this is my jam. We can do the story later. Right now, move your flanks and get this party pumping!” Pinkie yelled, as she disappeared in a puff of pink, dragging Scribble away with her.

It took a few seconds for those left at the table to find out what became of Scribble. Pinkie had dragged him to the dance floor space and started to strike a few dance moves, hoping this would encourage Scribble to let lose. “Come on, Scribble! Show us a few moves from your home town!” Pinkie chimed, shaking her flank on the dance floor.

Scribble looked back towards Applejack for advice. Her reply was a smile and forehooves gesturing for him to go for it. Scribble shrugged and thought, why not? He had a friend and nothing to lose. “Okay Pinkie,” Scribble snickered. “Let’s see ya keep up with Strip The Willow.”

Scribble lead the way, showing others how to pull off the simple dance moves. Pinkie and the Cutie Mark Crusaders joined in, followed by loads of others attending the party. “I’m not sure how you did it Applejack, but it looks like you got Scribble back to normal,” Twilight observed from the table, taking a bite of her cupcake.

“Actually, Twilight, if it weren’t fer the girls, Ah woulda never gotten the chance Ah needed ta make him open up.” Applejack paused to have a slice of apple fritter before continuing. “Ah actually wanted ta ask y’all a favour in regards ta that, while we got a second.” Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow gave Applejack their full attention. “He will be needin’ some more good friends, so Ah want y’all ta help him settle in ‘round town an’ be there fer him. He will still be needin’ some encouragement and help fer awhile.”

“If you ask me, I think he got plenty already,” Rarity replied, pointing a hoof towards Scribble and Pinkie on the dance floor. Scribble and Pinkie had stolen the spotlight with a dance contest, all the other ponies cheering them on. Pinkie was going move for move with Scribble, while the music was letting out some pumping tunes.

“Trust me, he still will be needin’ some help,” Applejack reinforced.

“And we will be there when he needs it,” Twilight confirmed, the others around the table agreeing.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Vinyl, load up the Pinkie Funk,” Pinkie ordered, flexing her hooves.

“Oh, you’re goin’ down, Pinkie,” Scribble declared, banging his forehooves together.

The party guests were all screaming in union, “Dance contest! Dance contest!” The slick DJ loaded up Pinkie’s choice of record, and let the music rip.

Pinkie opened up with a flurry of twists and flips, cartwheeling all over the dance floor. She landed a perfect mid-air flip in beat to the music and waved her tail in Scribble’s face, just egging him to bring it on.

Scribble had a smile of determination on his face, the crowd roared wanting Scribble to set the benchmark higher then Pinkie’s. He obliged with a time-honoured move the Luna Trot, sliding over the dance floor backwards in slick movements.

Using a styled turn, he faced Pinkie and held out a forehoof, just begging Pinkie to trump that. Pinkie and Scribble continued to up the ante with every move, spurred on more and more by the excited crowd of party guests.

“Hoo-wee! Look at those two go,” Applejack cheered, as she watched Scribble and Pinkie go it move for move.

“Alright! Finally, a pony that can put Pinkie in her place when it comes to a party dance!” Dash cheered, routing for Scribble.

The song finished with a bang and a raving round of applause for the two talented dancers. “Ya not so bad at this, Pinkie,” Scribble complimented, while catching his breath.

“You’re pretty good yourself,” Pinkie replied, also catching her breath.

Vinyl was not done spinning the music for the dance floor just yet. She loaded up an old Equestrian favourite. “Okay, all you rad party ponies! Now, let’s blitz this dance floor!” Vinyl yelled, skillfully flipping on the next record.

The subs burst into over drive as the “Livin La Pony Loca” could be heard across Sugar Cube Corner, and several blocks away. Scribble was making his way towards the refreshment table for a well-deserved drink, but Pinkie had other ideas. It had been way to long since she found somepony who could keep up with her in a dance, and she was not about to let this chance for some fun slip away.

She skidded in between Scribble and the drinks table, making him come to a sudden stop. “Ya got one more in you, right?” Pinkie asked, nodding her head back towards the dance floor.

“But…drink,” was all the exhausted Scribble could blurt out. He looked towards Applejack to back him up.

Applejack, however, betrayed him, letting out an encouraging whistle. “Come on Scribble, let’s see it!” she yelled.

“But, Applejack!”

“Come on slow pokey-poke! The song is a-playing,” Pinkie exclaimed. Not giving Scribble a chance to answer as she ran past him, attaching her tail to his as she speed past, dragging Scribble away in a blur back to the dance floor.

Scribble and Pinkie took full control of the dance floor, both sliding into place. “Okay Pinkie, ya asked for this. Just ‘member to keep up, mate.” Scribble grabbed Pinkie by the forehoof and throw her into the air to commence the dance.

Perfect coordination, fancy flips, side-stepping trots and what all those watching could only describe as a once-in-a-lifetime sight was the dance Pinkie and Scribble worked in perfect harmony together. The crowd cheered egging the duo ever on in time to the music.

“It’s like those two have been dance partners for years,” Rarity complimented, as she watched Pinkie slide under Scribble on the knees of her hindlegs. Scribble grabbed her by the forelegs as she came sliding under and throw her into the air, catching her with style on the return trip back to the dance floor.

Ponies around the room were jumping up and down, and moving their own flanks a little to the addictive beat. One such mare just happened to be Derpy Hooves, and her clumsy moves brought an end to the dance spectacular.

Closing her eyes to fully enjoy the song, the mail mare accidently bumped into Pinkie Pie’s party cannon. The cannon turned ninety degrees and was facing the dance floor. With a loud bang, a huge blast of air and confetti was blown all over the sweet shop.

The blast swept Pinkie Pie and Scribble off their hooves and flying right into the big cake sitting on one of the tables. The dancing duo passed right through the cake at blistering speeds, sending cake everywhere, and all over the nearby party guests.

Pinkie went splat against the side wall, hitting it with blinding force, her back taking the full force of the impact. Unlucky for her, it was not over. Right behind her was Scribble, who went straight into the party pony, belly first. The effect of both their speeds pancaked them into the wall, along with a sizable chunk of cake.

Silence befell the party, as everypony gasped when the confetti cleared. There were two ponies plastered into each other against the wall, and covered in cake. For a full ten seconds nopony said nothing. All they could do was stare at the frosting-covered wall, mouths agape.

Scribble finally came to after blacking out. He pushed against the wall with his hooves, peeling himself of the wall with a loud POP! He landed on his back in a puddle of frosting on the floor. The force used by Scribble to peel himself free was also enough to loosen Pinkie, who followed Scribble off the wall. She landed on top of the shocked pony, bouncing a few times on his stomach.

Ponies rushed over to make sure they were okay, Applejack being first on the scene. “Oi, y’all okay!?” Applejack yelled, coming to a sliding stop just beside the cake-covered pair.

Pinkie used her forehooves to lift her face up a little, licking her face clean in the process. “Mmm, raspberry,” she discerned, letting her tongue wrap back into her mouth.

Scribble followed her example and licked his face clean in a similar fashion. “Mmm, you’re right, and pretty tasty to boot.”

By now Twilight and the rest of the gang made it to the scene to check on Scribble and Pinkie. “Oh sweet Celestia, are you two okay?!” Twilight over exaggerated.

Pinkie and Scribble gave each other cheeky stares before looking at Twilight, both bursting into laughter at the site of her over exaggerated expression. Pinkie rolled off Scribble onto her back next to him laughing like a hyena, both of them unable to let up at how funny Twilight was.

“Wow, what a trip that was,” Scribble said, still unable to contain his excitement or laughter.

“Ya, let’s do it again,” Pinkie insisted.

Twilight was more annoyed than worried by this point. “Are you two crazy? You could have been injured! Badly!”

Scribble and Pinkie stopped laughing long enough to give Twilight a flat stare, before rolling in laughter and cake frosting again.

Applejack let off a few giggles herself, making light of the situation. “Twilight, settle down! Look, they’re both fine.”

Scribble finally settled down and got himself off the floor. He gave Pinkie a hoof and helped her up, taking his frosting-covered hoof back and tasting a sample of the frosting that was on her hoof. “Mmm, now this is an interesting strawberry flavour,” he mused.

Pinkie caught onto the joke right away, using her forehoof to take a frosting sample from Scribble’s back. “Mmm, and this takes like a new caramel flavour. Maybe we should add this flavour to our cakes?” Pinkie giggled. The ponies surrounding the frosted duo joined them in a hearty laugh at the joke.

Rarity approached the frosted-covered scene, trying not to get too much frosting on her delicate hoofs. “Okay you two, we simply must get the both of you cleaned up. I think this party is now over,” Rarity declared, pointing out how trashed the sweet shop was from the all the frosting.

Pinkie groaned, not wanting the party to end so suddenly. “Sorry Pinkie, but we can’t have you parading around looking like that,” Rarity argued.

Pinkie was about to object when Rainbow Dash interrupted them from across the room. “Yo! Before anypony goes, we need to give Scribble his presents.”

Rainbow placed three wrapped surprises in front of Scribble so he could open them. He inspected the presents, one in particular catching his attention. Scribble wiped some excess frosting to make sure he was reading the tag right. “To Scribble Script. From your adoring lover, Twilight Sparkle,” he read out loud.

WHAT!! Adoring lover…Twilight! What the!?” Scribbled yelled, staring at Twilight, demanding an explanation.

Twilight was just as stumped at Scribble, and blushing a little as well. “Let me see that,” she asked.

Scribble hoofed her over the present, so she could read it with her own eyes. Twilight read the tag several times, just to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. “I didn’t write this. It’s not my present,” she replied sternly.

“It has to be yours Twilight! Got your name on it,” Rainbow insisted, snatching the present from her hoof.

“Yes, but this is not my hoof-writing,” Twilight snapped back, taking the present right out from under Rainbow.

Rarity caught a glimpse of the hoof-writing on the tag and used her magic to levitate it closer for a better inspection. She thought about it for a moment before it finally hit her. “Oh, I have three ideas whose present this is,” Rarity scolded, directing her focus to three fillies standing near the door.

All eyes in the sweet shop now fell on three guilty looking Crusaders. “Sweetie Belle, this is your hoof-writing, isn’t it?” Rarity asked, already knowing the answer. She could recognise her sister’s hoof-writing from anywhere, with all the homework Rarity helps her sister do.

“Gggiiirrrlllsss!” Applejack called out, making the fillies freeze in their tracks. “Care ta explain this at all?”

“Um…well ya see…,” Bloom tried to explain, but only succeeded at muttering. “We, um, we err…Have stuff we gotta do. Right, girls?” Bloom asked, bolting off. Her fellow Crusaders mumbled in agreement and galloped off in hot pursuit of their friend.

Rarity was about to give chase to them when Applejack stopped her with a hoof. “Don’t worry ‘bout ‘em right now, Rarity. We can punish them later. Fer now, we have cake-covered ponies an’ walls ta clean.”

“I suppose your right, Applejack,” Rarity agreed, as she used a spare hoof to grab Pinkie. “I can take care of Pinkie. You okay with Scribble?”

