> Igniting Hope
>  by Theta
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Step 1:Getting away
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 (This is anthromorphism, meaning ponies are more of a hybrid between ponies and humans. In this story, ponies will have hands and hooves, and will dress in human attire.)



There I sat, front row, window seat; on a train going away. My wings pressed against my back, the feeling was and still is strange to me. It’s a feeling that I do not care for, something she always had me do. I care not for where I was going, so long as it was away from here; a long ways away. I had no idea how long this ride would be, but I hoped it would be fast; I didn't want any part of my past catching up with me. Tears trickled down my cheeks, my eyes were a red mess, and my life in pieces. This was the last straw, the breaking point, and nothing could be worse. I could never go back, never, never, never... he was practically my brother.

I left behind a great friend, an amazing dad, and my very way of life. Albeit, my father and....him were the only things keeping me sane back there, it was still better than nothing. While my dad was a great guy, always supportive of whatever I chose to do, he couldn't do anything to help me overcome this. I loved him, and he was always the favorite of my two parents, but Nastic Winter was always there, keeping my sanity intact; even when things went to hell. From our first game, all the way through my parents divorce; he was there. But now, as we face college scholarships, he had to be taken away. Celestia, this wasn't fair. He had so much more to live for, much more than I; why not me? Why take him, his future was bright, and mine so dull. 

While I wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my jacket, I realized that it was pointless trying to conceal my tears and it had only made it worse. I wanted to cry, no I needed to cry. I didn’t care who saw me, who judged me, who knew me. They don’t know what happened. They have no idea what, no who, I had lost. They didn’t understand how much I had depended on him, how long we had known each other; how much we had gone through. I glared down at my lacrosse stick, wanting both to break it and to cling onto it, and found that I could only stare at it. Not much else I could've done, not much else I wanted to do, not much else that could be done.

By Celestia, my mom was right; sports were a lost cause. They did nothing but play with your emotions, letting you believe the impossible, and in the end do nothing to improve ones life. I could have studied harder, go into college for my brains, not my athletic ability. Maybe if I had done that I could have avoided this tragic incident. Maybe I wouldn’t be running. No, that’s stupid. Even if I had quit, he wouldn’t have. By the stars, I’d give anything to see him one last time, to say what I should have said, to say a final “peace, dude”. I’d send my soul to Tartarus just to see him again. I’d ship it first class, overnight to the Discord himself.

I had taken a quick look around, and seeing nopony in this cart, I decided to lay my head back and try to catch some sleep. I didn’t know how far 250 bits could get me, but I know it would buy me at least three hours of sleep. Finally, I closed my tired eyes, I could only see his final moments. 



Seeing that ball hit Nastic square in the chest; the doctor saying his death was instant. The memory wasn’t but a few hours old at that point, the game had ended when my best friend keeled over. And it was my fault, I had to throw the damn ball. I couldn’t have held onto it like a normal player would have. The thought of it made my stomach churn, I killed him! It was my fault. I will never let this down, I will never forget this. I just wanted him to get that goal, and guarantee a college scholarship. I could never go now... both because they didn’t want me, and the fact it wouldn’t have been right. I couldn’t do that to “Natti”.

The car ride back to my mom’s place was everything but silent. She didn’t feel sympathy towards anything that just happened, and instead of a silent car ride, which I preferred in the first place, it was a lecture. I heard it all before, but now it was like rubbing salt and lemon juice in an open wound. It stung, and it stung real bad; it was a low blow, even by her standards.
“What did I tell you? All sports bring are wild emotions and sadness. But no, you couldn’t just study, like I wanted you to. You had to chase your silly dreams. You had to play your stupid game. ‘There was no other way you could get into college’, you said. I hope this teaches you a lesson. I hope this makes you quit that stupid sport. I hope you can never go anywhere near that game again.” Her voice so metallic, so cold. 
I didn't respond. I couldn’t respond to that. Growing up, I never believed in that phrase ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’, but now I’d rather have my bones broken than listen to this. This had hurt me more than the time I had broken my ribs, more than my first concussion. In my mind, the guilt hurt worse than dying.
“When we get home, wash all your pads, your jersey, and yourself. You’ll have to look presentable when you sell all of your gear.”
By that point, the tears were rolling freely out of my eyes, running down my cheek like water in a stream. No sobs, no runny nose; just tears. I stared directly at the floor of the car, unable to lift my head. I didn’t want anyone to see me right now. I didn’t want to talk. Silence is what I wished for, a silence to remember him. I felt the back of a hand slap the back of my head.
“...Are you even listening to me? I said you’re no longer allowed to go over to your fathers house. I’m going out tomorrow to get full custody over you, since he is obviously a bad influence on you.”
No, I thought. Not that! Anything but that! The day had officially gone from horrible, to downright shitty. I knew about the bad blood between my parents, but I had always sided with my dad. If anything, he would’ve had some empathy towards my situation. He would have tried his best to cheer me up.
“Are you daft, child?! Get your flank inside the house!”
I looked up, and had realized that we were sitting in the driveway of my moms house. I didn’t respond, just opened the door and ran inside, straight to my room. I couldn’t stay there, not with her. She was the last person I wanted to live with. I quickly grabbed my Canterlot Guard jacket, threw on a pair of jeans,a white undershirt and laced up my brown leather boots. I packed a small bag that consisted of a pack of cigarettes, a lighter, a few lacrosse balls, and a team picture, along with my wallet. As I headed towards the door, that inhumane voice cut into my eardrums, “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”
With my eyes still leaking tears, I responded in the same cold voice directed at me, “Away.”
And that was it. I heard the stereotypical ‘You’ll regret this’, and ‘Don’t come back!’. Heh. Hell, I didn’t even plan on looking back. She didn’t really care, she just wanted the check that came in the mail every month. She never cared, she never wanted to see me succeed. I was a scapegoat for everything she did wrong in her life, everything she regretted. Everything she needed to scream about.
“How much far will 250 bits get me?”, I asked, half not even paying attention
Mumbling was all I heard in response.
“I’ll take one ticket there,” I said coldly, laying out the currency on the desk and retrieving the offered ticket, uncaring about where I was headed.



Grumble... My eyes fluttered open, the realisation that I had forgot to pack food hitting me like a brick wall. Hmmm wonder how much longer this train ride will be... My ears quickly perked up from the flatness of my head, I had found directly behind me was a family of four; a mother, daughter, son, and father. Perfect family, I thought, Hope they don’t have the problems mine did. I rose out of my seat, needing a good stretch, as my wings were pressed against my back for far too long. Man, am I hungry. Walking down the aisle towards the bathroom, I bump into a co-conductor, “Hey, dude, you know how far we are away from the destination?” I quickly inquired, still unsure of where exactly I was going.
“Hmm. Well, it’s been about three hours since we left Coltcinnati, so I’d say we’re about halfway to Ponyville,” the earth pony said, checking his watch.
“Thanks, bro,” I hastily replied, “Excuse me, I gotta take a leak,”
  Ahh, sweet relief, I thought as I emptied my bladder. Man, three more hours on this thing. Two hundred and fifty bits can get a pony far, after all. I went to wash my hands, but I noticed that instead of a sink, there was a sanitizer dispenser. Ugh, I hate the smell of this stuff. Walking out of the small washroom, the realisation dawned on me, I could have gone to my old man’s place...by Celestia, I’m stupid. He’s probably worried sick, I should call him when I get to this...Ponyville, was it?

With nothing else to do, I decided to just go back to sleep. In the least, it should have been an adequate cover up for my crying. Closing my eyes and drifting into sleep, his face appeared  almost immediately before my closed eyes. The strangest thing was...he didn’t look angry...
“No way....no bucking way!” I screamed in my head. “I-is it really you? Why now? I killed you...nonononononononono...” the memories flooding back into my head.
“Bro, you gotta calm down. Everything’s fine, I’m not mad. I couldn’t be mad at my brother, not after all these years, dude,” he maintained his usual calm face, and soothing voice. No anger could be detected in his voice, nothing!
“But I-I-I-I-I killed you! You shouldn’t be calm, man! You’re dead! Shouldn't you, I don’t know, be pissed at me?” I asked, stuttering with both nervousness and disbelief.
“My time was coming sooner or later, man. I just...y’know, accepted it. Look, I don’t get much time here. I just want you to know- I forgive you. And you were the best dude I ever knew. Please, just live your life. Don’t dwell on this, don’t forget me.” 
And with that, he vanished.

Quickly jolting upwards from my slumber, I found myself yelling, “NOOOO!” Like clockwork, the waterworks decided to turn on again. Tears flooded from my eyes, still reeling from the dream. Luna be damned, goodbyes are never easy. “You may forgive me, but I never will. I promise never to forget you,” I quietly mumbled.

Waking up for the third time was weird, it's been awhile since I had been that wishy-washy with sleep. I noted that the sun was on the horizon and about to set, I figure I had been out for about two hours, give or take. Damn, should have grabbed my watch, or at least remembered to grab my cell (phone). Looking down, I noticed that my bag rolled under my seat, and that my lacrosse stick was strewn across the floor. I felt my cheeks go red, unsure of whether or not it showedunder my brown fur, I hate attracting any unnecessary attention. 


I was almost certain I was talking in my sleep, because looking around I was met with alien stares and odd looks directed at me. Why did he have to visit in my dreams, Celestia, that’s going to make it so much harder to leave everything behind. Taking a quick glance at my stick, I noticed that the shooting strings were coming loose. Finally, something that can take my mind off him. I easily undid the strings, manipulating them with no effort. I’m quite OCD when it comes to stringing and taping my stick. I decided to put one up top, near the top of the head and instead of doing one directly under that, I made two U’s. One small and one large, to create a better channel for the ball to travel down, ultimately making my shots and passes more accurate. Here’s so that an accident like that, will never happen again.

I reached into my bag, and fished out a lacrosse ball. Hard to believe a rubber thing like this can kill. I carefully set the ball into the pocket of the stick, which for me, sat high on the head. This meant that I had more hold on the ball, which meant I had to pass and shoot higher and harder to dislodge the ball; basically it meant that I had a stronger shot. Instinctively, I immediately start rocking the ball in my stick, cradling is what most called it. Glancing out the window, I came to the realisation that the sun had set, and the destination was close.

> Step 2:Thoughts and Dreams
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Writing in first person. Again only constructive criticism only! Nothing negative. Anywho, I wrote a good part of this chapter without Divide, as we did not get this far. Stay good dude, and you're in my prayers!)




The train slowed down, indicating the approach to the station, and my new home. Buck me, where will I even live? I don’t have any money, and everyone will expect me to be in school. How did I forget about school? How am I going to enroll, they would be expecting my parents to do that, and if anything, they'll do a background check on me. I wonder if they have uniforms? Oh, Celestia, I only have the clothes on my back, within a week I’ll stink like a bum! Taking out my wallet, I saw a single note, marked 50 bits on it; barely enough for two meals. Hmm, should I cut a meal and buy a change of clothes? Getting a hotel room is out of the question, wonder if there are any trees near by... The thought in my head made me face-hoof faster than one could say duh! I’m a pegasus, I can just find a cloud. Gah, I really am useless, should have spent more time in school like she told me too... 

