Echo #3

>Another week has passed.
>Long shifts have been killing you.
>On the upside, you've become stronger than you've ever been before.
>Someday, maybe you might be able to move to a better place. Get a better job.
>Mostly you just hate your co-workers.
>You asked them about their feelings on bat ponies a few days ago.
>Most of them agreed they should be hanged, as they're a threat to society and eat meat.
>You're glad you've never asked them if there's anywhere you can buy meat.
>You asked how come they're a threat.
>A couple of them explained how bat ponies are vampires and may assault ponies on the street at night time for blood.
>As well as that, bat ponies often kill innocent ponies' pets and farm animals because they're violent degenerate freaks.
>While your co-workers aren't exactly trustworthy or smart, those sentences have stayed with you for the past few days.
>It's true that Echo killed a cat.
>But you don't believe that she would assault random strangers for sustinance.
>You haven't seen too much of Echo lately. Working over time and all.
>Last night you had a good game of Monopoly with her.
>She was pretty into it surprisingly.
>Won because orange properties are best properties.
>Pushing your short term memories aside, you arrive back in your hallway after work.
>Passing by Echo's room you hear some loud shufling sounds from inside.
>Sounds like furniture being moved around.
>While you're curious, you're also insanely tired of 5 days of 10 hour shifts in a row.
>Ignoring the commotion, you unlock your door and step inside.
>After drinking an asinine amount of water you flop down on the couch.
>Too tired to read anything.
>Too tired to write or draw anything.
>Depressed.
>That is what you are.
>You desperately need a hobby or something to do at home besides sometimes hang out with Echo.
"I want to go back home."

>While life wasn't perfect back then, you still had a few friends, a computer, the internet, your music, your videogames, your family.
>They're all gone now.
>You now have nothing except a run down old apartment and an odd bat pony friend.
>Hoping for a brief cure to your downtime, you get up to go see Echo.
>Your muscles say no..
>But you don't care. A happy mind is more important to you.
>You arrive at her place in an instant and knock moderately loud.
"Echo it's me, Anon!"
>The dragging of furniture stops.
>Hoof steps can be heard coming closer... closer.
>The door creaks open slightly.
>It's dark in there. Two bright slited eyes peer at you.
>"Oh hi Anon! What's up?"
>She opens the door fully, revealing nothing but the entrance way as the darkness still prevails.
>The hallway lighting is not nearly bright enough to illuminate her apartment.
"Not much just got off work, thought I'd say hello. Whatchya doing in here? I hear lot's of noises."
>She looks away from you, back into her apartment.
>"Oh, just moving some furniture around. Spice things up you know. Change things around. Add some variety."
>You nod, then realize she's not even looking at you.
"Yeah I know what you mean. Need any help?"
>"No. But if you want to come in you can."
>You step inside. She trots off into the darkness.
"Uhh, Echo? I can't exactly see in here. Mind if I turn on the lights?"
>"One minute!" she calls back.
>You wait awkwardly, hands in your pockets.
>She's moving around more furniture. The scraping against the floor kills your ears.
>Finally after what seemed to be 10 minutes, she stops.
>You hear hoofsteps.
>*click.*
>Briefly blinded by the sudden change, you adjust your eye sight and trudge in to her living room/kitchen area.
>What.
>You shake your head, squint your eyes, then look again.
>She's made a tower of furniture.