“Eeyup, Ah’ll take him back ta the farm fer a bath.” Applejack looked Scribble over to see how filthy he was. “A nice long bath,” she corrected, Scribble getting embarrassed at the statement.

~~~~~~~~~~

Applejack and Scribbler were heading back to Sweet Apple Acres. One pony was sparkling clean. The other caked in frosting and in dire need of a bath. “So, enjoy the party?” she asked, hoping the frosting all over him didn’t ruin the whole party.

“Ya kidding? Was the most fun I have had in years. Thanks for taking me, Applejack. I really do owe ya one for this.”

“Was nothin’ partna’. No payment necessary.”

“Just one think bugging me, Applejack.” Scribble took a deep breath. Applejack glanced at him curiously. “Why did those fillies try and set me up with Twilight?”

“Ah’m not ta sure. Sorry ,Scribble. Ah guess that they thought ya was lonely, an’ wanted ta get ya a special mare.”

“REALLY!!”

“Eeyup, an’ this not the first time they tried this, either. Don’t worry though. Once Ah find ‘em, they will be doin’ extra chores fer a month,” she declared, determined to nail her sister and her friends to the wall for this stupid idea.

“Besides,’ she said with a giggle. “If anythin’, Ah would say yer in more love wit’ Pinkie. The way y’all danced together, it’s like ya been a couple fer years,” Applejack laughed, making sure her joke was at Scribble’s expense.

Scribble let out a fake couple of laughs. “Ya, in love with Pinkie Pie. Now that is just silly,” Scribble croaked, trying to laugh the situation off.

Applejack was no stupid mare. She caught onto the fact Scribble was putting on a fake smile. She trotted in front of him and made him stop. “Scribble, ya okay sugar cube?” she asked.

Scribble response was silence, as he turned his frosting-covered face to look away from Applejack. “Scribble, Ah’m askin’ ya a question here,” she stated, using a forehoof to grab Scribble’s face and turn it back to face her. The frosting on his face, however, made it impossible for her to get a good enough grip. Her hoof slipped of his face, along with a good chunk of frosting. Applejack dropped her jaw at what she saw.

On Scribble’s cream-coated cheek was a new, blushing red. Scribble turned away from Applejack even more, letting out a small smile.

Applejack’s mouth went wide open, and her eyes filled with excitement. “Oh Scribble! Ya like her, don’t ya?” she teased. “Ya fallin’ fer Pinkie Pie, ain’t ya?”

Scribble drew circles on the dirt road with a forehoof, while turning even redder on his cheeks. “Who, me? Fall for Pinkie Pie? …Don’t be silly, Applejack.”

Applejack scooped Scribble up in a huge hug, dancing around in circles with him. “Oh Scribble, Ah’m so proud of ya!”

“But I’m not…”

Applejack cut him off with a forehoof to the mouth. “Scribble Script, ya can’t lie ta me. Element of Honesty member?” she said, laughing.

Scribble took Applejack’s hoof from his mouth so he could speak. “Just promise me ya will keep this to yaself for a while, please, Applejack?”

“Course Ah will, sugar cube! What are friends fer, ya slick stallion,” she promised, giving Scribble’s mane a friendly encouraging rub.

“See, Ah told ya life would be better here, didn’t Ah?”

“Ya, ya I know, rub it in some more why don’t ya?”

“Sure thing,” she teased, as they both entered the farm.

The Fashionista's Cunning Plan

Loving Laughter Chapter 13 - The Fashionista's Cunning Plan

Is it wrong to bother your friends for help with the matters deepest to your heart?

It had been two days since Scribble Script enjoyed his first real party and gained a crush on Pinkie Pie. It was a lovely afternoon and Scribble had some time off to do whatever he saw fit.

He took a big gulp and started sweating. Scribble didn’t like the idea of what he was about to do. Standing before the door to Carousel Boutique, he slowly lifted a forehoof to open the front door. Slowly trudging in, Scribble heard the bell ring, and finally was able to have a good look at Rarity’s shop. Last time he was here, he hardly got a chance to take in the surroundings.

The shop had walls of nicely-designed dresses and suits. It was simply an amazing interior to begin with, at least Scribble thought so. “One moment please, I will be right with you,” a voice called from upstairs.

Scribble did as ordered and waited in the main room of the shop, fiddling with some of the suits while he did.

“Oh, hello Scribble. What’s brings you here this fine afternoon?” Twilight asked, finally making it to the bottom of the stairs.

“G’day, Twilight. Is Rarity in? This is her shop, isn’t it?”

Twilight let out a little giggle. “Of course this is her shop. She is upstairs with Rainbow and Pinkie. Seems Rarity tricked…talked Rainbow into modelling a dress for her.”

“Twilight, who is it?” Rarity called from upstairs.

“It’s Scribble. He came by to see you,” she called back.

“Well show him up, Twilight.”

“Shouldn’t be a problem, Scribble. You can talk to her while…” Twilight trailed off, as she noticed Scribble acting a little weird.

Scribble started to blush a little, and was franticly looking left and right. “Um, on second thought, I might come back later, Twilight. Rarity does seem busy an’ all.” Scribble turned and started making for the door.

“I’m sure it will be fine with Rarity.” Twilight couldn’t believe Scribble was now acting like a schoolcolt who seemed to know he was in trouble. Sweat was pouring down him face, and he was blushing red.

Twilight recalled what Applejack mentioned about Scribble. That he would defiantly need help to adapt with life in Ponyville and making friends. Her horn started glowing a nice purple, as she turned and walked back up the stairs. Scribble found himself floating away from the door, despite his best efforts to walk forward out of it.

“Twilight, put me down!” he demanded.

“Scribble, don’t worry. Rarity isn’t going to bite,” Twilight chirped, trying to reassure Scribble.

“But…but…” was all Scribble could mutter before it was too late.

Twilight placed Scribble on the floor near the entry of Rarity’s Inspiration Room. He slowly opened his eyes, fearing who was in here the most. He saw Rarity, her forehooves up on a platform, dressing Rainbow Dash in some blazing red dress.

Rarity put her tools down for a moment to greet him. “Hello, Scribble. Is there something I can do for you, darling?” she politely asked.

“Could ya hurry it up, Rarity? I really gotta get in some practice sometime this week!” Rainbow exclaimed, impatiently tapping a forehoof.

Upon the revelation the one thing he feared the most is not here, Scribble calmed down. He took a deep breath and went to address Rarity about the matter at hoof.

“Hey, Scribble. It’s sssooo good to see you again! That last party was so much fun, wasn’t it?” Pinkie asked, appearing out of nowhere and standing behind him in the doorway.

Scribble froze, like he just saw a ghost. All the mares in the room raised an eye to this reaction. Pinkie waved a hoof in Scribble’s face to get his attention. “Hello? Equestria to Scribble!” Pinkie called out, trying to snap the shocked pony out of his trance.

It took Scribble a few seconds to finally come round, be it somewhat still shaken. “Oh, hey there, Pinkie. It…sure was a…great party.”

“I know right,” Pinkie agreed. “You really know how to move your flank on that dance floor. I can’t wait for the next dance party we get,” she chirped, bumping her flank into Scribble’s to emphasize her point.

Scribble's face went from cream to bright crimson red in a matter of seconds. His tail shot up like he just got electrocuted. Rarity was first to take notice of this unusual behaviour and chimed in. “Darling, whatever is the matter?”

Rarity’s voice snapped Scribble out of his blushing state, and he finally realized what he was doing. He shot up with a jump, landing a few feet from his start location. Producing a smile like nothing had happened the last couple of minutes, he acted as normal as he could. “I’m fine, thanks Rarity.”

“Ah, huh,” Rarity let out, not buying a word he said. “Well, what did you want to see me about?”

“Well, Applejack sent me over. She told me you would be better at giving me some advice I needed.” Scribble was clearly a little disturbed over something, he was drawing circles on the floor with a forehoof, looking all over the room. Anytime his eyes met Pinkie, he would quickly dart away his gaze, only to return it once Pinkie was no longer staring at him. This was a point Twilight and Rarity seemed to both pick up on.

Rarity’s blue magic fired back up, putting the finishing touches on her dress design Rainbow was modelling. “What advice would that be, dearie?” she asked while sewing several parts of the dress simultaneously.

Scribble looked around the room again, taking time to properly word his next answer. “Well…it’s kinda private,” he trailed off, eyeing the other ponies in the room to show his point.

“Oh! Well that’s fine. I will be done in just a few moments. Then me and you can have some tea. Does that sound good?” Rarity asked, thinking she might already have an idea what this was about.

“Sure, thanks Rarity.” Scribble trotted over and took a seat near Twilight. He may as well keep busy by observing Rarity do her work.

“Finally, we can get out of here soon,” Rainbow declared, relieved.

Scribble paid close attention to Rarity’s work, anything to keep his mind and eyes from wondering over to a certain happy pink pony on the other side of the room. Twilight took the chance to start a little small talk with Scribble. “You never seen a dress being made before?”

“Not really. Quite interesting though,” he replied.

“Rarity is the most talented designer I have ever seen. She is even famous in Canterlot with her dresses.”

Scribble nodded in agreement, not wanting to remove his gaze from Rarity and her work, for fear of where else he might look.

“I bet she could even make you a lovely suit for the next formal or party you attend.” Twilight’s eyes shot up as she just got an idea. “Speaking of parties, I never got the chance to ask how you liked Pinkie’s one, minus the whole covered-in-frosting incident that is,” she chuckled.

“It was fun. Haven’t partied that hard ever in my life, “Scribble excitingly blurted, now facing Twilight to give her his full attention.

“The way you and Pinkie danced was amazing. Don’t ya think, Pinkie?” Twilight called out, making sure Pinkie heard it loud and clear.

Scribble started to sweat a little as the bouncing party pony came his way. “You bet it was amazing! Scribble should so, like, become my new dance partner! We can have loads of fun at every party!” Pinkie screamed, thinking of the possibilities.

Scribble was heating up, blushing on his cheeks again. Twilight let out a cunning smile, her plan was working, now she just had to make sure her suspicions were correct. “That’s a great idea, Pinkie. Don’t you agree, Scribble?” Twilight asked, giving Scribble a playful nudge with her shoulder.

“Um…” Scribble mumbled, about to completely tip over.

“There way go, all done. Thankyou Rainbow Dash, now I can fill my order,” Rarity announced, using her magic to set Rainbow free of her dress prison.

“Finally! Sorry to run, but me and Pinkie have training to do,” Rainbow declared as she made for the stairs down. “Come on Pinkie, let’s go.”

“Bye girls. Bye Scribble. Hope I get to see ya again real soon,” Pinkie chirped, bouncing down the stairs after Rainbow.

Scribble was lost to the world, still stuck in his embarrassed state. Before he could decipher what was happening he found Rarity to his left and Twilight to his right. Both mares giving him knowing glances.

“So, what kind of advice did you need, darling?” Rarity cheekily asked.

“Yes, I’m sure we can help you with any advice you need,” Twilight agreed, joining Rarity in trapping Scribble.

Scribble took a few gulps as he trotted slowly backwards. “Actually, I reconsidered. I don’t think I will be needin’ any advice after all,” he said, trying to laugh the question off.

Scribble kept slowly moving back as Twilight and Rarity closed in, both with sinister grins, and intent to find the truth. He ran out of floor to back away with, bumping his flank into the wall.

“Scribble, you love her. Don’t you?” Rarity gave Twilight a knowing glance. “Why, even Twilight is catching on.”

“Hey!” Twilight protested.

“Well sorry to say Twilight, but you have not always been the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to love,” Rarity admitted.

Twilight simply huffed, annoyed Rarity was completely right.

“Love? I don’t love Nopony,” Scribble lied, his blushing cheeks and shaking body giving him away.

“Admit it, darling. You’re in love with Pinkie Pie.”

Rarity and Twilight sat down in front of him, folding their forelegs across their chests, both staring daggers into him until he admitted his guilt.

Scribble finally gave in, letting out a big huff of air. “Ya got me.”

Rarity and Twilight grabbed each other by the forehooves and danced around, letting out little girly screams. “Somepony has a crush on our little Pinkie,” Rarity squeaked.

“I can’t wait to tell Spike about this!” Twilight slipped.

“Hey!” Scribble snapped. “Don’t tell anypony ‘bout this…please,” he begged, still blushing bright red.

“Sorry Scribble,” Twilight apologised, giggling a little as she did. “We promise not to tell anypony. Right, Rarity?”

“Why, of course we won’t! Now follow me, I will put some tea on for us,” she said making for the kitchen. “You can tell us all about it over some afternoon tea.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Water in a kettle was added atop the stove, a teapot and cups were hovered out of cupboards from around the kitchen, and three ponies took a seat at the table. The atmosphere was heavy, especially on Scribble, with all eyes focused on him.

“So…” Scribble mumbled, twirling his forehooves, “This situation is kinda new to me. I’ve got no idea what to do next.” Scribble also added looking at the floor to his list of coping methods. “Never really asked anypony ‘bout this kind of stuff before.”

Rarity smiled as she got out of her seat to fetch a few snacks and get the tea ready. She let Scribble think about what he said for a moment before she gave her answer, keeping in mind what Applejack had asked at the party. “Instead of asking anypony, how about a friend?”

As touchy as this subject had been over the course of Scribble’s life, especially over the last couple of months since he first set hoof in Ponyville, Rarity seemed to of scored a perfect goal, getting the right timing and situation to bring it up. Scribble, however, still had reservations about it. His answer to Rarity was tilting his head down and to the right to avoid any gazing eyes, donning a sad expression straight from the heart over his face.

Twilight decided against voicing her opinion. She knew Rarity was far better at such touchy topics, and she was already in the middle of making progress.

Rarity put the snacks she was preparing down, trotting over to Scribble. Rarity used a forehoof to lift Scribble’s face up, so both ponies could be at eye level. Rarity smiled, reassuring Scribble she meant no harm. “Darling, whatever is the matter? Don’t you want to be my friend?” Rarity asked, in a tone that was soft and kind.

Scribble looked her in the eyes for a full minute, studying them for any signs of rejection. To his surprise, they were much like the time Applejack looked him in the eyes and promised to forever be his friend. ‘This can’t be right! This is impossible!’ Scribble shock his head to rid himself of those thoughts, only to return to Rarity’s gazing blue eyes. ‘This has never happened in my whole life, an’ now twice in just a few months!’

Scribble turned the taps on, water slowly began to trickle from the reserves of his heart, pouring out like a waterfall from his eyes. Even Rarity was a little taken back at this, as she instinctively took a few hoof steps back.

“This…this…this…is impossible!” he cried out. “Ya…ya can’t become my friend just like that! I mean…I’m useless, I must ah already done something to make ya mad! That’s all I ever do…All anypony ever sees!”

Scribble trailed off for a second before his body grew red with anger. He pointed an accusing hoof at Rarity, “YOUR LYING!!! There is no way ya really want to be my friend!”

Twilight was taken back at the sudden outburst towards her friend. She jumped out of her seat, marching her way over to Scribble. She let out a huff before addressing the confused writer. “Listen, Bucko! You don’t go around…”

Rarity cut Twilight off by holding out a hoof for her to stop. Twilight went to protest, but a stern look from Rarity squashed anymore attempts from her to intervene in the situation.

Keeping her cool, Rarity decided to challenge Scribble’s claim. “Okay, how am I lying?” She paused for a second to pick her next words very carefully. “What motive could I possibly have, other than truly wanting to be your friend?”

Scribble was stunned by the stern, and to be honest, perfect answer. “Well…well…that is all everypony has ever done…it must be true,” Scribble accused, losing his confidence.

Rarity smiled, she had Scribble right where she wanted him. “What about Applejack? She isn’t everypony. Is she?”

Scribble froze in place, the truth hitting home harder than it ever had. He tried to say something, but no words came to mind. He deflated back into his chair, letting his hooves flop down in defeat. Scribble was beaten, completely out-classed by the only pony he knew who possessed such scary levels of cunning.

Twilight saw this as the chance she had been waiting for, not wanting to let such a golden opportunity escape, she seized the moment. “Scribble, why don’t you start from the beginning?” she asked, going back to her seat and getting comfy to display her point.

“But…I don’t want to waste your time with such trivial…”

Scribble stopped himself short when Rarity held a hoof towards him. “I simply won’t take no for an answer. We have all evening to listen, and plenty of snacks, even dinner if we must,” she insisted.

“Don’t ya have a shop to run?” Scribble argued, hoping this was his ticket out.

Rarity’s horn lit up, her magic affecting something in the main room, a small bump the only evidence she magically tampered with something. “Nope. Carousel Boutique is closed early for the afternoon.”

The kettle had finished boiling the water several minutes ago. Rarity made a pot of tea and some snacks for the three of them to enjoy. She placed them on the table, pouring Scribble a cup as she did. Rarity joined her friend at the table and eyed of Scribble, waiting for him to start.

Scribble sighed. “Ya sure? Not the most enjoyable of stories I assure ya.”

“Yes, darling. We wouldn’t be listening if we didn’t want to hear it.”

Scribble took a sip of his tea, which tasted very nice. Taking a deep breath, he started his life story for the second time since coming to Ponyville.