The train eventually came to a complete standstill, and I simply walked off of it. No questions, no answers, no nothing...just the way I like it. Looking up, I immediately searched for a cloud above this small town. No sense to try to wander around, not after dark. If it’s anything like Coltcinnati, then it’s already gotten too dangerous to walk the streets. Might as well fly up to that cloud and lay down for the night. I started flying toward the cloud, the moon illuminating the fluff, and had made it visible in the black of the night. By the time I arrived at the cloud, I started to notice how small the town really was. Only a little bigger than a village, probably a very low crime rate, if any at all. This cloud is so damn comfortable, wonder why I didn’t do this back home! I found myself unable to sleep, my thoughts had drifted towards who I lost, who I left, and who I am. I was always told I was a tough son of a mare, but is that really true? I mean, I’m running away, something that even the weakest of people wouldn’t do. Oh well, at least no one here knows me, in any way, shape or form.[/i] The stars tonight are simply amazing, each one glistening like diamonds. 

I came to the realization that I had lost track of time, the sunrise met my eyes with it's warm rays, which indicated the start to my new life. No one knew the name Torque Ignitor, and most importantly; no one knows my past, and I aim to keep it that way. First things first, gotta get a job. I guess this counts me as a drop out, heh if only I could see the look on her face when she realizes that too. Wonder what kind of job I can get, I mean my cutie mark was just a flame with two crossed lacrosse sticks, not many jobs that require either of those things. *grumble* man am I hungry, wonder what they got in this small town, I thought, making my way towards the towns market. I approached an empty market, must still be too early for anyone to be out here. Might as well look around town.

Such beauty in this town, each building had it’s own personality, this Sugar Cube Corner was completely built to liken gingerbread and other sweets! And Carousel Boutique is so....so amazing to say the least, I mean look at it! It has high class written all over it, no doubt that place is expensive. This town seems perfect, right down to the smallest detail, the clouds drift lazily, the grass green, and the ponies so nice. 



> Step 3: Standing Tall
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hmm, wonder if they have any apple stands. Can't tell you why, but I really want an apple right  now. My bag was now lazily tossed across my back, and my lacrosse stick firmly grasped in my hands. The taping on my stick now a complete mess, torn and ripped in various places, and no longer has any grip to it. But it's been like this for a few seasons now, I don't replace it because I love the look of it. Each rip tells a different story, each dent has a tale, and each scratch has a background. Man I could stare at these things all day, and still not be bored. Wonder if anyone here plays? Nah, probably a few old timers, but no one my age. Looking up, I found myself in the middle of the market place, with all eyes on me. Damn, must've been talking to myself... I quickly lowered my head, and had put a dim-witted grin upon my face and quickly walked away. As I have stated before, I hate drawing attention to myself, I've never been good around others; and without Nastic here, I probably won't have much of a social life, either. Bet ol' Natti would already have a few girls numbers here by now... Celestia I'm pitiful, not to mention an idiot and a killer... 

A tear ran down my face, reminding me of my sorrow. That single tear tripped the memories of the day before, those memories persistent to haunt me. He told me not to feel guilty, but who wouldn't? I happily spotted an apple stand, with a orange furred mare who ran it. I almost sprinted to be the first in line, the apples taunting me to eat them. 

"Howdy there, partner! Ya'll interested in an apple? Finest in Equestria here!," her southern voice contradicted how fast she was talking. 

"Yeah! I mean yes, I would love to purchase a few apples. How much for three?,"  I quickly respond in excitement.

"That'll be 6 bits, sugarcube! Hmm, I ain't seen you 'round here before, ya new to town?," the blonde pony asked, with genuine curiosity.

"Here  you go," I state, handing over the coins, "I just came in last night.," I finished with a depressed voice, the question reminded me of what I ran away from.

"Thank ya kindly! By the way, I'm AppleJack, it's a pleasure to meet you...pardon me I didn't catch your name?," 

"I'm Torque. Torque Ignitor, it's nice to meet you miss AppleJack.," I replied with a small smile and a nod.

"Well, Torque, I guess I'll be seein' you at school and around town then.," as she finished, the idea of school freezing me in my tracks.

"Uhh, yeah maybe. We'll see about school.," I hastily responded.

The first bite into one of her apples could only be described as orgasmic. Those apples have to have something else added to them, no apple I have ever tasted has ever been this sweet! I mean sure candied apples were amazing, but these easily topped those. And they aren't even covered in sticky caramel! I started thinking, and soon realized that I had already gone through one apple. Making sure I got all the meat off the fruit, I tossed what was left into a nearby garbage can.

Convenient. I quickly start on the next one in my bag, but not even those delicious apples could distract me from my thoughts. Gah, what am I going to do when I see her next? I mean I can't even enroll in school, my parents don't know I'm here, and that's the way it's going to stay! Still, it's going to be awkward when I have to explain I'm a runaway. I quickly devoured the apple in my hand, and tossed it into the same garbage can, and had noticed that I had been standing in the same spot for awhile now. 

Walking away, I came to the decision that I would need to find a job of some sort. No matter what, I need a place to stay, too. Fall is coming, and it's starting to get chilly out. Not even my Canterlot Guard jacket can protect me from the nearing elements. I wonder how many employers won't ask questions about where I'm from. I came back from my thoughts, only to see that I had knocked down a grey-blue furred mare. Ahh, in the name of the Creator, I've got to be the clumsiest stallion ever. No wonder mare's don't find me attractive. I had quickly lowered my hand to her, and brought her to her hooves with ease. "S-Sorry about that, I was...was just lost in my head.," I stuttered as I tried to find the right words.

She just stared at me, and after a few seconds I noticed something; her eyes, they're at completely different angles! Dude that's sweet! "Uhh, hello anypony home?," I sputtered, and found that she didn't not respond.
At last I heard a very bubbly voice say, "Oh, sorry mister! No pony has ever helped me back up before is all. In fact, I'm usually the one that is apologizing! It's finally good that it's the other way around. Oh..I mean no I don't want to make you feel bad, I mean it was probably just as much my fault, as yours. If not more so!"

I let out a lifeless laugh, "That isn't right. No matter who one is, one should always help another pony up. And miss, I take full responsibility for knocking you over, I'm an idiot whose always caught up in his thoughts. Say you got really sweet eyes, dude."


At this her smile faded, and a saddened look appeared on the once happy face, "Y'know mister, it's not nice to make fun of somepony you just met."

Making fun of her? I really do like her eyes though, I mean they're so surreal. So odd, out of the ordinary, it's what makes her stand out. "Miss, I would never. I, uh, I have had bullies too. I really meant what I said, you have amazing eyes. Celestia strike me down if I'm lying. What's your name? I must know it, you'll never be forgotten in my mind. Not with those awesome eyes, anyway."

"It's-" she is cut short by a very deep voice, and shroud of laughter. "Hey guys look! Derpy's got a boyfriend! Hey Derpy, who's the unlucky stallion?" A rather large earth pony asks. 

The mare quickly hid behind my arm, looking down at the ground in terror. "It's Torque, and I don't think I like how you spoke to this fine mare."

"Fine? Have you seen her eyes? She's a fuckin' retard!," the stallion is quick to lay out his words.

"Yeah, you heard me; fine. Why do you pick on her? I happen to like how her eyes are, it sets her out from the norm, makes her who she is.," I growled.

"I think your vision is just as screwed up as hers is, bro. I mean look at her, she's ugly as sin, and only Celestia herself would stand to be around her."

"Look man, take your crew and get lost. Can't you see you're hurtin' her?," I asked in mock coolness. 

The laughter of the group ceases, and the large stallion approached me, "Look I suggest you drop the act, you ain't scarin' no one.," and just like that I found myself looking straight into the earth beneath me. He punched me...man there is no way I can beat him, might as well let him get tired... Either he'll tire out or I'll die. After this thought, I am turned over and am witness to a fury of punches. Each one connecting with the side of my head, I counted 1..2..3..4..5- and that's it, I'm out. 


"Dude, get up! Don't let that son of a mule beat you up like that! C'mon Torque, you can take him...just you gotta get up man!," Natstic's voice cut into my cerebellum like a razor.

I slowly rose to find the blonde pegasus on the ground, with a black eye. That's it. You've gone too far. The group of bullies was dead ahead, and I was out for blood. Leaving my lacrosse stick and bag on the ground, I slowly started my sprint, still dizzy from the punches to my head, and my wings started flapping wildly. I could finally feel my hooves leave the ground. Full speed ahead, I shoulder checked the groups leader in the back, forcing him to the ground. His cronies only watched in astonishment. 

"Dude, you never beat up on a mare. Never. Didn't your parents ever teach you that?," I started in on his home life, half in amusement and half in anger. 

I started throwing punches like there was no tomorrow, making sure that I hit everywhere on his upper body. There I sat on top of a stallion almost twice my size, standing up for what's right. "Oof," I spewed out along with my breath, finding yet again to be on the ground, taking punches. A crack sounded from a punch, and a quick surge of pain in my chest confirmed that I had broken a rib. Fuck it. It's on now, you stupid son of a changeling! With adrenaline rushing throughout my body, I pushed the stallion off of me with full force, and once again sat atop him, this time only throwing punches to the head. CRACK. Yet another wave of pain met me, as it shot up my arm, but I looked down finding that he was bleeding from the mouth, and unable to close it. 

With a malicious grin on my face, I rose over the stallion, "Look, I was never here got it? You don't ever, and I mean ever, talk to that mare or me again. If you so much as glance at her again, I will break every bone in your body. Got it?," anger and adrenaline talked to the stallion. 

All he could manage to do was nod in terror, and just like that I got up and ran back to the grey-blue pegasus. Upon arrival, I saw that she still lay unconscious. Dear Celestia, please be alright... I slung both my bag and the mare on my back, picking up my stick with one hand and holding onto the passed out mare with the other. I stumbled through the street, and eventually reached a tree building with a book sign on the outside of it. I approached, knocked on the door and...well everything went black after that. 

"I'm proud of what you did, dude. Not many ponies, especially a pegasus, could endure that kind of beating. I'll be waiting till next time dude, but right now you gotta get up!," his voice rocking my soul.

I opened my eyes to find five mares talking next to me. "Ugh.," is all I could muster up, my rib cage felt like Tartarus. And as if on queue, all eyes were thrust upon me, the first pony I saw was the one that the bullies called 'Derpy'. Tears running out of her eyes, she quickly perked up and a smile crept its way onto her face.

"Thank Celestia! I thought you had died. Don't scare me like that!," sincerity and fear in her voice.

"Hey, you never," I clenched my side in pain, the look must have worried the lot of them, as they all closed in around me, "I'm fine, anyway I never got your name, miss." I finished through grit teeth, the pain growing worse and worse as I lay awake.

"It's Ditzy Doo. And thank you sososososososososososososososososo much for standing up for me, you're the first stallion to ever do that, I mean stand up for me like that!," at that, she starts crying once more, and is quick to give me a hug. A fast cringe makes her release me, but I didn't want that hug to end. She smells like muffins and sunshine...wait sunshine? Aww shit, here I go again...

