The Reservation

by Kyuubi325


Blueblood

State of Lincoln
Equestrian Reservation
Sulferhoof
5:13 PM

Blueblood yawned stretching after switching off his alarm, slowly working up into a sitting position. He sat there for a few moments before slowly working to his hooves. Trotting to the mirror he licked his lips before splashing water into his face after turning on the faucet. Looking back up into the mirror he frowned levitating a pair of scissors and slowly snipped away at a few stray hairs until it was all even. Turning his head side to side he looked for any other overgrowths before returning his face to the RV sink. Washing his cheeks thoroughly, using his magic to wipe off the rest of himself with the water and bit of disinfectant. Once he has rinsed the rag he twisted it to force the moisture out and set it next to the sink once more. Grasping a brush he started to work on his mane, sweeping it simply to the right side of his face before nodding his head happy with the result. Tossing some mouth wash into his maw he slowly trotted to the door slipping his sling bag around his neck. Locking the door behind him without missing a beat, looking around he sighed seeing just how far his home was from the other shelters.

Making his way down the dirt path he focused on a singular goal in the distance. Blue Streaks Stable, the bus would come soon with many ponies heading right in after work. It was practically a tradition at this point to get a mug of beer or whatever they could afford on tap. If only to dull the aches brought on by a 12-hour shift. Approaching the makeshift bar he pushed his way past the door, seeing Spitfire lazily cleaning a mug behind the counter. “Evening...” He tried to avoid yawning.

“Evening Blueballs.” She chuckled. “Here to warm up before work?” The gold mare asked setting the mug back under the counter.

“I do every night don’t I?” He raised an eyebrow trotting over to the warn piano near the far wall. Sitting down on the splintered bench he stretched out his hooves making a few pops in his shoulders.

“Suppose you do.” She trotted up behind him setting a drink on top of the piano. “Here you go, one honey tonic.”

“I shouldn’t.” He looked over trying not to stare at the mares heavily pregnant middle.

“One the house, if free drinks get me a little entertainment then I don’t mind the cost.” She shrugged waddling back to the counter.

“You really should take it easy in your condition.” He said softly with concern.

“Gonna pretend I didn’t hear that...” She grumbled buffing the counter. “I can’t afford it, if I close up too long ponies will find drinks somewhere else. Be it some dollar shop bitter beer, or some hooch from the fight pits.”

He sighed shaking his head as he started to focus. Just as he started to play Piano Man, humming along under the music just as ponies started to trudge into the bar. Some stiff-legged from standing before a conveyor belt at one of the nearby canneries, others covered head to hoof in dust from the mines. All practically collapsing into their chairs as they tapped their hooves against the tables and counters. Spitfire despite her condition didn’t miss a beat, moving from table to table with drinks ranging from beer to cheap scotch.

More than a few seemed to smile faintly from the music leaning back in the chairs. Sipping their drinks, while chatting tiredly about their days. Some complaining about their jobs, others mumbling about their foals at home. It wasn’t the most exciting conversation but it certainly allowed for a more relaxing atmosphere. Just as he was completing the song he heard two ponies clear their throats. Turning his head and raising an eyebrow he saw two olive coated stallions with matching red and white manes resting near the bar.

Just as he turned his head back to the piano he saw some sheet music had been placed before him. Looking it over it didn’t seem partially difficult, but he usually liked to be asked verbally for music requests. Shaking his head he started to play, just in time for other musicians to pull out their own instruments. Inhaling the two brothers began to sing.

Welcome to Earth.” Flim hummed cheerily.

What were you expecting?” Flam shrugged.

It's a dangerous place.” Flim held his hat to his chest

Thank you for investing, go there for your rota, there for your orders. Fill up these quotas, we'll bill for your quarters.” Flam taps an imaginary watch before pointing upwards. “Report to your foreman, but watch for militia, cause if you get beaten, there's fees for your mourners!

Prosperity's there in the care of magnates! In Lincoln heaven awaits! Did you think it was supposed to look like the poster?” Flim pulled out a dusty poster of Celestia looming over untamed wilderness on top of her pink barrier. “It mostly does, oh, if you'd only read closer! Just ten short years till a new frontier snooze as they lose and you'll wake up here!

You'd been trapped in that city, for an awful long time so perhaps you didn’t understand what you signed! Oh, honestly?” Flam pulled out a rather... crude cartoon of Twilight looking over a document while Uncle Sam loomed over her. “Did you not read the reservation policy? That defines you as company property? That waivers our say in autonomy? The conglomerate's got you in lock and key! They put the dollar back into idolatry! If you're upset, we can all rent an apology!