~~~~~~~~~~

It was late in the evening at Rarity’s Boutique, the clock on the kitchen wall signalled this point by chiming nine times. A pot with a lush, light brown liquid inside was bubbling over the stove. Scribble attended the wonderful smelling brew with a few more stirs and a small amount of salt.

“Mmmmm, that smells nice,” Twilight complimented, taking a few greedy whiffs.

“You sure you don’t need a hoof, darling?” Rarity offered, for the fifth in in as many minutes.

“Rarity, don’t make me repeat myself. I said I would cook ya a treat from my hometown as thanks for listenin’ and helping me. Besides…I need something to keep my hooves busy while I talk, or I will go stir crazy.” Twilight let slip a little giggle at the revelation Scribble was still so uneasy.

Scribble had spent over six hours telling his story, from the events that defined his miserable existence, to how everypony always rejected him and made him feel lonely. He also included all the resent events in order, especially how Applejack helped to literally save his life. Scribble admitted as much saying he would have died under that Wattle Brush tree if it weren’t for Applejack.

All afternoon and into the evening, they mixed emotions or heart ache, sadness and sympathy for Scribble dominated the atmosphere. Rarity and Twilight had no idea his pain and suffering had run this deep, or he had truly lived such a lonely existence. Now more than ever since his family was missing from the equation.

“Anyway, that’s ‘bout it I think. Ya got any questions?” Scribble asked, hoping they wouldn’t need to ask any more.

“How horrible a past you have had, darling. I simply can’t believe somepony could go through all that,” Rarity sobbed emphatically.

“Well, maybe now ya know why I got mad at ya before. Again, sorry ‘bout that.”

“Oh, no, no, no,” Rarity quickly interjected. “You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about.”

Scribble turned to face Rarity. His eyes were so tired from constant crying over the six hours. Anypony would think he was all dried up. But for the umpteenth time that evening, Scribble pulled water reserves from out of nowhere and began to cry. Be it only lightly at Rarity’s claim, but cry he did. “Why don’t I got anything to be sorry ‘bout? I yelled an’ treated ya an’ Twilight like…”

Rarity had raced over and gave Scribble another comforting hug. He had already received plenty of these through the course of his story session, but he was not about to turn down more. Dropping the wooden spoon he was using to stir with, Scribble embraced Rarity for the comfort and peace she brought.

Scribble still couldn’t explain how anypony other than Applejack could make him feel this way, but here was Rarity and Twilight in the flesh, making him feel at peace.

Twilight interjected their hug with a thought of her own, posing Scribble a question. “So, what exactly did you do while growing up to make everypony treat you like that?”

Scribble’s answer was one of the most horrendous things Rarity or Twilight had ever heard. Rarity took a few steps back, jaw agape, while Twilight completely fell out of her seat, dropping the telekinetic grip on her teacup.

The cup smashed on the ground as Scribble, with three terror filled words, answered them.

“I don’t know.”

The bubbling stew caught Scribble’s attention. He picked up the wooden spoon and gave it a few more stirs before lowering the heat to let it simmer for a few moments. Turning back round to face the mares, he noticed they were still frozen in time, still shocked over his answer. “Rarity…oi Rarity,” Scribble said, waving a hoof in front of her face.

Shaking her head, Rarity finally snapped out of her daze. “Sorry Scribble. Didn’t mean to space out like that. It’s…just…I had no idea you went through all that, and not have the knowledge of what made them angry towards you. Must have been hard for you?”

Scribble hummed in agreement as he nodded, helping Rarity to her to her hooves.

Twilight’s logical mind was kicking into gear again. “Well, did you ever ask them?” she posed, thinking Scribble had been too scared to ever ask.

“How could I, Twilight. Nopony gave me the time of day to even socialize, let alone ask them what I did to offend them. I even tried to force the question on them a few times…let’s just say that didn’t end so well,” Scribble revealed, rubbing his flank.

“I’m sorry!” Twilight sobbed.

Scribbled waved it off with a hoof. “Don’t be, ya couldn’t of known.”

Scribble needed a distraction, and he needed it now. Turning the stovetop off, he put the pot on the bench and served three bowls of his soup. Rarity and Twilight picked up on the atmosphere and placed themselves at the table. Not a word was spoken as Scribble served three bowls, two for the mares and one for himself.

All three ate in silence, taking each sip of the delicious soup. Rarity was enjoying the flavour way too much to let the meal pass by in complete silence. “What did you say this delicious soup was called again?”

“Stockyard Brew. But not quite. Ya didn’t have all the right ingredients, so I had to improvise a little, sorry.”

“Don’t be, ya made a wonderful dish darling. I must ask for the recipe. Please?”

Scribble finished up his bowl, licking his muzzle clean. “Sure, I can write it up for you later.”

The small talk about the meal did little to distract anypony from what they all knew would be brought up. All three staring at their empty bowls, wishing for the distraction to continue, if even for another moment.

Rarity made the first move getting out of her seat and trotting around the other side of the table to Scribble. She sat down on her hind quarters to address him, holding up a forehoof to him before speaking. “Would you do me the honour of being my friend?” she asked, every bit as serious and passionate as Applejack did when she asked.

Scribble could see the determination, kindness and warmth in her eyes. Those eyes, the same eyes that made him give in, and give life one more chance. Here they were again, from another pony, another…another…another…friend?

“You already told us you hit rock bottom. And while Applejack is already your friend, could more hurt?” Rarity asked, making her offer both painful and irresistible at the same time.