I awoke once more in a different room, a purple painted bedroom with bandages around my rib cage. On the nightstand next to me lay a plate of muffins and a glass of water with some pills next to it. I rolled out of the bed, needing to use the bathroom, and upon arriving there, I looked out the window which sat above the toilet, and found that it was night time. Damn, how long was I gone? More or less, where am I and where is my stuff? Emptying my bladder proves successful, and I managed to flush the crapper. Holding onto the nearby counter, I started washing my hands, and looked up to a stallion with cuts and bruises all over his face. Oh, Celestia is that me? The thought dawned on me, as I realized that I was looking into a mirror. Making my way back to the bedroom, I noticed that Ditzy Doo was sitting the room next to mine, looking just as depressed as when that bully was harassing her.


> Step 4: Hope
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



I leaned in the doorway, carefully eyeing the grey pegasus, man she looks so...depressed, wonder what's wrong? "Hey, you alright?," I managed to muster, gripping my ribs with my right arm. 

"Oh! Torque you shouldn't be moving around, the doctor specifically said not to move around too much!," the wall eyed mare responded, quickly hiding her frown, "Come on, let's get you back in bed! You must be awful sore, doc said you broke two ribs and fractured your ring finger.," getting up, she rushed over to me and got me to lean over onto her shoulder. Step by step, she helped me make my way towards the room next door. 

Reaching the bed, I lazily sat down, careful not to lean over too much. The question finally dawned on me; where am I? I can't still be in that tree library can I? "Hey, miss Ditzy where are we?" I asked, scratching my head in a manner which screamed confusion.

"Oh, you're at my house silly! I insisted on it, since we aren't really sure who your parents are or where they are.," Her eyes looking normal, but still shimmering with a yellow iris, "Torque where are your parents? I mean they should know you broke some ribs. I think they'd be really happy to know you're alright!"

"Well...How can I put this...I-I'm not from here, and my parents ain't here either. I kind of just ran off two days ago...," I reply, careful to not reveal too much, "Uhh hey where are your parents? Do they know I'm here, I mean I wouldn't want you to get in trouble or nothin',"

"Ouch, I guess you ran for a good reason, not many ponies have the will to run away from home...sorry if that's a touchy subject, anyway I live with my mom, and she knows what happened and was easy to persuade when we brought you here."

"Gah, my ribs are killin' me, those are pain pills right?," wincing in pain, and asking through clenched teeth.

"Of course," she replied happily, "Here you go, doc said to take two when you wake up! Oh I made these muffins myself, I hope you like them, they're chocolate chip!"

Celestia I love her bubbly personality, wish I was that optimistic. Guess I've just seen too much... "Thanks," I said after washing down the pill, which almost immediately worked. I reached over and grabbed one of the treats on the table, 
"These muffins look delicious, Ditzy." 

My eyes went wide, and my mouth ajar, it's official; she is the BEST baker ever. The first bite into that muffin was bliss, and the second and third were more like inhalations rather than bites. "Excuse my language, but damn! These are unlike anything I have ever tasted! You're coltfriend must love when you cook for him."

"I-I don't have a coltfriend," Her face reverted back to depression, "No stallion has ever shown any interest in me. In fact most ponies think I'm a 'retard' because my eyes look like this.," tears now trickled down her face,"Oh, I'm ugly thats why! No pony will ever like me, just look at me! Maybe what they say is true...maybe I am a good for nothing re-"

I quickly reached out, brushing her mane, which was askew and covered her face, to the side and in the most soothing voice I could make, "Ditzy look at me. You ain't good for nothing, you ain't a retard, and you are the most amazing mare I have met in my life. I'll spare you the cliche-ness of this speech, and skip to I'd kill for a mare like you. Knowing any other pony, they'd have forced out why and where I'm running from."

"Why, why do you have to make fun of me! I try to help you and you just push me even fath-" I cut her short, putting a finger to her lips.

"Ditzy, I have nothing against you. Without you, I'd be sleepin' on a cloud right now, still battered and beat up from that fight. I've known you for less than a day, and already you have helped me out with so much, so why would I mock you? I mean every word I say, you really are a great mare. A stallion like me would be lucky to even imagine a mare like you, let alone actually know you."

Wiping her tears, she finally looked up and into my eyes, "Torque, why do you like me? I mean most ponies can't even stand being in my company for more than an hour. What's like-able about me? I'm such a klutz, I have managed to cause more ill will, than good. Even when I'm only trying to help."

"Well, I like you because you are who you are. You're stronger than me, but then again just about everypony is...anyway Ditzy you stand out, not just your looks. You have the most optimistic outlook I have ever witnessed, and when I am around you I feel, I dunno, happier. I don't know many fillies that would be able to be in the presence of their bully, especially if they know they can be physically harmed. Y'know I played lacrosse. Compared to when I was on the field, I am the most disorganized and uncoordinated beings in Equestria, just ask Nas- I mean just ask anyone back in Coltcinnati."

"Torque, you stood up for me when you barely know me. You're the strongest stallion in this town, and you are probably the most nimble pegasi here to boot..."

I felt a blush at the praise, "No, really. I ain't nothin'. I just did what a gentlecolt would have do-" she quickly cut me off.

"No, not even a gentlecolt would go as far as you did. Look at it, you got up after being beaten down, broke bones, threatened and scared the biggest bully in town, and managed to carry me to Twilight's house! No pony I know would ever go that far out of there way to do such a thing, especially to somepony who they just met."

Silence. That's all that followed, that's all that could follow. She's wrong, I'm not anything special, and a gentlecolt would definitely do that, right? I reline into the headboard, looking straight at the ceiling. I could feel the movement to the side of me, and a glance over would show she did the same thing. Could this be the answer to my problems? Finding someone to fill the void? They could never fully fill the darkness in my heart, but by Luna, it's worth a try...problem now is to find my special somepony....
> Step 5:First Goal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Finally, I broke the silence, "Ditzy, I can't really expla- well I don't like talking about it, but I have a voice in my head that told me to get up, that pushed me to do all those things. None of that was my actual mind, more or less, I listened to the voice... I know that makes me sound crazy, but I'll say that the voice is one from an old friend."

"Well, umm, okay! Torque, can I ask you something...I know it may be a touchy subject, but why are you here? I mean why did you run?"

"Ditzy, I can't answer that.," I replied, unsure whether or not to trust this mare.

"Oh, well I understand...If you ever want to talk, I'm here for you.," she said in a calm manner.

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.," I replied gratefully, "Ditzy... why did you look sad earlier? I saw you in your room, what's the matter?," I asked with genuine curiosity.

"Sad? I wasn't sad, who's sad around here? Not me, no I was umm, I was acting! Yeah acting for a school play...," She responded with nervousness in her voice.

"I ain't going to push you, but I'm not going anywhere for awhile.," I said, trying to comfort her.

"Thanks, Torque... Look, I don't want to keep you up, so I'll let you be.," She replied so...so lifeless, and left the room.

Hmmm, wonder what she's hiding...No, don't think like that, that ain't how you were raised. Let her be, she'll come to you if she needs to. Besides, I still don't fully trust her. My thoughts consumed the next two minutes, and finally I drifted into sleep. That night was great to say the least, I didn't dream, which meant my mind was finally coping with the loss.

Waking up, I went straight downstairs, the smell of breakfast filled the house. "Woah, what smells delish?," I said as I entered the room, wearing nothing but my jeans and socks.

Ditzy came out of the kitchen, "Oh, just making breakfast, can't heal properly if you-," she must've noticed I wasn't wearing a shirt, because the rest of the sentence was rushed and her cheeks were stained red, "you're fed properly...um, I think the waffles are done..."

"Uhh, okay... wonder what made her blush that bad?," I thought out loud.

What happened next wasn't anything in itself special, but the gesture spoke louder than the words to describe it. Ditzy had made blueberry waffles, scrambled eggs and cheese, and some more of her amazing muffins. "Dude, this all looks just, y'know, delish!"

"Why thank you, Torque! I'm not the best at cooking, but I know my way around the kitchen.," and at that we both started laughing.

I practically made her make her plate first, she kept insisting that I should eat first. That was never my style, I always let people ahead of me when they made food, taking it first just didn't feel right. The food was gone in an instant; we both stuffed our faces 'till there was literally no crumbs left. "Yo, Ditzy that was the best breakfast I've had. Like ever, dude!," I said in between sips of juice.

"I'm glad you liked it! I got up a little early to make that, and it was worth it to see how happy you are!," she replied, as bubbly as when I bumped into her.

"Hey, I want to get a job, any ideas?," I asked, feeling lazier than ever.

"What? You have three broken bones, you're not getting a job 'till those heal!," she replied, furious that I insisted on getting a job.

"Well, I think I'll hold up just fine. Besides that, I'll feel really guilty if I just freeload, I mean I'd like to pay back what I owe. The hospital bill couldn't have been cheap, and I just ate like a mountain of food...," I replied, guilt gnawing on my conscience.

"*Sigh* If you really want one, just look around town. Not many pegasi with your speed and strength. I bet you could get a job anywhere, but I'd say your best shot would be with the Weather Control Unit. I know a mare over there, she goes by Rainbow Dash, I'll see if she'll meet with you. If not, there's plenty of work here, doubt you'll stay jobless for long with your attitude.," she finished, annoyed that I didn't back down.

"Noted, I'll shower and go out on a job search in about an hour, 'till then, we got dishes to clean.," I said with a blank smile on my face.

We got everything clean in forty minutes, allowing me more time to find a job. Ain't no one is going to say I'm lazy and a mooch. Two jobs should be enough, I mean anymore and I'd be up a creek without a paddle... 

> Runnin' Deuces High!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Deuces High is a play that mainly involves two people, the guy who runs the ball down and the guy who sets a pick. Oddly named chapter, but it seemed fitting. The jersey I refer to is a dark green with the wording "Celtic Elite" on it, and on the back displays his number (20) and the phrase 'Feelin' lucky?' Remember this, as there will be reactions to it.)

I casually started to slip back into my jeans, being careful to not rip them any further along the legs. Well, shoot...my only two shirts are my jersey and undershirt, both of them are doused in sweat. Buck it, I pick the jersey, it smells a little bit better. Not paying any attention to what I was doing, I lost balance slipping my pants leg, and ultimately falling on my flank with an immediate *THUD*. Two things happened after that: One, I started cursing myself, and two I laughed for some reason. The only thing that could describe that laugh was dark, no downright melancholy. Celestia help me, I am a messed up pony. I take pleasure in pain, it's what reminds me I'm still alive; that I still have feeling...

After rising to my feet, I walked over to the chair in which my jacket, jersey, and shirt sat. Snatching up the jersey, I first noticed that it smelt worse than before, and looked better as well. Of all the colors, our jersey's had to be dark green. That blood still looks fresh, and no doubt will attract immediate attention. Wonder how warm it is outside? Maybe if it's cold enough...  My thinking was cut short, Ditzy walked into the room with a tank top and shorts on, "Oh pony feathers is it hot out today! It's a real heat wave out there, odd because it was chilly yesterday."