They are a family forged in bureaucracy no I in team, but there's con in economy!” Flim pulled out other dated Equestrian posters detailing lands that were promised to be theirs, including one of ponies scaling Mount Everest! “Were you expecting adventure? Were you hoping for fun? My friend, we’re indentured and pleasure's exempt from our tenure! So let’s venture back down to our slums, that are provided at generous prices! Your worth is determined by your sacrifices, a small term of service when down on the surface!

Internment's a freebie that comes with the purchase!” Flam joined in with his brother.

Ponies started to instinctively join in the choirs. “We work, to earn the right to work, to earn the right to work, to earn the right to work, to earn the right to work! To earn the right to give, ourselves the right to buy, ourselves the right to live, to earn the right to die!” They all sang with sad passion.

Welcome to our little town! Why don't you settle down? Here, just fill out the paperwork and you can look around!” The two brothers continued to sing even dancing on the bar counter much to Spitfires annoyance. “We're happy as can be inside the valley cannery! We live to pack the cans of meat and not to question where it's found!” They covered their eyes comically. “Until we end up in the ground, around the corner in the yard! You know, we thought we liked the sound of finding glory in the stars! The committee has taught us to be proud of never reaching very far. So we earn what we're allowed and give it right back at the bar!” They tossed a few balled bills to the pregnant mare behind them.

The ale to cure what ails ya, Patriot Brew, your favorite flavor! So work 'til you bleed, ennobled by labor! Then purchase relief from your local retailer!” Flim chuckled darkly motioned to the shameless patriotic advertisement on the wall.

If you'd rather drop dead that's fine, but you know that dropping down dead bears a fine.” A dirty looking stallion holding a shovel exhaled thick cigarette smoke while shaking a can with a crude dollar sign drawn on it. All while motioning to a window with a view of the nearby cemetery. “So you do your job and I'll do mine, I gotta meet a six-foot deep bottom line!” He made a shoveling motion with his hooves.

We make a fortune for the corps by selling boredom door to door. Because it's all that we deserve and it is all we can afford. The secrets of the universe and all the world to be explored.” A lanky pimpled colt sang looking empty and ready to cry. “But our dreams are back on Equis and now the work is our reward!

An older blue rotund stallion with a marionette cutie mark followed. “And you’ll be grateful, for seats at the table, though it dips at one end and the bench is unstable.” He watched amusedly as on the benches fell over with a row of ponies landing on their backs.

You may waste your days, but at least you were able to pay off your grave since they leased your foals cradle!” Flam hummed along.

“Be faithful and pray, they’ll repay what you invest! Behave as you slave for humanity's interest, on account that you're all on account and their quickly amounting Equineity’s interest!” Flim pulled out another poster displaying an advertisement for Remington depicting a smiling family armed for a jolly hunting trip, while Flam pulled out a poster from Ruger's showing a group of armed non-equines. “You'd think that they’d sink, to the brink of rebellion with markets dependent on peddling weapons! The Lord tells them, the secret to heaven is simply consuming whatever they sell them!

We work, to earn the right to work! To earn the right to work! To earn the right to work! To earn the right to work, to earn the right to give, ourselves the right to buy! Ourselves the right to live, to earn the right to die!” The whole bar sang along.

You should have read the fine print, my friend, should have read the fine print. You should have read the fine print, my friend, should have read the fine print.” Flam pulled out another cartoon of the princess, depicting her like a marionette with two puppeteers. A ghostly specter of the former princess, and Uncle Sam smirking while she danced.

Welcome to our little town, why don't you settle down? Here, just fill out the paperwork and you can look around! We work and then we work, and then we work and then we work!” The whole bar shook as ponies stamped their hooves to the rhythm. “And then we work and then we work, and then we end up in the ground! Welcome to our little town, why don't you settle down? Here, just fill out the paperwork and you can look around!

You should have read the fine print, my friend, should have read the fine print.” The brothers pulled out their lighters and proceeded to torch the cartoons of Twilight. “Here and here and initial here. Welcome to the family!

The bar patrons let out a little cheer, it had been quite a while since they had all joined in for a communal song. Eventually, things calmed down and ponies went back to sipping their drinks. Blueblood glanced at the clock. Stepping away from the piano he tossed the honey tonic into his mouth before making his way to the door. “Night Spitfire.” He said passing by her as she served drinks.

“Night Bluey.” She mumbled as he passed by her.