Sobbing in a pool of his own tears Scribble jumped out of his seat so he was eye level with Rarity. “Your wrong,” he quietly sobbed. “I could lose you. You could end up rejecting me…which…which would be worse than becoming your friend.” Scribble was now in an outburst of emotion, putting his forehooves over his head to hide his face.

No words were needed for what Rarity did next. Levitating a box of tissues over, she plucked a few before using a forehoof to lift Scribble’s face up. She used the tissues to wipe his face clear of any tears pouring from his eyes before embracing him in another hug.

For nearly five minutes Rarity comforted and embraced Scribble, letting him howl away his pain and anguish. Twilight smiled as she observed the master of cunning, Rarity, work her magic. Maybe this was a form of magic worth studying, she thought to herself with a chuckle.

Like the changing of seasons, the tears in Scribble’s eyes changed. He couldn’t stop himself from crying, but these tears were of a different variety to sadness. Scribble’s body slowly started to shake as he let out a few giggles. Rarity let go of their embrace once she felt this motion. She looked Scribble in the eyes, confused at first, but soon found herself smiling at him. Despite still crying he was smiling, smiling for all his was worth, for all his heart would allow him to.

Scribble did his best to clear his face of tears. “Okay, Rarity. Why not,” he cried out. “One friend is more then I ever wanted. Applejack is truly amazing. But, why not? Why not have two? Applejack did promise me a better life in Ponyville, and I would say she is yet to disappoint.”

Scribbled raised a forehoof for Rarity to make the agreement official, Rarity putting hers on top without hesitation. She smiled while mimicking Scribble’s face with tears of joy.

“Here’s to double my friends,” Scribble declared.

Before Rarity could agree with any form of verbal manner, Twilight teleported in to her side and added her hoof to the pile. Scribble and Rarity were taken aback at first, but soon smiled as Twilight was beaming from cheek-to-cheek. “Okay than, here’s to triple my friends,” Scribble corrected, his smile thanking Twilight and Rarity for the offer.

“Three, two, one GO!!!” The all declared in unison, throwing their hooves into the air to celebrate.

All three laughed, and laughed hard. The dim atmosphere was quashed in an instant with happy playful emotions filling the room. “I must admit, a little bit foalish of a way to officially be friends…” Rarity said with a chuckle.

“Hey,” Scribble chirped. “I’m a big foal by nature, so we do this my way,” he protested, laughing his flank off, making Rarity and Twilight join in at the childish antics.

“Scribble,” Twilight addressed, getting his and Rarity’s attention. “Could we have another bowl of the Stockyard soup to celebrate?”

Rarity nodded in agreement, licking her muzzle.

“Sounds good,” Scribble agreed, serving up another round of his famous stew. Both mares making haste back to the table for another bowl.

They all dug into the second round of stew, taking the time to enjoy a little idle chat. Rarity put her spoon down for a moment to address the original issue that started all this. She decided now would be a better time than any to ask. “So, Scribble. Still want our help with Pinkie?” Rarity cooed, sending crimson red all across Scribble’s face.

Scribble was still embarrassed about the whole issue, but now he had more confidence to give this a shot. Blushing with a nod was all the confirmation Rarity needed to get all giddy. But first thing was indeed first, she required some more information. “Scribble, tell me, what is it you like about Pinkie?”

Scribble pondered the question for several minutes, still blushing red about the whole ordeal. “Well…I guess…she is maybe, kinda, sorta like me in many ways,” he answered, fiddling with his soup.

Twilight teleported a note book and quill out of nowhere to start taking down notes, interested to help Scribble, and study love on the side. Scribble quickly retreated behind his soup bowl at the site of the note book. “You’re going to have to a little more specific, darling,” Rarity informed, snatching Twilight’s note book and putting it out of the owner’s reach.

Scribble slowly raised his head as Rarity glared Twilight down for forgetting to respect Scribble’s feelings and privacy. “Well…I think Pinkie is a pony who likes to have fun. I know I love to have fun, as I can’t stand being bored. I also enjoy making those ‘round me, ‘specially kids, happy.”

Scribble hestitated a little before making his last point. “An’…well…despite my past an’ what I have told ya tonight, I do enjoy to socialize an’ get out a bit. Kinda always been a dream of mine,” he sarcastically joked, electing giggles from Rarity and Twilight. “Pinkie seems like all of these things, least from what I have seen. An’… she is well…” Scribble trailed off.

“Yes?” Twilight asked, waiting for an answer. “She is what?”

“She is…” Scribble again mumbled, stirring his soup around in circles.

Rarity used her telekinesis to force Scribble’s spoon from his hoof onto the table, hoping a lack of distractions will make him answer. “Come on, spit it out already!”

“Okay! Okay! She is cute! There I said it. I think Pinkie is, cute.” Scribble was so embarrassed he slammed his head on the table in an attempt to hide his blushing face.

“I knew it!” Rarity blurted out.

“Wow, I think this is the first time I have seen somepony with a crush on Pinkie,” Twilight speculated.

“You know, you’re absolutely right, Twilight. I think Pinkie and Scribble would make a really cute couple,” Rarity said. She was already out of her seat and poking Scribble softly on the side to make her point.

Scribble nicely pushed Rarity away, looking a little annoyed at her while Rarity returned a teasing grin. “So, what advice do ya have, Rarity?”

“It’s quite simple darling.” Rarity made her way back to her seat in order to finish her soup. “All you need to do is spend some more time with her. This will let you get to know her more,” she advised, pouring on the charm to emphasize her point.

Scribble was starting to get more nervous at the mention of spending time with the pony he had a crush on. “And be yourself. Don’t start acting like a scaredy pony around her,” Rarity instructed.

“But… but…”

“But nothing! I know you’re capable of doing this. You did after all have fun at that party a few days ago, and you were perfectly natural around her.”

“…Okay than,” he slowly mumbled.

“Good. Now, just leave everything to me. I will make sure you get a chance to spend some time with her.” Rarity levitated the dirty dishes towards the sink as she got out of her seat. “And another thing Scribble…”

Rarity paused when she heard loud knocks coming from the front door, making all three turned to face the main room. “Hmm, I wonder who would come by your place this late, Rarity?” Twilight asked, hoping Rarity would know.

“I have no idea Twilight,” Rarity revealed, making for the door.

Rarity made her way for the front door as it knocked again. Scribble and Twilight decided it would be a good idea to start cleaning up the kitchen while Rarity attended the front door.

“Yes, yes, coming.” Rarity opened the door to see who would be calling this late in Luna’s evening. “Why Applejack, what a pleasant surprise…” Rarity stopped with the formalities when she saw her face.

Applejack was fidgety and worried, clearly over something important to be knocking on her door this late at night. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom in tow. “Everything alright?”

“Ah’m not sure. Have ya seen Scribble? Not like him ta be gone this late without tellin’ me where he would be,” Applejack said, clearly stressed.

“Ya, we been out lookin’ fer him fer nearly two hours now,” Apple Bloom added.

Rarity let out laughing, making her guests confused. “Why he is right here, with me and Twilight.”

“He is?” Applejack asked, partly relieved.

“Why yes. Me and Twilight have been…how do you put it…getting to know each other,” Rarity mentioned, Applejack catching on right away.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle raced into the boutique, as Rarity let Applejack come in from the cool night air. “Jus’ how well we talkin’?” Applejack asked, not trying to hide her curiosity.

“How does confiding in us about his past, becoming friends and offering him advice for his Pinkie problems sound?” a smug Rarity happily admitted.

“Where is he?”

Rarity pointed a hoof towards the kitchen. Applejack didn’t need any more of an indication, bolting into the kitchen and crash tackling Scribble to the ground, making Twilight catch the plate he was drying with her telekinesis.

“Applejack! What the hay ya doin’ here?” Scribble asked, completely stunned to see his friend towering over him.

“Ah’m so happy yer okay! Ah was worried half ta death, ya bein’ out so late and what have ya.” Applejack was so happy to see Scribble it looked like she was about to cry.

Scribble laughed a little. “I’m fine AJ. Been here with Twilight an’ Rarity all arvo…” he paused noticing the clock to see it was already ten in the evening. “I mean evening.”

Applejack moved back and helped Scribble to his hooves. “Doin’ what exactly?”

By this time Rarity had walked back into the kitchen and was leaning against the entryway with a cheeky grin. “Rarity, ya told her?” Scribble demanded to know, not particular happy she Told Applejack what they had been talking about.

“It’s okay. Applejack already knows everything we do. At least, I think we do?” she asked, looking to Scribble conformation.

“Pretty much,” he deadpanned.

“See, Ah knew ya would make some more friends! Not jus’ that ya also told them yer past?” Rarity and Twilight nodded to confirm Applejack’s suspicions. “Wo, Rarity. Colour me impressed, only took one evenin’.”

Applejack gave Scribble’s mane a playful rubbing, congratulating him on letting Rarity and Twilight get close to him. She then dragged Scribble into a playful headlock for some added fun at his expense while she addressed the girls. “Ah really hate ta cut this short, but Ah got two fillies an’ a big colt ta get home. The Timber Wolves were a-howlin’ not ta long ago. An’ ya know what that means?”

Rarity and Twilight gave each other excited glances before blurting out the answer together. “ZAP APPLE SEASON!!!”

Scribble managed to escape his head lock. Thinking it only fair, he went for a little payback, pinning Applejack to the ground while she was distracted by talking to her friends. “Zap Apple what now?”

“Ah’ll explain on the way home. We really need ta get those fillies ta bed,” Applejack said, yelling for the fillies to come into the kitchen.

Applejack got on her hooves and dusted herself off a little as the fillies came charging into the kitchen with way to much energy. “C’mon girls! We found him, so home, then bed.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle groaned at the idea of bed, to which Applejack tilted an eye. “Nice o’ y’all ta look afta’ Scribble, girls. Have a nice night,” she waved with a tip of her hat.

“Oh Applejack. Could you spare just a moment, please? I need a small favour,” Rarity begged, smiling to add charm.

“Sure Ah guess. Girls take Scribble home, Ah will catch up,” she ordered, as the fillies dragged Scribble from the boutique.

“Better make it quick, Rarity. Ah really need ta get a hussle on.”

