> What Makes It Stop
>  by Bass Drop
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Entry
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Scorchers journal)
Well, I bought this journal because... well who else is going to listen. Today wasn't any better. I've had the same dream since I left all those years ago. How long has it been, six years? Yeah that’s about right. Six, ha seems more like sixteen. 
Damn it Scorcher, get it together! You had to leave... for her. Still feel guilty for how we parted ways. I promised her I would never let anypony hurt her, now I don't even know whether or not she’s okay. Do you know how it feels not being able to protect someone you have deep feelings for? Of course you don't, you're just a journal. 
I remember how we met. I was four, an orphan, and that day we went to the play ground that was a few blocks down from the orphanage. She was there when we arrived. She had a dull grayish-bluish coat and her mane was white with a pale blue streak down the middle. Now what got me is that she was much smaller than the other fillies that were my age.
Anyways she was playing in the sand box and was building (of course) a pretty decent sand castle. That was until some larger filly stomped on it. As soon as I saw the smaller filly start to cry I ran over there as fast as my small legs could carry me. I placed myself between the two and started to yell something I can't remember at the larger filly.
I did not feel guilty at all when I made that bully cry. I was surprised at myself though. Me being one of the larger colts, I may have been a little more threatening than intended. The reason for that was when I turned around, the smaller filly flinched and hid herself behind her mane. I told her that I was going to hurt her, that I did that because it wasn’t right for the other filly to be such a bully. She finally allowed herself to look me, and still I remember how my heart broke to see this filly cry.
I also remember those beautiful green eyes that instantly caught my attention. Mares tell me I was born a gentlecolt because I'm always polite around mares. Well being a pegasus that was actually born from parents that were farmers, I guess it’s in my blood. Anyways, I told the filly my name and I asked her for her name. When I asked she just looked up at me and told me her name. Echo Fleetfoot, but she told me just to call her Echo. 
Now that we knew each other, I asked her politely if she wanted me to help her rebuild her sand castle. I remember that shy grin that appeared and she told me that she would like that a lot. I don't remember the conversations we had that day, but we spent all day in that sand box just building sand castles and getting to know each other.
When I had to leave we were both sad, but I told her that we could see each other in two days, because every two we came here all day. She brightens up at that which made me smile. Then she gave me a huge hug and then I left her to go back to the orphanage. 
That night I was looking outside my window thinking about the day I just had when I saw her and her parents walk into the building right next to the orphanage. I thought that was awesome because now we wouldn’t have to wait two days. 
Then I saw a light go on and then off through a window on the top floor which was level to my window. Then I saw her looking out her window. Her we could see each other from our rooms which I thought was awesome. I opened my window and grabbed a flashlight. I turned it on and pointed it right at her. She was confused at first, but then she saw me and I saw her start giggling and waving at me. I waved right back at her.
Ever since then we were best friends. Playing in the alley back behind our buildings. Oh we had so much fun playing when we were younger and I learned she wasn’t as shy as I thought. She told me that she got picked on because of her size. I told her that this was something else we had In common. That I got picked on being called a giant or a monster.
I wish I could say more, but it's too painful to think of any more right now. I'll right more when I'm ready. I promise.
-Scorcher.
____________________________________
(Echo’s diary)
Dear diary,
Today was awesome! I won the derby today and you should've seen the look on spitfires face. Oh, she was steamed (no pun intended). Yeah Capt. does not like to lose, but at least she was a good sport.
*sigh*. I wander if Scorcher watched it on TV or something. I wish he was here, not like that though! I just really miss my best friend. I wander if that crazy idiot remembers me. Oh, what am I saying of course he does. How could he forget? 
I mean we've been friends since we were like five. I wander how big he is now. He was always bigger than the other colts and me always shorter than the other fillies. I could always rely on him to be there if I got picked on for being smaller. He was so protective over me. I realized how protective when he saved me from... well you know. 
Everypony used to pick on us saying that we should be a couple. Ha, could you imagine us dating.*sigh* It would never happen no matter how hard I wish. He's been gone for six years, I haven’t heard from him in six years. I haven’t seen those awesome amber eyes in six years or his beautiful bright red coat... damnit there I go again. I learned a while back that not all foolish dreams come true.
I mean yeah, my dreams of being a wonderbolt came true, but what's the point of just that one coming true if you had planned they'd all come true? Maybe I'm being greedy though. Becoming a wonderbolt was a huge accomplishment, but when you don't have that one friend whom of which you think of them of as family isn’t there and you can't tell them about your life every day, it's somewhat lonely.
My question is, why haven't heard from him? I mean, it's not like him. Why did he just up and leave? I have so many questions yet none can be answered. One thing is clear, I miss my best friend. I wish he were here so I could just tell him about my day and know about his. 
Just guess that a foolish crush is as far I'll get with him. Oh stop it Echo, you're his best friend still. Aren't you?

-Echo

> Prayer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Echos diary)
Dear diary,
Practice was average today. We warmed up, practiced our routines,  and had to yet again wait untill Soarin and Spitfire finished fucking in the showers so the rest of us could use them. I swear those two have been doing it like rabbits since they got married. Ha, I'm suprised she isn't pregnat yet. Oh my Goddess, imagine the wild foal they'd produce. Oh the  terror!

Rapidfire has been looking at me alot lately, and yes he's been looking at me like that.You know that look that says,“Thats going to be my mare." However I know him, he's not a bad friend, but I know how his relationships go. He gets you thinking that he's the best stallion in Equestria, so then you'll open your legs for him. Then after he's done, he'll be satisfied and he'll leave you in the dirt. So that being said he does not have a bit of a chance with me. I'm not giving up my purity for a one night stand.

Yes I said it, I'm twenty-three and I'm still a virgin and I'm proud. I mean I was taught that a mares purity is a gift not to be given to just any stallion. It has to be respected. Suprisingly enough that it was a Stallion who taught me that. Scorcher. He was so old fashioned when it came to the couple of relationships he had. Those mares were nice, but they'd fall for his humble charm (which was actually just him not a put on) and they'd try to sleep with him. Thats how the relationships would end, he would'nt fuck them. They'd get all dramatic on how he didn't care enough for them or bitch about how they weren't good enough. He just told them,“If you don't like who I am, then you can go find another colt that will be more than happy to fuck you.” Oh yeah he was a gentlecolt, but he didn't take any crap from anypony.

As far as I know, he's still a virgin as well. He once told me that his first time was going to be with a mare that he loves, not some filly that he just likes or cares for, but truely loves.*sigh* He's one in a million, thats for sure.

I still wish I knew why he left. I mean there was nothing wrong that I know of that could make him do something this drastic. Am I the reason he left? Of course not, how could I be the reason? I couldn't be the reason, could I? Nope, if I  done had something wrong he would've told me about it, so then why? Uggg! alright new subject. Lets see... Hey, did i ever tell you how Scorcher got his cuitie mark? 

I remember the day he got his cuitie mark like it was yesterday. Scorcher was a very artistic colt, he was very talented when it came to music. That colt could play anything from country to rap. He wasn't a bad dancer either. He was auditioning for the schools talent competition, which every year consisted of colts and fillies who wanted to show off signiture moves.

Scorcher however was going to sing a song he wrote while playing that old guitar that he had got when he was ten. He got up and started singing and it blew everyones mind.the lyrics to his song and his voice seemed to mix perfectly together. How could a colt his size have such a beautiful voice. Thats when his cuitie mark appeared. It was a bass note and a cleft note surronded by a blazing sun. It was so cool! I'll never forget that day, and I know he wont either. How could we?

Lately I can't seem to get my mind off of him though. I've been having a dream that was more of a memory. You see school for both of us, but I think I had it worse. Of course I was picked on because of my size. The dream is both of us at the old hill. I'm crying because that day some mares had locked me in a locker. Scorcher was there holding me. Funny thing is though, I felt a few tears fall on my shoulders, he was crying to? He kept apologizing to me for not being there to help me. Then he sat me down and held my face in his hooves and told me,“I promise to you, that as long as I'm around nobody will lay a hoof on you without coming through me. I'll make sure you never have worry about those fuckers and you will never have to hide. I'll make sure that you will never have to cry about something like this again.” He was true to his word.

The next day the same mares tried to stuff me in a locker again and Scorcher appeared out of nowhere and got between me and the mares. Oh damn I remember the rage in his eyes. He didn't say anything he just stood his ground.“Oh whats this girls?” the apparent leader of the posse said.“ Looks like big guy here wants to take up for his little slut.” I bet it took all of his strength to restrain himself from killing her ( he could've easily done it too). However he just continued to just stand his ground silently (if looks could kill, she'd be torn limb from limb).“Well aren't you gonna do anything big boy?” she said half threatening half flirtatious.“I've learned not to do anything that I'd regret, but if you continue to treat her like this, I'll forget everything I learned.” he said threatingly.

Her whole mood changed from in controll, to “oh shit he"s gonna kill me!” I found this amazing, he was seldomly aggrasive, but when he was it was not a pretty sight.

“You wont lay a hoof on me! Not if you want Howling Wind to show you some respect.” she threatend.

“Do you think, you scare me, just cause your coltfriend is the captian of the flight team? That I wont hurt you to protect Echo? You've got to be the dumbest mare I've ever met. Nopony, especialy a whore like you, wont put a hoof on her without me doin something about it.” he threatend.

“Well I'll have to get Howly (really Howly) to teach you parentless fuck how to treat a mare!" With that she started to leave, when Scorcher yelled,“Mare? All I see is a colts slut who wishes that she could look half as beautiful as the MARE that is standing behind me! Oh, and by the way, tell Howling Winds that I'll be expecting him! Give me a one-on-one with him, see if I don't fuck him up bitch!” I was blushing really hard at his complimant. No colt had ever called me beautiful untill then.Yep forgot the rest and just focused on the compliement, but I could also literaly feel the mares fear as her trot turned into a full gallop.

That mare kept her word about Howling too. About an hour later he came right up to me, no noticing Scorcher at the water fountain and yelled,“You fucking whore! How dare you talk to my fillyfriend like that!” Then he did something he should've never done. He hit me hard across the face, just below my eye. The next thing I know I'm on the ground and I see Scorcher on top of Howling hitting him repeatedly in the face. Then I heard him say the scariest thing I've heard him say.“You ever so much as look at her, let alone touch her again, I will not stop Howling. You hear me?”Scorcher slaped him in the face hard.“Look at me Winds! Next time you're dead, I will kill you. I will beat you to death and I will not hesitate to do so. Get the memo?” Scorcher hit him hard one last time, knocking out Howling.

Scorcher then picked me up and took me to his room in the orphanage. He then proceeded to clean the wound that I had just recently recived. He didn't break anything, but he had hit me hard enough to where he had split open a wound right under my left eye and I was bleeding a little. The whole time I saw nothing but concern on his face. I told him that it wasn't that bad. He told me he didn't care, that nopony should ever treat me like this. After that he layed me on his bed and told me to relax a bit, that Howling had hit me harder than he thought. He said I might be dizzy for a couple of hours. He was about to leave when I asked him to hold me.I asked him that because I always felt safe with him, and I knew he wouldn't try anything funny. He did as I asked and layed himself on the bed and I climbed on top of him, he then proceded to wrap his forearms around me protectively. Like at any minute I might be taken away from him.

Then he did something, something I would never let any other stallion do to me. Something I never thought he would do. Scorcher wrapped his wings around me. I don't know if you know or not, but if a pegasus wraps their wings around you, it's a sign of deep feelings toward you. I let him do it though. This only reasured me of how much he cared and what he would do to keep me from harm. I don't remember anything else, because I fell asleep safe in his forearms and awoke in my bed alone underneath my blankets. I was dissapointed, I thought that it had been just a dream. However I touched the spot where Scorcher had put a band aid on me, it was still there.

The next day we found out that Scorcher had broken Howlings left cheek bone and his nose, knocked out two of his teeth, swollen the upper part of his face, and shattered half of his jaw. I was not botherd at all by anypony for awhile after what happend.

Anyway its late and I want to go to bed.  We're having some musician come over to help us create our intro songs for when we make our seperate apperances at a show. They wont be better than Scorcher is all I know.

I still regret turning him down all those years ago.
-Echo

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(Scorchers pov)
Being at the studio isn't so bad, atleast here I can express myself. Here I can not be judged by the public. I mean living in canterlot isn't bad, but the stuck up dicks get old.

I started to try a new dubstep song that I was going to make by mixing an old song called "We no Speak Equestriono" when the mail mare showed up by making a hole through my door."Ah Ditzy, you got to remember, the door is opend by twisting the knob and pushing. Not by crashing a hole through the door." I told her slightly peeved.

She responded by just looking up at me with a friendly smile and handed me a letter. Then procceded to get herself out of the hole. As soon as she left I just sighed and opend the letter and it read,

Dear Mr.Scorcher,
We have listend to your music and would like to give you a project for the wonderbolts. We want you to come by tomorow to help create individual intro songs for us. For each song we will pay three-hundred fifty bits. Total that is twenty one hundred bits. We expect you there tomorow morning.
Sincerly,
Spitfire

"The pay is good, so I'll fly to cloudsdale tomorow morning and get started." I thought to myself. With that, I sat the letter and resumed working on the song.