I quickly mumbled, "Just my luck."

"What was that, you say something Torque?," she asked in confusion to what I had just said.

"Oh, nothin'. Just soooo excited that its warm out.," I responded with mock joy, Just my luck, dude..., "Hey Ditzy, I'm goin' out, wish me luck dude!"

"Umm, good luck?," she replied along with a wave goodbye as I exited her house.

Hmph getting a job shouldn't be too hard right? Just got to find a nice, distracting job. Something that requires thinking, something that won't leave me to my own devices... I thought, walking down the street through the market. No job signs so far, damn, thought for sure there'd be work here. I took a turn towards that same building I saw coming into town, the one called Carousel Boutique. Hmm, fashion. Not exactly my forte, but hay it's worth a shot. I entered the building, and was quickly greeted by a stunning, purple maned mare whom wore a look of terror on her face.

"Err, welcome to Carousel Boutique, the best in fashion!," she said while flipping her already luxurious man, "Wait a minute, you were that stallion at the library, the one who stood up for...who was it...oh, Ditzy Doo. I do have to say that you are a fine gentle colt. I'm Rarity by the way, how may I help you, darling?," she spoke with a voice that I can only imagine the upper class elite of Canterlot spoke with.

"Yeah, I'm kind of bumming at her house 'till I can build up some funds and get a place of my own. I'm goin' around seein if anypony has a job for me, so far no good dude.," I replied with a laid back voice, the inner bro shedding light in the most peculiar of times.

"Hmm, let me think...Well my parent's really own this place, they don't usually hire ponies outside the family, this building and business history spans wayyy back to our relatives whom settled here, darling.," the fashionista unsure of what to say.

"Look I ain't gunna lie, I don't know a lick about fashion, I mean just look at me. But I want a job that requires a lot of thinking, I mean a lot of labor to keep me busy.," I said, releasing my thoughts from their prisons inside my head.

"Well...I do need a strong stallion to carry various things for me, my current assistant can only carry so much at his age.," she said hesitantly, obviously not sure of whether or not this would be a good idea, "Check back tomorrow would you, dear? I'll see if I can beg daddy to hire you.," she said in a elegant voice.

"Thanks Rarity, oh Luna, where are my manners. I'm Torque by the way, it's a pleasure to meet you and thanks for the time, dude!," I stated with a face-hoof(I am aware that they are anthro, but the terms basically will stay the same.)

I exited the boutique, Damn, that mare is a gem! She's so...so, well I don't even know. Hot is too low class, and gorgeous doesn't even come close. Hmm I'll stick with 'fine'. As in she was really fine to behold. I stopped, wiping a bead of sweat from my brow, Shoot, today of all days it had to be hot. Celestia why... I mean it's nearing close to the winter season... I looked up at the sun with disapproving eyes, resenting the heat which it emitted. I began to walk again, only to be stopped five feet later, a mare with a multi-colored mane and cyan fur, who I could only assume was Rainbow Dash, approached me.

"Hey kid, you Torque? Ditz told me you were lookin' for a job, I came to see if you're WCU material, I'm a manager over there after all. So I gotta see how fast you are first. How 'bout a race?," She asked, wasting no time.

"Di-um-I- Okay sure, where to?," I responded, not ready for the barrage of words thrown at me.

"You see that cloud up there?," she pointed to a cloud that was around 50 yards forward, and about 300 feet above us, "That one, think you can handle it? I don't mean to brag, but I'm the fastest pegasus in Equestria, and the only to perform the legendary Sonic Rainboom, which is my signature move.," she said, not convincing me, or anypony, that she didn't intend to brag.

"Alright, seems doable.," I replied, internally wincing at how far it was away. Ugh, just looking at that thing makes my ribs hurt!

"321 GO!," she said seconds after I had agreed.

"Woah, you're pretty fast dude!," I said, keeping pace with the young mare, "Good luck by the way, thought I'd say that while I can."

"Heh, luck? Who needs luck? Have fun starin' at my flank!," she said increasing her speed.

Hmph, she's good. Really good, I'll probably los-I was cut off by Natti, "Dude, you can beat her. Come on man, remember how competitive we were? Pretend she's me dude, and show her why we got 'Feelin Lucky' on our jersey's!," the voice reminded me of my former tenacity.

Adrenaline rushed throughout my veins, and before I knew it, I was at that cloud. The look on her face when she arrived seconds later made me burst out laughing. "Hey, miss Rainbow, feelin' lucky?"

She stared at me in disbelief, and then in embarrassment. "How did you beat me?!?! I never lose! I mean never!"

"Dunno, guess I just kind of did it. Ain't much to it, just a race. Not like there's guys comin' after me, like on the lacrosse field."

She stared at me with curiosity in her eyes, and a slight blush on her cheeks. Looks like I landed that job. Thanks Nastic, you're good to me, even in death. 
> Uh, Fortitude? 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The adrenaline, of course, ran out a few minutes after the race had ended, but not until after we had sat down to lunch did I really start to feel it...and damn It felt good to be alive! "Yo, Rainbow Dash, you sure this is lunch food? This place looks like a gingerbread house.," I said with an unsure look on my face.

"Don't sweat it Ignitor, this place's sweets are pretty filling. Can't judge a cloud by it's color right?," she paused, and we both realized that cloud is made for certain tasks, therefore the color meaning what it means, "Ya know, scratch that. Just try some of their cake, it's the greatest in Equestria!"

"I'll take your word for i-," it was at that point that the adrenaline wore off, and the pain set in, "Hehehehehe."

She said something, but I couldn't hear a lick of it, the pain cut deep into my very being, taking my mind off of everything around me. When my hearing came back, I noticed she had a worried expression on her face, "-ou alright?"

I guess she asked if I was alright?"Uhh yeah, I'm good, nothin' out of the ordinary here, no ma'am!," I can't tell her that pain explicits a laugh from me. She probably would think I'm a freak, and that'd cost me a job real fast...

"In that case, let's order! I'm thinking about ordering a few cupcakes, they have super chocolate ones that are simply awesome!," she responded, not even paying attention to my peculiar rambling, "Hey Pinkie!"

An all pink mare materialized in front of us, Wait, I've seen her before haven't I...wait where in Canterlot did she come from?!? This town isn't as normal as I thought it was... just like me to judge a book by it's cover... 
"Yo Pinkie I'll have three super chocolate cupcakes and a chocolate chip cookie. What about you Torque?," Rainbow ordered, not even looking at the menu's set at our table.

"Uh, I'll take a slice of vanilla cake and a chocolate cupcake.," I blurted out with little thought.

"Okee-dokey-lokey! I'll be right back with your sweets! Faster than you can say 'breaking the fourth wall'.," the two toned mare responded. In a split second she was back with our food, "See I told ya! Bet you didn't even have time to say 'breaking'."

Dude, this filly is crazy, talks faster than the Wonder Bolts... "Thanks Pinkie! It looks awesome, as usual!," Raindbow said, interrupting my thoughts.

"Yeah, dude you are one fast chick, I mean you were barely gone a second dude!," I thanked her, half amazed and half grateful.

After she had stuffed her face with two of the three muffins, Rainbow looked up at me with stern eyes, "Kid I'll be honest, you are the fastest pegasi I've seen in awhile, but with broken bones, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be working."

"Hmph, I'm stronger than you think dude, there's a word for that kind of toughness...it's uhhh, it's like forti- something or another.," I said trying to remember the word my coach used to describe me.

"Alright, cool your wings egghead. But seriously, WCU isn't a walk in the park, it's really hard. You have to wake up before sun up, and be ready to work until near lunch. I'm just expressing a concern I have for you, I mean be my guest to prove me wrong.," she looked at me with empathy in her eyes.

"Look dude, I need a job. The harder and more time consuming it is, the better. I need to get away from my memor- I mean I need to get away from the boring atmosphere of a tiny room, can't stand being still for too long.," I had to stop myself from bringing up my memories...Rather think of anything but them...
> Step 6: Enjoying the Little Things
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Damn, Rainbow wasn't kiddin', these treats really do fill ya up... and damn they were good. Shoot, they were the best ever, both sweets softly melt in your mouth! I thought as I enjoyed the heavenly cupcake, which was literally melting in my mouth. I downed the slice of cake within two minutes, and savored the cupcake for the next five, the bliss consumed me. It made all of my pain, both internal and external, disappear. I can get used to eatin' food this good, best in Coltcinnati was our chili, which I wonder if one could buy the stuff necessary for it...hmmm I'll need noodles and hot dogs to-

I was, yet again, cut away from my thoughts, "Told ya this stuff is awesome! I eat here at least twice a week, and honestly I'm afraid it's all goin' to my flank.," Rainbow interjected, with happiness, no sarcasm present in her voice.

"Rainbow you're pretty athletic, you're flank is fine...," I had, on instinct, spoke before I thought,"I mean it will be fine! Ya know, because you probably burn those calories after one flight, like you're really in shape...and I'm rambling, sorry bout that...," I went on, my cheeks slowly turning a bright shade of red, which was obviously noticeable.

"*Laughs*, you're not the first one to check me out, it's no big deal, really. I mean I have colt's lined up outside my door, just to beg for a date!," she replied, laughing in between every other word.

Way to show off your charisma, Torque. Real smooth, call Rico Suave, tell him he's no longer the top standard for men...not!  I slowly began to slouch in my seat, which further indicated how embarrassed I was. "Di-uh-Duh, I'm sorry for checkin' you out, I mean you are really good looking. Probably the best looking mare I've seen in my life.," I said, further worsening the whole situation, and for a brief second I saw blushes in her cheeks. Way to go, you're just SOOOO smooth. Bet you can just walk into a room and attract all the female attention.

"Umm, hehe, thanks Torque. Like I said, guys check me out all the time, and it's ummm cool that you said that.," something about her told me opposite, the petty laugh indicated a lie, at least to me anyway.

"I'm sorry, I don't think before I spe-" at that point a pair composed of male pegasi were encroaching on us. Worst of all, they were laughing.

"Well well well, if isn't Rainbow-Crash! Oooohhh who's your coltfriend? Does he know how badly you screw up? You tell him about your crazy dreams yet?," the one with orange fur scoffed.

"Heh yeah, Rainbow...um..Crash, yeah Rainbow-Crash *Laughs* umm bro hoof!," the bigger, and obviously more mentally construed of the two spoke, and had found nothing else to end on. Stupid people should be forced to read and recite the dictionary...that or kept on a leash by the ponies whom created them.

By this point Rainbow had gone from red with embarrassment, to red with seething anger. The cyan coat provided no barrier to hide the blood red hatred in her head. "Oh, it's you two, don't you have a job to get too? Oh yeah, no one would hire two idiots for anything."

"Duh, you take that back...umm we have jobs, we're just not at them right now. We get paid four bit's an hour! Umm thats a lot! Probably more than you make Rainbow...Rainbow Crash!," the one with the weight on his upper arm responded, slower than anyone I had ever talked to.