“Well, you see…”

~~~~~~~~~~

Scribble had been kept busy the last five days. With Zap Apple Season in full swing, Applejack was showing him all the steps they took to harvest those delicious rainbow apples. All coming to a front with the fifth day--harvest day.

“Okay, Scribble. In jus’ a few hours, all those apples will turn mighty colourful. We then only have one day ta pick’em all. The girls are comin’ over ta help, ‘case we got more trees bloomin’ this year.” As Applejack was explaining things to Scribble near the barn, her little sister came up and interrupted by tugging on her tail.

Applejack smiled at the sight of her little sibling, giving her a pat on the head. “What’s up, sugarcube?”

Bloom fidgeted a little, making circles in the ground with a forehoof. “Well…Ah was wonderin’…since ya got all yer friends helpin’ with harvestin’ the Zap Apples an’ all…” she trailed off, mumbling the last bit to herself so Nopony else could hear.

“Ya wanna do what now?”

Bloom was silent, sweating, and couldn’t stay still to save herself. Applejack knew whatever she wanted had to be something bad enough to risk asking if she was this fidgety. “Good gravy, jus’ spit it out already!” Applejack demanded, starting to get a might annoyed at her sister beating around the bush.

“Well…since ya got all the extra help…” Bloom paused, taking a huge gulp before asking the critical bit. “Could me an’ the girls go crusadin’?”

Applejack’s answer was a flat and fast no.

Bloom started to get all pouty, pulling out her famous puppy-dog eyes. “Pppllleeeaaassseee, Applejack! Yer’ve had us workin’ fer the last week as punishment fer what we did at the party! Ah ain’t had any crusadin’ time wit’ the girls at all! We jus’ have to do some crusadin’! We goin’ stir crazy, Applejack!”

“No means no, Apple Bloom,” Applejack reinforced.

Her little sister went to argue again, when a glare from Applejack stopped anymore protest Bloom had left in her.

Bloom went all grumpy on her sister, slowly trudging away and letting a few tears drop.
“Hold on a sec, Scribble. Ah need ta deal with this.”

Applejack quickly caught up to her little sister and stopped her with a comforting hoof around her neck. “Listen. Ah tell ya what sis. Hows ‘bout doin’ me a little favour, an’ getting’ four days off yer month-long punishment?”

Bloom became excited at the prospect of getting some time off her manual labour. “Sure!” she beamed.

“Well, ya know how Scribble can never say no ta y’all when ya give him those puppy eyes?” Applejack cunningly asked.

Apple Bloom nodded and snickered a little at the thought. She knew what was coming, and it would be an easy assignment for four days off her punishment.

“Once the girls get here, Ah’m ta ask him ta do somethin’ he will probably not want ta do. So once ya see him say no, Ah want y’all to make wit’ those eyes an’ beg him ta do it.”

“Oh! Oh! What’s ya gonna ask him ta do?” Apple Bloom asked, jumping round in circle to find out.

“Hey! It’s a secret. No goin’ ta spoil the surprise jus’ yet.”

Bloom sighed, upset over not being let in on the cunning plan.

“Now, can Ah count on ya an’ the girls ta help?”

“Yup!”

“Good, now give me one up high,” Applejack said holding a forehoof out for Bloom to whack. An whack she did to seal the deal. “Now go git yer friends. The girls will be here soon.”

Apple Bloom gave a mock salute before speeding off towards town.

~~~~~~~~~~

The troops (friends) were all assembled outside the barn. All the Apple Family, Applejack’s ring of friends, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and Scribble were all present and accounted for.

Applejack marched in front of the group, ready to announce her grand plan for the big Zap Apple harvest. “Okay y’all, listen up, ‘cause Ah ain’t gonna repeat myself here!”

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash gave mocking salutes to the new apple general, making her roll her eyes at the childish responses. “We be splitting inta teams o’ two. One experienced apple bucker an’ collector per team,” she explained.

Twilight put her hoof up to get Applejack’s attention, much like a schoolfilly in class would. “Yes, Twilight?” Applejack huffed, annoyed she had to stop the briefing.

“Won’t that make an uneven number of teams? We only have two experienced apple buckers here,” Twilight stated, motioning a hoof to Applejack and her brother.

“Well, normally ya would be right. But Scribble here has been workin’ wit’ us fer a good couple o’ months now, an’ should be fine as an’ apple bucker,” Applejack announced proudly, show casing Scribble for all to see. “Also, Rainbow can handle some heavy apple buckin’. She has done it enough ta help out on this occasion.”

“That’s ‘cause I’m too awesome!” Rainbow boasted, earning some flat expressions and even a facehoof from Twilight.

“Anyway, movin’ on. The pony apple buckin’ has ta only buck the trees. Their partners have to clear up any Zap Apples that miss the buckets. Once all the Zap Apple trees are clean o’ fruit, we will need everypony on deck ta help haul the buckets inta this here barn.”

Applejack looked the group over as they slowly chatted amongst themselves about a few things regarding today’s work. “Any questions?” The group fell silent.

“Good! Now, here are the teams. Twi, yer with me. Yer magic can make quick work of all the collectin’, an’ Ah can buck down trees faster without havin’ ta worry ‘bout gettin’ the loose ones.”

“You can count on me,” Twilight replied, taking a spot by Applejack’s side.

Applejack held out a hoof and pulled her brother close for a playful hug. “Rarity, yer wit’ Big Mac here. Jus’ like Twi, yer magic can help him speed through the trees.”

“Consider it done, darling,” Rarity agreed, trotting over to Big Mac.

“Fluttershy, yer with Rainbow. Both o’ ya can fly, so it should be easier ta keep up wit’ Dash.”

Fluttershy whimpered a little, slowly making her way over to her Pegasus friend.

Rainbow put a comforting wing around Fluttershy. “Hey, we are going to knock them all dead,” she reassured confidently.

Applejack giggled a little bit, while Twilight had a determined look in her eyes. “Oh Yeah? We will jus’ have ta see ‘bout that,” Applejack huffed, accepting Rainbow’s challenge.

“Anytime, anywhere. Me and Fluttershy will wipe the floor with you two! Right Fluttershy?”

“Um…okay. If’s it all right with Applejack and Twilight?” Fluttershy wimpered. Rainbow face-hoofed, letting out an annoyed groan at her partner. Twilight and Applejack couldn’t help but laugh.

Scribble was getting goosebumps, the only pony left to partner with was Pinkie. He really wanted to spend more time with Pinkie, but he still couldn’t help but feel nervous about it.

Right on cue, like Pinkie was reading his mind, she zipped up beside him. “Looks like we get to be partners for the day, Scribble! This is going to be so super-dooper-looper-tastic, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Applejack, help!” Scribble cried out, blushing red and franticly pointing a hoof at Pinkie. He shook his head while pointing at her, asking Applejack to save him.

“Sorry sugarcube, but Pinkie the only partner left. Beside, y’all a perfect pair…”

All the other ponies giggled at the notion of Pinkie and Scribble being a pair, including Applejack, who found it hard to finish her explanation without breaking out into laughter, “…While ya buck, she can quickly whip ‘round all over the place an’ collect the loose apples.”

Pinkie grabbed Scribble and danced him round in a circle, excited she got to be his partner. Scribble, meanwhile, in between blushes, was shaking his head continuously at Applejack. “Applejack, come on!”

“Well, ya leave me no choice.” Applejack turned her attention to the three fillies standing off to the side, giving them a knowing and cheeky glance. “Girls?”

Apple Bloom lead her two friends towards Scribble. Each one of the cheeky Crusaders had sneaky grins plastered on their faces. They all sat down in front of him and let him have those puppy-dog eyes. “Scribble, pppllleeeaaassseee be Pinkie’s partner!” they begged.

Scribble stomped a forehoof down towards Applejack in protest. She know his one weakness, and was exploiting it in the most unfair of situations. “Applejack…”

Scribble was cut off as three begging Crusaders chimed in with another “Pppllleeeaaassseee!” on him.

Applejack kept smiling, really rubbing it in. She had him beat.

“Okay, okay, ya win, ya win Applejack,” Scribble relented.

Like clockwork the three fillies dropped the begging act and started giggling at him. Rarity simply trotted over to Applejack and gave her a hoof-bump.

Scribble saw this, and had now figured it all out. This was all Rarity’s doing, forcing him to spend some time with Pinkie. That cunning mare had pulled the wool over his eyes again. Scribble was both happy and annoyed about this. Happy yes, he got to spend time with Pinkie. Annoyed Rarity had forced his hoof like this.

Rarity and Applejack gave Scribble a raspberry. Despite the fact it made Rarity look unladylike, she could let it slide this once. Scribble was about to voice his annoyance at the cunning duo, when Pinkie put a hoof around his neck. “Come on Scribble, we can so beat Applejack and Rainbow! We will buck more Zap Apples then them,” she cheered.

Scribble’s whole body now went red while steam blew out of his ears. Everypony broke down in laughter at the sight of the embarrassed stallion. Pinkie was the only pony oblivious to this. She just kept jumping around him, ready to win the competition.

“Okay y’all, let’s get goin’! Start on a side and meet in the middle. ‘Member, we only got one day ta do this, so let’s get buckin’!”

All the ponies rushed off towards the Zap Apple Orchid. All ponies, except for Scribble, who was to shocked from Pinkie’s touch to move.

“Equestria to Scribble!” Pinkie waved a hoof in his face. No response. “Come on, we need to get a bucking if we to beat them!” Again no response.

Pinkie quickly went around Scribble, intertwining her tail with his. Once she had a firm grip on Scribble’s tail, she rocketed off for the western side of the Zap Apple fields.

~~~~~~~~~~

Celestia’s sun was on full display in all its beauty. It was the perfect weather for a day’s worth of Zap Apple bucking. All teams had been at it for two hours, bucking and picking up the loose apples, then repeating the process.

Scribble, by this time had gotten more comfortable around Pinkie. The two worked at a decent pace with casual conversation to keep their brains from dying of boredom. Scribble was himself surprised how easy it was to get comfy around the pony he had a huge crush on. And although Pinkie had no idea of said crush, she still enjoyed the time with Scribble.

Scribble decided now was a better time than any to steer the chat in a direction where he could find out more about Pinkie. “So, Pinkie, what exactly does your cutie mark represent?”

Pinkie stopped gathering apples for a moment to eye off her balloon flank. “This means I’m good at throwing parties, and my love for making others around me smile,” she stated with pride, patting the cutie mark for added emphases.

“Sweet!” Scribble blurted. He bucked another Zap Apple tree to let rainbow apples fall into the buckets. “I like the same thing. I always enjoy tellin’ amazing stories to all the foals at an orphanage, or a group of friends who enjoy an adventure.”

Pinkie got excited at the prospect of a good story. “Oh, that sounds like fun! Can I join ya next time? Pretty please, with Zap Apples on top,” placing several Zap Apples on her head to get the message across.

Scribble mind went into overdrive as he hatched the perfect idea to announce his intentions for Pinkie. “Sure, an’ if ya like, we could kinda…make it a fun time, just the two of us. How does that sound?” he asked, murmuring the last part of the questions a little.

Pinkie gasped at the idea, jumping up and down on some unlucky Zap Apples. “We should so totally make it a fun time! We can also invite Rarity to make us a few costumes, and Twilight to use her magic for cool effects!”

Scribble happy expression died rather quickly. It seemed Pinkie missed the idea completely. “Um…Pinkie…what I meant…”

Pinkie, to excited at this new idea, was so hyperactive she completely missed anything Scribble said, lost in her own little story-telling-adventure-world. “We can totally do an adventure session for the foals at the orphanage! They will be so happy!”

“Ya, happy,” Scribble deadpanned, faking laughter to add emphasizes. ‘Well at least I can still spend some time with her. Always next time…I hope.’

~~~~~~~~~~

“Right, thanks ta y’all fer helpin’ buck the Zap Apples. We only missed a few trees…” Applejack stared dagger at Rainbow, “So, it wasn’t all that bad.”

“What! It was only, like four trees!” Rainbow retaliated.

“Yes! That’s nearly forty jars of Zap Apple jam we miss out on!”

Rainbow and Applejack were muzzle-to-muzzle, both with intent to kill on their faces. A purple aura surrounded both of them, separating the two arguing ponies by at least two hoof lengths. “Cut it out, you two! Must you always argue over every little thing?” Twilight snapped.

