Perchance to Dream

by David Silver


24 - Self-Dependance

I tried to digest what I had just been told. I was... on pony welfare?

The idea burned me! The fact that it did was surprising, and yet not. On one hand, I was a magical pony in magical pony land, so I shouldn't have been so self-conscious, on the other, I had finished many years of school and many more than that climbing ladders in my profession, not to just be on welfare, magical pony or not.

The money that tinkled in the bag Twilight gave me felt... somehow dirtied. It was pity money, even if I knew it wasn't given out of that kind of heart. They were just kind ponies trying to be kind to one another, still...

There was only one way I could use that money and restore my suddenly bruised feelings. I fixed Twilight with a look and she tensed.

"Is something wrong?" she asked. "I double-counted it, and had Spike recheck it in case. It should be the proper amount."

I waggled the tainted money lightly. "How do I start making my own money?" I figured it would take money to get money, but spending it for that, for getting out of welfare, that felt like the proper use for it.

Twilight smiled. "Oh, goodness. You are a driven pony. I can't recommend it just that quickly, however."

"Why not?" There was a little acid in my tone that I didn't expect and I tried to calm myself. "I've had jobs before."

Twilight nodded. "I've been witness to that, yes. That doesn't remedy your critical lack of knowledge of society, our society." She sat on her haunches. "I propose we visit three friends of mine that should be able to help."

I blinked. Three? "That's a very specific number."

Twilight raised a hoof. "First is Rarity. She owns a store of her own and can give you the ins and outs on retail commerce."

I bobbed my head. Of course. "She sounds like a good start."

"I'm glad you agree." Twilight looked quite pleased. "Next is Applejack. She runs her family farm with Big Mac and Granny Smith and all of them can give valuable insight into the supply side of things, though I imagine you're more likely to pursue a more retail setting for your specific talents, it's still valuable knowledge."

Was I really getting an economic rundown in magical pony land? Why did that sound like great fun?! "Alright, good call. Who's the third?"

Her hoof lowered to point towards Ponyville through a wall. "Pinkie Pie. She is gainfully employed, unlike the other two, and can give some insights on what it's like to be a worker in Equestria. You may wish to put your talents to work in an already established business, and understanding what that means, your rights, and the expectations could be quite useful."

I gave a slow blink. I hadn't expected Pinkie Pie. "Alright... What about Fluttershy and... Rainbow Dash." I felt bad for almost forgetting her name. "Do they have jobs?"

"Fluttershy lives largely on the stipend. Her job, while valued by society, is not one she can reliably charge bits to any specific one pony, so she gets a comfortable but modest amount to continue seeing after the well-being of the animals. She does get a bonus when she averts an immediate disaster, but, mostly, she just lives simply." Twilight looked upwards. "As for Rainbow Dash, she is employed, like Pinkie. She actually has two jobs, but... I would not rely on her to give sober economic advice. She's a mare of action. Talking about the specifics of bit movement would have her asleep in under ten seconds flat."

I had to ask, "But you'd trust Pinkie to give calm advice?"

"Surprisingly, yes." Twilight gave a proud smile, though it was not for herself. "If you ask Pinkie for help, she will focus. She wants to see her friends happy, and you are one of those now. She's also very happy and proud being a baker, and asking about it should keep her interest nicely."

I felt a little warm and happy at being told I was Pinkie's friend. It was a nice little thing. I reached for Twilight and tapped her on the shoulder. "I hope she isn't the only friend I've made since coming here."

Twilight's smile widened. "I should hope not!" She turned in place a moment. "Now what did I come in here for..." She clopped a hoof against her own head. "That's right." She wandered out of the kitchen and I followed after her curiously. She opened a room that led into a study with, of course, more books. She plucked one with magic. "I'm still studying your condition. I can't imagine it's easy living two lives like this."

Was it hard? I tilted my head a little. "I... am glad for the chance. I like this second life, and the first. Both are complicated right now, but that just means I'm not bored. But! If you're looking, can you figure out a way for me to not wake up spontaneously in the middle of things? That part is the annoying part."

Twilight pointed at my hooves. "Like right now?"

I glanced down to see stone slowly rolling up my form. I was waking up, gently. "At least this time I have warning," I sighed out with a smile. "I'll be back, Twilight." I tried to relax and take a natural position, and the stone overtook me.

It was dark. I pulled the covers down a little and glanced over at my clock. Ten minutes before the alarm, by the look of it. If I trained myself to consistently wake up before it went off, I'd always have at least a moment's warning before I froze. That was a mild improvement.

It was time to greet the day! I slipped out of bed and began the rituals that would see me to work.