"Pfft, four bits is nothing, I bet you two are still living at home!," Dash blew off his terrible comeback.

"Oh, and I'm betting that this guy is you're coltfriend, oh wait, that's right you're into fillies! Not only are you Rainbow-Crash, but also Rainbow-dyke!," The smarter one spoke this time, pointing out her rainbow colored mane. That's an idiot for you, always resorting to fart and gay insults, rather than thinking...By Luna I'm a hypocrite, might as well practice what I preach. I sat there, fully at attention and seeing her face turning from resentment, to full blown loathsomeness was my queue to interject.

"Hey man, you went too far there. Ain't no need for that kind of hate-speak, and honestly I think that you two either really like Rainbow here, or really want to be her. I don't know much, but she has her life together, she makes money, and is already in a management position. By my view, I'd say she's doin' pretty damn good for herself. Another thing, who cares if she likes girls, it ain't hurtin no one. Ponies will like whoever they like, male or female. Besides that who are you to judge her, the only being that should do the judging is the Creator.," I chose my words wisely, and tried to make them feel ashamed for their actions.

My words had, not surprisingly, confused them beyond belief. "Uhh, why you... if you were from here, then you'd know that this mare isn't even worth your time, much less anyones."

I looked over at Rainbow, who was...was about to say something? I quickly covered her mouth, making sure that she didn't escalate this situation further than it already was. "MMMPHHHHH," was all she could mutter.

"Look if she ain't worth anyones time, then why do you two harass her? Unless, she is worth your time, and you two really want to get close to her. Look I ain't the smartest guy out there, but I can tell you two are a lost cause, and probably didn't pass the fifth grade. Have fun bein' alone the rest of your lives, because that kind of stuff won't get you a mare like her anytime in this life.," I had done it, completely schooled them. There was no way they could recover from that, and thankfully they were smart enough not to.

Instead they only muttered in confusion, "I...er...gah...argh!"

"I suggest y'all leave before you further embarrass yourselves. Goodbye, and it's been a buckin' pleasure to meet you.," I cut in on their hopeless rambling, and they proceeded to leave in fuming anger.

I finally let go of Rainbow Dash, making sure she was calmed down. "You know it wasn't very smart to argue with those guys.," I said looking over with empty eyes.

"I know, I know. Twilight said the same thing, but it's impossible to not notice them. I mean you can feel their stupidity rubbing off on you when they're around!," she replied, practically screaming, "Anyway thanks for what you said. I would've just punched them out, but hay what you did worked too. Look, let's take this to the park. Less people there.," she replied through clenched teeth.

"No problem, really it wasn't anything special. I'm sure anyone would have done that, I mean I just did what was right.," I responded, not sure on why she wanted to go to the park. Wait, this place is dead, dude?....
> Lax on Lax on Lax
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

		After exiting the happy establishment, we walked at a slow pace towards the park. I lagged behind, unsure of where to go, and watched carefully and tried to remember every turn towards the park from the bakery. Honestly it wasn't that hard, this town was all of a mile wide, and made up of less than thirty streets and alleys. Dude, this place is small, like smaller than I first thought... 

"Hey, Torque you there? Equestria H.Q. to Mr.Ignitor! Umm hello, anypony home?," Rainbow was waving a hand in front of my face, making me realize that I had, yet again, zoned out. We had somehow ended up sitting on a park bench, off to the side of the main trail.

"Yo, uhh what were you saying? Kind of spaced out the there.," I replied, with a very dry chuckle.

"I was saying that this might not be a good time for you to start work. Don't get me wrong, you seem like a hard worker and have proven your speed, but there's no way I'm going to let you work with broken ribs. For one you'd be a liability, and two I'd feel terrible if you further got hurt, that'd be on my hands for hiring you so soon. Please understand this from my point of view," a look of pain washed over her face, "I mean check back when you're all healed up, I'm sure there will be a job for you."

Well that's just awesome. Just bucking amazing. I need something that will take my mind off of my past, and I get turned down because I'm a 'liability'. Wait did she say liability? I'm surprised she knows the meaning of that word. No no no, what in the name of Luna am I saying?!? I ain't this mean, she has legit reasons. There's plenty of jobs out there right?

"I, uh, well that makes sense. Don't want a lawsuit, don't hire a pony with broken bones," both sarcasm and anger imbued in my voice, "I'll check back when I'm all healed up I guess."

My face must have broadcasted my immediate emotions toward her answer, and looking over I found she had sunk into the bench and she had a look of regret upon her face. "Hey, don't feel bad. I have no idea how anger got into that response, but in any case you're just doing your job. I' sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, I just have a few things I want to forget right now.," I added in, this time in the most calm voice I could manage.

At this she perked up a little, and replied in an odd voice, "Yeah, well you should be. In any case, thanks for understanding. I got to go meet up with a few friends, catch you later Torque!"

How did it all come to this... should I head back to Ditzy's? No, I still haven't looked hard enough. Shit, for now I guess I'll sit here and enjoy the day so far...Wait, is it me or are there a LOT of bullies in this town? Note to self: watch your back. I sat in that park for about an hour, leaned back with my arms resting on the head of the bench. Wonder if anyone's looking for me from back home? Nah, my mom didn't care about me anyway and my dad respects whatever decisions I make. With the end of that thought I rose to my feet, and headed back into the market place.

With the day coming to an end, so was the market place. Where once were a place of crowded streets and friendly bartering. Now lay a nearly empty street, all of the vendors had packed up and headed home. Well, almost all of them anyway. I spotted the same cart that I had bought apples from the first day I was in this town, and noticed that the mare running the stand was putting away the leftovers from the day, which mind you wasn't much. I walked up to the stand, and was shocked to see how many apples they actually sold in a day. Looking past the mare I saw fifteen empty buckets, and the few she was putting away only had three or four left in them. 

"Woah," I thought aloud, unintentionally verbalizing what was on my mind.

The orange furred mare looked around with surprise, and upon turning to me had a look of relief on her face. "Oh, howdy there partner! I'm sorry, but we just closed, ain't really anything left anyhow."

"Nah, I'm not here to buy anything. I just came up to say hi...sorry if I startled you, I was just really surprised to see how many apples you guys sell in a day.," I replied, blinking in uncertainty.

"Well, it is what keeps my family in business, I mean it is implied in our names after all.," Apple Jack stated matter-o-factly.

I let out an audible laugh, "Seeing how many apples you guys sell in a day, I can guess you guys are doin' pretty well?"

"Of course, anythings possible when you have integrity and honesty!," she said back with a slight chuckle,"However with an increased demand for our apple wares, we're needin' to hire help. Big Mac and I can't keep up with the demand.," She hinted at a job offering.

"Well, I'm looking for a job right now, what would one have to do on a day to day basis?," I asked.

"Hmm, you gotta wake up and be at the farm at the crack o' dawn and be ready to work non stop 'till round two or three in the afternoon. Need to be strong, honest, and dependable. Not to mention fast, hardworking, and have a high level of endurance. Wait, ain't you that pony who stood up for Ditzy? I remember seein' you before.," She finished with a quizzical look on her face.

"Yeah, guess I am. And I bought apples from you the first day I was here, which was a day or two ago. Sorry, I lose track of time pretty fast.," I answered her with embarrassment noticeable in my voice, "Anyway, I meet those qualifications, to an extent, anyway."

"Well shoot, knew you looked familiar! Seein' as how you're still new to Ponyville, how about you start next Monday?," she asked with glee.

"Yes ma'am! Thank you so much for the job, I won't let you down. You can pin me to my words.," I said, trying hard not to show my excitement.

	Awesome, might not have gotten that weather job, but hey, I got a job today at least. Man waking up that early is going to be tough, I love my sleep...oh well, this is sure to make me a better pony. Hmm, wonder what Ditzy is up to? I should head back now, seeing as how my quest for employment has drawn to a successful end. I thought, noticing that the sun was beginning to set.

"Pony feathers, it's getting late! I should start heading back to Ditzy's, and thanks again for the job, dude!," I said, starting to walk away, "Peace miss Apple Jack!"

"Nice ta meet ya, uhh, what was your name?," she stopped to ask.

"It's Torque Ignitor, ma'am."

"Right, it was a pleasure to meet ya Torque!," she yelled as I walked away.


> Step 7: Dude, Epiphany?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

AUTHORS NOTES:So by now a lot of you are probably confused about inner monologues and when exactly Nastic is talking to Torque inside his head, this is something I'm changing this chapter by adding color to Torques monologue/thoughts and Nastic's speaking roles as well. Hope this clarifies anything that is iffy and doesnt seem right. I also intertwine the two stories up on my page, eventually leading up to Torques life with Theta Gait. Warning:If you read the other story and come back to this one, I am going to make slight changes to the plot of Theta's Lax in order to better combine the two...maybe, this is still an idea in my head. Leave a comment to tell me your thoughts!


I was in no particular rush back to Ditzy's, instead trying to recap on what had happened today. Get a job? Check. Meet new ponies? Also check. Any further injuries? Nuh-uh, thank Celestia! Better my navigational skills? Eh, somewhat. Least I know where the park is now! The scenic route back, which mind you was the only way back, calmed my nerves, and allowed me to focus on what lay ahead. The start of my new life had begun, and I intended on making it ten times better than my old one. Now, what to do for five days whilst I wait to start my new job? Wall ball? Restringing? Maybe introduce a few ponies to the sport? No, too many shitty memories there... I'll tell them what it is if they ask, outside that not a word of it. Come to think of it, probably shouldn't strain myself too bad... Damn I'm hungry...and what do you know? I want some Coltcinatti chili. Wonder if there's one of them new chain retailers round he- I came to in front of a small building, a square and otherwise ordinary building; that is if it hadn't had 'Rich's Barnyard Bargains' illuminated on the structure.

"Convenient.," I mumbled, and my stomach growled revealing my hunger.

I walked into the small establishment, and was greeted with on register open to my left, where a disinterested blue haired mare sat behind the checkout counter. This was made apparent when she made no attempt to look up, instead focusing heavily on the music enveloping her skull within her headphones. Customer help at its finest right? I amused myself with a small laugh, and walked towards the back of the store, where I assumed the canned beans would be.

"No, not that...not that one either...ARGH where the buck are these damned beans? I mean they have to have them right?," I started in with much frustration,and only after a minute more of searching they caught my eye,"You sneaky bastards! There you are! Time to get in my belly!"

I laughed all the way to the checkout, making sure to pick up veggie dogs and pasta along the way. Awww this is going to be the shit! Can't wait for this to be done, oh how it will taste so good!

"Eyy, yo you there miss?," I rhetorically remarked, waving my hand in front of her purple glasses, unsure of if she was asleep or not.

She looked up with a unsatisfied look, but upon seeing me it turned into an expression of joy and excitedness, "Yo, aren't you that dude who beat the living tar out of that bully? Oh, I see you got a few things here, let me just ring those up for you!"

"Uhh? I reckon you got me mi-mistaken with another stallion, I mean look at me; do I look like I could harm a fly, let alone a group of bullies?," I responded, trying to keep that secret from spreading.

