Igniting Hope

by Theta


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.