Once outside he quickly trotted to the bus stop, just as the last bus of the night wall pulling up. Not missing a beat he stepped aboard and slipped some change from his bag into the toll box. Taking a seat in the far back, he leaned against the seat and closed his eyes, relaxing for the long night ahead of him.
——————————————————————
State of Lincoln
New Prescott
Downtown Theater District
6:17 PM

Blueblood twitched in his seat as he daydreamed. “Back of the line! You wait for bread like everypony else, prince wannabe!” That old voice echoed in the back of his mind, despite all attempts to block it out. “Hey, pretty colt~, why don’t you share that loaf with us.” He couldn’t help but think about those stallions again seeing some rather... rough looking humans walk past the bus.

Seeing’s his stop coming up he slowly worked onto his hooves and trotted forward. Disembarking just as the doors opened, just one block away he could see his destination. Moonlight, a rather upscale establishment known for its food, drinks, and entertainment. Slipping into the alley he knocked on the back door, a peephole slid open before the door opened revealing a burly tan-skinned bouncer just behind it. “Evening.” He mumbled out.

“Evening Jamie.” Blueblood said as he entered, trying to suppress a yawn. “Anything big tonight?”

“Jackson is coming tonight...” Jamie sighed.

Just like that a pit formed in his stomach hearing that congressman’s name. “I see....”

Making his way to the dressing room he saw a familiar face slipping into a variable tent of a suit. “Blueblood that you old boy?” A deep baritone voice reverberated through the room.

He smirked. “I don’t know... does it sound like me?” He said just as the massive man turned around, a dark pair of sunglasses covering his eyes.

“Hey now.” He pulled off his glasses revealing his cloudy eyes. “You hear the big man is coming tonight?”

“Ya.” Blueblood exhaled opening his locker and slipping into his own black suit. Styling his hair with a bit of product in the mirror once he was done.

“Listen, don’t let him bother you none, just focus on the music ok?” He felt the heavy hand rest on his shoulder. A sympathetic look forming on the old man's face.

“It’s... alright... I’ll be fine.” He tried to put on a brave face before smirking and let out a chuckle. “Need help finding your sax?”

The blind man muttered under his breath. “Can’t believe ya’ll replaced my sax with an umbrella...” He couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory of pulling it out on stage. “Certainly gave the crowd a good laugh though.”

“You were still able to give a performance that got a roaring applause. That’s talent.” Blueblood smiled as he stretched, trying to work out any kinks before he got on stage.

“Talent? Naw... years of practice working the audience, you’ll learn once you get to my age.” He shrugged running his hand through his hair. “How does my hair look?”

“Long and curly with your bald spot showing.” Blueblood hummed.

“Perfect, that’s the way I like it.” He started to make his way to the door, with Blueblood following close behind.

The trip through the back of the restaurant was rather uneventful. With only the trip past the kitchens being the most memorable. Already the young stallion was imaging what leftovers he would get after his performance. His stomach rumbling loudly, to which he attempted to quiet down with a rub.

Slipping onto the stage just behind the curtains they checked their instruments. Taking their seats they watched the clock slowly tick down. Thirty seconds to show time they both put on their show faces on just as the curtains started to open. Within moments they started to play Perfect. While he tried to focus on the keys he could feel a pair of eyes burrowing into the back of his head, watching his every move.

His sensitive ears could hear the various goings-on beyond the stage. From the sounds of the roulette tables, the shaking of cocktail mixers, along with idle conversation over the rich meals. Closing his eyes he tried to focus, letting everything fall away as his hooves worked over the keys. Entering his own little world where the music was the only thing that mattered to him. Faint memories slowly coming back to him he swayed his shoulders a faint smile forming on his lips.

Blueblood, this is miss Gaia, she will be teaching you piano.” The disinterested voice of his mother spoke in the back of his mind.

He smiled faintly, almost feeling her talons guide his hooves over the keys. “Very good leettle Blue, now let's try ahgain, I know you cahn do eet.” That soft accented voice spoke to him.

He barely noticed that they had finished the song and had already moved onto the next. Having already moved onto Let it Be, a faint smile forming his lips, it was one of his favorites after all. Something about it just never seemed to get old. “You were wahnderful up zere Blue! I cahn't believe you only took secahnd plahce.

Tears formed in his eyes remembering that moment when he brought home the trophy from the recital. “Toss that useless thing in the trash, second place is but first loser!”

He pressed the keys a bit too hard as those memories slowly came back to him. Yet refused to play a sour note for the audience, he slowly rolled his head around. “Oh Gaia, you’ve done so much for our little Blue... Please take this as compensation.” His father's voice played in his mind.