___________________________

(Scorchers Journal)
Well today I got a letter from the wonderbolts. They want me to create an individual intro song for each of them. The payout is nice so I'll do it. Echo always loved the wonderbolts, I wonder if she ever tried out for them? She'd make it if she did. That mare was always fast and I mean fast. She may be small, but that makes her light weight which inturn makes her faster. Yep, she would've made. I wonder if she did get in. Quit it Scorcher! Don't get you hopes up.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I miss her. Its like without her I feel, well, numb. Not that I can't feel my legs, its just hard to be happy.  I mean my friend Greenbrush helps me get through some days, but sometimes, you know, it just isn't enough. It doesn't feel like I'm even living in the real world some days. 

I just hope that wherever she is, I hope she's happy. I could never stand to see that filly cry, its like every time she'd show the slightest bit of sadness I'd be right there, ready to comfort her. No matter how hard it was.

She had a certain spot on a hill below cloudsdale that only she and I knew about, where she'd go to cry. If I couldn't find her anywhere, I would always where to find her at. I'd find her crying and I'd scoop her up and just hold her. I'd hold her untill she would stop crying. Then she'd tell me what happend, usually it was one of two things. Bullies... or her father. That son of a bitch would always be telling her how she was such a little slut, how her mothers death was her fault, how he had always wanted a son instead of a shrimpy duaghter.

Somedays when I couldn't find her, I'd go back to the orphanage and look through my window to hers to see if she was there. She always was, and she'd always be bawling. I  would fly over ( silently ) to and tap on her window, and she'd see me and let me in. Smetimes they'd had an argument over something or he'd been drinking. Sometimes she'd ask if I'd stay the night, because she was afraid of what he might do. I never told her no. I would lay on her bed, she'd climb on top of me, and then I would just rock her to sleep, telling her I wasn't going anywhere. That I wouldn't let him hurt her.

She had to stop me on several occasions, stop me from killing that pathetic excuse of a father. Want to know why? Somedays when She'd let me into her room... Echo would have a fresh bruise or two on her face. That son of a bitch is lucky he still had a daughter who cared for his safety. I would've beat that fucker to death if she hadn't have pleaded for me not to confront him. Thats the one thing I'll never forget, the hate I felt and still feel towards that stallion. The feeling was mutual however. The bastard hated my guts, but I couldn't have care less. He was an abusive prick of whom I longed to bloody his face. Nopony lays a finger on Echo without getting through me or without me doing something about it.

She never let me confront him though, but one day I did without her knowing. He was coming out of the old liquor store down on the edge of Mane street. I went up to him and slapped the bag right out of his mouth.

“Hey! Who do you think you ar-aggg!” I had pinned him to the wall. I looked that fucker straight in his ugly bloodshot eyes and said,“Best stop hitting that little filly of yours.”

*cough*“She's none of your concern, you dick.” He managed to choke out.

“Oh! I think otherwise.” I started to raise a hoof to break his jaw when I stopped. I saw a young filly and her mother cowering in the alley where we were at. I threw him to the ground and flew off... I never figured out why I did that. They weren't in the way or anything. I guess it was because of that little fillies expression. I saw Echos fear in those little eyes.

I'm supposed to be the one to comfort her, the one to protect her. Now... now I can't do that, and it is so hard living with that. I wish for nothing else, but to be able to see her, to hold her, to keep that promise I made. I guess its just too little and too late.

I guess its just like what that one song said.“She was a perfect prayer in a desprate hour. She was everything, beautiful, and different. You stupid colt.” I was a stupid colt for what I did. I only hope she finds it in her heart to forgive me.

You know I had actually asked her out once? She turned me down, because we were to good of friends. How come mares always say that? If you think about it, your best friend respects you, takes care of you, they listen, they know all there is to know about you. They could be the other half you're looking for. It doesn't go for just mares though, it goes for stallions as well.

I pray every day, to have that little piece of heaven in my hooves again. Maybe someday, someday that prayer will be answered.

-Scorcher
> Memories
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Scorchers dream)

Under the city that floats, sits a hill with two big oaks that stand majesticlly parallel to eachother. Under one, lays a young stallion and mare. The mare has her muzzel buried in his mane crying, while the stallion holds her trying to comfort her the best way he knows how. 

"Shhh-shh-sh. It's okay Echo. Shh-sh." Scorcher said trying to comfort her."I'm here Echo. Shh. I'm here." Scorcher wanted nothing more than to see her smile, for her to stop crying, but this days events had broken her to pieces. Then he could hear her say something in his mane."Come again?" he asked. 

She lifted her head to reveal bruises and cuts over diferent parts of her face and kneck. When Scorcher had first seen it all he wanted to do was kill the fuckers who had done this to her. However he knew that he needed to be there for Echo."I asked, why is it that they this to me?" she chocked out between sobs."I haven't done anything to them, and they think just because that I'm smaller that they're supirior. That they can do this to me." she motioned to her face. 

"You really want to know why they do this to you?" Scorcher asked. Echo nodded her head."It's because of me." Echo looked up at him with a look of confusion on her tear stained face." That whore, Emrald Wing, she's jealous of the time you get to spend with me."he started to explain.

"Wait, *sniff* you're saying she's jealous of our friendship?" Echo asked.

"Sure is. She's jealous because she's had a huge crush on me for a long time. I however told her no, because I knew that all she wanted was for me to shove my dick up her ass. She knew I knew too." Scorcher answered.

"What did you say when she asked you out?" Echo asked. Scorcher reponded by looking at Echo with a look of disgust on his face. This made Echo and Scorcher both burst out into laughter."I know what I wanted to say though." he said.

"And what may I ask, was that?" she asked.

"I wanted to say, bitch, maybe if you really paid attention to me, you'd know that I'm not a colt that wants a filly that lets every other colt shove their rod up your pussy. That maybe I want a MARE that has enough selfrespect to deny colts that privalage. Maybe, just maybe, I'm not a colt thats ready for a sexual relationship. Oh yeah, reverand Scorch's preaching to you now." This made Echo chuckle.

"What did you actually say?" Echo asked.

"I went with the more... polite version. I told her, thank you kindly miss, but I've got my eye on another filly."Scorcher told her. Echo grew extremly curious."Oh, have a crush do we?" she teased.

"Well yeah. When it comes to this filly why wouldn't I?" he replied.

"Somepony really special huh?" she pushed, no more sign of sadness in her voice. 

"Very special."

"How special is she?" 

"Lets just say I'd do anything for her." he replied nuzzeling Echo which made her blush deep red. Scorcher looked down at her and chuckled,"I think that she knows now though." He didn't think her face could get anymore red, he was wrong."M-me?" Echo stutterd."Scorcher you have a c-cr-crush on me?" Scorcher repilied by nodding his head. She noticed his face get a lttle darker shade of red.

"I've had feelings for you for awhile now Echo, but I chose not to put them out there." Scorcher told her.

"Why?"

"I guess because I'm afraid of rejection. Of our friendship coming to an end, because of an awkward situation. Echo without you, my world has no color, it's nothing but cold and barren. I would do anything for you to just grin. Echo I'd go as far to tell you... I'd give my wings for you." This made Echo's heart leap. That term was rarely used, even the ponies that are in the deepest of love."Echo, don't you know how much you mean to me?" he asked.

"I didn't, untill you just told me." she nuzzeld him and sighed."But Scorcher, I'm not ready for any type of relationship. With anypony. Even as much as I want to, not even with you." Scorchers heart broke a little at this." I want you to know though, I'll keep my half of the promise we made if you keep yours." she said.

"Which promise was that?" Scorcher asked.

"The one where no matter what happens we'd always find a way to be best friends." she replied.

"You know I'll always keep that promise and nothing will make me break it."

"Good. However this doesn't mean I don't want you to hold me like this all the time." she said hugging him closer.

"I think I can live with that." 

They sat there for what seemed like for eternity, just enjoying each others company. Both however longed to be together, one afraid to show feelings, the other wanting nothing more than security. However they both knew that no matter what, they'd be friends forever. 

Just as the sun started to make its descent, Echo asked the young, light red stallion,"Hey Scorcher?"

"Yeah Echo?" 

"Can you sing to me?"

"What do you want me to sing?"

"Something soothing, something that lets me know I'm not alone." Scorcher thought for a moment, then he asked," Is it okay if it's one I wrote for you?"

"Yes." Echo answerd. Then Scorcher proceeded to sing the most beautiful song she had ever heard in her young life. 

It’s like a storm
That cuts a path
It breaks your will
It feels like that
You think you're lost
But you're not lost 
On your own
You're not alone

I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I won't let go

It hurts my heart
To see you cry
I know it’s dark
This part of life
Oh, it finds us all
But we’re too small
To stop the rain
Oh, but when it rains

I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I won't let you fall

Don’t be afraid to fall
I’m right here to catch you
I won't let you down
It won't get you down
You're gonna make it
Yeah, I know you can make it

Cause I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
And I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I won't let go

Oh I’m gonna hold you
And I won't let go
Won't let you go
No, I won't


Scorcher finished his song and he felt tears dampening his coat."Echo are you okay? Did I do something wrong?" He was answerd by her laughter muffled by his coat. Echo revealed herself with a huge smile on her face," You've done nothing wrong, you did everything right!" she praticaly screamed. She hugged Scorcher tighter as she continued to let tears of joy run down her face. She then proceded to do something he'd never forget. She reached up and kissed him on the cheek. Then backed up just a bit, both blushing furiously."Scorcher?" Echo asked.

"Yes Echo?"

"Do you mind spending the night with me tonight? It's wednesday, so my dads going to-" Echo was silienced by a hoof pressed gentley on her lips and by Scorcher looking her at her with a soft expression."You don't ever need to ask me that, you already know the answer." he told her. They both then began to start the journey home.

Later that night, Echo was asleep, lightly snoring in his forearms, with a smile on her face. Scorcher on the other hand was still awake. He always loved to watch her sleep. He thought she always looked so peacful and innocent. He then said something that was just below a whisper," Echo Fleetfoot, you already know this I hope, but I love you. I always will. I'll make sure you'll never be alone. That you know that you've always have a friend you can come to in any time of need. Echo I'll make sure... I'll make sure you know that somepony loves you."

Echo turned over and nuzzled underneath his kneck and sighed dreamily. He thought his mind was playing tricks on him, but he thought he saw her with a big smile on her face.

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He awoke to the annoying buzzing of his alarm clock, which let him know that it was seven-thirty a.m. Dissapointed to find out Echo was not there in his forearms. It had just been a dream."I still remember that day." Scorcher thought outloud. He then grogingly got up and proceeded to get ready for this days events.

"I guess its just as I said. Its just too little too late." he said to himself in the mirror.

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(Echo's dream)

Behind two buildings, two pegasi foals play. One a small, pale, dull blue filly. The other, a larger, light red colt. They both have huge smiles on their faces as they play to what appears to be tag. the colt chasing the filly who due to her small size, is able to dodge him easy."Awww, come on Echo!" the colt yelled to her out of breath. She stoped and turned around to see a winded colt  laying on the ground."Scorcher when will you learn?" she giggled.

"Learn *cough* what?" he heaved out.

"That you can never catch me ofcourse!" she continued to giggle as he had failed at an attempt to pick himself.

"Getting a little high and mighty are we?" he asked sarcasticaly, slowly getting his breath back.

"Sure are buddy."

"Well, I'll let you have that."

"Let me? We both know you can't catch me no matter how hard you try."

"I didn't mean it like that Echo."

"Then how did you mean it Scorch?"

"What I meant was that, well I really can't catch you. Thats why I groan everytime you suggest we play tag I groan."

"Well maybe someday you will find a way to catch me."

She trotted over victoriously to help him up. As soon as he was up he said,"Hey Echo, guess what."

"What?" he then tapped her shoulder."Tag your it." he shot off like a bolt of lightining before she could say anything.

"Wait untill I get my hooves on him!" she said to herself. Then she had a brilliant idea. She hid behind on of the walls and waited for his sense of curiosity to get the better of him. She waited maybe three minutes when he appeared. He was taking his time, like a deer unsure of any danger in a clearing. She waited another minute before her prey finally passed the corner she was hiding at.

Then she made her move. She literaly pounced on him and pinned him on his back and looked at him with a sense of victory."Tag your it, again." she giggled. Ears drooped in defeat he sighed."Alright Echo, you got me again. You can get off me now." Scorcher said plainly.

"Oh I don't know." she said teasingly."You are kinda comfy." she finished by laying on top of him still smilling at him.

He did the only thing he could think of to get her off him. He gave her a wet kiss on the cheek."Ewwww!" she screamed and rolled off him rubbing her check. Somehow she thought that she could just rub it off."Don't do that again Scorch, that was just nasty!" The colt couldn't pick himself up, he was on the ground rolling laughing too hard to even speak.

"Awww Echo, now don't be like that." Scorch said finally pulling himself up and sitting on his haunches."

Echo finally finished her dramatic performance and also sat her self on her haunches and looked at him with a plain face."You know I'm going to get you back for that." she warned.

"If you wanna kiss ME, then go ahead." He turned his cheek to face her. This made her chuckle to herself.

"Ew. No. There is no way you're getting me to kiss you. EVER!" she said with a look af amusement on her face. 

"Oh by the way, Echo that was technicaly tagging you, ssoooooo... CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!!" he again shot off like a bolt. But Echo was ready for this, as she was already right behind him. However he unexpectantly made a u-turn and she ran smack dab into the brick wall ahead of her. She sat there dazzed and tried not to cry. She held her snout and she knew it was bleeding. Immediatley, Scorcher was right at her side.

"Let me see it Echo." he said, concern in his voice. She revealed her snout, it was bleeding, but not that bad."Well you'll live, but we might wanna clean this up. Okay?" he asked her and she nodded her head."Okay, wait right here, be back in a sec.

