A finding

Apple Jack was happily whistling as she walked the familiar path to sweet apple acres. She had just finished an uneventful day with her friends and was ready get home. As she was walking around the more secluded apple trees, she heard a whimper and a rustle in the bushes.

"Hello? Who's there?" AJ said, stepping closer.

The bushes rustled more, as if something was trying to hide.

"Hey now, don't be scared, I don't mean you any harm," Apple Jack cooed reassuringly as she pushed aside some leaves.

Inside the dark bush was the last pony she expected to see.

"Caramel?" Apple Jack said confused.

"H-hey AJ," Caramel said shakily, hiding further back in the bush.

"What are you doin'?" Apple Jack said tilting her head.

"Oh y-you know just…hanging out," Caramel said nonchalantly, voice still shaking.

"Caramel, come out of there. Now," Apple Jack said flatly.

"…Alright, but don't scream…" Caramel said reluctantly.

"Now why would I-*gasp*" AJ said in horror as she got a good look at Caramel.

He was badly bruised with a black, swollen eye and a bleeding cut on his left cheek.

"W-what happened?" said Apple Jack, coming closer to him.

"It's a long story…" Caramel said weakly.

"And you're gonna tell me as soon as we get to the farm, come on," Apple Jack said taking his left for arm, putting in over her shoulders, and walking on.