His smile twitched as he fought the urge to frown as bits of his memories came back to him as he played. “That’s her! The Gryphon who stole my pearls!” The sad face of his piano teacher being lead away by the guard filling his mind just as he completed the song. A tear nearby leaking out of his eye as he shook his head trying to clear his mind again. Once he had stabilized his thoughts he glanced briefly at the elderly blind man to his right, seeing a sympathetic smile. To this day he wasn’t sure how he always seemed to know what was going on around him. But right now that look of assurance was what he really needed to continue, focusing back on the piano he moved to the next song.
——————————————————————
State of Lincoln
New Prescott
Downtown Theater district
Moonlight
11:16 PM

Blueblood leaned back in his chair as he rubbed lotion into his hooves. Trying to ease the soreness from playing for hours, it worked somewhat thankfully. Once he was done he looked down at his free lunch, he never understood why it was called that. It was practically the middle of the night at this point, but to use the old human expression didn’t look gift horses in the mouth. Cutting into the salmon fillet smiling as he saw the creamy spinach just inside leak out. He couldn’t help but hum at the wonderful flavor as he popped it into his mouth, closing his eyes as he savored the taste.

His partner enjoyed a separate dish of rosemary chicken fillet, slicing through the tender meat before eating his own share. “You did good out there so far Blue, it seems the audience is really taking a liking to ya.”

“I didn’t notice...” Blueblood mumbled as he picked at his small fillet, adding a bit of oil to the salad.

“The congressman...” He sighed setting his fork and knife down shaking his head.

“What do you think, I could practically feel his eyes burrowing into my skull.” Blueblood shook his head rubbing the back of his neck wincing.

“When a man loses everything, it’s easy to fall into darkness.” He sighed slipping off his sunglasses revealing his grey clouded eyes.

“I know... NF-PTSD...” The former prince peppered his salad before just lowering his head.

“Cost him his wife and kids... and with all the pain of losing those most dear...” The older man mumbled.

“Hate replaced sorrow in his heart.”

“Mhm...” The man shook his head while eating his chicken.

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it...” Blueblood ate some of his arugula salad.

“Never said you did... but understanding helps.” He spoke through a mouthful of spinach salad.

As the two continued to eat in silence a knock was heard from the nearby door. Raising an eyebrow and looking at the clock confused Blueblood made his way over and slowly opened it. The moment he saw what was behind it his stomach fell into the deepest pit. Dressed up in a dark black suit with a matching tie, he practically loomed over the white stallion. While his smile could be mistaken for friendliness, the look in his eyes took everything he had not to wince.

“Good evening, I hope I’m not interrupting your meal.” He said with a fake sincerity, waves of malice washing over the small pony like waves.

“Oh no, we’re about half-finished.” He slowly opened the door further using it to support himself. “How can we help you?”

“I just wanted to give my compliments to the entertainment tonight. I was quite impressed by your performance.” He raised an eyebrow looking down at the stallion. “Despite your handy cap your quite the pianist.”

“Handy cap?” Blueblood raised an eyebrow, his breathing feeling more labored than it should.

“Hooves are far from the proper appendage to play the piano.” He chuckled. “I could almost believe you hand hands, such a pity.”

“That’s a matter of opinion.” Blueblood shrugged, feeling as if lead weights were pressing down against him. “But regardless, I’m happy my performance kept you entertained.”

“Just remember, talent is fleeting, one day someone better could replace you.” He chuckled turning on his heels. “Best keep your guard, you’ll find yourself back where you belong soon enough.”

Once he was gone Blueblood shuttered, taking deep breaths. Just that man's presence seemed to press down upon him like a boot against his neck. Leaning against the wall he felt as if he would collapse at any moment. After a few moments, he struggled back to the table, nearly falling over as he sat down.

“Would you believe me he once ran on the California progressive left ticket?...” The old jazz musician shook his head. “Open borders, no human is illegal, defund ice....” He waved his hand shaking his head.

“War changes things...” Blueblood pushed his food away his appetite ruined.

“That it does... that it does...” He sighed slipping off his sunglasses and rubbing his eyes. “I could practically feel his hate radiating off him...”

“You noticed?” Blueblood looked up.

“Lacking eyes doesn’t mean I can’t feel a man's vibes.” He drank his wine slowly, before swirling it in the glass. “Hell, I think it might help me in that regard...”

“Your sure your not magic?...” The pony tiled his head.

“Just a good ear...” He hummed. “Listen... I can tell he really shook you up Blue... you need to head home?...”

“I’ll be alright... besides, I gotta earn those tips.” He put on a brave face, more for himself than his blind friend.

“If ya say so Lil Blue...” He mumbled. “Feels about time to get back to the stage...”