He was back in a flash with a small box with a little red cross on it in his mouth. He opend it and took out a small gauze pad and put some sort of spray on it."Alright let me see it." he instructed. She did as she was told and he gently placed it up the nostril that was bleeding."Oh, thats cold!" she exclaimed.

'It's supposed to be. I learned the cold helps stop blood flow." he explained.

"Where'd you learn that?" she asked, bewilderd by his medical knowledge.

"Oh, the orphanage nurse. My room is right over her office. Sometimes I can hear here explain to the other foals what the stuff she's using is and how it helps them." he explained further.

"Wow Scorch thats pretty cool." she said still kind of suprised by his knowledge.

"I'd like to think so. Now let me see it again." She did as instructed. He pulled out the blood covered guaze and looked at her nostril to see that it had stopped bleeding."Alright, it's stopped bleeding, but lets do something a little less wild instead that way it wont start again." he said closing his little first aid kit.

"What, no lollipop?" Echo asked sarcasticly.

"How bout this. How about later I can go get some bits I've saved up and I'll treat you to an ice cream?" Scorcher asked. She responded with a tight hug."That'd be awsome Scorcher." she said a bit excited.

Later They headed over to "The Ponycicle" and bought two banana splits with everything to go with it. Behind the counter Echo heard the vender say,"Ahhh, young love." Echo tried her best not to blush as she looked at Scorcher who seemed not to have heard him. When they went and sat down Echo told him what she had heard.

"He really said that?" Scorcher chuckled as he stuffed his face with the delicious treat that was the banana split.

"Yeah, could you imagine, us, in love." They immediatley stared at each other. Then at the same time busted out laughing. Scorcher started coughing."Dang it Echo. You're making me choke." he coughed out.

"I'm sorry, but its just too funny." she said trying to calm down.

They both finished their treats and started the trot home. Scorcher walked Echo to the entrance to her building. He then proceeded to say something she wouldn't take to heart untill years later."See you tomorow Echo. Love you." he said givin her a suprise hug.

"Ha, love you too lover colt. See you tomorow as soon as I wake up." she said returning the hug.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Echo sighed in her bed still asleep. Then a moment later, her pretty green eyes flutterd opend and she groaned."Why is it that I have to wake up at the best parts?" She looked over at her alarm clock and it read seven-twenty nine. A second later it turned to seven-thirty and the alarm buzzed. She immediatly turned off the infernal machine that usualy robs her of her peacful dreams.

She got up and the first thing she did was turning on the coffe machine. The wonderbolt could not live without her coffe in the mornings. Every wonderbolt knew if she didn't get her coffe the day would be miserable for everypony else. 

"That musician better bring their all if they want to impress me." she said to herself."No other has immpressed me since I've listned to Scorcher." She continued to prepare herself for the day that unknown to her, would change many things. 

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All Rights go to Rascal Flatts "I Wont Let Go"
> Breaking a Promise to keep that Promise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The wonderbolts hq, the place where almost every single pegasus dreamed to work at. For one small, bluiesh-green mare, drream had come true. She rememberd that everytime she walked through the doors of the entrance. She had her uniform on which only revealed her muzzel, eyes, mane. and tail. She walked with pride everytime, except today. Today she was distracted by thoughts of a certain male pegasus. She couldn't figure where and why he left so many years ago. She just couldn't put her hoof on it.

She entered the practice stadium where every pony else was sitting in the bleachers. She decided to sit next to Steel Wings instead of Rapid today. Then Spitfire appeared infront of them at the walk way of the bleachers."Listen up everypony!" she exclaimed."Today as you know we are going to renew our intro songs." Everpny except Echo, started to cheer."Calm down!" Spitfire orderd and immediately everypony was silent."Yes the old songs are way to old for thier own good. That is why everpony we have a Stallion who has generously given his time to create our new songs.

"He still going to be in no way be better than Scorch." Echo whisperd to herself. Then time slowed down for what came next."Please welcome our guest musician from canterlot, Scorcher." Everypony was stomping there hooves for the stallion to make his appearence. Everypony except Echo that is. A million things had ran through her head since Spitfire had said the name "Scorcher". 

Then he appeared through the tunnel right next to where she was sitting. Still paralyzed with emotion she couldn't say anything. He was a bit taller, same build, his wings were also a bit larger, and his beautiful amber eyes still had that same glow to her. Then, as soon as he stood next to Spitfire... he saw her.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

His world stood still, he saw those emerald eyes that he could absolutely not mistake for any other."Echo?" he mouthed to her. As soon as he had done that, she bolted out of the stadium, tears streaming down her suit.

Scorcher just stood there. He wasn't sure what to do. Then slowly, a voice came to him." Hey. Mister Scorcher?" Soarin asked him. Scorcher shook his head to try to come back down to reality."Huh?" Scorcher asked dumbfound. 

"Do you know her somehow?" Soarin asked.

"She's my best friend." Scorcher said, and before anypony could make another sound he was out the door.He had just found his best friend, and he was not going to let her go again. He bursted out of the entrance, franticly searching the skies for her. Nothing.

Then his old instincs came back to life."She's at the old hill. She's just got to be!" he thought to himself. He spread his wings and leaped off the cloud. His desent was a quick one. He landed near at the bottom of the hill. He could hear crying at the top of the hill and he knew who the source of the crying. He bolted up the hill, but slowed down near the top. He saw her without her suit, against one of the old oaks. She had her muzzle buried into her foreharms."Echo?" he asked trying to get her attention. Ears flatt he slowly approached her untill he was upon her."Echo?" he asked again.

He expected what happend next. She stood up and slapped him extremly hard acroos the face."How dare you!" she screamed."How fucking dare you show up like this after six years. No vists, no letters, not even a note that let me know where you were! Did you think that you could just walk up and everything would be just damn peachy? Did you Scorcher!?!"

"I didn't even know you were there Echo." Scorcher replied in a calm voice.

"Oh! Well that makes me feel a whole lot better Scorcher."

"Echo-"

"Aw shut up! Don't Echo me. Don't even say my damn name!" Scorcher looked down, trying not to show how hurt he was. Then he looked right back up and stared her right in her tear stained eyes."I'll leave you alone Ec-... if thats what you want me to do. Atleast I got to see you again." he turned around to leave."I just wish it was under better circumstances." 

"You are NOT leaving untill you tell me why you left." Echo orderd. Scorcher turned around to face her.

"Are you sure you want to know that? I don't want to do anythong else to hurt you." Scorccher said with genuion hurt on his face.

"Think Scorcher! You hurt me the most by breaking that promise you made to always be there! To always protect me."

"You see thats just it!" Scorcher started to explain."It was because of those promises that I left."

"Well get to it, explain." she growled.

________________________________________________________

Six years ago, we see a young stallion in the alley behind the cities orphanage. He's plucking at an old guitar. This is pretty much the only thing to keep him occupied until tomorow when his best friend got back from her class trip to Manehattan."I hope the trip was good." he thought to himself."I just couldn't afford it." She had offered to pay for him to go, but he didn't whant to use the little welfare money her ugly excuse of a father got every week.

It had been almost two years since he had asked her to go out, two years to date that he had kept that promises that would never be broken. He was seventeen, and he had one more year before the orphanage would tell him to leave. He had been saving up to move into the apartment building that was about a block from the orphanage, and when Echo returned, he would ask her to move in with him ( as friends ) to get away from her dad.

That thought triggerd something, because Echo's dad, Cool Breeze, stumbled into view. Scorcher said nothing, only stared at him with a stern expression. Then, Breeze looked right into Scorchers eye's with his own bloodshot ones."Hey!" he slurred loudly."Hey you! Hey, rapist!"

"Breeze, we both know that I didn't touch her. You even testified against that bastard yourself." Scorhcer retorted

"Did I?"

"Yes you did. Listen do you have something to say or are you going to stand there untill you fall down?"

"Ha, colt, you need to learn how to treat a grown stallion."

"All I see is an old drunk colt."

"Listen colt," Breeze said sternly sitting on his haunches."You still have that murder charge, and everyone knows it.  The reason I'm bringing this up, is because I don't like you."

"Feeling's mutual." Scorcher chuckled.

"Shut u[!" Breeze shouted."It is my turn to talk! Anyways, I want you gone.

"Well good luck there Breeze, because I'm not going anywhere."

"Yes you are."

"Care to explain?"

"As a matter of fact yes. You see, ponies aren't exactly outgoing towards you since that trial. They're suspicious that it was actually you that tried to rape her." Those words stung Scorchers ears, he would never have raped anypony, let alone her." That's the reason your leaving." Breeze continued.

"I'm going to leave, because of that?" Scorcher asked with mock suprise."Breeze I know they're still suspicous about me, but i don't care. It wasn't me, so why should I care?'

"Beacause, you little prick," Breeze pulled out a wing blade out of his saddle bag. This wasn't just any ordinary blade though, it was Scorchers. His father was a blacksmith before he settled on a farm with Scorchers mother, and before he died he had made this for scorcher. It even had Scorchers name engraved on it.

"Where... how, did you get that?" asked a stuned Scorcher.

"That doesn't matter," Breeze said cooly."What does matter, is that if you continue to hang around... we'll see what this thing can do to a pony." Breeze had an evil grin on his face.

"You threatening me mister?" Schorcher growled

"Aw no, not you! Echo."

"You wont fucking touch her! I'll kill you!" Scorcher yelled out of pure fury.

"No you wont. If you kill me now, you just yelled it, so somepony must have heard it. Thats a wittness, also I have your blade right here colt. The officials wont think twice, they'll lock you up and put you down."

Scorcher realised that this was true. He was at the mercy of a drunk, so he asked,"What do you want me to do?" Scorher said in a low voice. 

"Leave cloudsdale." Stated Breeze."I ever find you near her again, and they'll find you guilty for her murder."

Before he left to go upstairs to pack, Scorcher got two more words out."Fuck you."

"Watch it colt."

Scorcher left silently that night at exactly one-thirty two in the morning.

______________________________________________________

Echos eyes were wide from disbelief. She knew her dad was a horrid one, but to actually threaten to... kill her."I don't belive you." she stated still wide eyed.

Scorcher had expected her too say this. How can one pony belive their parent would threaten their life."Echo I you have too belive me." Scorcher reasoned.

"And why should I? What possible proof do you have?"

Scorcher thought to himself then sighedl with his ears flat and still."I have no proof. Just the words I told you."

"Exactly. Scorhcer... YOU'RE DEAD TO ME!!!" With that she speed off and in less than ten seconds was a speck in the distance. Scorcher knew at this point he wouldn't catch her no matter how hard he tried. He sat there on his haunches head down. He left the hill and headed to his apartment, where a bottle of wine was waiting for him. Tonight he was going to cry, hard and get drunk.

_________________________________________________________

Echo got to the top of the stairs and headed down the once glorious hallway.She found apartment sixteen and knocked on the wood door. An older pale green open it."Hey daddy." Echo greeted her daddy.
> What's Done In The Dark
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

His vision was blurred as he sit in his chair with the bottle of white wine next to him. The bottle was two-thirds empty and it still had no effect."YOU'RE DEAD TO ME!!!" the memory flashed through his mind and fresh tears rolled down his face. If only she had belived him, but how could she? He had betrayed her to protect her and now she doesn't even belive a word he says. His heart ached for her to know the truth, but another part of him couldn't help but think,"She's better off without you Scorcher. At least now... now you can't hurt her." 

This would've never happend if she hadn't met that fucking Storm Hooves those years ago. It was all of his fault, because of what he tried to do."Is this what you wanted?!?" Scorcher yelled at the air."You just couldn't leave us alone could you? COULD YOU?!?!" Scorcher threw the bottle at the wall and it hit it with a loud crash. Bit, by bit he watched the pieces fall in slow motion."Fucker, I was also saving that for a special occasion! You"ve done this to us! You did it, not me, not Breeze, you did this to me and Echo."

About five minutes later Scorcher heard the door open, but he didn't even to bother to look as his roomate Prankstar walked in. Prankstar walked into the living room and immediately saw the glass shards on the floor. Then he looked at his Scorcher and  made the conection in his head."Dude, what the fuck happend?" Prankstar asked.

"You remeber that mare I told you *hic* about?" Scorcher asked half drunk.

"You ran into her someplace didn't you?"

"Yep, and she was pissed! Remember what I told you? You know, why I had to leave and what?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Well I told her the truth and she didn't belive me of course. Now I'm nothing tto her. She even yelled at me and told me I was dead to her."

"Well, dude I wouldn't belive you if you told me that my dad threatend to kill me."

"Well, you;re different. You're parents love you dude, her dad is just-"

"A dick?"

"Abusive."

"Well dude you can't do this to youself. This is his fault, not yours."

"You see! I knew that you'd think that, because you don't know."

"Don't know what?"

"That this is not his fully his fault."

"Then who's fault is to blame for the rest?"

"If I tell you, you can't tell anypony else."

"I promise not to tell anypony."

_________________________________

Cloudsdale at night can be a beautiful place. Especialy on this type of night when the moon is full and all the stars are out. We see two pegasi exiting a fancy looking restraunt. One is our friend Echo, the other is a young, average sized stalllion. This stallions name is storm Hooves, Echos new and first colt friend. They seem to be enjoying each others company, talking and laughing as they walk down the sidewalk.  Storms dark blue (almost gray) coat makes him almost invisible in the dark untill they pass under a street light every now and again.

"That's how I got my cuitie mark." He said as he finished his story.