While Twilight was busy playing negotiator, Rarity took it upon herself to play investigator. She quickly made her way to Scribble while everypony’s attention was on the fight. “Sssooo…how did it go?” she asked, playfully nudging him in the side.

Scribble gave Rarity a quick cold stare, to which she feigned innocence. “If ya must know, not too badly.”

Rarity stared at him waiting for more information. When no more came she egged him on, “Annnnnnnnnd?”

Scribble kept ignoring Rarity, hoping she would get the message. She did get the message but was not going to cooperate in the least bit, continuing to stare Scribble down till he answered. “You’re not gonna give up on this, are ya?”

“Nope!” she proudly announced.

Scribble let out a defeated sigh. Again, Rarity had him beat and had him backed into a corner. Now Scribble thought about it, she was rather good at doing that. “I also asked her out.”

“I knew it!” Rarity yelled, mentally scolding herself once she noticed it drew attention away from Rainbow and Applejack arguing.

Scribble only face-hoofed, while Rarity gave a sheepish smile and squeed a little. After an awkward moment attention was again back on the arguing duo, either side refusing to give up.

“Why don’t we just publicly announce it?”

“Sorry darling. I tend to get a bit excited over matters like this.” Scribble rolled his eyes in response to the apology. “But, that does not get you out of telling me,” Rarity added, playfully poking Scribble in the side with her knee.

“Fine, but it not what ya expected.”

“Come now, can’t be all that bad.”

“She did say yes to a date, but…”

“Yes! I knew you could do it…wait…but?” Rarity gave Scribble a confused look as her smile disappeared. “But? But what?”

“But both you and Twilight are invited as well,” Scribble deadpanned.

Rarity was now confused beyond all reason. She looked to Scribble for an explanation, only to receive no response. “I don’t get it. How can I and Twilight both be coming on a date with you and Pinkie?”

Scribble was about to indulge her with an answer before he caught wind of was about to happen and smiled. “I’m not sure, Rarity. Why don’t ya tell her, Pinkie?”

“Wait…what…Pinkie?” was all a confused Rarity could manage before Pinkie popped out from behind her with an answer.

“Welllllll, that’s because we all going to help Scribble read a super-dupper-cool story to the foals at the orphanage! You can make some amazing costumes and Twilight can use her magic for the ultimate in special effects! It will be so much fun, and make all those foals smile!” Pinkie explained, if not a little to fast for Rarity to miss some of it.

Rarity was now so confused she couldn’t tell left from right. Scribble had lost it laughing so hard he was rolling around on the ground next to her. “Thanks Pinkie! I think she understands now!” Scribble was still laughing hard, unable to stop himself at Rarity’s expense. He held out a hoof to thank Pinkie for her help.

No problemo! Pinkie Explain-Everything-Pie is always happy to help!” Pinkie responded, clopping hooves with Scribble.

By this point everypony--minus Rarity who was to confused, and two Pegasi who had no prior knowledge of Scribble’s interest in Pinkie--were all in on the joke.

“How did Scribble? Wait…foals…read. Me and Twilight as well?” Rarity was still trying to process all the information she just received, mumbling to herself and lost to this world.

As much as Applejack was enjoying seeing Rarity beaten at her own game for once, she knew it had to come to an end. “Scribble!” she addressed sternly, still hiding a little giggle.

Scribble slowly stopped laughing and settled down. He saw Applejack’s gaze directed at him as she motioned for him to help Rarity. “Okay, okay.” He got up and put a forehoof over Rarity’s back to calm her down a little. “What Pinkie means is, myself, you, and Twilight are going with her at the orphanage in a few days. She wants me to tell them a cool story, while ya make costumes an’ Twilight does cool magical effects.”

“Oh…really?”

“Mmmhmm.”

“But!” Rarity quickly clammed her mouth shut when she released everypony was watching and she was speaking loud again. She only wanted Scribble to hear her next question, so she moved her muzzle next to Scribble’s ear to whisper it, drawing some curious stares from some of the onlookers. “I thought you asked her out on a date…just the two of you?”

Scribble leaned in closer to whisper back, especially aware of Pinkie, who was trying to listen in. “I did, she just added extra company thinkin’ it was a fun event with friends.”

“Oh. Well, at least it not a total loss,” Rarity chirped.

“What in tarnation y’all whisperin’ ‘bout over there?” Applejack cut in. Everypony else nodded agreement, wanting to know as well.

Both whispering ponies quickly turned to address the crowd, as if it was pure instinct. “Nothing!” they both blurted out.

“Okay, jus’ what are ya two hidin’?” Applejack demanded, stomping a hoof on the ground to emphasize her point.

“Scribble?”

“Ya?”

“Run,” Rarity whispered, taking off in the opposite direction of Applejack, Scribble following quickly behind.

“Hold up, get yer flanks back here!” Applejack demanded. She flipped her hat off, revealing her rope. Quickly making a lasso, she took off after Rarity and Scribble. She swung is around in the air, like a tornado drawing in on its target.

Scribble looked behind to check if they were in the clear, all three ponies tearing full gallop threw the apple orchard. “Um…Rarity! We better step on it!” he yelled, noticing Applejack closing in on them.

It was too late. Applejack let loose with the rope, rustling herself a pair of secret-keepers. Rarity and Scribble slammed into each other and were yanked back as Applejack reeled them in. “Got ya!”

“Applejack, I must protest you let us go, right now!” Rarity insisted. Both her and Scribble struggled against their bindings, but it was futile.

“Not till y’all tell me what in tarnation is so important ya had ta whisper ‘bout it.”

Scribble was a little annoyed at Applejack, but not surprised. How could he stay mad at his first ever friend? “Applejack, I think the whole reason me and Rarity were whsiperin’ was cause…”

“Reason why, NOW!” Applejack interrupted.

Rarity and Scribble froze in terror, both turning to their primitive instincts. “It was his/her fault!” they both accused, pointing a hoof at each other. Applejack stared both of them down, intent to kill plastered on her face.

“But…but Applejack,” Scribble begged.

“But nothin’. Don’t ya ‘member Ah promised ta look out fer ya? So that means ya tell me what’s goin’ on.” Applejack made her point loud and clear, stomping a forehoof on the ground while waiting for a response.

Rarity looked surprised. The only ponies she ever saw Applejack make such promises to was family or her close friends. It appeared that Scribble was becoming family—well, unofficial family for the Apples and her friends anyway. “Scribble, you have to tell her now.”

“What…just who’s side ya on,” Scribble protested.

Rarity nodded towards Applejack. Cunning smile and all she answered, “Hers.”

“Fine, ya win…again,” Scribble grumbled, pouting, having been defeated again.

Author's Note

Sorry for the month long delay. I have re-edited all the old chapters, eliminating such problems as some sentence structure and the dreaded LUS. A few ones off also in the works. An another big chapter-by-chapter adventure story as well.

The Family Secret

Loving Laughter Chapter 14 - The Family Secret

When are secrets okay to tell, and when are they not? Who can you truly trust with your secrets?

A bright sunny day was the backdrop for the perfect date with Pinkie Pie. The chirping of the birds, a nice little breeze, and a picnic basket full of fruit and sweets was all the couple needed for the perfect, romantic day.

“Would ya like another slice of cake?” Scribble asked coyly.

Pinkie already had her plate out and waiting. “Yes please!” she chimed, licking her muzzle at the thought of more cake entering her belly.

Scribble put a slice on her plate while looking into her magnetic, addictive blue eyes. Those eyes, the doorway into another world, were the one thing that could make Scribble lose all sense and reason.

Pinkie noticed Scribble starring into her eyes, returning the favour with a seductive wink of her own. “C’mon Scribble, get up, we’re startin’!” she yelled.

“Wait…what!” Scribble was baffled at the sudden change of topic.

“Hurry up! You’re gonna miss it!”

“Pinkie! What gives?! Ya don’t even sound like yaself anymore!”

Pinkie started to fade into the distance, slowly sliding out of Scribble’s grasp. “Hurry up!” she yelled again, getting further and further away.