>Flabbergasted, you take a good long look at her achievement.
>A dresser and a couch make the base.
>Tables, chairs, carpets, and various kitchen equipment is stacked on top.
>"So what do you think?"
>You look at her with a deadpan expression.
"It's... It's unique."
>Yes, it's definitely unique.
>Not very functional though.
>"Wanna have a seat at the top?"
>Looking up, sure enough, there's a chair balanced on top, in the center of the pile.
>It's just about hitting the ceiling.
"I won't fit up there. The roof isn't tall enough."
>She looks disappointed.
>"I guess it is. Sorry Anon."
>Echo trots to the Kitchen and grabs some cheese out of the fridge.
>"You like cheese?"
>Hell yeah you like cheese.
"Yeah. It's pretty good for cooking with."
>A dumbfounded expression appears on her face.
>"You're supposed to cook with it?"
"Uhh yeah? But I mean it's perfectly fine on its own too. Just maybe a bit unhealthy."
>She smiles and nibbles on the cheese.
>You divert your attention back to her controversial home design.
>Are all bat ponies this weird? Or is it just Echo?
>"You stink."
>Looking down, you see her sniffing your thigh.
"Thanks. I had to work for 10 hours today, lifting and moving things in the glaring sun."
>"Oh."
>She puts the cheese back in the fridge.
"That leads me to ask. What do you do for a living? I've tried asking you a couple times but you sorta changed the subject each time."
>She fumbles the fridge door, then slowly closes it.
>"I work at a convenience store down on slaw street."
>I guess it's nothing good, but why did she try to hide it before?
>Then it hits you.
>Do you work night shifts?
>"Um yes. I don't go out during the days you know."
>You grind your teeth together.
>She works at a gas sta- convenience store during graveyard in this area of the city?

>You decide to ask the question that you don't want answered.
"Is it just you working there at night?"
>She fidgets with nothing
>"Yes. Why do you seem so anxious?"
>While Equestria may be a different plane of existence or something similar, you don't think that working at a place like that, in this area during the night with no one else is very safe.
"Uhh Echo. You know there's like, crime and stuff that occurs around here often right? Especially during the night.
>"Yes I know. It's dangerous, yadayada. I don't care."
>She looks at you with a piercing glare.
>"Are you going to baby me too now?
>Danger zone anon.
>"Besides, if I show my fangs, most ponies would be too frightened to try anything. Too much superstition."
>Key word, *most.*
>You accept defeat at the moment though.
"Fair enough. I'm just a little concerned, sorry. But if you feel it's fine then I guess it's alright."
>She smiles. You like that smile.
>"Oh shit."
>She jumps over to the entrance area.
>"Anon I gotta go to work! Hurry up, get out of here."
>You walk over to her and step outside into the dank hallway.
"See you another time then Echo. Have a good night."
>"Thanks anon, y-you too."
>She trots down the hallway at a brisk pace, not looking back.
>Jesus christ you're worried sick.
>Is she going to get robbed tonight? Or assaulted? Or raped? Or even killed?
>No of course she isn't. Check ur priv anon. She's no damsel in distress.
>She's probably been working there for quite a while. If such a thing happened already she wouldn't be working there anymore.
>You sit down in the hallway by your door.
>Even with her assurance and your own, you feel bad.
>Both at the safety of her job, as well as her future.
>You may be one poor bastard, but that's because you started your life here at 22, no education to show for, and no money in the bank.

>She most likely still has her parents.
>What has she been doing since high school? Just working at a convenience store in shit town?
>Or do bat ponies even have normal schooling?
>What if bat ponies live for hundreds of years and this is like her teenage job?
>Could her special talent be useful for any field of work?
>There's so many things you have not asked her yet.
>But why are you so worried about her suddenly?
>You've known her for a very short time.
>You have however, learnt a lot about eachother in two weeks.
>You are friends no doubt.
>Friends worry about friends. Help out friends. Care for friends.
>You continue to drown yourself in thoughts for a while.
>Finally after some mental jousting about the morality of Euthanasia, you get up to go to bed.
>Feeling for your keys, you start to panic.
>Oh shit, where are your keys?
>You continue to feel around your pockets and everywhere in between.
>Arggh I have to have them on me. I couldn't have left them in my apartment, you have to lock the door with the keys.
>They're not here. What the hell. Where are they?
>A lightbulb strikes your cranium.
>No fucking way.
>You go to Echo's door.
>It's locked.
>Your keys are definitely in there, somewhere.
>How strong are these doors?
>No you're not going to bust down her door. Might as well bust your own open.
>Welp, only one option.
>Off towards Slaw Street.