"I can't belive that you flew into that gong though. I mean come on, you're a better flyer in school." Echo laughed.

"Yeah, well that was before I started taking lesson." he retorted.

"Well form what you told me, you really needed them." 

"Yeah, no kidding. Hey you wanna see something cool?" he asked suddenly full of energy.

"Uh, sure why not." Echo replied nervously.

"Well then," Storm spread his wings,"Follow me!"

(Meanwhile)

Scorcher was sitting under the taller oak tree on top of the hill. He had his guitar,a video camera, his personal journal, and a pencil with him. He was writting another one of his secret love songs that he wrote about Echo when he was alone. He was writting the last few lines of a song that he had been working on for a long while. This song was purely about how he felt towards Echo. Yes she had rejected him asking her out, but that didn't stop him from having a crush on her.

"Well lets see how this sounds." he thought to himself. He picked up his guitar and tuned it, plucked the strings individualy to make sure they were tuned, pressed record on his camera, and started his song..

Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks, now I'm trying to get back
Before the cool done run out 
I'll be giving it my bestest 
And nothing's going to stop me 
but divine interventionI reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some
But I won't hesitate no more, no moreIt cannot wait, I'm yours
Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love
Listen to the music of the moment people,
dance and singWe're just one big family
And it's our forsaken right to be loved loved loved loved loved
So I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait,
I'm sure There's no need to complicate, our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours
D-d-do do you, but do you, d-d-do
But do you want to come on
Scooch on over closer dear
And I will nibble your ear
I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and I laughed
I guess what I be saying is there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasonsIt's what we aim to do, our name is our virtue
But I won't hesitate no more, no moreIt cannot wait, I'm yours
Come on and open up your mind and see like me(I won't hesitate)
Open up your plans and damn you're free(No more, no more)Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours
So please don't, there's no need
There's no need to complicate
'Cause our time is short
This is, this is, this is our fateI'm yours
Oh, I'm yours,Oh, I'm yours,Oh, whoa, baby you believe I'm yours
You best believe, best believe I'm yours 

He finished his song with a peacful sigh."If only I could sing that to her." he chuckled to himself. He closed his journal which caused a picture to slide out. He picked it up and flipped it over to blow of the little dirt it had on it. It showed him and Echo as foals. They were in the alley smilling with their eye's shut tight. They had stolen her moms old camera and decided to play with it and take pictures of everything with it. When her mom found out, they were in so much trouble. Scorcher chuckled at the memory. He reached over and opend his journal. He then flipped to the page where he had just written his new song and ever so carefully placed it on the page. He stared at it for a second then gently closed the journal. 

He layed back when suddenly, he heard a scream from above him. He immediately got up and looked up."That was Echo!" he thought to  himself. He could'nt see her because of the clouds above him. Then he heard her scream again,"GET OFF ME!" Scorcher gave no second thought as he took off in a flash.

(Back to Echo)

He had her pinned with himself on top of her. He had jumped her and had her in a very bad position. She knew he was going to rape her."GET OFF ME!" she screamed, fearful tears rollling down her face. She tried to struggle, but it was useless. Her small body couldn't strugle out of Storms grasp. Then he whisperd seductivly in her ear,"Oh, but why? We're going to have so much fun Echo." It made her sick now for him to say her name, but she could do nothing about it. She could nothing but lay there on her belly and wait for it to be over. 

"I've had my eye on your ass for a while slut. Now that I have it, I'll make sure you wont walk tomorow. A fresh stream of tears rolled down her face as she felt him his member about to penetrate her innocence. Then suddenly it wasn't there and she  didn;t feel his grasp on her anymore. She fell to the ground out of exaustion of the adrinaline that had been coursing through her and put herself in a feedle position..

She had thought that it was over that he had just finished raping her, but that was untill she heard something hitting something. She slowly looked up and saw Scorcher. He was repeatedly hitting Storm in the face. She looked down, she didn't care what Scorcher did to him, but she didn't want to watch. 

(Scorcher)

He hit him again and again, not once ever thinking to stop. He hit him in the face, then the throat, and then repeated the pattern again.
He stopped just momentarily to look the sick excuse of a stallion in the eye."You tried to rape her." Scorcher hissed."YOU TRIED TO RAPE HER! I'LL KILL YOU FUCKER!" 

Scorcher did as he said he was going to, he beat Storm for five minutes more untill he stopped. He stood up and looked at what he had done. Storm was now a lifeless corpse. His face unreconizeble. Scorcher spat on him and turned his undivided attention to Echo who was laying on the ground, looking away in the other direction, and shaking.

Immediately Scorcher was next to her. He layed down with her and cacooned her in his large wings. She hugged him and sobbed into his chest. He spoke softly to her,"It's alright now Echo. That bastard can't hurt you." He let a single tear fall down his face."Echo, I'm so sorry that this happend to you. Nopony, especialy you, should have to go through this."

"Thanks to you though, nothing worse happend." she said between sobs.

They layed there, untill the police arrived. Somepony else had heard Echo's screams and went for help. When they got there though, they saw a dead stallion and another stallion tightly holding a young mare of which had been beaten. They arrested Scorcher for assualt, rape, and murder. However later that week the rape charge was dropped, because of medical evidence.

___________________________________________

(Present)

"So you were arrested for something you didn't do?" Prankstar asked.

"Yes and no." Schorcher replied a bit more sober now."I would never touch Echo, but I did kill Storm with the intention to do so."

"So then what happend?"

"A month later I was on trial..."

___________________________________________

"Scorcher Beats." the judge announced and Schorcher stood up in an orange prison uniform." You are charged with the sexual assualt of a Ms.Echo Fleetfoot and the murder of a Storm Hooves. How do you plead to these charges?" Scorcher looked at her with a straight face and answerd,"I plead guilty to murder, as for the sexual assualt I plead not guilty."

"Then let the trial commence." the judge announced

Storm parents lawyer stood up and annouced,"The state would like to call Mr.Cool Breeze to the stand." Scorcher saw Echos dad stand up (sober for once), walke over to the stand, and sit down."Mr.Breeze, how do you know the defendant?" the mare asked sternly.

"He's my daughters best friend." Breeze repllied.

"How long have they been friends?"

"Ever since they were about four or five."

"And, how well do you know him?"

"I don't know him that well personally."

"Well from what you do know, how does he treat your daughter?" Scorcher was not expecting what he said next.

"That young stallion that sits there treats my daughter as if she were his sister. They've always gotten along and I know for a fact that he'd never lay a hoof on Echo." Scorcher was shocked in disbelief. The stallion that hated his guts was actually defending him. However the lawyer wasn't done yet.

"When you say you know for a fact, do you actually know of a situation inwhich the defendent has ever defended your daughter from harm?"

"No ma'am."

"So you don't know for a fact that he would protect her from anything at all?"

"No ma'am."

She turned to the judged and said,"The state rest your Honor."

Then Scorchers lawyer stood up."The defense would like to call Ms.Echo Fleet Foot to the stand." Scorcher saw her stand up, walk over, and sit down at the stand. She was scared, she was shaking violently."Ms.Echo," Scorchers lawyer started," I want you to tell us the truth of what happend that night."

Echo started her horrid story."Well me and Storm had just had our second date and he asked me if I wanted to see something cool. I told him that I'd like to see what he had to show me. We flew off and landed on a large cloud outside the city. I didn't see anything really interesting. When I asked him what was I supposed to be looking at, he jumped me. He beat me across the face (she pointed with a hoof to her face) and flipped me on my stomach. I struggled, but he had me pinned. I yelled at him to get off of me, but he whisperd in my ear and told me that we were going to have some fun.(Echo was intears now) I tried to struggle but he still had me pinned. I could feel him about to... enter me when suddenly he wasn't on me anymore. I fell to the ground and looked over to see Scorcher beating Storm across the face. He screamed, you tried to rape her, I'll kill you. The next thing I knew he was laying beside me and I was wrapped in his wings. Your Honor, Scorcher has never touched me, the only reason he did what he did was to ensure my safety."

"Thank you Ms.Echo. That will be all. The defense rest your Honor." Scorchers lawyer came over and wrote something on a sheet of paper. The other lawyer stood up and approached the jury."Ladies and Gentlecolts, what you see here is a young mare plainly defending her friend which is a threat to society. What she says is out of fear and has no proof but her own words to back up what she has said about the defendent defending her in anyway at all. In this way I hope that you find this monster of a stallion guilty, and give the parents of the life he took  some closer." She sat down.

Scorchers lawyer had one more piece of evidence though. He stood up with scorchers video camera and said,"Ladies and Gentlecolts. I have evidence to support what Echo has told us. The evidence is within this camera owned by Scorcher and with your permission your Honor I'd liked to share it with the jury.

"Proceed." the judge said.

Scorchers lawyer put the tape into a video player and pushed play. On the screen it showed Scorcher playing his song that he had written for Echo. Then after he was done it showed him with the picture of him and Echo and he chuckled. Then right on cue Echo's scream could be heard."GET OFF ME!" The camera had actually captured the scream. Then Scorcher flew out of scene. For a few minutes it was silent. Then you could hear Schorchers voice."YOU TRIED TO RAPE HER! I'LL KILL YOU!" Then the lawyer turned it off and went to stand in front of the jury.

"You see, ladies and gentlecolts of the jury, my client was defending Ms.Echo. This was nothing, but a simple horse slaughter. I hope with the evidence that I've showwn you today will help you make the right decision. That would be to drop all the charges for Scorcher and to set him free.

_______________________________________

"So then what happend?" Prankstar asked, extremly interested in the story that was being revealed to him.

"Well, they decided that I wasn't guilty of anything. Even though I pleaded guilty to murder, they droped it on account of protective motives and I was set free." Scorcher finished tiredly. It was now one-thirty two in the morning, so he had a reason to be tired. Prankstar and Scorhcer sat there for what seemed like eternity. Then Prankstar spoke up,"Well my friend, sounds like you've been through some deep shit." Scorcher cuckled. He knew all that he was doing was trying to lighten the situation.

"Brother, you have no idea." Scorcher half chuckled."Anyways dude, I'n tired, I'll speak to you tomorow." Scorcher got up and made his way to the bed room. Half way there he heard,"Aw fuck! Your fucking glass cut my damn hoof to pieces!" Prankstar screaned in pain. Scorcher paused at his door and said sarcasticly,"Have a good night Prankstar."

Later Scorcher was in bed, but he was still awake. He couldn't get Echo out of his mother fucking mind for the life of him. He didn't want her out of his mind, but he wanted the fact that they were never going to be anything again out so bad. So there Scorchers lays, not able to sleep, and praying to celestia that by some miracle, she'd forgive him somehow.
> Words
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sometimes in our lives, things come to light and we're just not going to let ourselfs except it. Not untill proof is shown. However, sometimes that proof comes in the most horrid of ways.

-Pen Head

Her world was a dark one now. No color, no shapes, no sight, only thoughts. Thoughts of how he was right about him, how she should've known better, and how she'd do anything to awake. She wondered if he was right beside her now. Everypony except him had ever been honest with her now that she had time to think about it. He had never told her a lie and she didn't think that he would've started then. He was always there, he was always gentle with her as not to hurt her, he always cared, and she knew in the part of her heart that was left standing that he'd litteraly die for her. Then she realized how stupid she had been. How could she not see it? Better yet, how could she take it for granted? She realized that he truely just... loved her.

How could truth be so hard to find even when it's right in front of your face your whole life? Random memories were now racing through her head of being with him. One thing that he said to her years ago stood out.

"Echo, don't you know how much I care about you?" She couldn't say yes, but she couldn't say no. She knew how far he'd go to be beside her. On the other hand, she never thought that he'd love her in this way that she thought no stallion ever could let alone would. 

All she hoped for now was to wake up...

__________________________________________________

No words can describe the pain and guilt that Scorcher felt right now. He just stared through tear stained eyes at Echos abused body laying in the hosppital bed infront of him. She had bruises and deep cuts all over her body. Breeze had almost fufilled his promise last night. After the fight she went to him and told him aboout Scorcher... then this happend. 

If Scorcher hadn't confronted her this wouldn't have happend. Fresh tears fell from his eyes as the truth came to realiztion. How could he be there for her if every time something horrible happens? Why couldn't ponies just leave her be? Now here she was in a sleep that she may never awake from.

He looked to the door as it opened and wonderbolt Soarin walked in and closed it behind him."How is she?" he asked sitting in a chair across the room. 

"Doc says she's stable, but it's up to her to wake up." answerd Scorcher.

"Is it true what they say?"

"Well that depends, what do they say about me?"

"That you killed a colt when you were younger."

Scorcher sighed,"That, unfortunatly is true. he tried to hurt Echo here. I... I did what had to be done to stop him."

"When you say hurt her, you mean-"

"He attempted to rape her." This made Soarin flinch a little. He had a very good idea of how protective he was over Echo. He also knew he was not about to leave her. Scorcher looked up at him," Do you know what this feels like?" he asked

"What?" asked Soarin.

"Do you know how it feels to never be near somepony without something hurting them, to have to constantly worry about who or what might hurt them? I mean why does it have to go from good to gone? She doesn't do a fucking thing, not one thing to anypony and things similar to this happen. This time maybe different though, this time... she might just not wake up."

"Scorcher you can't think like that. You've got to think positive."

Scorcher chuckled,"If you haven't noticed, not many positive things come my way."

"So thats it? You're just going to give up on her?"

"I'll give up on her the day she dies, but I will never give up on trying to be here for her."