“Your right as always Bleeding Gums...”
——————————————————————
State of Lincoln
Equestrian Reservation
Sulfurhoof
7:32 AM

Blueblood yawned through his teeth as he carried his doggy bag, the smell of his leftover meal still making him drool a bit. He snaked his way through the slow stampede of ponies that were on their way. Once he was threw he turned to his left, heading to a small building that had been recently built near the center of the settlement. Stopping just before the glass door he gazed up at the sign printed on the glass rather plainly. Reservation Affairs Office #5, not exactly a brilliant name, but self-descriptive. Pushing his way inside the first thing he saw was the cheap faux wood floors and a disinterested girl sitting behind a desk. She looked scarcely in her 20s, even with the suit she wore she looked more like a teenager on their first job than a representative. He smiled faintly at her turning to the right, heading to a table with various forms and manila envelopes. Grasping the chained pen he started to fill out the blue form, the scribbles against paper the only real sound in the office beyond the ticking of the clock. Scribbling down the amount he slipped a small wad of cash from his lunch bag, just under the leftovers, into the envelope with the form. Spreading out the bills to ensure one couldn’t easily tell how much was in there. Licking the paper tab he sealed it shut, running his hooves over it a few times to ensure it wouldn’t open by accident. Levitating the lunch bag onto his back again he carried the envelope over to the waiting human, who seemed somewhat annoyed her quiet time had been interrupted.

“One donation form for the Trade School Lotto and Scholarship program...” He said while she just grasped the envelope looking it over boredly. Making sure it was sealed and the pre-printed address was legible. Nodding her head she tossed it into the mail pile just behind her. “Thank you.” He said taking his leave just as she started to file her nails.

Leaving the office he took his lunch bag back into his mouth, trotting towards his home on the outskirts. Trying to avoid yawning as he dug around in his bag for his keys before slipping inside. Setting the bag down after locking the door behind him, he started to pull the curtains closed. Rubbing his eyes he pushed a rug out of the way and started to jimmy one of the floorboards. Once it was free he started to dig into the brown dirt below revealing a wide PVC cap. Pulling it upwards he started to untwist it, once it was opened up he pulled over his lunch bag. Placing the aluminum foil containers to the side before laying out two additional stacks of money. While his pay wasn’t great, the tips from the drunk patrons were very generous. He doubted most were aware of what they were shoving into the tip jar throughout the night. Levitating a plastic baggy he shoved the stacks inside. Sealing it tight before gasping some ducktape from nearby just to seal the lip further. Once he was satisfied, he shoved it into the PVC pipe and started to twist it closed again. Within a few moments, his cache was hidden again, with the food being levitated to the small table nearby.

Taking a seat on the metal fold-out, he opened the containers and started to finish off his lunch. Having regained some of his appetite back from earlier, eating in silence, he couldn’t help but feel his mind wander again. “Prince Blueblood?... I’m sorry to say that there’s been an accident with your parent's carriage.” The voice of a nameless guard echoed through his skull.

A frown started to form as he peeled open a single serving of wine. “Don’t worry Blueblood, you may be the youngest representative in the house of nobles, but I’ll show you the ropes, you’ll do your house proud.” The kindly voice of Fancy Pants whispered to him while he tossed the wine into his mouth like scotch.

How could you! I-I trusted you! You used me!” He shook his head tearing up a bit as bitter memories continued to surface. “For the good of Equestria’s ponies Blue, it was necessary...” He roughly shoved some fish into his maw as he tried to ignore the memories. “Better your first lesson in noble politics with me than some other noble houses selfish ends... you’ll thank me for this when you're older...

Reaching out he pulled open the nearby curtain, deciding some natural light was better than sitting in self-imposed darkness. There wasn’t much to see outside of his dwelling, just the same dust bowl, but in the distance, he could see things starting a change. A few areas had cornered off raised beds with some desert flowers and cacti just starting to bloom. It wasn’t terribly impressive, but in a few months, it would certainly improve the atmosphere. Sulferhoof wasn’t exactly a cheery place to look at, so any color was a welcome change.

“I wonder if they have a signup sheet...” In the past, just the mere mention of dirt would have sent him in near hysterics. But that was a small price to pay compared to another tragedy in life.

The life of a musician is hard Lil Blue, the best of us play our feelings, for that reason the most heartbroken create the best jazz...” The gruff voice of Bleeding Gums spoke in his mind. “Because of that heartbreak we want to isolate ourselves from the world... Thinking that by doin so, we’re protecting our hearts from further pain... but we ain’t... don’t isolate yourself pony like I did... forgive them and let them see the real you...