"Y'know, you're terrible at lying," she laughed a little at my expense, "I never said anything about a group, you're guilty as charged!"

"I-I have no idea what you're talking about. If you would please just bag my food up, I'm hungrier than-than...well there's not really a metaphor for it, but I'm stoked to get back to where I'm staying and cook this shit up!," I further denied any affiliation with those ponies, instead I tried and succeeded in speeding up the whole check out experience. There really needs to be self service lanes...

"That'll be eight bits. Say, you're new around here, right? I'm the, soon to be famous, Vinyl Scratch! Yeah, you can tell everypony that you knew me before I got famous now.," She spoke with narcissism in her, well scratchy voice.

I pulled out my wallet, and retrieved the fifty bit note, and had put it on the counter for the cashier to break. "Yeah, I guess I'm new. You sure are a humble one, although I'm neither going to promote or demote your, well whatever you do, until I have proof of it.," New goal; work on not being so sarcastic. My voice had a monotone to it, and nothing ever covered up my sarcasm.

"Damn, dude, you carry fifty's with you wherever you go? Luna and Celestia be damned, you must be loaded!," Her response surprised me, not because she spoke ill will of both princesses, but because she thought I was loaded.

Me? Loaded? Ha, what a joke. The most I have ever carried up to this point is twenty bits.

"Nah, just...uh just call it start up money.," My voice preceded again in the same cold voice I had spoken with most of the day.

"Here you go, forty-two back and a bag of your stuff," she handed me a bag with the currency crudely stuffed inside, "Hey dude, hit me up sometime, you got to hear my music! It will literally blow your freaking mind."

"Uhh, ok? I guess I'll have to come back to the store sometime or another..." I was interrupted by laughter. 

"That's pretty funny, y'know?"

Funny? That wasn't a joke... "I guess it was. I'll probably be back within a week or tw..." Again I was cut off.

"I don't live here," she briefly chuckled, "You can usually find me at Sugar Cube Corner MCing for Pinkie Pie. Trust me, getting into one of those parties takes nothing, almost no one is excluded from her parties."

"Huh, I'll check one out when I hear bout another one. Thanks for the info, and for bagging my food. Now if you'll excuse me, my stomach is currently eating itself.," and with that, I waved goodbye and walked out of the store.

It took around ten minutes to get back to Ditzy's place, and what happened next blew my mind. "Yo, dude I'm back with some good new-" I stopped and found myself staring down at a young mare, with the same fur and mane as Ditzy. Holy hay, didn't know she had siblings. Shoot, looked like I scared her, not good for my rep, dude.

"Mommy, some man is here with a grocery bag! I think there's candy in it, and should I go get help?," her shrill voice combined with her fast talking left me standing there, frozen in shock.

Did she just say 'mommy'? Wait a minute, she think's I'm a pedophi- I looked up to the wall eyed mare just as shocked as I was. The young girl was now hiding behind Ditzy's leg, and looking at me with a confused expression. 

Ditzy...she's a mom? Damn, she lied to me! She has a special somepony after all...wonder what the dude's name is? "Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...this is awkward.." I managed to say, after a delayed ButtHoof 'uh'. Only thing I left out was 'that's cool!', or 'Beavis you dumbass!'.

"Come on out, it's alright muffin. That's just Torque, he's going to be living with us for awhile.," She said in a calm voice, which contrasted with the embarrassment plastered onto her face.

"He better not take my bed! Or my muffins! Or you! You're my mommy, not his!," the young foal hellbent on standing her ground.

"Don't worry honey, he's staying in the guest room. And you're always my number one priority!"

"Cute kid, and I can see that she's as defensive as a crease defender. Hey, hope you don't mind but I want to make dinner. Picked up some things on the way home to make a Coltcinatti favourite...Chili!," I interjected, making it apparent that I  was going to be cooking.

"Well...okay. You have enough for all four of us? My mom will be home soon...oh my gosh! You two still haven't met! Quick, you have to look nice! Dinner will be an added bonus, but you need to put on clean clothes!," The thought of me meeting her mother seemed to terrify her.

"I'd love to, but my other shirt is dirty and this is my only pair of pants dude." I stated in a sympathetic tone.

"Ohhh this isn't good...,"

The way shes flipping, you'd think she was trying to present a coltfriend...oh shit, is that happening? The last days have been a blur, that is being in and out of consciousness so much.

"Uh, dude don't worry I'll be fine. Parent's usually like me, I'm  likeable guy, right?," I reassured her of her fear.

"No no no no no no, you don't understand. My mom judges people on their looks, what clothes they're wearing, and if they seem poor or not. She aligns herself with the Canterlot elite, and all the stallions I have dated have been less than presentable.," She was clearly worried by this point.

"Mommy, this man is weird...I don't like him! He has red stuff on his shirt. Is he bad? Only bad people have that stuff on their clothes.," the foal said in complete innocence.

"Hehe, excuse her Torque, she's a handful at times...Dinky, go play upstairs. Mr. Ignitor and I need to talk alone."

"Oh, is he your coltfriend? Is he the one you were talking about earlier? Either way mommy, he's really weird."

"Now, DInky..." she commanded, "As for you Torque, I bet you have multiple questions about this..."
> PreDinner Peptalk
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Uh, I guess I do have a few, but they can wait 'till later, dude. Right now I want to make you guys the pride and joy of Coltcinnati; Flyline Chili!," I replied, trying to be heard over the sounds of my stomach.

"Okayyyy, right this way. Let me get you a pan to cook with.," she said, reaching above the stove for a medium sized pot.

"Hmm, you want spaghetti or hotdogs with it? Or both, they're both pretty dang tasty.," I asked, opening the can of beans and dumping the remnants into the pot, "Hey, where's your guys' spice's?"

"What? But chili is only good when you eat it alone!," Ditzy exclaimed.

"Hehe, y'all got a lot to learn 'bout the Nasty Natti. Trust me, it's great on its own, but with hotdogs and noodles, it'll blow your horse shoes off. Which one would you prefer?"

"I-I don't know. I guess both."

"Alright, I'll need two more pots then," I said reaching for two more glistening chrome utensils, "Now, about what about spices?"

"Uh, what do you need?"

"Little bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and that's it. I got a mix from the store, shouldn't take more than fifty minutes to cook this all.," I said, setting the other two pots up to make what I had bought.

"Here you go, um I'm sorry but this sounds really gross.," Ditzy stuck her tongue out at the sight of everything being put next to each other, and handed me my requested ingredients.

"Well, it tastes better when it's all together and done. Anyhow, I suppose we got around fifty minutes till everythings done, how about we talk about what kind of mare your mom is.," I spoke, walking over to their table.

Taking a seat across from me, Ditzy went wall eyed once more, and a look of fear washed over her face. "What do you want to know first?"

"Well, seeing as how children and pregnancy are big topics, lets save that for later. Right now I want to know what your mom does for a living  and what her name is."

"My mom is...well she's a big lawyer in Canterlot. She's a unicorn, y'see, and well... she has a unicorn's job. Her name is Dismal Law-"

I cut her off before she could say anymore, "Wait, the Dismal Law? As in the lawyer who defended Golden Shower in court?"

"Yeah, that's her. Everyone know's he was guilty of what he did, but I'm pretty sure my mom paid off the judge to win that one and keep her record undefeated.," She replied with coldness in her voice.

"Crazy dude. I would have never gue-" The sound of a buzzer interrupted me, as the hot dogs and spaghetti were now finished. I calmly got up, turned off the burners, drained the spaghetti and sat back down.

"I see why you're getting antsy about me meeting her. Which leads me to my next question, I've only seen mares act like this when they're introducing their coltfriends to their families. Do you consider me your coltfriend?," I asked as innocently as I could. Ignorance is bliss, right?.

Saying her cheeks turned red is an understatement. They went from red, to orange, to straight white. Looked as if she'd seen a ghost. "Torque...why do you have to push my buttons so much...I'm nice to you, why do you have to tease me?"

"Duh-uh- No, I ain't teasin' you. I guess that came out wrong... I reckon I meant to ask you if you'd want to go on a date sometime, and maybe be my-my-my-my," the last word was lodged in my throat, and I had to force it up with all my might, "marefriend?"

By now, Ditzy had a tears and confusion emanating from her eyes, "Why...Oh, hay, yes Torque, I'd love to!"

I rose once more and walked over to the crying mare, and wrapped my arms around her; embracing her with a hug. "Come now, ain't no more need for those tears. I hate to see a mare cry."

She laid her head on my shoulders and the tears were absorbed into my shirt. And then a Canterlot voice rung into my eardrums, "Hmph, I presume you're the colt my daughter has shown interest in. Honestly I have no idea what she, or anypony for that matter, would see in a featherbrain like you. You just have a lazy vibe around you, and excuse me when I say this, you're food looks absolutely horrid, I mean rabbit droppings look more appetizing than this!"

What buck did she say?More importantly, how long has she been there?Wait...who the hay does she think she is?...Oh right, she knows who she is. Just gotta bite the bullet, can't do nothing to mess this up. Can't risk doin' that for Ditzy, even if I get put down all night. It'll be worth it.


> Shimmy Shimmy Quarter Turn
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Mom, how long have you been standing there?," Ditzy demanded.

"Long enough deary, now if you will excuse us, Mr. Torque and I have some things we need to discuss. Hurry along now."

Where does she get off... She had fingered me to follow her outside the kitchen, and to sit in a lounger in the living room. "Uhh, Ms. Law, let me first say thank you for letting me crash- I mean stay here the last couple of days."

"Yes, yes, you are welcome Torque. Y'see Torque, I know it's natural for a colt your age to want to find a partner, and I know it's the same way with mares. However, I will not permit you to see my daughter. I don't mean to offend, but you just look...look homely, vagabondish, so-so low class. My daughter deserves a knight in shining armour, not a lowly peasant. Therefore, I think it'd be best if you were to take your leave, you'd hate to mess with poor Ditzy's head even more than you have, wouldn't you?," Dismal Law said, calmly and with a stiff upper lip.

I can understand if I had overstayed my welcome, but what the hay? And low class? Look who's talking...your money isn't fooling anyone. "I...I see. well then I guess I'll be leaving now. Keep the chili and food, it's a gift for letting me stay here anyhow. I'll be gone within ten minutes.," I gritted between teeth, both from anger and choking back a tear.

"Yes, you do that. I'll make sure your, ugh, chili, goes to the dogs. It has been a pleasure, now don't let the door hit you on the flank as you leave."

With that, I got up and began walking towards the stairs. That was the single most disappointing moment in my life, or would be if it were the last time I saw Ditzy. I climbed the stairs at a sluggish pace, and walked straight to the room I had woken up in. With not much to grab, I decided to stop in and tell Ditzy what was going on. Leaning in her doorway with a gloomy look on my face, "Hey, your mom don't want me here anymore...I'm leaving, don't know where I'll stay but I'll manage."

"No! No, she can't do that! Why would she make you leave? I mean you still need help caring for yourself, don't forget about your broken bones!," Ditzy stammered in defiance.