>You've only been out at night around here twice.
>The street lights burn loudly. Some with broken glass cases, some burnt out.
>There's garbage and debris in the ditches.
>A dusty smell in the air.
>There's no breeze. Just cool night atmosphere.
>Passing by a couple abandoned office buildings, you spot a group of earth ponies gathered in the street.
>You take a detour to get around them.
>Going through parks at night don't seem too smart of an idea.
>Sneaking your way through, you nearly step on a pony in a sleeping bag.
>There's shouting coming from the group you saw before.
>Just as you're about to exit the park on another end, you spot 3 husky looking ponies coming from across the street.
>Quickly hiding behind a nearby tree, you listen in to their ramblings.
>"Where the fuck is Buttersquash? She said she'd meet us around here. She's 2 hours late the whore.
>"Yo it's alright Fritter, we got enough."
>"Yeah tell that to the boys. They're expecting at least twice this.
>You peek over from behind the tree.
>The pony named Fritter is holding a bag of what you can only assume is illegal substances.
>"Doesn't matter, we're on good terms. Hey cloudshift, did you get your bits back yet from that little shit?"
>"No, but I'm growing impatient. Next time I see him he's fucking dead."
>They share a short laugh, then continue down the path into the park.
>You hope they don't hurt the homeless pony.
>Popping out from behind the tree, you continue your way to find Echo.
>You're sad.
>Those ponies. Their names are so normal for ponies.
>What happened to them, that they chose the life they did?
>More and more you realize that this world is the same as back home.
>You cross a normally busy junction where street vendors sell third rate trash.
>There's a pony drinking itself to death on the sidewalk.
>He looks at you with uncertainty.
>"Have you *hick* come to kill me?"
>You continue walking without responding.
>Finally you arrive at Slaw Street.

>Every building looks dark.
>The whole street seems deserted.
>You walk uphill along the eerie road.
>A light can be seen in a building only around 200 meters away.
>Picking up a greater pace, you try to squint out the sign on top of the windows.
>Eventually you read "Happy Smiles - 24/7 convenience store."
>Arriving at the side of the store. You try to get a peek in the window.
>Suddenly, you spot two ponies loudly chatting coming towards the store.
>Squinting with great visage, you realize who they are.
>Two ponies from work, Grittle and Ray Beam.
>Immediately you decide not to greet them.
>But you're worried.
>They don't like bat ponies. They made that obvious.
>Then again, most racist people back home would never reveal their racism towards the people they're racist against.
>The arrive at the front door and step inside.
>You walk around the side of the building, and find a small, unplastered window pane to look through.
>There they are, in the cold beverages section.
>Your heart sinks. Echo is at the counter, looking devoid of emotion.
>Should you walk in to make sure nothing happens?
>No, Echo said she can handle herself.
>You'll stay here and come in if anything escalates.
>The two earth ponies grab a few energy drinks and trot towards Echo.
>Grittle freezes, looking at Echo.
>He whispers into Ray Beam's ear.
>Ray Beam makes a disgusted look. Then stares at Echo intently.
>Your heart is pounding.
>Echo doesn't even seem to care, she's sitting nonchalantly looking around at the store.
>"A fucking bat pony here?" Ray pipes up.
>Your heart pounds harder
>Echo looks at Ray with an uncaring expression.