"You love her, don't you Scorcher?"

"Always have, and damnit I always will." Soarin had read about true love in his secret romance novel collection, but he had never truely seen it with anypony else except with himself and Spitfire. He knew now what it looked like from a different perspective and has seen it in a completely different scenario.

"Hey, I'm going to head out." Soarin said making his way towards the door."Scorcher, she's strong, she'll make it through this."

"At this point, thats all that I hope for."

Soarin opend the door and left leaving just Scorcher and Echo in silence. It was a painful silence, untill Scorcher decide to say something."You've had some hard times." he chuckled."Your whole life you've practily have had to experience more than anypony ever should. I can't help you this time though Echo," he sputterd out as tears flowed out his already tear stained eyes." This time it's up to you, you've got to wake up for my sake... because I have no idea of what I might do without you. In a way I know partially how you've felt during you're life. I was never wanted by any mom or dad, nopony ever gave a second thought about me when they came to adopt. The way ponies treated you, they made you feel horrible, like you were never even wanted by anypony." He grabbed her hoof and held it in both of his."I promise you if you wake up, I'll make sure you feel wanted. This stallion right here, sitting next to you right now wants you so fucking bad. I just want to be able to talk, laugh, and do the things we always wanted to do. I don't give a damn if I have a chance with you or not, I want you to get through this. Echo I love you to much to let you go this way, so don't do this to me. I can't stand to see you hurting let alone see a tear roll down your cheek. Echo, if you don't wake up, all I just said was words, and like the wind they will fade into nothing."

To his supprise a nurse walked in looking very confused."Whats wrong?" Scorcher asked concerned.

"We were watching her brain activity and the lines started to act a certain way." she replied.

"By a certain way you mean?"

"They showed happiness somehow." she looked at him."Maybe that rumor is true, maybe even while in a coma, ponies can still here whats going on around you." She turned around and left them alone again.

"Echo.. I'm going to be gone for a bit, but as soon as I'm done with what I'm going to do I'll be right back." As much as it hurt him to do so, he got up and left Echo.

____________________________________________

"Breeze!" the warden yelled."You got a visitor."

"Yes sir." Breeze said slightly crazed. The warden unlocked the cell and lead Breeze down the narrow hallway to a private visitors room. The warden opend the door and let Breeze enter and closed it behind him. Infront of him was the sight he feared, Scorcher sitting behind the glass window staring at him. His look itself told Breeze that if he could get in there with him, he'd kill him. He sat down anyways and pressed the button that allowed you to speak.

"Well Breeze you've finally done it." Scorcher said with mock amusement."You've done what you set out to do. My question is though, how could you do this? How were you capable of even thinking of doing this to your own damn daughter?" Breeze just leaned back and chuckled.

"It's funny, I once thought the same thing, but then I realised I don't care. I never wanted her in the first place, so why should I care? She never did anything for me, but cause me to get married at a young age."

"Breeze that was your fault, you were stupid to get a mare pregant at seven-teen, but that made her your responsibility."

"I'll agree that getting that mare pregnant at that age was stupid, but I told her I didn't want her. She is not my responsibility nor my problem."

"Not anymore she's not." Scorcher got up to leave when Breeze yelled out."Colt, why do you care about my filly? What happend that made you care so much about her? I know you do."

Scorcher just stared at the door. He thought of the one answer that was the truth from the begining."I don't know."

"You mean to tell me that you just waltzed in and tried to care for her? Ha! Oh thats rich! No, no, you just want to BE with her. Don't you lover colt?" Breeze exclaimed evily. Scorcher turned around and went right up to the glass and looked a smug faced Breeze in the eye." Listen to me and listen good." Scorcher hissed." I've not just done all of what I've done just to have a chance at getting at her pussy. I've done all of what I've done because she is my best friend. She's kept me afloat when I've been at my worst and I try to do the same for her. You know I was going to push for the death sentence for what you've done, but I think thats to good for you. I don't want to watch you die, I want to see you rot." Scorcher spit at the glass then stormed out of the room. Breeze just sat there laughing untill they came and took him away. 

_____________________________________

Prankstar stood outside the door where Echo was resting. He had been there ever since he had found out what had happend. He hadn't thought that what Scorcher had said was true, but of course now he knew better. He saw Scorcher and his expression and Prankstar blocked the door. Scorcher looked at his friend with confusion and fustration."Where did you go Scorcher?" Prankstar asked.

"Prankstar that is none of your business. Now if you would kindly move." Scorcher said as calmly as he could.

"Scorcher I'm not budging untill you calm down and tell me why you're so damn mad." Nostials flaring and shaking his head, Scorcher sat down and just looked at the floor."Scorcher please, please tell me you didn't do something stupid." Prankstar said.

Scorcher sighed."I'm not sure if it was stupid or not Prankstar. I... I went and confronted Breeze." Scorcher looked into his friends eyes."Was I... was I stupid to do that."

Prankstar thought for a second,"No and yes. I know that this is har, but you can't fix whats been done by going and confronting Breeze, let alone by yourself bro. However, there is the other side that you did need to confront him sooner or later. I just thought It'd be later rather than sooner." 

Scorcher sighed again."I just couldn't stand not doing anything Prankstar. She's been through too much pain and I know that I shouldn't be fighting all these battles, but I can't help it. I can't stand not too see her happy. Damnit if it's not obvious enough to you already I love her, and... and I literally don't think I can live without her."

"Scorcher... *sigh* I'm just going to say this once and thats it, you're obssed. Bro this isn't healthy. I'm not one too judge, but you really need to think of whats rational if something should happen to Echo." Prankstar turned and left Scorcher enraged. Under his breath, Scorcher said."I know, but like I said I can't help it."

____________________________________
(Echos dream/memory)

A young pegasus filly lays sunning herself near two giant oaks on a hill. She was having some rare peace this day which she enjoyed every minute of it."*sigh* nothing could ruin this day." She said dreamily to herself. then she heard some wings beating and coming her way. She lifted herself in time to see a down looking Scorcher land. He looked up and saw her looking at him with confusion."Oh, sorry Echo. I thought I'd be the only one here. I'll leave you too whatever you were doing." 

As he spread his wings to leave he heard a beautiful femine voice behind him say,"Wait Scorcher." He turned to face Echo who just smiled back at him. She patted the a space next to her."Come lay with me." Scorcher couldn't refuse.  He trotted over and laid next to the filly."Now tell me whats wrong big colt." she said still beaming at him.

Scorher sighed and started to explain what had happend."Today , a couple came to adopt, specificly a colt. They looked at me and they looked like they were strongly thinking about adopting me, but the chose Star Dancer instead. Thats the fifteenth time I was close too being adopted Echo.*sigh* Maybe nopony wants me as a son." Scorcher laid his head down and let a couple tears fall from his face.

He had told Echo everytime that he didn't get adopted. However he was never this upset. She thought for a couple of seconds and did what she thought would cheer him up. Scorcher felt a wing go over his back and something trying to get under his muzzle. He looked up to see Echos wing over his body and she placed her head under where his was resting. She looked up at him."It's okay I wont bite."she giggled. Scorcher carefuly laid his head next to hers.

"Scorcher, don't give up. There's got to be somepony out there who would adopt you."she said comfortingly.

"I know Echo, but when?"

"Soon. When you do get adopted though, promise me you wont move too far away."she said sincerly.

Scorcher laughed."I promise Echo." 

"Good. Now, didn't I win a bet last week that included you-"

"Yes, I'll take you too the movies Echo." Scorcher mock sighed.

"Good."

_________________________

Scorcher sat there, watching Echo breath. Up, down, up, down, he watched her stomach move. It had now been four days, and Scorcher was still by her side. He slept when he was tired, ate when he was hungry, and went home to shower. If he wasn't doing any of those he was right beside Echo. Nopony was even going to try and seperate the two. These two needed their space. Scorcher barely even noticed when ponies came in to visit. 

"Echo, I'm not giving up. even if you're still asleep months from now,  I'm not giving up on you." He let shamless tears fall for a second before he wiped his eyes. Then he heard a grunt, he quickly looked at Echo... Who was looking back through craked eye lids.
> Horrible Tragidies and Lovely Affection
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The love that we can't have last the longest, hurts the most, and feels the strongest.
-Pen Head
_________________________________________

Through tired eye's Echo saw a certain pegasus stallion with a small, teary smile. She noticed that he was the only one in the room with her, but she allowed herself to smile tiredly back at him."Hey." she whisperd. Scorcher let out a small chuckle to help him hold back tears."Hey." he whisperd back."h-how are you feeling?" 

"I'm really sleepy." she whisperd again. Suddenly he fell into her holding her tight, but at the same time gentley and he sobbed into her shoulder."Damn you Echo, don't scare me like this." She smiled and hugged him back with what ever strength she had."I missed you, I missed you so much." Scorcher sobbed.

"I missed you too Scorcher. For six years I've missed having you around, and I am so sorry that I flipped out on-" 

"Echo, you don't have to be sorry." he said letting her go sitting in his chair again, holding one of her hoofs."You have every single right to be angry at me, but remember one thing, we promised to always be friends and to be there for each other."

"Thank you Sorcher."

"For what?"

"Being here for me when I woke up."

"I've been here since you have." Echo still couldn't belive how much she had taken his care for granted. Just then, the doctor trotted into the room."Welcome back to the world Miss Fleetfoot. Mister If you'd please step out, I've just got to run a couple of test, and I don't think she wants you to see some of her more... intimate areas."

Echo and Scorcher both blushed at the thought, but Scorcher just nodded and looked back at Echo."I'll be right here when you come back Scorcher." Echo said half lidded and her blush still visable. Scorcher got up and walked out with the doctor closing the door behind him.

Scorcher sighed and smiled with relief knowing that Echo was finally back... for good.

____________________________________________________

Soarin twirled his cocktail, focus with intensity."Something bothering you Soar?" Spitfire asked as she layed down on the couch beside him, giving him a kiss on the cheek."Well... yeah, there is." he replied.

"Mind sharing what it is?" Spitfire pushed.

"It's this Scorcher pony."

"What about him?"

"Well, who is he? He just shows up and the next thing we know Echo is in a coma. Things just don't happen like that."

"Soar, we both know by the way he acts around her that they have a history."

"Yes, but what does that history involve? I mean-"

"Let me finish. What I'm saying as he looks at her with a look of care and concern, not how you look at me every time my flank is turned."

"What?"

"Don't act like you don't know. We both know you look at me like you look at pie."

"Naughty mare."

"Anyways. I don't think he's something to worry about."

"I still don't trust him around her. We don't know who he is and if he had something to do with Echos condition."

"Soarin, maybe you should just talk to him. Get to know him better and maybe he'll reveal something about what happend."

"Alright. However if something happens to Echo again... I'm going to the Sons." Spitfire rage suddenly sky rocketed."NO! You're not going back to those ponies. Last time you saw Steel he almost killed us. Soarin you're better than that and I'm disgusted you would suggest this. We got out of that business  years ago." Tears were running down her face.

"Spitfire, what else can I do? I'm not just going to stand by and watch her get hurt." Soarin retorted.

"Neither will I, but I will not do something that drastic. Please Soarin, don't make me have to face them again. Rmember Nova?" Soarin rememberd the bastard all to well. He could never forget the night he found Spitfire in that cheap motel."Alright Spitfire." He held her, stroking her mane to calm her down."I'm so sorry for even bringing them up, I'm just so scared for Echo I just wasn't thinking." The memory of Nova still remained in his head.

______________________________

Soarin walked alone down the streets of Manehattens gehto on a stormy night. Blade in his jacket pocket. He was going to meet Spitfire at her apartment to go eat out for their fourth aniversy as a couple."As soon as I can afford it I'm going to buy her a ring." he thought to himself, bringing a smile to his face.

He enterd the apartment building, trotted up the old steps and enterd the door to her floor. He turned a corner down the hallway and saw a sight that made his heart drop, Nova Rock was exiting Spitfires apartment with an evil look on his face. He walked in the opposite direction of Soarin and exited through another stairwell. Soarin stormed over to Spitfires door and opend the door ready to confront her. However he was greeted by something else.

The apartment was a mess, as if a storm hit it. He walked over to her bedroom door and opened it finding a horrible sight."Spitfire!" Soarin gasped in a terrified voice. She was cowering on the bed in a fetal position, she was badly beaten, mouth taped shut, blood and semen coming from her marehood.

Soarin was right beside her in an instant, speaking to her in a soothing voice."Spitfire, it's ok. It's just me darling." Tears ran down her damaged face as she fell into him. Soarin lifted her head and pealed the tape of her mouth."Soarin, it was Nova." she cried."He just came in here, beat me and gagged me. Then he-" Soarin stopped her right there.

"Shh-sh-sh. It's ok now Spitfire." Tears rolling down his own face.

"No it's not Soar. I was saving myself for you, and now I'm ruined." she cried even harder.

"Hey you're still Spitfire, and as long as you have that trait I'm yours. Now come on, we need to get you to the hospital." However he noticed something on her back."Spitfire do you mind turning around." She complied and turned around. Soarin's rage continued to grow as he saw what was on her back. A note was stapled to her back.

Dear Soarin,
I told you nopony leaves the Sons without a price. You should be proud, she's got one of the Best pussies I've ever had. So tight. I hope you two have a good life. 

-Nova

__________________________________________________________

Scorcher went back into the room as soon as the doctor told him that he could. He went back to sitting were he had previously had been sitting."Any bad news?" he asked.