"Like I said, I'll manage. I mean it is her house after all...I'm sorry Ditzy, it's just...I don't think I'm any good for you, I mean look who your mom is! She's one of the most powerful lawyers in Equestria. Look I'll be around, don't worry I'll come to you. Anyway, I gotta head out.," and with that said and done, I left her sitting with her daughter and walked to, and out, the front door.

I walked out into the brisk fall air, the moon shone upon me as I strolled along. This is as good a time as any.. I thought as I popped a cigarette in my mouth. I quickly lit it, and continued my walk. Man, where am I going to go now? It's gettin cold out here... Shit. That Dismal Law, she's a stone cold killer. Oh well, guess there's nothing I can do now. Hopefully tomorrow will be better, I mean Rarity's gotta know by tomorrow, right? Oh the hell am I saying?!? Without a place to stay, whats the point of juggling two jobs. I had made my way to the same park bench that Rainbow and I were sitting at earlier, and I decided to pop a squat.

"Well, Torque here ya go again...," I mumbled silently, taking a drag from my cig. It wasn't but a minute later that I noticed someone next to me, an older earth pony, dark furred with obvious scars all over his body.

"Spare a cancer stick?," a gruff voice asked.

"Yeah, one sec," I fished out the pack in my bag, "Here ya go."

The figure pulled a lighter from his pocket, and prompted to light up. "So, kid what're you doing out here this late?," he asked.

"Just drifting, dude.," was all I could reply.

He noticed the lacrosse stick next to me, and pointed at it, "That yours?"

"Yeah, only thing that's kept me sane the past few days."

"I know that feeling. Hmm you're a pegasus, I'm guessing you played middie?"

I sat there with my jaw gaping, How the hay did he know about lacrosse? "Yeah, I was alright."

"Why'd you run?," He asked so surely.

This is getting weird...How'd he know I ran away? "I-I can't tell you. I can't tell anyone."

"Ah, that kind of thing. Oh well, you got a place to stay?"

"Had one, just got kicked out.," I took another drag.

"You're welcome to stay with me dude. Don't worry I ain't into colts, and I sure as hell ain't into anyone younger than me."

"Uh, sure dude. I appreciate it."

"Not a problem, come on, it's getting late." He commanded, getting up and tossing his butt.

My cigarette hung in my mouth, and I didn't discard it until we got to our destination. Theta's Lax? How the buck didn't I see this before? I'm guessing he's Theta...such a strange name that. I flicked the butt, and proceeded into the store. "Yo, dude you run this place?"

"Yup, it's a burden and a gift. No one really comes in, and sales are slow."

I walked up to one of the walls, and right there in front of me sat a picture of Theta Gait. The greatest earth pony runner in the PLL, and this dude had an original picture of him! "Woah, no way! Dude is this Theta Gait?"

"Yeah, that's him alright. He wasn't as good as people said though..."

"Are you kidding me? He's been my idle since fifth grade, I mean he was the best earth pony runner in the PLL, plus he's from my home town of Coltcinnati!"

The stallion sauntered up next to the picture, and it was then that I saw the resemblance, and he sat there with a grin on his face. "No way, no freaking way! You're Theta Gait! Dude, you're my her-" I felt my body go numb, and the world around me faded to black.
> Chillaxin bro!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	My world went black as night, why? I didn't know until I came to, and boy was that a rude awakening. I woke up with my back against a wall, right across from where I had mysteriously passed out. It was then that I noticed a lacrosse helmet sitting on the floor, upside down and still. I woke with a line-like bump on the top of my head. Celestia be damned, the face mask must've hit me.

"Hey kid, you're finally awake! Thought that helmet had sent you into a coma or some shit like that."

"Ugh, wha- Oh naw man, I reckon it'll take a little more than that to keep me down. Shoot, you got any painkillers layin around?," I winced, and grabbed my ribs.

"Nope, ain't had to have them things in a long while, dude. What I do have is whiskey, the day this shit don't work is the day the sun don't shine. Here, let me grab you a drink."

Shit, he say whiskey? Ugh, if he says it'll work, I'm up for it, my heads killing me, and I really feel like drowning out my sorrows...Buck it! Heh, man oh man, if only I could see my mom's face if she caught me drinking. That look would be priceless!"Duh, okay dude...I still can't believe I'm in the same place with the Theta Gait! I mean dude earth ponies aren't normally runners, and any that play midfield are mostly benched! But you made everything look so easy! On top of the fact that you outran, outplayed, and outeverything'd every player in the league!"

He hollered back, "Heh, looking back on it, yeah I did do those things didn't I? Oh well the past is the past dude, no use dwelling on that. Say, you said something about being kicked out of somewhere...what exactly did you do?"

"Nothing man, absolutely nothing. I'd say you know Dismal Law, but did you know she's got a daughter? I didn't...well till I met her...she took me in, cared for me after I got into a little fight, next thing I know, I'm being scorned for liking her. Ol' Law kicked me out because of that, and told me I was too low class for Ditzy.," My voice went cold, and the words flowed with venom.

"Shit man, didn't know Ditzy was Dismal Law's daughter...y'know what? Buck 'er! I mean if y'all like each other, whom is to say you two can't be together! I mean be careful, she's a powerful mare, but don't not see Ditzy because of her. Don't need a real true-to-life Romeo and Juliet tragedy, bro. Anyway, drink up.," He said, walking towards me with a drink in his hand.

I stop all air flow through my nose, and downed the whole glass. I'll never get used to whiskey's sour flavor. It went down without much more than a cough, and instantly lit up my gut with a warm embrace. "Ugh, dude this tastes like my shoulder pads...this better take my edge off."

"Hahaha, little man you shoulda seen your face! It went all scrunched up...guess you don't like the taste too much do ya? Don't worry dude, it just takes a few months of drinking to get used to the taste. In fact, you'll come to enjoy it!"

Enjoy it? You kidding me? This tastes like cat piss and sweat! Akk, hate sour things. "If you say so, man. Hey, thanks again for letting me crash here, means a lot to me. Don't worry none bout money either, I got a couple jobs set up already."

"Sounds good, little dude. Just don't over work yourself, I mean this buildings already paid off, only thing we gotta worry bout is food and lighting."

"Uh, lighting? Don't y'all got electricity out here?"

"Nope, dude look at the town;it's literally out in the middle of nowhere...only buildings with electricity are the ones who bring in the big bits. Otherwise, not me. However, I do go through candles like no other, so there's that we gotta fund for."

"Aight, sounds good dude. You got a couch or somewhere I can rest?"

"Yeah, upstairs and the living room is to your right. Kitchen is across the hall, bathroom is two doors down from the kitchen, and my bedroom's right in the middle...sock on the door mean's I got company, man."

"Good deal, reckon I'm going to head up dude. Night, man.," I said as I got up and walked towards the stairs.This dude is pretty chill, down to earth, and seems cool...Well shoot he's Theta Gait! Of course he's cool, I mean he was in the PLL! Can't believe I'm under the same roof with the dude!

That night I did something that I hadn't done in what felt like forever; I remembered...My dream...so vivid, so real, so uncool. Everything moved slower, and I had a front row seat to everything. I recognized everything, from the point I decided to throw the ball, to when I froze in fear. I saw myself in the car, I witnessed the whole speech again...I even saw him. The dream cut to black after I had got to the train station, and the only thing in the room was Nastic, except he wasn't...well he wasn't all there. Physically he was, but when I took a second look at him, that body was empty. His eyes were completely white, his mouth hanging open, and his body just stood there, stiff and edgy. And all that I could do was stare at him. Stare into the face of the dude I killed. 

I woke up with sweat rolling down my forehead, but something was different...I mean everything felt real, I felt awake but...I found that the room around me slowly faded into faces...one of my mom, one of my old man, one of Ditzy, and of course one of Nastic. They all just stared at me with disapproving glances, for what seemed like an eon... it was only after that, that blood started to trickle down each of their faces, starting at the eyes, and slowly filling the room around me. Eventually the blood started to rise, and after a few minutes it had already reached the ceiling...

"Nastic!," I screamed aloud as the morning sun shone upon me.

Theta walked in with a quizzical look on his face and asked, "Dude you alright?"

"Ye-yeah, I'm fine. Just had a nightmare, ain't nothing too big. Hope I didn't wake you."

"Nah man, you're good. I wake up before dawn to watch the sunrise. Shit, seein' as how you're awake, how about we go get somethin' to eat. I know a pretty good place down the road, you in?"

"Hmm, tempting but nah. I think I'll go into the market and get an apple, shoot man this town's got the best of the best in that area."

"Suit yourself man, but right now a three egg omelet and a pot of coffee have my name written on them, and they're practically screaming for me to get my flank down there right now. Peace out dude!," he yelled back as he ran down the stairs.

This dude is crazy...wait a minute, he said he wakes up before dawn? Just my luck, the time I gotta be up in two days... wonder if Rarity got word from her old man yet. Shit, I'll check that out after a nice apple...or three.


> Crash Into Me
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	By the stars, he's freaking fast! Never seen an earth pony run that fast anywhere! I thought, as I casually put my jacket on, and slipped my small bag over my shoulders. I walked out the door, noting that he hadn't even picked up the helmet from last night. Guess business really is slow...

I exited the store, and made my way towards the market, and lucky for me, the market was literally ten steps from Theta's home. Going back to where Apple Jack's cart was, I quickly noticed the long line that waited for me. I mall-walked to get the last spot in line, making sure no one got there before me. My gut was constantly reminding me of how hungry I was. Waiting...waiting...Oh shit! Even more waiting...wonder how Ditzy's holding up, I need to find her, no matter what. Goal for the d- "Heya Torque! Come back for more Ah see! What can Ah do ya for?," a familiar southern accent cut my thought short.

"Hey Apple Jack, a few apples please.," I said with hunger in my eyes, and saliva practically dripping from my lip.

"Three apples comin right up! That'll be three bits!"

I reached into my bag, and came up with the adequate number of bits. Shoot, my funds are dwindling down...gotta head to Rarity's after this. "Here ya go, thanks Miss Apple Jack!," I said as we exchanged goods.

"Any time, sugar cube! Good seein' ya!"

"You too.," I replied, walking away.

The busy market place made it a little harder to get to Carousel Boutique, but I eventually made it there. Aahh, just long enough to finish all three apples...dang those things hit the spot! I walked in and was immediately greeted by a purple dragon with green spines. "Hey! Welcome to Carousel Boutique, home of the lovely and enchanting Rarity!," He greeted me with a strange inflection in his voice.

In all honesty, he scared the shit out of me...ponies and dragons don't get along too well, and that was my first encounter with one. Holy buck! That can't be a dragon can it? I mean dragon's are mean dudes whom breathe fire and destroy stuff...right? "Yo, dude, ya alright?"

Snapping out of my trance, I replied with, "Woah...brain rush, little dude! You a dragon?"

"I'm guessing you're new here? Yes, to answer your question, I am a dragon...and for your information I'm very big for my age! Rarity doesn't see anything wrong with how small I am, and neither should you!"

"Woah, calm down dude. I'm here to talk to Rarity about...business."