>Ray makes a maniacal laugh.
>"What are you doing here, bat pony? Hurting ponies? Killing the animals they love? Fucking up society like the deranged freak you are?"
>He continues with an even louder tone.
>"I haven't got a clue as to why Celestia allowed you murderers citizenship. Most ponies were against the vote.
>"But that's our Queen for ya. Allowing anything with half a brain to live amongst us, not realizing that allowing certain creatures can be a bad thing for society."
>Echo stares at him with an intense look.
>He smirks and continues
>"Don't know how to speak? Intelligent species my ass. You know, I don't think I want to give no money to a stupid bat pony."
>He throws his drink at Echo.
>Echo ducks quickly.
>The drink smashes into the cigarette shelves, knocking some packs down.
>Luckily the drink didn't open.
>Ray starts laughing again.
>"Lucky break eh retard?"
>Echo furrows her brow and opens her mouth.
>"Get the fuck out of my store."
>Ray continues laughing.
>Echo hops up on the counter.
>"Get out of my store now or I will come over there, sink my teeth into your neck and rip out your esophagus."
>"I will fucking tear you apart. Dismember you, and eat you alive as you choke on your own blood."
>Grittle gulps and looks at Ray.
>Ray is frozen to the ground and then quickly retorts.
>"You're a fucking freak. I hope the cops catch you and throw away the key."
>Echo's expression does not change.
>"Last warning. Leave."
>Grittle whispers to Ray in panic.
>Ray accepts defeat and trots towards the door.
>"I hope you die freak!" he calls back one last time.
>You see the two trot away towards where they came from.
>Jesus christ. Does she have to deal with this sort of thing often?
>Probably not, but still.
>You look back inside at Echo.
>She's crying.

>You immediately go over to comfort her
>Wait, she probably wouldn't want to be seen like this.
>But you don't care.
>As you walk into the store, she quickly attempts to dry her eyes and stop crying.
>You slowly walk towards her.
>Echo looks over at you, then freezes.
>"A-anon?"
"Shh, it's alright."
>"What are you doing here? oh g-god."
>She begins crying again.
>You walk over to her.
>"P-please go away."
>Ignoring her pleas for dignity, you come up to her and hug her.
>She bawls her eyes out in your chest.
"I saw."
>She looks up at you with soaked eyes.
>"You did? Oh no no no..."
>You hold her tight and rub her back.
>"Anon. I-I'm not a monster! Please don't hate me."
>That's what she's worried about?
"Hey, I know. You're just trying to scare those assholes away. I get it."
>She stares into your eyes and then looks down.
>"But.. they are right. I'm not a good pony."
>You heart breaks.
"Shh, Echo. You're a wonderful pony. You're a good friend to me. Sure you may be a bit strange, but that oddness about you is what I like."
"Some ponies may not like you and will judge you based on your species, but while I'm no expert on bat ponies, I know you're an excellent pony. You're really my only friend in this world."
>She looks up at you again.
>"Anon.." she quietly mumbles.
>She squirms around in your grasp.
>"C-can I kiss you?"
"Where?"
>You facepalm internally.
>Echo giggles in her tears.
>"You idiot."
"Well hey who asks that, you're supposed to just you know, go for it."
>You sit in awkward silence for a few seconds.
>Echo quickly moves her head upwards and plants a split second kiss on your lips.
>You feel your cheeks turn red.
>Well that was, something.
>Should you do it back?

>"What were you doing here anyways?"
>You pop back into reality.
"I locked myself out of my room. I think my key is in your apartment."
>She looks both disappointed and relieved.
>"Oh okay. I guess I can give you my key. I have 2 on me anyways."
>You consider staying here with her until her shift is over.
>However, you have one last day of work tomorrow until you have a few days off.
>She flies home obviously. So that's not a problem.
>But you're still worried about your two coworkers.
>They wouldn't be back tonight though. They have to work tomorrow as well.
"Hey thanks."
>Echo gives you the key and smiles.
>"Sorry, I guess it was my fault you left your keys inside my place. Me rushing you out and all."
>Too quick the put blame on herself.
"Nah, I should've been more aware. Have a good night Echo."
>You back away from her towards the door.
>Echo suddenly launches herself at you.
>"Bye anon!" she squeals as she hugs you tight.
"Take care."
>She let's go and you walk out into the bitter night.
>That kiss.
>Even though it was hardly one at all, does it mean we're more than friends now?