"There's good and bad news, the good news is that I just got to stay here for about two days to rest then I can go home." she explained.

"Well then whats the bad news?" Scorcher pushed.

"The bad news is that we're in an hospital on the ground and my wings are broken, and I have a cloud home." She finished.

"Well if you want to you can stay in my guest room, I'm sure Prankstar wouldn't mind. All ya got to do is ask."

"Ha,I might just take you up on that offer."

"I'll make sure the house is clean when you get there."

"Are you still such a mess Scorcher? I got onto you about how many times about that?" she said giving him a mock scowl.

"Jeeze, you sound like a ligit mom right there." Scorcher laughed. However he had to bring up something that needed to be brought up. He held her hoof and asked,"Now Echo, I need to ask you, how are you going to deal with this situation between you and your dad? I want to help in any way possible."

All happieness left her face and her face was left with only one other emotion, fear."Scorcher, I don't know what to do about that. Another thing, that monster is not my father." Fear turned to anger as and Scorcher saw a different Echo."I don't give a damn if I sound like a over emotional foal right now, but I want him to burn."Tears ran down her face." I want him to feel every bit of what he's made me felt."

"Listen Echo, I'll never let him or any ponyelse ever touch you again." Scorcher vowed."Do you understand me?" Echo brightend up and smiled a little.

The door flung open and a teary eyed Spitfire walked over to Echo and gave her a tight hug."We came as soon as we heard." She released her death grip on Echo to let hre breath."How are you feeling?"

"I'm just really tired." Echo replied with a tired smile.

Soarin laughed."I know that's a lie. You've been asleep for a long time speedy."

"Nice to see you too Soarin."

Spitfire coughed in Soarins direction."Oh Scorcher do you mind going for a walk with me? Spitfire here has been meaning to talk with Echo about something and my guess is that she wants to do it in private." Soarin explained. Scorcher looked at Echo."Go, we'll have time to talk later." Scorcher nodded, got up and walked out with Soarin the door closing behind them.

"So this Scorcher fellow." Spitfire started.

Echo had an idea of where this was going."Yeah, what about him?"

"Just who is he?"

"Are you sure you want to hear the whole story? It's a pretty long one."

"I have time." Spitfire got comfortable in the chair previously occupied by the stallion in question. Thus Echo began the story of her and Scorchers history. 

After about an hour and a half Echo finished telling her story. Sptifire was amazed about this stallions loyalty to her."And you're telling me that after all of that time, that nothing ever happend between you two?" Spitfire asked.

"Sadly no. Well, he actually asked me out once. However I stupidly turned him down. I'd do anything for a second chance." Echo said with a saddend expression.

"I'm sorry girl, but if I didn't have Soarin I would be riding him like a cowpony. Please excuse me, but that stallion is fine." She said with a lustful smile as nasty thoughts danced around her head. This made Echo giggle.

"I can't belive you sometimes." Echo continued to giggle.

"Oh come on, you can't tell me that you haven't dreamed about him like that atleast once." Spitfire teased making Echo blush hard.

"Well... *sigh* yeah a few times. Sometime a mare gets lonely you know." Echo blushed harder.

"Woah, I didn't take you as the type of mare that would rub herself like that." Spitfire was amazed that Echo could get even more red than she was.

"Rub herself like how?" A smooth deep voice asked. Both mares startled looked wide eye'd at Scorcher who was leaning in the door way. An evil smile across his face. Echos mind raced, he had just heard eveything that was just said about him. Soarin was beside him smiling at Spitfire who was not quite matching Echo, but still beet red.

Spitfire cleared her voice."I think I should get going." she got up and walked to the door way."Good to see you're ok Echo, but me and Soarin actually have something to finish up at home." She walked past Soarin swaying her hips actractivaly. Soarin stared in a trance like state and growled flirtaciously."Yes ma'am." He said following after her.

Scorcher closed the door behind him and just laughed. Echo's blush still painted on her face."You heard what I said didn't you?" she asked.

"I heard what Spitfire say she'd ride me like a train, and then something about you rubbing yourself at the thought of, oh what is that stallions name? Scorcher wasn't it." Echo still was able to blush harder.

"You weren't meant to hear that. Are you upset?" she asked, afraid of the answer.

"Do I look upset? I just found out that the mare of my dreams returns my feelings. However not the way I would expect her too." He said with a smile still plastered on his face.

"You...I...me...I mean, you still have feelings toward me?" she asked dumbstruct. Scorcher stood beside her bed and she took time to look at him. A extremly tall stallion, strong body, plain red coat, dark orange mane, and amazing amber eyes she could stare at for days.

"Echo remember, I told you that I'd always care for you." Echo's heart leaped.

"Then ask me." She said with half lidded eyes. It was Scorchers turn to blush."Ahem, Echo Fleetfoot, will you be m-my marefriend?" Scorcher asked knowing the answer, yet he longed to her that one word.

"Yes, I'd love to Scorcher." Both pegasi had shy smiles on their faces along with a slight blush from both.

"Scorcher one more thing, lean over here. I want to tell you something." Scorcher leaned over and Echo whisperd seductively in his ear,"This has been a long time coming." Confused, Scorcher lifted his head to only be trapt by Echo's hooves. He looked at her with suprise. She looked back at him with a nervous smile. Both of their faces inched towards eachother not knowing what to expect. They could feel each others heat from the others face, then it finally happend... their lips sealed.

It was a simple kiss, yet full of passion and desire. Scorchers wings imediately went stiff, shooting out both sides. Echo let herself melt and she moaned into his mouth. She had secretly wanted this since they were foals, and now she had him. Scorcher was on cloud nine. He had the one thing he could ever ask for, and that was the mare he was kissing right now. They finally broke the kiss, Echo playfuly biting his lower lip.

"That told me everything I need to know." Scorcher said in a daze from the kiss.
____________________________

Soarin and Spitfire enterd their home and immediately made their way to the bedroom. Spitfire gently laid herself on the bed and Soarin climbed on top off her. He absolutley loved his wife and she returned that love with every being of her will.

"Wait Soarin." He looked at her confused, but then she had a puzzled look on her face as well."Let me get up, I need to go." He climbed off her, she got up and walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. 

About a minute later the door opend, but Spitfire didn't come out. The he heard her call him,"Soarin can you come here please." Soarin got up and walked into the bathroom to see Spitfire at the sink with a huge smile across her face. She looked at him and he saw it, a little stick with a little green dot on it. 

"Soarin...I-I'm pre-pregnant."
> An end To Anothers Begining
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

When you stop to think about it, we are all criminals. In some time in our life we will make a decision that will determine an event in the future for another. Sometimes those can result in death... or much worse.

-Sam Crowe
_______________________________________________

Dear Diary,

It's been two months since the incident with my father and Scorcher. Two months since me and Scorcher finally confesed our feelings to each other and since then we've haven't been able to stay away from each other. I really should've done this sooner instead of denying myself this happines. He is perfect. He takes care of me, gives me space when I need it, and he hasn't once pressured me into sleeping with him. He just always finds a way to brighten up my day. Why is it that he chose me out of all the mares.

With my father's verdict finally decided, I will never have to worry about him ever again. His sentence was life in prison. The feeling of something bad will happen has not left my head though. There is always trouble in paradise.

- Echo Fleetfoot

___________________________________________

"Well Mrs.Spitfire, the foal has a good heart beat." The doctor said removing his stephascope from Spitfire's mid sectiion. Soarin looked down warmly at his wifed and nuzzled her warmingly. Spitfire looked at her stomach with a sense of joy and pride."Would you like me to run the test to see if it's a colt or filly?" the doctor asked.

"No thank you. I'd rather it suprise me." Spitfire answerd. The doctor nodded and trotted out the door. Spitfire looked up at Soarin."You're a daddy." she whisperd. Soarin smiled back warmly."I know mommy." Spitfire giggled as Soarin rubbed her belly that would soon show their foal.

"I've always wanted one." Soarin said without thinking and turned to Spitfire."You're the only mare I have ever thought of sharing this with." Spitfire took those words to heart. She and Soarin grew up toogether since they were in their mid teens. They clicked instantly and have never been apart since.

"Soarin?" Spitfire said with a worried tone.

"Yeah?"

"Promise me that no matter what, that this foal wont ever go through what we did as teens. I can't bare the thought of our foal growing up to turn in to one of the sons." Soarin held her face with a hoof and pecked her lips.

"No way will our child every have to go through that, I promise."

__________________________________________

Moonlight poured through her window and spread out on the lower half of her bed. Echo had returned to her apartment a week ago, but know she was afraid. She was afraid of something or somepony trying to harm her when Scorcher isn't around. He had a special way of making her feel safe and sound at the scariest of times.

She opend her window and flew out into the night, her destanation... safety. The flight was short since she flew at top speed. She noticed that a light was still on in Scorchers house. She landed infront of the front door and knocked three times. It was only a second before the door opend to reveal her stallion who smiled at her."Hey Scorcher." Echo greeted timidly. By her voice Scorcher knew her reason for being here.

"You couldn't sleep either huh?" Echo nodded her head, a slight blush on her cheecks. Scorcher chuckled to himself a little."Would you like to sleep with me tonight?" Echo again nodded, her blush more apparent."Alrighty, go ahead and climb in the bed, I'll be in there in a second.

She walked into his small bedroom and climbed on the twin bed, not getting under the covers. Scorcher appeard a minute later and climbed in with her."Ummm Scorcher?" Echo whisperd.

"Hmmm."

"Would you mind if you... um..." she stammerd, but he knew what she wanted.

"Come here." Scorcher said soothingly and he rolled onto his back. She crawled on top of him and layed down. Scorcher wrapped his forearms and wings around her. She peacfuly sighed and cuddled close to him. She loved to do this, she loved how warm he kept her and the security that he gave her. She felt him kiss her forehead  and she looked up and stared into his amazing amber eyes of which she loved. 

She reached up and kissed him, Scorcher soon felt her tounge graze his lips, begging for entry which he gladly allowed. Right then and there in Luna's moonlight, they shared their first passionate kiss. Her tounge explored every region of his mouth as did his. The sensation was overwhelming for Echo who let out a pitful moan which Scorcher thought was kinda cute.

Finally they broke the kiss and Ehco cuddled under his kneck again and sighed."I love you Scorcher." Scorchers heart flutterd at those words."I love you too Echo." Echo wanted something else though, but she was afraid of asking Scorcher about it.

"Scorcher?"

"Yes?" She looked up at him."I don't want to rush anything but... I want to show you how much you mean to me. I want you to know that I-" Scorcher silenced her with a kiss. Then he spoke up,"I once told you that my first time would be with the mare that I truly loved. Echo, I truly love you and would only do something like that with your consent. I want you to show you that I love you two, but only if you're ready."

"I've never been more ready." Echo's blush was deep red when he rolled over to be on top of her. He reached down and kissed her passionately. On that night, they both shared their firsttime with eachother. He was gentle, but at first there was pain for Echo, but she endured. They're love making was the best thing they'd ever had excpierence. They showed how much they cared for eachother that night, and there love finally showed them what makes it stop.
________________________________________

Authors note:
Thank you all so much for the support! I will be starting another series before I continue this one. Yes thats right, a sequal IS in development as we speak, but I need to recharge my batteries for this story before I'm able to continue this one. So give me some time continue to show support and I will be back with a killer sequel! Also I would really enjoy some fan art for this story so I can have it for the next story. Again thank you so much for your support and wish me luck for the future!!!!