"What kind of business, you don't have your eye on her too do you? I mean come on man! I've been here longer than you!," He jealously replied.

"Nah, nothin' like that man...although I do have to say she is a very, and I mean very, gorgeous mare...shoot, what'd I'd do to her... But no, I'm here bout a job offering.," I tried my best to calm the dragon, lest he catch me on fire.

"Hmm, well if you say so...RARITY, SOMEPONY HERE TO SEE YOU! HE'S A REAL GRUNGE!," the little dragon shouted.

Grunge...way to save your rep, dude.

Rarity walked down the stairs like she was going to prom, and her face lit up when she saw me. "Spike whom are you talking abou-Oh Mr. Ignitor! So good to see you! I have very good news, daddy has agree'd to hire you! Although, I'll be honest, the pay isn't too good, and the hours are a little long..."

"Ain't a problem. I'm looking for something that'll take my mind off of- I mean I need the work, so it's whatever. Uhh, I should tell you though, I got another job at...what was the place? Sweet Apple Acres I think it's called. So I can work afternoons, sometime after one or two...Hope that don't interfere with anything."

"Ooh darling! You're working for my friend Apple Jack, of course it's no problem! I'll just work out a schedule to fit your hours. The pay is...well it's seven bits an hour..."

"Dang, that's pretty generous, I see no problem with the pay at all!"

"I thank you dearly for understanding, but if it were up to me, you'd be payed at least ten bits an hour. It is very uncouth to pay minimum wage, but then again my father is not me, and vice versa. Please excuse me though, I have a very important order to tend to. Come Spikey-Wikey! Good day, Mister Ignitor!"

"Peace, dudes.," I said, as I looked over my shoulder and exited the elegant building.

Sweet, two jobs! Now to find Dit- The world had yet again escaped me, and everything faded into black.

Torque, dude it's good to see ya again! Congrats on the job search, although I gotta admit, I didn't think you'd ever even want a job!

Thanks, man...Means a lot. Shit, I ain't good at beatin' round the bush, so I'll just come out and say it; I can't forgive myself for what I did to you. I...I killed you...

Hmph, I see you need a little closure man. Look you know I had a rough upbringing... Letting go of all of that was, well it was easy. I mean no one can touch me now, ain't gettin my ass beat by my old man, ain't being called worthless by my bitch of a mom. Everything's perfect for me! Time don't affect me anymore, I don't have to worry about college, and best of all; I get to watch over you. Shit that came out wrong, but what I'm saying is that I've been granted the ability to check in with you. That just proves friendship don't die man!

But I...I just can't forgive myself man. I ain't too sure anyone back home can either.

Look I've said it before, and I'll say it again;Buck 'em! Shit, they don't know how strong our friendship was, not by a long shot. I'd rather die by your hands, than be taken by Celestia herself. Shit man, I'm being called back, that means it's time for you to go back to reality! Peace, bro!

I woke with a slight headache, and noticed that I was laying on the ground, with my face in the dirt. "Ugh, what the buck happened?"

It was then that I noticed two familiar pegasi mares standing next to me. One I recognized as Rainbow Dash, and the other was...was Ditzy! Come crash into me...

"OhmygoshTorqueI'msosorry!," Ditzy blurted out, completely incomprehensible.

"Uhh what?," I responded, still a little dazed.

"She's trying to say sorry for bumping into you.," Rainbow Dash spoke up.

"Ohhh, shoot Ditzy, don't sweat it. I'll be fine.," I let out a small laugh, and got to my feet, "Besides, I was coming to look for you anyway. Thought I'd keep my promise to ya."

I finally looked at Ditzy; it was obvious that she had been crying since I left. "Torque...I knew you'd keep your promise!," She shouted and darted to give me a hug.

That hug caught me off guard, but after a split second, I returned it. "Always and forever, so long as blood runs through my veins.," I whispered into her ear as the hug broke.

"Hey Ditzy, I ain't got anything to do today...so you want to hang out, maybe get somethin to eat later?," I said nervously. 

"I thought you'd never ask!," She practically shouted.

"Well...seein' how you two have a long day ahead of you, I think it's time for me to take my leave. Later!," Dash spoke up as she flew away.
> Final Step:Release
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	We started the day off with a simple walk around the small town, talking idly as we went along. We skipped from topic to topic, starting off with simple 'How's your day been' and moving into...well into 'Would you rather' questions. Everything went smoothly...well at least for the first half of the day. We decided to catch a bite to eat in a nearby restaurant; aptly named 'The Coffee Place'. It's literally modeled after a coffee cup, no joke! But back to the story, we had just been seated and were looking over the menu, when 'parents' decides to be the next topic.

"Hey Ditzy, why does your mom hate me?," I asked with a quizzical look plastered on my face.

"She wants to ruin everything in my life, no matter the cost. She's...she's a bitch! It's like that with everything in my life. Nothing is ever good enough...no matter if I get honor roll at school, or find a guy who actually likes me for me. She ruins everything, like a black cancer on my back! I hate he-," She ranted, and only when I touched her hand is when she froze and tears ran down her cheeks.

"I...I'm sorry for bringing it up, I really am. No need to cry now, you're with me and I ain't going to let anything ruin that.," I said with a low, comforting voice.

She wiped the tears from her eyes, and gave a weak, but hopeful smile, "Thank you, Torque. That means a lot to me..."

Ditzy was interrupted by the waiter, whom had his arms crossed and was tapping his hoof furiously, "If you two are done, what would you like to eat? Hurry up, I got other tables to wait on."

"Uh, just hay fries for me, dude.," I said with a laid back tone.

"I'll have a daisy sandwich, please.," Ditzy ordered with more politeness than the waiter deserved.

"It'll be out in a bit.," his voice had an impatient tone to it.

"Torque, if you don't mind...I have a question for you.," Ditzy said with an innocent voice.

"Not at all, shoot away, Tex."

"Why did you run?"

Fuck me... I can't tell her. Not now, not here,,,oh shit what should I tell her... All that I could think of saying was, "I can't tell you now. Let's head back to the park after this and I'll tell you."

The next hour was sat in complete silence, the two of us just sat there completely awkward. Me trying to think of how to tell her, and Ditzy sat thinking of what she had reignited. When we finished our food and paid the bill, we sauntered out of the establishment, The park was a short distance away and hardly far enough to even finish my thoughts. Within minutes we were sitting on a bench, watching as the afternoon unraveled. Finally I spoke up, breaking the tension.

"Ditzy, I'm telling you this because I trust you, something I haven't been able to do for a long, long time. Please, I beg of you, don't hate me for what I am about to tell you. I won't lie, it's a fucked up situation, but it needs to be told. Two things caused me to run; death, and home. The death of my best bud, Nastic. It-it was something that could've been prevented, something I had direct control over. But I was stupid.," I slam my fist on the table, "I was a fucking idiot. It was the last game of our season, the game I knew recruiters would be at. More specifically, the recruiters that had picked both of us up earlier in the year. I wanted to guarantee us spots on the Canterlot University team, make sure we were the big picks of the year. Well, we were up; I had already made sure I'd have a name, but Nastic... He just wasn't running his A-game. I just wanted to help him... I threw the ball at him, I guess harder than I intended, and it didn't hit it's target. I mean, it did, theoretically, but it didn't. I meant to throw him a solid pass, but it hit him in the chest, not crosse. Guess he had bad karma or something, because that ball caused commotio cordis; a super rare condition. Long explanation short, it caused his heart to beat off rhythm; causing a heart attack... My best friend, dead at my hands. Man, the gods must really hate me. As for home, it's more of the lack of one. My parents never really paid any attention to me, at least my dad didn't. He was a good guy, just a bit...distracted. As for the bitch I call mom, she's nothing but a cynical, oppressive fuck who tried to use me to live out her goals. She knows no sympathy, no sadness, no emotions other than anger and disdain. I have nothing more to say bout her. But now you know why I ran. why I'm here, why I'm the biggest fuck up in Equestrian history. I...I wouldn't blame you if you ran from me.," I finished with a sullen demeanor.

I looked over to find Ditzy hugging me, and sobbing. She looked up and said, "Torque...I'm so sorry for your loss...I mean, I thought I had a rough life...but yours makes mine seem so, so great! I'm...I'm here for you, Torque. I'll help you get over this...oh I mean not get over, but move forward...No, I'm trying to say I want to help you forgive yourself. Please allow me to do that, I mean you've done so much for me already and I've done nothing for you..."

I didn't reply with anything. There was nothing I could reply with, and nothing I wanted to reply with. Instead, I just collapsed into her shoulders, a single tear falling from my eye. At that moment, every one of my fears disappeared. Most of the remaining guilt was lifted from my soul, however enough stayed for me to remember Nastic. It was still an amazing feeling, like having the weight of twenty hoofball players lifted from my shoulders. And when I could finally speak, all I said was, "Thank you...thank you so much."


_____________________________________________________________________________________


*Two years later*


"And that, Dinky, is the story of how I met you're mom. She's the best thing that has ever happened to me, other than you and your brother that is. You three have given me light in my time of darkness, and are my salvation.," I finish the story, looking directly at a wide eyed, unicorn filly.

"That was an awesome story, daddy! What happened next, though? I mean, you cut out the past few years! I want to see it from you're view point..." Dinky quizzically inquired.

"I'd love to tell you, but it's wayyy past your bedtime. If you're good, I'll tell you the rest tomorrow."

The lavender foal squeals with delight, and quickly pulls the sheets over her head. "Sleep tight, my little filly." I plant a kiss on her forehead before I turn around to exit the room. And in the doorway, Ditzy sat with a smile on her face, and a tear trickling slowly down her cheek.

"I can't believe how she hung on your every word, Torque. Never in a million years could I tell a story like th-"

I quickly embrace Ditzy, wrapping my arms around her and planting a kiss square on her lips. "I love you, Ditzy Doo. No matter what you say, I know for a fact that you are a better story teller than me. Now come on, I can see you're tired."
> SUPPLEMENTAL: JUST SOME SIDE NOTES 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fun facts:
Torque Ignitor's name came from some of my lacrosse gear. A Gait Torque head, and STX Ignitor gloves.
Torque's cutie mark isn't on his shoulder; it mysteriously appeared below his wings.
He is average sized for a pegasus
Theta is only three years older than him. He lied about his age to get into the PLL, and all of that jazz.
I fucked up giving a speech about the NLL and MLL, I accidentally said PLL instead of NLL.
Torque's cutie mark is two lacrosse sticks crossed with a flame behind them.
Life is a lie.
Nipples.
Crit1kal is the best youtube commentator.
I love you- said best by Patrick Star
MLP references the A-Team multiple times
In the episode Family Appreciation Day, Forrest Gump is referenced. "Magic is as magic does"-Granny Smith..."Stupid is as stupid does."- Forrest Gump
I'm not a true lacrosse player.
^That was a lie.
The word yuppie is making a comeback.
Swag.Mov is out.
This list is pointless.
Seriously, why are you still reading this?


ON a serious note: A big thanks to everyone who read this story through, and an extra special, laxtastic thanks to those of you who liked/favorited it.