“PINKIE! PINKIE, COME BBBAAAAACK!”

~~~~~~~~~~

Scribble shot up, shock of losing the pony he loved weighing heavily on his heart. A little yellow filly was catapulted off the end of the bed as a result.

“Ouch! Hey Scribble, watch it, will ya!” Apple Bloom scolded, rubbing her sore flank.

Scribble quickly took in his surroundings noticing he must have been dreaming. Apple Bloom was a sore little filly on the ground. “Sorry, Apple Bloom, I didn’t notice ya was on the bed.”

The little filly got up and trotted around to the side of the bed, still rubbing her now-red flank. “That’s okay. Applejack jus’ wanted me ta wake ya up is all. An’ what’s wit’ cryin’ out fer Pinkie in yer sleep?” she slyly asked.

Scribble pulled the sheets off slowly pulling himself out of the cozy bed, not really in any mode to get up right now. He started stretching while he answered the filly. “She was gettin’ further an’ further…HEY, WAIT A MINUTE!” Apple Bloom couldn’t help but break out in laughter, making Scribble’s cheeks as red as the filly’s mane. “That…that is none of your business, ya little ankle biter!”

“Course it is! You were the one yellin’ in yer sleep,” she shot back.

Scribble stuck his head high, knowing what would shut her muzzle up. “This kind of topic is big pony stuff only.”

“Ah’m a big pony!” Apple Bloom huffed, puffing out her chest.

“No you’re not,” Scribble cheekily corrected.

“Fine!” she huffed, making for the door. “Ah am a big pony!” she protested again, slamming the door shut.

“Big ponies don’t chuck wobblies like that either!” he shouted back.

Apple Bloom thrust the door back open and trotted right up to Scribble, bold and determined, each hoof step slamming into the wooden floor. She puffed up her chest while pointing an accusing hoof at him. “Ah’m not gettin’ angry either!”

Scribble started to chuckle as he started to count, completely ignoring Apple Bloom, who was standing in his face yelling to be acknowledged. “Three, two, one…”

He predicted the outcome perfectly, like a master thief planning Equestria’s most daring heist. Just as Scribble finished counting, Applejack bellowed out from down stairs, “Apple Bloom, what is all that yellin’ an’ huffin’ fer?!”

Apple Bloom’s eyes shot open and her jaw fell to the floor, she knew she was in trouble. Sounds of somepony coming up the stairs to investigate the ruckus proved it.

Scribble let a giggle slip out. He couldn’t help but find the state the little filly was in to be downright funny. “Stop laughin’ at me!” Apple Bloom demanded as she jumped up on the bed and stuck her muzzle right in Scribble face.

Scribble’s smile turned into a cheeky grin. “An’ if I don’t?”

“Ah will buck ya like an apple tree!”

Scribble’s smirk only increased as he tried to stop his laugh with a forehoof. Apple Bloom, on the other hoof, was just about ready to let the cheeky pony have it good and right in the face, as she pulled back a forehoof of her own.

“APPLE BLOOM!”

The little filly froze solid, much like an instant block off ice. Sweat started to pour down her face as true terror got closer and closer behind her. Scribble was still trying to stifle his laugh, failing to do so at Apple Bloom’s plight, partly because he thought she deserved it.

Applejack grabbed her little sister by the main and lifted her in the air. “What is this Ah heard comin’ from yer mouth, lil’ sis?”

Apple Bloom lost all the control she had left, sweating profusely all over her body and trying to mumble any excuse that would come to her head. “But…bu…but sis, Ah wasn’t really gonna…”

“Ah don’t wanna hear it, Apple Bloom! Fer now, yer’re grounded, lil’ missy!” Scribble turned his head a little to cover a snicker, but Applejack caught him out the corner of her eye. “An’ yer on extra apple buckin’ detail, Scribble!”

“What! Me? How come?!”

It was now Apple Blooms chance to return the favour, she used a forehoof to cover a vengeful snicker of her own.

“’Cause it takes two ta tango. Both ya an’ Bloom were figtin’, so both o’ ya get punished.”

“Not fair!” Both Bloom and Scribble protested.

“Well, if y’all like, Ah will make both ya clean the barn as well!”

“NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” both the ponies in trouble yelled, not wanting more scolding or chores.

“Good. Then both o’ ya head downstairs. We got Zap Apple Jam ta make.” Her work good as done, Applejack about-faced and made her way downstairs.

Scribble leaned over to Apple Bloom to whisper his next remark. “Ya know, this is all your fault.”

“Is not.”

“Is to!”

“Is not!”

Applejack stuck her head back in the door. “What was that?”

She saw an Apple Bloom and Scribble Script with golden halos above their heads. “Nothing,” they answered with all the innocence they could manage.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Okay, youngin’s, pay close attention. Today, Ah will show y’all the way ta cook my famous Zap Apple Jam,” Granny Smith ordered, making Apple Bloom and Scribble stand at attention.

“Applejack, ya sure it’s okay for me to learn your family’s secret process for making Zap Apple Jam?” Scribble asked, not wanting to be a burden to his friends. Scribble looked away from any gazing eyes, not able to look anypony in the eyes, especially Applejack.

Applejack knew what Scribble was thinking and was going to have none of it. She trotted up to his and whacked him, hard, upside the back of the head. Scribbled yipped at the sudden pain jolting from his head all the way through his body. She then used both forehooves to grab Scribble by the face and look him in the eyes. “Ain’t ya figured it out yet? Yer already family!”

“But…but!” For Scribble friends was one thing…but family was another. Can the Apples really make him a family member?

“No buts Mister.” Applejack looked him firmly in the eyes again. “We’re siblings, along with Bloom an’ Mac. Right y’all?” all Apple family members agreeing without a second thought.

Scribble broke down, tears full of and thankfulness to Applejack and her family. “You all really mean that?”

“Ah course we do sugar. Now come here an’ give me a hug,” Applejack grinned.

Scribble obliged without hesitation, giving Applejack a huge hug. Scribble had gotten used to the idea of friends, but Applejack and her family were just so kind, so selfless.

“Oi, Ah didn’t say we got time fer slackin’ off, youngin’s!” Granny Smith snapped.

On Granny Smith’s order, all Apples—including a Scribble--resumed to the job at hoof of making Zap Apple Jam. Scribble did so with a skip in his step, much like Pinkie in some ways, Applejack noted to herself.

The day dragged on as Granny Smith and Applejack showed Scribble every step of the Zap Apple Jam process. At some points, he was completely shocked, pink polkadots and giving orders to glass jars being the highlights. Scribble laughed especially hard when Apple Bloom and her friends tried to be “Cutie Mark Crusader lawyers,” taking it upon themselves to challenge Granny Smith’s ruling on some of the glass jars.

Scribble was paying attention, finding this process simply amazing, and in some ways, quite similar to some things his mother used to when making jams and spreads, minus all the magical stuff. But thoughts also drifting to his new life, being a member of the Apple family and having a special mare that might be his own someday. Quite often Applejack would catch him drifting off into some daydream, or just deep in thought, subconsciously writing down notes.

“Hey,” Applejack said out of concern, poking Scribble in the side. “You okay? Actin’ a little spaced out there.”

Scribble shook himself from any lingering thoughts, tapping himself on the head and making a mental note to pay more attention to the cooking process. “Ya AJ, I’m fine.”

“Ya sure? Ya seem a might distracted ‘bout somethin’.”

“Just thinkin’ on a few things is all.”

“Talk o’ family got yer mind on yer folks, does it?”

Scribble nodded, memories of home starting to flood his mind.

Applejack trotted up and put a hoof around his back. She quickly turned to the older Apple. “Hey, Granny. Me an’ Scribble are gonna take five.” To which Granny Smith yelled out something about needing more honey and slowly trotted off towards the barn.

Applejack and Scribble went to the front veranda and sat on the bench. The view overlooking the orchard under the midday sun was a brilliant site to behold. Celestia really did live up to her reputation on perfect, sunny autumn days such as this.

“Tell me ‘bout yer family. Ah really wanna know what life was like back then.”

Scribble thought about it for a moment, wondering where to start. “Well, what ya wanna know?”

“What life was like on yer farm,” Applejack replied, interested to see if anything was different between the different parts of Equestria.

“Hmm, where to start?”

~~~~~~~~~~

Scribble came racing home after a long day at school. He was in the final years of school, being only sixteen and all. He raced in the door, straight past the kitchen and into his room, wanting nothing more than to get the heavy load of school books off his back and disappear into some reading for the afternoon.

“Scribble, come to the kitchen please,” his mother called.

No reply came from down the hall. Sugary Delight was a little annoyed her son no came on her first call. “Scribble! Get your sorry little flank into this kitchen before I drop kick it to Canterlot an’ back!”

A few items being thrown around and a pony falling over in his attempt to hurry into the kitchen told the sugar chief that her son was now on the way. She walked back into the kitchen and resumed her cooking.

Scribble rushed into the kitchen, the promise of being physically kicked halfway over Equestria and back didn’t sound too fun. As he entered, the sweet smell of pastry goods filled the room and his curious nose. “Scribble, next time I call for ya, I expect to have to do so only once. We clear, young colt?”

“Yes mom,” he groaned.

“Good.” She placed a doughnut on the counter for him to snack on while she addressed the matter at hoof. “How was school today?”

“It was okay,” Scribble deadpanned, taking a bite of the tasty treat.

“Oh honey, not again. What happened this time?”

“Nothing,” he lied, looking away from his mother’s gaze.

“That bad, huh?” she asked, already knowing the answer. Scribble slightly nodded to confirm, putting down what was of his half-eaten doughnut, having no more apatite.

“Oh Scribble, wanna chat ‘bout it?”

“No thanks,” he sobbed.

“Okay then. Well, dad is out at the mill refining the sugar. Ya could go an’ help him?”

“Hmm, okay. Beats doin’ nothing,” he mumbled, slowly trudging out the front door to help his father.

~~~~~~~~~~

“That’s it! Scribbled suddenly yelled, bringing the story to a sudden halt and scaring Applejack half to death.

“Whoa, nelly!” was all Applejack could scream before falling off the seat and onto the wooden deck with a rather loud THUD!

She got up, rubbing her now-sore flank. “What in tarnation was that fer?”

Scribble was brimming with a huge smile. “’Cause I just got a really sweet idea,” he teased.

Applejack gave him a flat look, none too happy over the whole sore flank she now had. “What idea?”

“The surprise-kind-of, I-can’t-tell-you-now idea.”

“What?! Jus’ spit it out!” she demanded.

“Nope.”

Applejack was rather annoyed, shooting Scribble with an unamused glare. He only responded with a childish face and cheeky laugh. “I will need the kitchen for an hour, undisturbed.”

“What fer?”

“Silly! It’s secret, ‘member?”

Applejack folded her forehooves in reluctant defeat, “Fine.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“What ya thik he doin’ in there Applejack?”

“Ah’m not sure, lil’ sis. But it does smell nice in there,” Applejack observed, taking a few greedy whiffs of the sweet smell coming from the kitchen.

Scribble had been cooking something in there for nearly an hour now. Curiosity was killing the Apple family. Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom all stood along the hallway wall leading into the kitchen, wanting to know what Scribble was doing in there.

Applejack sneakily poked her head around the corner of the wall to get a look, only to receive an apple to her mouth. “Oi, no peaking!” Scribble yelled.

She spat the apple out to address Scribble, quite annoyed she got one thrown at her in the first place. “Tarnation! Ya can’t go thrown apples at me like…” Applejack was cut off with another apple to the mouth.

“Family, ‘member? Gives me ‘I-can-throw-apples-in-your-mouth-an’-get-away-with-it’ permission,” Scribble chuckled. “Now, get out!” He throw a few more apples towards his dearest friend and sibling, making her do a quick turn and bolt back down the hallway.

Applejack landed on her stomach after tripping over her own hooves in the escape attempt. Apple Bloom and Big Mac could hardly contain their laughter. “He got ya good sis!” Apple Bloom chuckled, rolling around on the floor.

“Eeyup,” Mac agreed, trying harder than his little sister to hide his laughter.

Applejack was both annoyed and pleased at the remark. ‘He sure has taken ta things rather quickly after that first big hurdle three months ago. Now Ah look back on it, Ah guess he really is family ‘round here.’

She picked herself off the ground and dusted herself off. “An’ don’t bother comin’ back into the kitchen till I good an’ ready, AJ!” Scribble hollered from the kitchen.

“One o’ these days Ah will…” Applejack trailed off when she noticed her brother giving her a knowing look.

“He’s settled in quite well. Don’t ya reckon?” Mac asked.

“Ah know,” Applejack smiled.

“C’mon, let’s go wait in the other room til’ he’s finished.”

Applejack and Apple Bloom followed their older brother into the front room and waited for Scribble to finish. They passed the time with chatter about their latest family member over the last three months.

It took Scribble another twenty minutes to finish, but he was done and the surprise ready. The kitchen might have been in a little bit of a mess, some dishes and pots not cleaned yet, and some food scraps on the floor, but Scribble couldn’t wait any longer to show off his surprise.

“Okay guys, all ready! Come an’ check it out!” Scribble yelled from the kitchen.

A stampede of curious Apples piled into the kitchen. On the dining table were two jars of Zap Apple Jam, each with some slices of bread with the spread on it for them to sample.

Apple Bloom got up on a chair to better see the contents on the table. “So ya wanna show us yer Zap Apple Jam makin’ skills?”

Scribble giggled, watching the filly take a carful sniff of the food on display. “Not quite. I can make Zap Apple Jam fine. But, what I did this time was add something of my own to one of the jars.” Scribble pointed to the jar on the right to make his point. “The one on the left is a jar you guys made earlier. The one on the right is one I made with my extra…ingredients added to it. I want ya to taste-test both an’ tell me what ya think. Start with the left one.”

All Apple family members took a bite from the left jar. After a few minutes, they all agreed it was their Zap Apple Jam, alright.

Applejack was first to pick up one of Scribble’s altered jam recipes. “Ya sure this is edible?”

“Yes!” Scribble huffed. “Just try it.”

Applejack brought the piece of bread with Scribble’s version of their jam to her mouth. Apple Bloom and Big Mac paying close attention to reaction. She took a slow bite and began to chew, instantly lost to the taste. Somehow, Scribble had made it sweeter and more lasting. The fact Applejack’s mouth was open and her tongue hung out while she was lost to the world proved it.

“Wow! Must be good!” Bloom cheered, grabbing a piece for herself and wasting no time in woofing it down. “YUMMY!” she screamed, jumping around the kitchen.

“Eeyup!” Mac excitingly agreed, taking another piece to try.

Applejack finally was able to end her own daze and shook it off. “Land sakes! Jus’ what in tarnation ya do ta make it taste so sweet?” Everypony else looking to Scribble, curious as well.

Scribble put a forehoof in the air and dawned a cheeky smile. “Family secret.”

“WHAT! Ya have ta tell us what ya did ta our Zap Apple Jam!” Applejack demanded, running up to Scribble and grabbing him with both forehooves.

Scribble expression was calm and excited at the same time, the kind of peace one can only have when you know you have others in the world that will be there for you. “Applejack,” Scribble chuckled, “have ya already forgotten what ya told me before?”

Applejack put Scribble down to try and contemplate what she might have said, “Umm…”

He gave Applejack a playful shove. “Silly, you are family.”

All at once, it clicked inside Applejack’s head. She turned to Scribble, a huge, excited smile plastered across her face. She hugged him and asked, “Wait, ya mean…?”

“Of course I do.”

Mac and Bloom were now out of the loop. “Applejack, what does he mean?” Apple Bloom asked.

Not letting go of her hug, Applejack turned her head to address her little sister. “He means the secret ingredient he used in his version of our Zap Apple Jam was his family’s secret sugar recipe. That stuff is the sweetest sugar in all Equestria. Nopony was ever able to rival the Sugar’s when it came to making sugar that sweet.”

Apple Bloom’s face went into over-excited-mode. “REALLY?!”

“She’s right, Bloomy,” Scribble confirmed.

“No wonder that Zap Apple Jam was so sweet,” Applejack claimed. She squeezed Scribble tighter, thanking him for what he did. “So, yer gonna tell us how ta make sugar like yer family did?”

Scribble finally broke the hug, and wiped a happy tear from Applejack’s eye. “Of course I will. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner.” Scribble let out a little sigh, dimming his excited demeanour a little. “My family is all…gone, an’ I’m the last living member who knows this secret. Considering what you and your family has done for me, Applejack, I think ya would honour my family’s legend by takin’ this secret an’ making it your own.”

“So, it’s really okay?” Applejack asked again, crying tears of joy.

“Applejack, ya saved my life, became my very first friend, an’ now made me part of your family. I know my mum would kill me if I didn’t show ya.”

Applejack grabbed Scribble by the forehooves and danced him round in circled. “Oh, thank ya so much! With this, our family will be able ta make all the sweetest pastries an’ Zap Apple Jam in all Equestria. Our sales will surely go up! Right, Mac?”

“Eeyup,” Mac agreed, spreading himself another slice of Scribble’s sweet jam across another slice of bread.

Scribble managed to stop himself from going dizzy, settling his four hooves back on solid ground. “I will do ya one better. Next season, I will show ya guys how to grow, harvest, an’ refine the sugar. Sure, the way I cooked the sugar ya have here is tasty, but if ya grow it and refine it yaselves, it is much better.”

“Mac, go an’ grab the good bottle o’ cider. Tonight, we party!” Applejack proclaimed.