-Pen Head
> Always Will (Explicit)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shocked, most ponies are this when they get scared or have a surprise party. Shocked is an understatement for a mare by the name Echo Fleetfoot. Shocked couldn't describe her feelings. Her eyes staring wide eyed and teary at something. This thing happened to be a ring in Scorchers hooves.
She looked up at Scorcher with a small smile gracing her lips. They sat under the  old oak quietly with the moon shinning on the two of them." Echo I love you, I always have. This past year and a half has been the best time of my life. I want us to share a life together. Will you make me the happiest stallion in Equestria? Will you... marry me?"
Echo let the tears flow and tackled Scorcher, her wings buzzing with happines."YES! YES I WILL!" she cried and planted a hard kiss on his muzzle. A few seconds passed and Scorcher broke the kiss. He took the ring and slipped it around her right hoof.
Echo planted another kiss on Scorcher. He felt her tongue trying to slip into his mouth, which he gladly allowed entry. Her tongue had little time to explore his mouth as he pushed his further into her mouth. She moaned pitifully into him and started to get very warm in the face.
After a few minutes Scorcher broke the kiss. He stared at  her with a lustful expression.” Do you want to finish this at home?" He whispered. Echo face still graced with a blush, giggled and nodded.
They got home and stumbled (lip locked) to the bedroom. Scorcher locked the door behind them and walked over to where his mare anxiously laid on the bed, a playful smile across her face. He crawled over her and immediately resumed making out.
She teased him here and there, biting and lip playfully to keep him engaged. Scorcher broke the kiss, a strand of spittle still connected them. He lowered his head slowly to her neck and started to kiss it. Echo’s breath hitched and she let out a moan of pleasure.
He continued to plant kisses down her body until he reached her petals. He looked up at her with a small smile. He looked  at every detail of her, from the blush on her face to the color of her mane.” Echo, I’ve told time and time again, but you are very beautiful.” she hayed away with a smile, she hated blushing be he found it to make her irresistible.
He brought his face over her already soaked slit and licked it. Immediately, she gasped and bucked up her hips with pleasure. He found the high pitched squeals she made so cute. He ran his tongue over her petals softly, enticing a long string of moans from Echo. With each lick her face grew hotter and the more she wished for release. Scorcher was rather enjoying it too, he loved the way she tasted.
Scorcher stopped for a minute, only to catch his breath, then he plunged his into her causing Echo to wrap her hind legs around his head and moan loudly. The act itself started to make her pant. Scorcher lapped up her nectar furiously, trying to get as much of her juices as possible. He then lifted up and sucked her clit, this drove her crazy as her grip tightened on his head.
She was so close when Scorcher plunged his tongue back into her and started to swirl his tongue around inside of her. That was the ticket. She screamed in pure ecstasy as she climaxed, not caring who heard her, not even if it was the princess herself.
She released her grip on Scorcher who of which came up with a wet muzzle and licked his lips.” Your turn.” he said with a smile. They traded places and Echo took her place. She looked at his enlarged member, she also knew how to drive him crazy.” Are you sure you can handle me big guy?” she giggled playfully. He look down at her. “ We’ll just have to find out now wont we?” he replied.
She started at his base and licked up his entire length, making him breath heavy. She continued to lick him and look back at him with playful green eyes. She teased him further by licking around the tip and sucking it from time to time. This made him moan a little, she knew she was getting to him. She decided to give him a little more. She to his tip and sucked on it hard. Scorcher moaned some more. Echo thought this was a bit funny for a stallion of his (body) size to be reduced to begging for her to do more.
After a few more sucks she finally let him have it. She took  his member into her mouth and began to suck down. This time Scorcher moaned louder. She got half-way down before her mouth was full, if she went any further she’d gag. She began the process again, coming back up and sucking down onto him, getting moans of approval from her stallion.
Echo herself was getting wet again, she felt little by little run down her back legs. Scorcher suddenly spoke up and she prepared herself.” Echo, I’m going to cum!” She sucked down as hard and far as she could. He lost it, his seed blew into her mouth and she almost gagged from the amount he gave her, but she managed to keep it in.
He looked down at her as she let  go of his throbbing member. She smiled at him and swallowed,” Am I that good?” she teased. Scorcher just looked at her.” Uh-hu!” he sighed dumbly. He got whatever he could to compose himself.” I do think though, it’s time for the finale.”
Echo chuckled.” I do to.” She climbed on top of him and started make out with him again. Both of them grinding each others hips together and it wasn’t long at all before they were ready to go again. Echo however, was the one to brake the kiss this time.” Alright big guy I’m on top this time.” Scorcher couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He was almost always the dominant one, put he never apposed to her wanting to make him her ride.
With a careful hoof she guided his member to her entrance and then placed both hooves on his shoulders.” You’re mine tonight Scorcher.” she said with lustful eyes. Scorcher pressed into her until his rod parted her petals and slowly moved inside her. She took almost all of Scorcher in, which was impressive considering her small size and his impressive length.
Both moaned with pleasure, they loved the feeling of being connected in this manner. Slowly, Echo moved back and forth making both of them moan. Lifted himself up to where we was sitting against the headboards .  He planted a soft kiss on Echo who moaned into him. She was getting really hyped up,  she started to make short bounces onto him. He could feel himself and the sheets getting soaked with sweat and Echo’s juices.
She couldn’t stand it any more. Echo started move herself  up and down along his length. Her hips moving as fast as they could. Scorcher felt pressure building with every movement, he soon couldn’t help himself as he started to thrust up into her. She gasped in pleasure and drove herself to go faster.
She soon was felt herself about to release.” Scorcher! Ah!! I’m going cum!” she screamed between thrust.
“Me too! In or out?!” he questioned.
“Inside this time!” This was a surprise, she always made him pull out, with the exception of their first time. Echo couldn’t hold it any longer, she screamed louder than before as pleasure raced through her and she spilled out onto Scorcher. Her walls tightened around Scorchers member causing him to loose it. His love spilled into her filling her to where some seeped from her flower. They both collapsed onto the bed, both panting heavily.
Scorcher finally got himself together, and looked down at Echo who was already asleep. He found this funny, from what he heard the stallion was the one who was supposed to pass out after sex. He mentally cooed when she drowsily nuzzled under his chin.
He looked at the ring still on her hoof. It was a simple ring, a golden band with a tiny heart-shaped emerald. He also had engraved the inside of it,” Echo, I love you more than flight.”- Scorcher.
Scorcher smiled to himself and looked at the mare of his dreams, and ever so silently whispered,” and I always will.”
_____________________________________________
Sleepily, Soarin got up from his slumber to find that his wife wasn’t present. He tiredly got up and walked out of the room and down the hall to another door that was slightly open. He opened it to reveal the nursery that he and Spitfire had made for their new born colt “Sun Burn”. Inside he found Spitfire with Sun Burn in her arms, rocking him slowly with a bottle.
She was singing him the lullaby that Scorcher had sang to him when Sun Burn was born.Soarin Smiled as Sun Burn withdrew from the bottle and burped.” He was hungry, right mommy?’ he cooed Spitfire. She just looked back at Soarin with a tired smile. He walked over and gently kissed Sun Burn’s forehead and pecked Spitfires lips. I love you both so much, and no matter what… I always will.

Authors Note:
Yep its mature now and we jump right into it don't we?
Let me know on how I did, this was my first time writing a sex scene.
I like this intro alot more than the last one though, don't you?
> To Songs and Good Times
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scorcher came back to reality suddenly when he felt a hoof softly shake his shoulder. He turned his head to see his co-worker Vinyl staring at him with a smug look. He removed he headphones and shook his head,” Yeah, what is it Pon?” he asked trying to get lustful thoughts of Echo out of his head. Vinyl just shook her head,” You can have dream sex with her later. Right now we need to finish that song.”
Ever since Scorcher had started working with the Wonder Bolts, he had become a small time celebrity. He’d play the music for their shows, after parties, and had even been asked to spice up this years Grand Galloping Gala with some new tunes. He was quickly becoming famous through the radio, but all in all he only cared about making a unique sound.
“ Well I can’t finish it if Pinkie isn’t here, she’s the singer for this segment.” Scorcher protested. Vinyl just made a face that to him said,” Really,” and she pointed a hoof in the direction of the booth. Standing in there bouncing with energy was Pinkie Pie. Scorcher made a mental note to introduce Prankstar to her.
Scorcher put headphones on and turned on the mic.” Alright Pinkie you know the drill, I play my beats, you sing what is on the sheet. You ready?” Pinkie placed her headphones on and replied with enthusiasm,” Okie dokie lokie!”
Scorcher pushed a button and a soft techno beat started. He’d press buttons and twist knobs here and there to change the sound. Soon Pinkie started to sing to the beat.
Where you come from
Where you come from
I don’t really know
Something tells me
Something tells me
I should go
I say no
But we both know
That it’s to late already
And I’m already under your control
And my body is yours for tonight!
Suddenly the music stops, two seconds pass and then a blast of bass filled techno music fills the headphones. Scorcher looks over to Vinyl whom of which is going at it at her station. Scorcher knew it was dangerous to disturb her now. She was zoned into nothing but the music.  Then she stopped, Scorcher resumed playing his beat and Pinkie started to sing again.
Take the lace curtains down
let the sun flood in.
wash over the void
that you lay in with me
I say no
But we both know
That it’s to late already
And I’m already under your control
And my body is yours for tonight!
The music stops and another blast of Vinyl starts. After she finished Scorcher cut the music and spoke into the mic,” Good job Pinkie, and thanks again for doing this.” Scorcher praised. Pinkie giggled,” No problem hot head! I LOOOOOOOOOVVVVEEE SSSSSIIINNNGGG!” She exclaimed.
“Same here, if I ever need your help or you want to do another song just give me a shout ok.” Pinkie nodded her head really fast then literally bounced out of the booth.” That mare has way to much energy.” Vinyl laughed. Scorcher looked back at her,” Not really, you can never have to much energy when it comes to making music. Personally I wish I had her energy.” Scorcher replied. “ Anyways, I was going to go grab a few drinks with Prankstar at the Disc after work, you wanna tag along?”
Vinyl thought it over for a few seconds,” Sure, wait.. Is he trying to get laid again?” She gave Scorcher a quizzical look.” I don’t know probably. Ever since Echo and I got our own place it seems he just really wants to go after any mare with a nice flank.”
Sad, but true. However in his quest for pussy, Prankstar usually succeeded. He may be a klutz, but he was good with words. Except for when he met Vinyl, one try with her left him with a black eye.” Either way it’ll be fun.” Scorcher said shutting his station down.  
They exited the building where a patiently waiting Prankstar sat on a bench, beside him sat a brown bag.” There you two are! Come on lets get going.” He said now up and ready to go. Scorcher laughed,” Calm down dude, the mares will still be there when we get there. Plus I don’t want you to get stiffy before we get there.”
Vinyl had to do everything to keep from laughing and Prankstar blushed with an empty expression.” Hey not funny! That happened ONE time.” He snapped back. Scorcher chuckled,” And we don’t want that to happen again, do we?” Prankstar just sighed in defeat.
“So, eh-he, what’s in the bag?” Vinyl asked still trying not to laugh.” A magenta aura glowed in the bag and a bottle with clear liquid floated out of it.” This my friends, is Orphan Tears. I heard that not even that mare Berry Punch could handle this hooch.” Scorcher eyed the bottle, it had a little colt who had a tear running down into a shot glass.
“Come on dude, you no I don’t drink hard now.” Scorcher scoffed.” Not since me and Rainbow Dash had that scare with that moonshine that Berry made.” This time it was Prankstar’s turn to laugh,” Yeah, but you two didn’t actually sleep together. You just SLEPT together.” Prankstar shut up when he suddenly felt a soft brush under his chin.
“And I find it funny that the one mare you want will never SLEEP with you.” Vinyl teased swaying her hips and making Prankstar blush. Scorcher spoke up before he could respond to the statement,” As much as I’d love to watch you to love birds I think we should get going so we can be there on time to meet up with Echo and the others,” With that they made their way to the club.
______________________________________________________
The Disc was extremely alive tonight. Techno music blasted through the whole place and ponies were dancing like tonight was their last. Echo, Soarin, Surprise, and Rapid Fire sat comfortably in their V.I.P booth, busily chatting away.” So Soarin,” Surprise got the stallions attention.” How’s Spitfire and the foal?”
“Spitfire and I Both are exhausted. Sun Burn is fine, but he’s been getting us up late at night and wont go to sleep until Spitfire sings him to sleep.” He replied taking a sip of his cider. Surprise turned her attention to Echo. “What about you Echo?” She asked. Echo looked at her quizzically,” What about me?”
“Well, with all the Fun you and Scorcher have, I’d expect you to be with foal already.” She said with a smile. Echo immediately turned red and couldn’t manage to say anything but,” What?!” Surprise laughed hysterically,” You know what I mean. We all heard you scream his name in when you two were in your office yesterday.” Echo looked at the others who both wore huge grins and were nodding in agreement.
“Well I told you to try to be quite yesterday  little mare.” A deep voice said and Echo felt a kiss on her red cheek. She looked up to see Scorchers amber eyes staring right back into hers. She gave him a her best pout face which made Scorcher chuckle.” Come on, you know you liked what got.” Echo sighed with defeat and just rolled her eyes. Scorcher slid in beside her.
Echo looked around,” I thought you said Prankstar and maybe Vinyl was coming.” She said. Scorcher looked at her with a look of amusement and pointed a hoof over at the bar. Echo followed his hoof and sure enough found the grey unicorn stallion and white mare in question sitting at the bar chatting with each other.
_____________________________________
“Prankstar come on you really!” Vinyl exclaimed.” If you actually think you can beat me in a drinking contest than you ARE crazier than I thought.” Prankstar stared at her with a confident smile.” Then why don’t you put your money where mouth is?” He teased. Vinyl snorted,” Fine.”
Prankstar brought out the bottle of the bag and Vinyl asked for two shot glasses. The bartender set the glasses in front of them and Prankstar opened the bottle which made a loud hiss. He filled both glasses and then they both picked up them up.” To songs and good times.” Prankstar toasted. They clinked their glass and took the shot.
Never had either of them have not been able to handle liquor until this particular clear liquid entered their mouths. They both went wide eyed and dry heaved once they were able to swallow.” Dear Luna, da fuck is this shit?” Vinyl coughed. Prankstaar looked at the bottle and then Vinyl, slowly a grim smile came across his face.” I recognize that look, what’re you thinking?”
“ You see those two mares over there?” Prankstar nodded in a direction and Vinyl followed his gaze to two mares. One a purple unicorn and the other a white.” Yeah what about em?” she asked. Prankstar asked for two more shot glasses and poured some of the liquor in them. He motioned for a nearby waiter to come over to him.” Send these two shots over to those two mares.”
They watched as the waiter went over and placed the shots in front of the two mares. Picked up and threw their heads back to take the shot, and as soon as they took it the purple mare spit it right out and the white one swallowed with a disgusting expression. Both Prankstar and Vinyl couldn’t speak they were laughing way too hard.
Vinyl composed herself again and punched Prankstar in the shoulder.” You’re such a dick dude.” she laughed. Prankstar just shrugged,” You laughed too smart one.” They both shared another chuckle. Suddenly the song “Sweet Shop” blared through the clubs speakers.
“ Dude I love this song,” Vinyl turned to Prankstar.” Wanna dance?” she asked with a smile, bobbing her head to the beat. Prankstar gave her a stern look,” Promise not to give me a black eye?” he asked. Vinyl laughed,” You keep your hooves off my flank and I’ll keep mine off your face.” With that she got up and lead him to the dance floor.
_______________________________________________
It was about one in the morning before everypony left the club together. Soarin obviously left early to get home to Spitfire, as for the other’s they headed home with Scorcher and Echo. Echo along with everypony else, save Scorcher, was hammerd.” H-Hey Scorcher.” Prankstar slurred.” Why d-d-do we have to go home with you? I’m not too far fro-URP-from hur.”
“Because you and the others are wasted and I don’t want to have too bail you out of jail for trying to flirt with some guard.” Scorcher chuckled re-thinking about that nights events. Prankstar came right up and hugged Scorcher.” You good friend dude, y-you’re a good friend. I love you dude.” Scorcher sigheed, this was going to take a while.
____________________________________________________
The next day everyone save for two ponies were present at breakfast.” Ohhhhh, never again.” Echo wailed holding her head. Scorcher laughed,” And that’s why I don’t drink much.” Echo stuck her tongue out him and Scorcher laughed again.” You’re too cute. I can’t take you seriously when you do that.” Echo just stared him down and cursed him under her breath.
Rapidfire sipped his coffee and grunted,” You two are all over each other you know that.” Scorcher just chuckled,” Aw come on Rapid. You’ll find a mare someday. Hopefully she’ll turn up soon so I don’t have to deal with you and your gloomy attitude.” Rapidfire chuckled,” Fuck you.”
“Speaking of fuck you,” Vinyl spoke up taking a sip of her orange juice.” What happened to Prankstar?” Everyone shrugged except Scorcher.” And Surprise isn’t present either.” Rapidfire claimed. Scorcher just shook his head. All at the same time everyone looked at him,” What?”
“ They went to the guest room last night, and you guy’s are lucky you were hammered. Those two kept me up for awhile longer.” Vinyl burst out into laughter.
______________________________________________
Prankstar awoke to the sound of laughter and a pounding headache.” This is the worst part.” he grunted. He looked over at the clock, it read half-past ten.” It’s a good thing I don’t work today, my boss would kill me.” He yawned and stretched out, but stopped when he felt something soft and warm.
He rolled over to find a softly snoring Surprise.” OH SHIT!” he mentally screamed.” I FUCKED A CELBRITY!”
> The Sons
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a blank room, sat a cuffed earth stallion. A metal table with a tape recorder and a video camera sat in front of him. Then at the other side of the room was a one way window of which he knew, that on the other side somepony watched his every move. 

He was average height, a lean fellow capable of moving at the speed of a racing Pegasus if allowed to do so. His  green eye’s not budging, and the muscles under his light brown fur were ever so tense. He sat there not knowing what would happen in the hours to come. 

The door clicked and slowly opened, the stallion smiled. Closing the door behind himself the other stallion walked over and took a seat across form him.” Long time… no see… Soarin.” he said half crazed. Soarin stared him in the eyes and the other stallion into his.

“ I should kill you. Right here, right now.” Soarin said softly. The other stallion just chuckled,” What? You think I was involved with what happened to Spitfire? That’s insulting Soar.” his tone turned to a threatening growl.” I would never do that to any mare. Let… alone… Spitfire.”

Soarin nodded in agreement.” Yes, I know that. However… However you went and slaughtered that homeless mare and her two FUCKING FILLIES! Gravel, you KILLED foals. Fucking newborns.” Gravel’s face showed no emotion. Soarin backed off a bit.

“I heard you have a foal now, a colt.” his grin returned.” What happens when Nova finally gets to you Soarin? To your family? What then?” he chuckled.” Because I sure as fuck, want to know how you intend to protect them.” Soarin kept his rage from showing, but Gravel knew him, and he knew that he was getting to him.

“Come on Soar tell me!” Gravel laughed playfully.” Tell me what the fuck you’ll do, when he’s got that blade of his dug into Spitfires jugular. Then he goes over  to your sons crib and…” Soarin snapped he got up and slammed Gravels head into the table.

He kept his head pressed down there and saw blood trickle from Gravel’s muzzle. He leaned over him and whispered,” What I intend to do is find him. Then, when I do… first I’ll cut off his balls, then I’ll slowly skin him alive. I’ll do this so he can feel everything he’s done to anypony.”

Soarin let go of Gravel and walked out of the room, leaving the door open. Then came in a larger red stallion who slammed the door behind him. The stallion proceeded to take Gravel and pin him to the wall.” Do remember Storm Hooves?” he growled.

Gravel laughed.” I finally get to meet the Stallion who killed my brother face to face then.” The stallion raised a hoof and struck Gravel hard across the face, blood dripped from his mouth now.” Unlike Soarin, I don’t like to play games. A friend of ours is going to come in and talk to you. You answer the questions that he ask you. I’d think that’s simple enough for you to handle.” The stallion growled.

He sat Gravel back down in his seat and tapped both sides of his head.” I don’t want to come back in here, but you deceive us, and I will kill you.” and with that he left. 
___________________________________________________
Three weeks had passed since Prankstar slept with Surprise, however one minute and thirty- five seconds when since he found out that she was…”Pregnant.” he finally let out. HEY! I’m the writer here! I was supposed to tell them not you. The ponies I put up with.

Surprise just stared back with tears in her eye’s.” Surprise I used a rubber that night. How the fuck could I get you pregnant?” he asked irritably.” It must have broke. I haven’t had sex with anypony  since you and it’d been three months since me and Rapidfire had a quickie.

“Well then what do we… wait, you had sex with Rapid?” Surprise grew angry.” IS THAT WHAT YOU GOT FROM THAT!” she yelle

> Hard Steel
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gravels vision was blurred; the last thing he remembered was a sharp prick in his neck, then nothing just black nothingness.”Usually I’m a very polite stallion,” said a burry voice,” However I make exceptions if the situation calls for it.” Then Gravels vision focused in to see that he was sitting inside a new room, actually it looked as if he were in an abandoned warehouse and was again tied to a chair. 
“Mrmrmhum?” Was all that came out of Gravels mouth as he found that his mouth was taped shut. Then out of a dark corner, the large red stallion from earlier appeared.”Now you must be thinking I’m here just to interrogate you. Well, ha that would be a huge fucking understatement.” Gravel just sat there watching the stallions every move.”Soarin I think we need to introduce Gravel to our  *SPECIAL* friend.” The stallion said with a smile. Soarin appeared out of the blackness and opened a door that lead out of the warehouse.
A young stallion around the age of fourteen or fifteen, wearing a red hoody walked in. He was average height for his age, a purple coat, and a white mane. He stared at gravel with those cold, hateful blue eyes. The larger stallion walked out of the warehouse and Soarin followed, but not stopping to whisper something to the younger stallion, an evil grin came across the stallions face and Soarin walked out.
The young stallion walked up to gravel and sized him up looking at every inch of his body.”Sorry if I stare,” He said in a deep Manehattan voice.”It’s just been a long time.” The stallion pulled up a chair in front of Gravel and sat down.
“Now I know for a fact… that you don’t remember me, but I remember you damn well.” Gravels face twisted in confusion. Then the stallion said in an anger shaken voice,” I remember the blood of my mother and my two NEWBORN sisters… covering your hooves. I remember being too little to do something. How helpless I felt to do something.” He had tears of hatred dripping out of his eyes.
“MNMHMHMRM!” Gravel tried to say. The stallion looked back up at him, stood up, and put a hoof on Gravels shoulder.” I’m bigger now, and now you’re the one who’s going to feel helpless.” He said taping Gravels cheeks. He walked over to a table and turned on a lamp that was on it, and Gravels eyes went wide with fear. The table had several mechanical and surgical tools that… in the hands of this mad stallion, Gravel could only imagine what he’d do.
“Let us start small. By the way I forgot to tell you, my name is Hard Steel.”He said plainly, Picking up a tool that looked sort of like jack of sorts. Steel ripped off the tape covering Gravels mouth and shoved the device in his mouth. He then proceeded to push a little button and the device forced open Gravels mouth.”Wa a hck?” Gravel managed to say. 
Steel returned with a pair of pliers and Gravels eyes went wide again.”Now say ahhh Gravel.” He grabbed Gravels upper left molar and started to twist. Gravel screamed as he felt his tooth being savagely ripped from its roots. Steel pulled hard and out came the tooth. He sat their looking and laughing at the tooth.”I’m surprised at you Gravel.” Steel chuckled.” You haven’t been brushing like you should be. I mean come on dude, this right here is pathetic.”
“HCK U!” Gravel yelled. Steel looked at him.” Just shut up dude” He said going in to rip out another molar. Gravel Screamed in agony as each of his molars were torn from his mouth. Blood poured from his mouth as he heard the clink of the last molar being put onto the table. Then Steel brought something yellow over. Gravel recognized it; it was a lemon that had been cut in half.”Let’s get that taste out of your moth shall we?” He proceed to squeeze lemon juice over the spaces that used to hold Gravels molars. 
The burning pain in Gravels mouth was indescribable as he screamed again. He was silenced by a hoof colliding with his face.”SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Steel Screamed and Gravel shut up, but still whimpered form the pain.”SHUT THE FUCK UP! SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Steel took a second to recompose himself, took the device out of Gravels mouth, and he sat in the chair again.
“Now listen to me Gravel, you’re going to die.” Gravel started to cry silently.” But you can end it now if you want. All you have to do to make this pain stop is to just ask.” Gravel spit in Steels face, a red spray covered his face. Steel grabbed a small cloth and wiped his face.” Fine then, have it your way.” Steel said taking a new piece of tape and covering up Gravels mouth with it.
Steel walked back over to the table and pondered for a moment, slowly looking at the different tools. He grabbed a scalpel, a hammer, and two flat stakes, one being longer than the other. He placed them on the table and went back to grab some rope. He used it to tie both of Gravels back legs to the chair. He went back on last time to grab a syringe off the table and fill it with a clear liquid.” Pure adrenaline.” Steel exclaimed flicking the syringe to get the air bubbles out.”I want you to feel every bit of this.” He said stabbing Gravel in the neck and filling his body with the energizing fluid. 
Steel sat across from him, scooting a little closer, and pulling up the table with the tools on it. He took the scalpel and very carefully sliced open gravels back right leg. Gravel howled in absolute agony and looked in horror as he looked town to see his bone through the bloody mess of his leg. Steel took the other half of the lemon and squirted juice all over the wound. Gravel arched his back and bellowed in pain.
“SHUT UP!” Steel yelled hitting him again. Steel placed the scalpel back on the table and picked up the shorter stake, and hammer. He placed the point of the stake vertically on the exposed bone and raised the hammer.”This may sting a little.” Steel said chuckling. He came down hard on the stake, and Gravel cried out as he felt his bone split in the middle. Steel came back up and hammered the stake again, this time the stake went all the way through the bone. Steel placed the hammer back on the table and looked at what he’d done, something caught his eye. 
He looked under Gravels leg and saw a little nub, right beneath where the stake had been hammered. He used both his hooves and pressed up around the nub. Eventually the skin broke and the point of the stake protruded from the bottom of Gravels leg.
Steel laughed,”I actually think I’m going to need to for this.” He got up, walked over and grabbed another stake, one that was the same size as the one on the table. He picked up the other stake and without warning, stabbed both of Gravels back legs impaling both of them to the other.
Gravel tried to scream, but not even a mumble came out. The adrenaline was definitely the only thing keeping him awake. Steel ripped out the stakes out of Gravels legs and stabbed him in the shoulders. Gravel knew that it was useless to even try to scream any more, no pony was going to save him, he was going to die there, at the hooves of an enraged teenager.
“Mwt.” He said softly. Steel looked at him with a face of an insane being. He ripped off the tape covering Gravels mouth.”What was that?” he asked. Gravel took a second to catch his breath.”Kill me, please just… kill me.” He begged. Steel just nodded,”Alright.” He said softly.
He picked up the Scalpel and placed it to Gravels throat. Steel and Gravel just sat there at that moment, pondering the events that lead up to this moment of intensity.”Do it.” Gravel said in an angry tone.” Come on, do it, KILL ME MOTHER FUCKER!!!” That’s when he felt the blade slice his throat.
Blood rushed from the slash and Gravel slowly felt the life being drained from his body. He closed his eyes and heard Steel laugh,”I told you, all you had to do was ask.” Then nothing, just black nothingness.
Steel leaned back in his chair and watched as more blooded flowed out of Gravels lifeless body. He shook his head,”I knew you wouldn’t last long you stupid prick.” He said relieved it was over. He walked over to the table and picked up two canisters. He opened one and soaked Gravels body in it, he made trail using the other canister until he reached the door and he flung the liquid everywhere at the entrance.
He opened the door and walked out leaving it open. He turned around and pulled at a small box, he opened it and picked up a match and stroked it on the side of the box, and it lit. He tossed the match into the door way and the fire from the match immediately spread through the liquid. Steel just turned around and walked away.  
He thought back to his mother , what she would've thought of this. “I’m sorry mom,” Steel said with a tear coming to his eye.”I tried.”
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Soarin looked at his glass, the clear liquid inside was failing to comfort him.”Have fun.” He muttered as he threw back another shot.”Soarin if it helps, I think what you did was right.” Spitfire said from the other side of the room.” I agree.” Echo said looking at Scorcher who was still in shock from what he just allowed to happen.
“ All I look I saw on that colts face,” Scorcher started,”Was the same look I had on my face when I killed Storm.” He said shakily. Then for some reason he thought about something he hadn't thought of in awhile. He thought about Cool Breeze.