~~~~~~~~~~

It had been one hell of a party for the new and improved Apple family, celebrating into the late hours of the morning. Scribble finally came to on the lounge room floor, a huge splitting head and stomach pains the first things to greet him. He slowly got up, still a little wobbly, and proceeded to the kitchen with a groan.

“Mornin’,” Applejack teased. She was sitting at the table with a coffee and some toast. Scribble noticed his handiwork from yesterday spread across it. “You okay? It’s like ya neva had a hangova’ befo’?”

Scribble only responded with an annoyed groan and a not-impressed expression directed at Applejack. He slowly made his way to the table and pulled a seat, almost falling off it in the attempt to sit down.

“Oh! Sorry, Scribble. Ah had no idea ya neva had a drink until last night. But Ah know jus’ the thin’.” She got out of her seat and opened the fridge, pulling out a few ingredients and some weird bottle from the cupboard. “Ah know yer not one fer coffee, so this will do the trick.”

Applejack put a few different things into a glass and mixed, including a spoon full of powder from that bottle. Scribble tried his best to pay attention, but his state made it impossible to contemplate anything that was complicated.

Applejack placed the glass of bubbling liquid in front of Scribble. “Here, drink up. Jus’ don’t ask what’s in it, but it will fix ya right up.”

Scribble went to pick up the glass, but missed with a hoof as it landed on the table. Applejack giggled. She had to admit Scribble was fun to watch like this. “Okay, let me do it.” Like Scribble had a choice.

Applejack grabbed his mane and held his head back, while she used her other free hoof to hold the cup to his mouth. “Open wide.” Scribble took a sniff of the contents and shook his head in protest. “Fine, we can do this the hard way,” Applejack snickered, a cunning smile on her face. She used a spare hindhoof to step down—hard—on Scribble’s tail, making Scribble yip in pain and open his mouth wide. Applejack wasted no time in pouring the contents of that drink down his throat.

It took a minute, but Scribble finally came round, whatever was in that drink certainly did the trick. His eye shot open as the effect of that drink took full force. “WHAT THE BUCK YA DO THAT FOR?!” he yelled, directing his rage at a chuckling Applejack who was at the sink, rinsing the cup out.

Applejack smirked again, that cunning smile back on her lips. “Family, ‘member. Gives me ‘Ah-can-get-rid-o’-yer-hangova-by-shovin’-this-here-liquid-down-yer-throat-an’-get-away-with-it’ permission.”

Scribble’s jaw dropped. Applejack had used his own line and excuse against him. Part of Scribble was annoyed he let her get away with it, the other happy he was this close to the Apples that events like this were common place. “Just, what was in that stuff? Was potent!”

“Trust me, ya won’t wanna know. Will only make ya throw it up.”

“…Really?”

“Eeyup.”

Applejack sat back down at the table to finish her breakfast. “So, what do ya ‘member from last night?”

“Don’t worry, my hangover wasn’t that bad. I still ‘member everything that happened last night. I don’t think I want to participate in a drinking contest ever again, ‘specially verses Mac.” Scribble was still sick to the stomach at the idea of how much cider Mac was able to down last night, same for Applejack, who almost kept up with him.

Applejack’s snicker had turned into full blown laughter. “Okay, noted.”

“Speaking of which, where is Mac and Bloom? I heard Granny asleep in her room coming to the kitchen, but those two, where could they be?”

Applejack got herself another piece of toast, spreading more of that yummy Zap Apple Jam on it. “Apple Bloom is probably wit’ her friends. It is the weekend after all. An’ Mac already workin’ the eastern fields. We do have ta get them apples in befo’ winter hits in a month.”

She took a bite of her toast in between talking with Scribble, moaning at how nice it tasted. “Speakin’ o’ which, yer date wit’ those orphan kids this afternoon, right?”

Scribble himself had a few pieces of toast with his spread on them by now, munching into them between talking to Applejack. “Yup, but I got something to do first this morning before that. Got some free time?”

Applejack thought on it for a moment, finishing her breakfast and taking her plate to the sink. “Well, Ah supposed ta be helpin’ Mac today. But what did ya want?”

Scribble’s smile couldn’t get any bigger. This was his chance to finally thank Applejack for all she had done to save his life and keep her promise she made back then. “Teach ya how to make my family’s sugar.”

Her eyes went open from pure excitement, she got to learn one of Equestria’s best-kept secrets. “Sure Ah would. Jus’ let me go tell Mac Ah will come help him later.” She started galloping out of the kitchen, but stopped suddenly to ask one last quick question. “Sure yer up fer it in yer state?”

Scribble finished the last of his toast. He got out of his seat and made for the sink. “Am now, thanks to your drink,” he deadpanned.

“Great. Back in a jiffy,” Applejack chirp, galloping out of the house quicker then Rainbow could fly. Scribble only rolled his eyes. Some things will never change.

~~~~~~~~~~

Applejack came rushing back into the kitchen to find Scribble had already had most of the things needed for his family’s secret. “Where do we start?” she asked, hoping she could help.

“Well, normally we use sugar we grew ourselves, but your sugar here will do the trick.” Scribble picked up a jar of normal sugar to show her. “Once we grow our own sugar we can use the same recipe to make it the sweetest in all Equestria.”

Scribble put the sugar back down on the bench and summoned Applejack over with a wave of his hoof. “Come on, ya the one cookin’ this up, not me. I only showing ya how it is done.”

Applejack turned into an excited little filly, acting part Pinkie Pie with all her excitement. Scribble could only laugh at his sibling as she skipped over to the stove. “Okay, little miss filly, put a little olive oil in that pot and set it to hot.”

Applejack obeyed, putting the oil in and turning the heat on the stove just shy of maximum. “This seems a little weird fer a sugar recipe.”

“Why nopony other then our family knows it.”

“True,” she said, watching the oil start to bubble a little. “What’s next?”

“All ya have to do now is wait for the oil to cook for five minutes. After which, ya put the jar of sugar here in an’ continue to stir. Keep stirin’ ‘til the sugar starts to turn brown. Then ya put a little teaspoon of honey in. Then, keep slowly stirring until the mix loses all forms of liquid an’ turns into a powdery substance. Pour it into a bowl to cool for ten minutes, then mix it to loosen the powder up. An’ wolla instant Sugar family sugar!” Scribble was standing with his forehooves extended out like he was a show pony presenting an award-winning contest entry.

“Ah think Ah get it now. It sorta makes sense…sorta,” Applejack thought out loud.

“There is one step I will have to do myself once the sugar starts to brown. It’s hard to explain, so I will show ya.”

Applejack poured the sugar in as per Scribble’s instructions, watching as the heat started to evaporate the oil a little. She continued to stir for about twenty minutes, and was shocked as the sugar started to turn brown, just like Scribble said. “Wow! Colour me impressed! It really is turnin’ brown.”

“Naturally,” Scribble boasted. “Now, pay close attention. This is the important bit.”

Applejack moved away from the pot, standing to the side so she could still see what Scribble was going to do. Scribble poured a little more olive oil on top of the sugar, and stirred a few times to mix it in with the sugar. He then—much to Applejack’s surprise and shock—pulled out a box of matches and struck one against the bench. He held it over the pot and lit the oil alight.

“Whoa, nelly!” Applejack took a few steps back. “What in tarnation ya doin’?! Applejack yelled, making for a blanket in the far cupboard.

“Settle down, Applejack. It’s fine. This is part of the process. The flames won’t come out of the pot, that’s why we can’t cook too much sugar at once.” Scribble took a long metal rod he had prepared before, sterilizing it and cleaning it. “Wood is not normally good to stir while the fire is goin’.”

Applejack was simply blown away. She watched Scribble use the long rod to slowly stir the sugar as heat from below and flames from above cooked it on both sides. “Ya only do this for another five minutes. Then, we quickly put the flames out by putting the lid on the pot for a minute. After that, we just follow through with the stirring ‘til nice and brown and powdery.”

Applejack took back over looking after the brewing sugar as the flames died out. “Ah gotta say, Scribble, this is one o’ the most interestin’ recipes Ah ever seen.”

“That’s what I said when my mum first taught me.” Scribble yawned. “Think ya can finish it? I need a little nap before seeing the kids this arvo.”

“Sure. An’ Scribble…” Scribble turned around, only to be quickly swept into a huge hug by Applejack. “Thanks so much.”

“My pleasure AJ, my pleasure.”